The Zelensky Implosion

Wow. Not quite the first word that popped into my head as things unfolded/I caught up with things. Good enough though. I’ve never seen anything like it, and I can’t think of a time the representative of a country seeking aid behaved so outrageously and unprofessionally not just in my lifetime, but in the entire history of the United States of America. However, to set the groundwork, here is the entire event which you really do need to watch in full:

If you go by carefully edited snippets in corporate/legacy media, one might think that this was the fault of Trump and/or Vance. If you watch the whole thing, you know nothing could be further from the truth. This was all on Zelensky who arrived like a spoiled toddler cosplaying a role.

What Zelensky displayed is far too common in Western Europe, where it is fashionable and acceptable (and far too common for my taste) to display such arrogant entitlement towards America and Americans. I will note that when you get out into the countryside, or more into Eastern Europe, this fades. Or, at least it did when I last traveled around a bit.

I personally think arrogant is polite and understated for his attitude. To still be dressing as the beset military (he’s not) leader three plus years on is a bit much, but it’s his act at this point. The fact that it was dated more than two years ago doesn’t seem to have penetrated to him or any of his team. That many people (even the people of the EU as opposed to their parasitic leadership) consider it dated and even insulting at this point is not going to register to this narcissist. In fact, I’ve wondered if it isn’t a calculated insult at this point rather than simply him being an actor unwilling to relinquish a beloved costume that was threadbare long ago.

To then, on top of this overwrought stage act, attack the President and Vice President of the United States IN THE OVAL OFFICE like a spoiled entitled brat being denied a treat, well wow seems pretty mild. Oh, and this behavior comes on top of the fact that Zelensky actually campaigned for Harris in Pennsylvania before this… For an actor and alleged comedian he sure doesn’t know how to read a room, much less the mood of the country that has kept his corrupt ass in power to their own detriment.

Also, I think calling Vice President Vance a bitch (in Ukrainian) was deliberately done to make the attack as personal as possible. I think it was a deliberate effort to poison the well, not just a bit of temper tantrum. One also needs to keep in mind that Rubio’s death stare was in part because everything had been set to sign, and Zelensky (again) blew up such plans and in so doing attempted to put a knife in Rubio’s back.

As best I can tell, this was a feat of self-immolation unprecedented in the annals of diplomacy. There was, however, one person who realized how badly Zelensky was screwing the pooch: his ambassador.

I could almost feel sorry for her. If you’ve never had to sit and watch a boss screw up in an important meeting, you are lucky. In this case, she had to sit and watch as Zelensky torched further aid, support, and peace. Almost, but given her own role in what I strongly suspect will turn out to be a worse boondoggle than many have assumed my sympathy is limited.

One thing that has surprised me a bit is the silence of the Russians. Remaining silent for now really is the smart thing to do, but when do politicians do the smart thing? That said, they are being silent in public but there does appear to be background chatter so to speak that may go something on the order “Holy Sheet! How flipping stupid can he be???” Paraphrasing a bit, but at least for now the Russians seem content to sit back and see just how deep a hole Zelensky can dig for himself and Ukraine. Probably won’t last as long as some could hope, as Zelensky seems to be intent on continuing the nuclear-level implosion, but one can’t blame them for keeping quiet and doing the Russian equivalent of popping popcorn to eat as they watch in fascination.

I have to admit, I would have paid real money to have been able to watch Vladimir’s face (and Lavarov’s and Shoigu’s) in real time as he watched this unfold. Fact is, Zelensky just handed them a massive break, and they know it. Anyone think they won’t run with it?

Right now, I don’t feel sorry for the American public. Depending on various factors and polls, it’s almost 80 percent that put Trump in office and are on record as being tired of continuing to send billions of dollars to Ukraine for no return and little thanks while Americans go without (WNC, etc.). Zelensky ripped the mask off himself and metaphorically went to the restroom on the living room carpet. They really did need to see that, and know the complete and utter contempt in which they are held by Zelensky and his government.

Right now, I do feel sorry for the Ukrainian people. I know and visit with Russian and Ukrainian immigrants, refugees, and such. None of them wanted this war, much less the forever war set in motion by Zelensky and the Biden Regency (along with EU leadership and others). They deserve far better than this anti-democratic clown.

When the initial invasion was repulsed (running Spring ’68 again down to the same units in some cases was not a good idea), I admit I celebrated. I had hoped that things could be calmed down, though I also noted that it was better to deal with things now rather than later. Took some flack for not being a supporter of total war, but I was (am, I hope) realistic and know how easy it is to have things go hot in ways not good for Ukraine, Russia, or the world. With the “leadership” of the Biden Regency involved on the military side of things, I was not optimistic for good, much less reasoned, policy. Think I was very right on that. I think far more could have been done to restore taken territory and put Ukraine in a better position, but that was never the goal of the Biden Regency.

I don’t think Zelensky truly wants peace for several reasons. Right now billions of dollars and supplies continue to flood into a country known for its corruption. There is reason to believe that some of those supplies, not just weapons, are going places other than to the troops. It’s lucrative for those in power to keep that up while claiming the war makes it impossible to truly audit and control things. If the war ends, there will be elections that he is quite likely to lose. Given the tactics used on his opponents (not to mention non-opponents like the Orthodox Church) it might not be healthy for him to be out of power. Rumors of homes and estates bought elsewhere might not be rumors one could think.

While I am sure the diplo-macs can create a way, but I really don’t see a way back for Zelensky. He showed his true self to the American public, and they are not going to forget this or be swayed into it being the fault of anyone but him. Yes, the 20 percent may go that route, but I don’t see that happening in the 80. In fact, I think a lot of people are missing the mood of the 80 percent, dangerously so even.

I think the best thing we can do right now is do as asked: Let Europe take this on without our backup. I think it is time to stop all aid to such things as pensions, government operations, rebuilding, etc. within Ukraine. Frankly, I think we should pause all military support until such time as a full forensic audit can be completed on the funds and goods sent to Ukraine. Follow any corruption wherever it leads, be that there, the EU, or here and prosecute those involved to the fullest extent of the law. If weapons and other items have gone places they shouldn’t, that needs to be dealt with too.

Personally, I want a good peace for this conflict. That means something that respects and validates Ukrainian territorial sovereignty, puts a cropper on Russkiy Mir, and avoids kicking cans down the road as much as possible. Not going to be easy or fun, but I think it is doable.

But, I don’t think it is doable with Zelensky or his clique in power.

What happens now? Who knows. Frankly, if anyone can work out a deal on this it is President Donald Trump. I hope he does. I also hope that he gives the EU leadership and others what they want: freedom to protect themselves and those they desire to protect, but without our funds or military in support. It is past time to pull the plug on NATO. There are some other areas where we need to fundamentally re-evaluate our participation and support. We also, as discussed here previously, need to look at new opportunities.

UPDATE I: Over on X, Mollie Hemingway has an excellent and growing thread (look on her timeline at need for info on Chris Murphy and others) that this may have been a set-up on more than Zelensky’s part. Interesting how certain people here seemed to be involved and so many global elites had immediate and similar responses to the event. Like almost cut-and-paste. Very interesting and it is some good food for thought to add to the above. Also, if even partly true, more reason to let Europe fend for itself.

UPDATE II: Go read this interesting and good food for thought at “L’ Ombre de l’Olivier. He makes some interesting points. Also, corrected one typo above.

UPDATE III: L’Ombre de l’Olivier has a follow-up post that is well worth reading. I do have some quibbles with parts. I probably should do a full post but for now, some quick thoughts on things I’m not sure are missing or were raised by implication. First, I would argue for four groups, and will simply note that there are those of us who do realize that there are things we need from (and in) Europe. We just want to be more selective about it and yes, we are fed up with funding freeloaders. And that’s exactly what most (repeat most) of NATO are. Second, if you go back and read my archives, I pointed out early on that we had a moral obligation to Ukraine though not a legal one as the Memorandums were never ratified. That said we are NOT obligated to take steps that will result in either a conventional or nuclear world war. Quick aside, I’m in full agreement with Francis that only 10-20 percent of our nuclear systems will work, though I’m far more worried that those of newer rogue states will work. Third, you can again find in the archives that I don’t think Vladimir can be trusted to honor any treaty. He’s all in on Russkiy Mir and is not going to give up. Fourth, almost everyone seems to be missing that the United States is in a fight for it’s own life, and on two fronts. Front A: financially we are broke and without major reforms (DOGE is but a start) we will default and soon. Front B: right now is probably our one and only chance to deal with the massive unelected bureaucracy and save the Great Experiment that is our Republic. We do it now, or the Republic is done. Fifth, whatever Zelensky was when he started, I think he has been compromised. Sixth, one reason the EU is all in on endless war in Ukraine is that it’s so-called elites make bank off the corruption, human trafficking, and more that is going on; see this as a way to bleed Russia and are willing to fight to the last Ukrainian to do so; see it as a way to make money as right now a number of European (and American) companies are making money off military sales to Russia (which also is a means of control they think); and, to try to leverage Uncle Sugar to keep being Uncle Sugar on their terms. Some of this is being discussed in the comments, but again some of this could take several posts to fully cover.

UPDATE IV: Francis has updated his post and makes some good points. This being the first week of Lent, not sure when I will get to do another post but hopefully soon. Also, don’t miss Sarah A. Hoyt’s post and the body language analysis I think is spot on. To follow-up quickly on the EU leadership issues, I would add to what I wrote in UPDATE III that the EU leadership hopes to also bleed Russia dry and to encourage it to break up. As discussed before (see the archives), the fracture lines are there but I think they may be misreading things rather badly. First, they are doing this while dependent on Russian energy to keep their people alive and industry running. Calling that stupid is mild I think. Second, the collapse of the Soviet Union was ahistorical, as in a rarity. It was an amazingly soft landing for the world, and that is the exception not the rule. There are no guarantees a breakup of Russia will be as smooth, and there are a lot of reasons to think it will not be. Not the least of which (also previously discussed) is China. Then again, the progressives/WEF types seem to have inherited in full measure the Gotterdammerung sensibilities of the Nazi elite: if they lose power it is the end of their world, therefore it is the end of the world, and better to see it all burn. Yeah, really do need to do some more posts on some of the second, third, and even fourth order effects here.

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