Posted originally on CTH on July 14, 2025 | Sundance
As expected, no one in the media pool asked the key question. If Ukraine is not a NATO member, and Russia is not a NATO member, then why is NATO even involved? Not a single media outlet cared enough to even ask the brutally obvious.
LET US NOT PRETEND. There is good news and there is bad news within the outlined strategy. More good than bad, despite the spin room narrative engineering being immediately spread by U.S. media.
First, President Trump is giving Russian President Vladimir Putin 50 days to finish his strategic military operations in Ukraine, before a 100% tariff rate is executed against the Russian economy. With direct U.S. trade with Russia already not happening, the tariff would likely be applied toward any country purchasing any goods or resources from Russia (specifically India, China, Iran, etc.).
Second, despite Lindsey Graham and the EU leaders discussing the confiscation of Russian assets held in EU/USA bonds, neither President Trump nor NATO General Secretary Mark Rutte mentioned it. Again, the media never asked that question. Thankfully, President Trump seems to realize if such a confiscation took place, the financial credibility of the entire western finance system would be compromised. No nation would want to put their national wealth at risk by buying U.S. and EU treasury bonds.
Third, the part the MSM will focus on. In the interim of the 50 days, NATO will be both purchasing and moving offensive and defensive weapons systems into Ukraine. On the defensive weapon side, Germany will likely send Patriot missile batteries, and NATO will replace them with new U.S. purchases. In addition all NATO states will provide increased offensive weapons and purchases will be made from U.S. stockpiles. Those new offensive weapons will likely be held back until the end of the 50 days, giving Putin something to think about to bring him to the table.
Summary. Putin has 50 days. In the interim NATO is approved by Trump to ship offensive and defensive weapons into Ukraine. The Senate sanctions package will continue to be assembled, perhaps approved, but not deployed until after the 100% tariffs are executed if Russia is non compliant in getting to the table.
The carrot is the 50 days to get finished. The stick is all hell will break loose on Russia, including new and powerful offensive weapons, if Putin doesn’t end the conflict prior to the 50-day deadline.
Centinel2012 