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Friedman: Trump's Russia Strategy Reveals Dangerous Weakness

12/5/2025

46 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Thomas L. Friedman of the New York Times criticizes U.S. President Donald Trump’s approach to Russia.
He says Trump’s negotiations with Putin reflect weakness and accuses Republicans of complicity.
Friedman contrasts Trump’s real estate mindset with the need for a statesman.
Friedman argues Putin acts from nationalist ambitions, not profit, and warns against treating Ukraine as a business opportunity.

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Story summary

Thomas L. Friedman of the New York Times criticizes U.S. President Donald Trump’s approach to Russia.
He says Trump’s negotiations with Putin reflect weakness and accuses Republicans of complicity.
Friedman contrasts Trump’s real estate mindset with the need for a statesman.
Friedman argues Putin acts from nationalist ambitions, not profit, and warns against treating Ukraine as a business opportunity.