Col Doug Macgregor: Trump's Ukraine Russia Policy - Impulse & Optics, like Reality TV

Trump’s Peace Push Seen as Optics

Trump’s recent diplomacy is described as a “reality TV show” focused on image, not substance.

The Alaska meeting was staged for optics—Trump wanted to appear as changing the U.S.-Russia dynamic, complete with military photo ops (F-22s, B-2 bomber flyover).

Unlike historic Cold War summits (e.g., Reagan-Gorbachev) that had months of preparation, this was rushed, leaving no real agreements.

McGregor argues Trump has no clear strategy and is driven by impulse, so promises like ending the war in 24 hours are unrealistic and “nonsense.”

Current status: no resolution or significant progress; meetings in Alaska and Washington were symbolic and repeated old positions.

General Kellogg Intelligence Leak General Kellogg reportedly reused the same encrypted phone and number for a long period, allowing Russia to track his movements.

This compromised operational security; Russian forces used this intel for targeting locations he visited, resulting in destruction of those sites and loss of NATO and U.S. personnel.

McGregor calls this a major security failure and a boon for Russian intelligence.

Pompeo’s Remarks & McGregor’s Response Pompeo mocked the idea Russia would give up the Donbas, arguing: Russia has lost 200,000–250,000 soldiers (McGregor disputes this figure).

Suggests Zelensky will need to accept some territorial loss, though not formally recognize it.

Believes a long-term peace deal (possibly 25 years) could happen with security guarantees.

McGregor dismisses Pompeo’s comments as dishonest, part of a false narrative that Putin invaded unprovoked.

Notes Pompeo once admitted lying was part of his job at the CIA.

European Leaders & Media Narrative Macron echoed skepticism about Russia’s capabilities, citing Russia’s limited territorial gains since Nov 2022 (~1% more).

McGregor rebuts: Putin’s goal was never mass land grab, but destruction of Ukraine’s military threat.

Claims Ukrainian forces are “almost annihilated,” citing unverified figures of 1.7–1.8 million Ukrainian deaths (likely exaggerated).

Russia now operates across the Dnipro and near Odessa, conducting strikes.

Warns if no neutrality agreement is reached (similar to Austria’s state treaty), Russia may advance further west to secure strategic goals.

Strategic & Political Context McGregor argues: Western elites (in France, UK, Germany) cling to power through media and security apparatus despite public opposition.

U.S. and allies frame Putin as an aggressor (like Gaddafi/Saddam) to maintain narrative control.

In reality, Russia sees the war as existential defense against Western aggression.

Russia intends to keep regions with Russian-speaking majorities (Crimea, parts of Donbas, Black Sea coast).

If the West continues refusing negotiations, Russia could push west to prevent future conflicts.

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