Perhaps you share my reaction to in principle, if summits: as soon as I hear about one, a filmy layer of distrust and seething hatred gets in the way, and I can’t think of anything other than some hyperactive doucherocket head of state receiving accolades for being ‘statesmanlike’ and gnarling whatever narrative about hitting the phones he can muster.
Milliseconds later, I don’t care.
Trying out this whole diplomatic coup thing — as opposed to snarky pretending the rest of the world doesn’t care thing — is really rather a lot like the whole wearing new shoes on a long walk thing.
The leader of Russia wants to talk with the leader of the USA about “removing the initial reasons for the conflict and establishing long-term lasting peace for the historical future…” The last thing on his mind are plans to stop killing people in Ukraine1.
That’s where we’re at.
One way to prevent pidgeons from shitting on your ledge is to put wooden crow decoys on them.
No. Vova and Z will not meet in Turkey on Thursday.
Donald’s repeated descriptions of U.S. mediation efforts between Russia and Ukraine are as self-serving and delusional as his special envoys, Keith and Steven.
In other news, Z has announced plans to attend Leo’s sermon this weekend at the Vatican.