Shankar,

Donald Trump has allowed Europe to save Ukraine and rebuild its security and prosperity. What's not to like? It must seize the moment.

While keeping America informed, Europe must make its own decisions and lead. I agree that the DEAL for a cease-fire and minerals is NO DEAL and deserves little attention.

While Starmer is not Churchill, and Macron is closer to de Gaulle, but struggles with French support, Mertz, the likely new German Chancellor, has demonstrated steel (he has prepared the path for a constitutional change to unrestrict government borrowing).

Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and others can unite behind the European force (and may be more enthusiastic because of Trump's recent hostility).

There is likely now the political will to tap the Russian $287 billion sitting in a Belgian bank to use in the fight for Ukraine.

Many thanks. Best.