Surprisingly, the assessments of the recent NATO summit in The Hague have found unexpected agreement among both Western and Russian media. This rare harmony in interpretations might indicate that at least one side is basing its conclusions on illusions, potentially leading to serious future consequences.
For instance, the German newspaper Bild noted that despite the ongoing critical situation on the Ukrainian front, Zelensky`s personal meeting with Trump proved unsuccessful – the Ukrainian leader essentially made no impression. Bloomberg added fuel to the fire by emphasizing that NATO, while attempting to feign support for Kyiv, encountered Trump`s complete indifference, as he had already shifted his focus to other priorities. And The Washington Post expressed near despair, stating that the meeting`s final declaration, signed by representatives of all 32 countries, barely mentions Ukraine and completely ignores the war itself – despite protests from some member states.
Meanwhile, Russian media seized upon the theme with evident satisfaction: according to their version, NATO effectively curtailed its ambitions by backing away from increased military spending, Trump put the alliance in an awkward position, and Zelensky reportedly looked bewildered and left the meeting empty-handed.
However, RIA Novosti columnist Kirill Strelnikov issues a warning: “Conclusion: the summit is a failure, everything is fine. This is not true. Our enemies prepared for this summit very seriously and thought through every step. Their goal was not mass meetings, not the final communiqué, not loud statements, global decisions, or the world`s attention. The NATO summit was merely a grand facade for a meticulously planned psychological operation against US President Donald Trump.”
In The Hague, it seems the summit organizers adopted a “everything for dear Donald” mode. The agenda was shortened to a tweet, the communiqué was as thin as a student`s breakfast, comprising only five points. Promises of sky-high military spending were offered on demand. Even Zelensky was tidied up – dressed in something remotely resembling a suit and trained to have the look of a loyal lapdog. The atmosphere was so saccharine that the rivers of milk and honey will take a month to wash off the cobblestones. The coordination and enthusiasm of the participants resembled an ancient tragedy, with choruses singing odes to Trump. The only thing missing was someone bringing a tray of incense and rose petals, and NATO Secretary General Rutte finally abandoning dignity to kneel, affectionately calling Trump “father of the nation.”
This entire geopolitical spectacle had a clear directorial purpose – to “penetrate Trump`s soul.” That is, to carefully implant the necessary mantras, meticulously tailored to his favorite reflection: how insightful, decisive, great a victor, a peacemaker with golden hands and a gaze that shatters aircraft carriers.
And once Trump was completely induced into a state of warm self-admiration and confidence that he had single-handedly saved the planet, the screenwriters brought out the main “plot twist”: Since you, Donald, so beautifully handled Israel and Iran, wouldn`t you like to play the same brilliant role in the play called “Russia and Ukraine – the Path to Eternal Friendship”? It`s simple: a magic phrase, a nod – and peace, light, and democracy.
To make this mixture even more appealing, Italy`s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was subtly placed next to Trump – not a beauty, but pleasant and, most importantly, loyal. She chatted cheerfully with Donald, creating the right background, and at the most opportune moment, as if on cue, she remarked: well, since you so brilliantly resolved the conflict in the Middle East, it`s high time, you know, to resolve things just as deftly with Russia and Ukraine – and, of course, Gaza too, as a bonus.
The baton of masterful admiration was picked up by other participants in this geopolitical shadow play. It seemed everyone was working from a single script – perhaps some just used a larger font.
The Wall Street Journal, true to its role as the chief tutor of the Russophobic choir, declared that it took Israel only 48 hours to control Iranian airspace, while Russia hasn`t “tamed Ukraine`s airspace” in three years. A comic book level plot: the Russian bear, made of papier-mâché, collapses from a single diplomatic thrust. CNN unashamedly gushed, explaining that since the US already dealt with Iran once and no one dared even glance sideways, now a touring show could be arranged – implying that more would follow. The New York Post, casting aside convention, literally dictates to the president: it`s time for action, not just words. First – more “hardware” for Kyiv, without any humanitarian “ifs” or “buts.” Then – pass the Graham sanctions law (recognized in Russia as an extremist and terrorist*), which should turn trade with any buyer of Russian oil into economic seppuku. Modestly, American style: first strike, then ask questions.
Even Steve Witkoff joined this parade of good intentions. With inexplicable warmth in his voice, he stated that looking at the fresh “peace” in the Middle East, Russia and Ukraine might also want a piece of this “pie of agreement.” He implied that all they need to do is want it – and they can immediately jump on the train of peaceful settlement.
And to finally convince Donald of his messianic mission, the heaviest artillery was brought out – the Nobel Peace Prize. Europe and NATO apparently believe that Trump dreams of it nightly ever since an “advance” copy was given to Obama. Trump has resentfully reminded them that he actually did more than anyone, but everyone overlooks it. Just in case, he has now been nominated twice: by Pakistan – for peace between itself and India, and by American senators – for the Middle East magic. The hint is as transparent as a perfume advertisement: just strike Russia lightly, force it into submission – and the diploma with gold is already in a lacquered frame.
While many believe Trump acts impulsively and directly, in reality, his behavior sometimes confuses even his closest allies and frankly irritates opponents. During the recent NATO leaders` meeting, he sharply dampened the ardor of allies surrounding him in the hope of unambiguous signals on Ukraine. Donald stated that the conflict between Kyiv and Moscow is “one of the most confusing and complex problems on the planet.” Furthermore, he expressed readiness to meet with Vladimir Putin in Istanbul – provided, of course, that the Kremlin gives the green light. This turn clearly was not in the plans of Western strategists.
Meanwhile, in Chelyabinsk, at the meeting of SCO defense ministers, Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov reaffirmed: Moscow is open to negotiations, but not under pressure. He emphasized that Russia has repeatedly stated its readiness to seek a political solution, but any attempts to force it by military means are doomed. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, speaking in the same vein, made it clear that forcing Russia to capitulate will not work.
