How Putin Sold a False Win in Ukraine to Trump
Foreign Policy
by George BarrosFebruary 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Russian President Vladimir Putin has successfully crafted a narrative of inevitable victory in Ukraine, convincing figures like former U.S. President Donald Trump to shift their stance from demanding an immediate ceasefire to pressuring Kyiv to cede territory to Moscow. Despite evidence contradicting his claims, Putin portrays Russia as the stronger, unstoppable force, drawing parallels with historical Soviet victories to bolster his argument. This strategic misinformation aims to shape Western perceptions and push leaders toward decisions that favor Russia while disadvantaging Ukraine.
Putin’s narrative rests on several false premises: the imminent collapse of Ukraine’s frontlines, Russian superiority in manpower and resources, and Ukraine’s inability to defeat the Russian military. By exaggerating Russian military performance and falsely claiming territorial gains—such as the supposed capture of Kupyansk, a town still under Ukrainian control—the Kremlin creates an illusion of steady momentum, reinforcing demands for Kyiv to surrender territory as a precondition for peace.
This cognitive warfare strategy seeks to manipulate Western leaders into believing that conceding to Russia’s terms is the only “humane” option, sparing lives through negotiated settlements. However, this narrative obscures the reality of ongoing Ukrainian resistance and resilience, with Kyiv consistently repelling Russian advances despite four years of conflict. The Kremlin’s misinformation campaign not only distorts perceptions but also risks undermining Western support for Ukraine’s defense.
Ultimately, Putin’s steamroller narrative matters because it directly influences international diplomacy and policy decisions. By convincing leaders like Trump to question Ukraine’s viability and pressure Kyiv to negotiate under unfavorable terms, Russia aims to secure territorial gains without achieving a decisive military victory. This manipulation highlights the dangers of relying on false narratives in shaping global security dynamics, underscoring the importance of verifying information and upholding factual integrity in international relations.
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Originally published on Foreign Policy on 2/23/2026