As Russia’s relentless assault on Ukraine persists, it’s worth reflecting on two remarks made by former President Donald Trump, who appears to be growing increasingly exasperated with the situation:

Absolutely.

We share your sentiments, Mr. President.

Trump expressed these thoughts back in July—five months prior. Now, as I pen this with merely two weeks remaining in 2025, the situation remains unchanged. (For those interested, video links of his comments are available above.)

The takeaway from this scenario is the stark reality that Vladimir Putin, who spent 15 years as a foreign intelligence officer with the KGB (Committee for State Security), cannot be relied upon. Indeed, many autocratic and ruthless communist leaders are often untrustworthy, both in their declarations and their egregious deeds.

Neither do we, Mr. President.

Trump made the statements in July — five months ago. Yet, here we are, with just two weeks left in 2025 as I write, and the song remains the same. (If you want to see him say them, the video links are above.)

The lesson to be learned here is that Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, who served 15 years as a foreign intelligence officer for the KGB (Committee for State Security), cannot be trusted. Then again, most dictatorial murderous communist leaders can’t be trusted in anything they say, much less in the heinous actions they take. 

In other words, it’s more than clear that President Trump and the United States are largely continuing to do the same thing over and over, and expecting different results from the Russian strongman.

On Thursday, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) called for a major shift in how the United States deals with Putin and Russia, and in my not-so-humble opinion, Sen. Thune hit the Russian nail on the head.

During a Thursday interview on Fox News Channel’s Special Report, Thune told host Bret Baier he thinks it’s past time for the U.S. to stop focusing on mediation and start putting more pressure on Russia. 

Baier asked:

Ukraine, President Zelensky is saying he would like the U.S. to move from mediation talks to pressuring Moscow. Do you agree?

Thune responded without hesitation (emphasis mine):

I do share that view. I’m very sympathetic to the president, his team, to Secretary Rubio, Secretary Hegseth, and others who are on the frontlines of a lot of these discussions and negotiations. But I think anything that we can put in the president’s toolbox that gives him additional leverage in dealing with the Russians is a good thing. 

A good thing, indeed. Think of it as “Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me multiple times, shame on me.” Plainly, it’s past time for a major shift in U.S. strategy.

Thune continued:

And there are a couple of bills that have been hanging around up here for a while. One on Russia sanctions, it’s a bill that Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and others have put out, it’s got, like, 85 co-sponsors in the Senate, Democrat and Republican. And as soon as the president and his team feel like that’s a useful tool for them, we’re anxious to move on it. But I just think you want to have as many tools as you can at your disposal. 

Similar to my earlier assessment, Thune summed up his thoughts on Putin and the ongoing war:

When you’re dealing with leaders like Vladimir Putin, who understands nothing but strength, you have to project strength. And I think the peace through strength approach the president has taken all around the world is paying huge dividends, and the jury is still out in Russia and Ukraine, but I’m hopeful there that his approach to this is going to be something that ultimately gets us to a peaceful outcome.

You can watch the video here.