Key Takeaways
– A columnist urges Trump to call Patriots owner Robert Kraft
– Kraft once lost a valuable Super Bowl ring to Putin
– The ring episode shows how talks with Putin can go wrong
– The columnist wants Trump to offer Russia an off-ramp for peace
– He also proposes seizing frozen assets and hitting tariffs hard
Why Trump Should Call Robert Kraft
A prominent columnist says that President Trump should phone Robert Kraft before flying to Alaska. Kraft owns the New England Patriots and once met Russia’s president. He could warn Trump how a meeting with the Russian leader can turn sour.
This idea sounds odd at first. Yet Kathryn Kraft’s tale offers a real lesson. The columnist argues that Kraft knows the risks of dealing with Putin. For Trump, that warning could prove priceless.
The Super Bowl Ring Incident
In 2005, Kraft traveled to Russia with American business leaders. He brought one of his Super Bowl rings worth about twenty-five thousand dollars. Putin admired the ring and asked to try it on. Then the Russian leader kept it and walked away.
Kraft felt he was tricked. The U.S. government even told him to call the ring a gift. But Putin later mocked the ring’s value. He said it was too cheap to matter. This moment shows how easily a meeting can shift from friendly to unfair.
Risks of a Solo Meeting with Putin
Transitioning now, many experts warn that Trump’s one-on-one meeting holds danger. Putin has a long record of using charm to get what he wants. Without allies nearby, Trump could face pressure or be blindsided.
Moreover, Putin may use the summit to push his own agenda. He could make last-minute demands or attach strings to any promise. That situation might leave Trump looking weak. Therefore, a heads-up from Kraft feels wise.
Stephens Proposes a Peaceful Exit
Despite those risks, the columnist says Trump can still achieve something useful. He urges the president to try a good-faith offer to Russia. The idea is simple: let Moscow cut its losses and agree to a ceasefire.
Of course, Russia may reject such an offer. Yet the move could shift the narrative. If Putin turns it down, Russians should know their leader refused an honorable peace. That point could matter for public opinion, even in a closed society.
Funding Ukraine Through Frozen Assets
Next, the columnist suggests using Europe’s help to free three-hundred billion dollars in frozen Russian funds. These assets belong to the Russian government and sit in foreign banks.
If Europe agrees, that money could buy Western arms for Ukraine. Such funding would bolster Ukraine’s defense and send a clear message to Russia. It would make Moscow see a real cost for its invasion.
Tariffs on Buyers of Russian Oil
Additionally, the president should sign a law imposing steep tariffs on countries that import Russian oil and uranium. The columnist calls for a five-hundred percent tariff on goods from those nations.
In effect, this step punishes third parties for helping Russia. It squeezes Moscow’s trade partners and raises the price of Russian energy. This pressure could push more nations to avoid buying from Russia.
Supplying Ukraine with Advanced Weapons
Another key recommendation is to commit to sending F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. The jets could give Ukraine a new level of defense in its airspace.
Beyond F-16s, the columnist urges sending modern air defense systems and other advanced weapons. These tools could shift the balance on the battlefield and save lives. With U.S. support, Ukraine could resist more effectively.
The Power of a Good-Faith Offer
Overall, the columnist frames the choices as two paths. One path leads to a genuine peace off-ramp for Russia. The other path drags the world down a more dangerous road.
By offering a real deal, Trump could force Putin to choose. If Putin rejects the off-ramp, he alone bears the blame. Even if the offer fails, Western nations can unite around stronger measures.
What Comes Next
President Trump will meet Putin this Friday in Alaska. The main topic is Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the chance for a ceasefire. Yet without a clear game plan, the talks could end badly for the United States.
By calling Robert Kraft, Trump could gain an unlikely but crucial warning. Kraft’s ring story shows how charm can mask sharp tactics. With that lesson in mind, the president might protect U.S. interests and push for meaningful progress.
In the end, whether the summit succeeds depends on both the offer and the follow-through. A strong off-ramp backed by real pressure could steer Russia toward peace. However, that path requires unity with Europe and firm support for Ukraine.
As the world watches, Trump must decide which road to take. He can either step carefully with allies or risk wandering into a trap of his own making. A quick call to a sports owner turned unintentional Russian victim could make all the difference.