TMI Show Ep 100: “Trump-Putin Ceasefire: Will It End the Ukraine War?”

In this episode of The TMI Show, hosts Ted Rall and Manila Chan tackle the Trump-Putin phone call that brokered a 30-day partial ceasefire in Ukraine, pausing attacks on energy grids. Joined by guest Mark Sleboda, a seasoned geopolitical analyst, they debate if this truce could snowball into a full ceasefire or an armistice. Sleboda, ever the pessimist, insists Russia views the Ukraine War as detached from U.S.-Russia relations, prioritizing territorial gains over diplomatic wins. Manila echoes his gloom, doubting the ceasefire’s staying power given Putin’s steep demands, like Ukraine’s retreat from Kursk, and the conflict’s entrenched stakes.

Ted, however, offers a glimmer of optimism, suggesting Trump’s knack for negotiation might just tip the scales toward a broader peace. With their trademark candor and biting humor, Ted and Manila spar over the war’s endgame, while Sleboda’s dour take grounds the discussion in Russia’s unyielding stance. The episode crackles with tension and insight, leaving listeners to ponder: is this ceasefire a breakthrough or just a brief flicker in a relentless storm?

Keywords: Trump-Putin phone call, March 18 ceasefire, Ukraine War, partial ceasefire, full ceasefire, armistice, Sleboda, US-Russia relations, Ukraine conflict, geopolitical analysis, ceasefire prospects, Russia strategy