[j.havenfarm]

I guess, but Witkoff is going there is two days to see Putin. Is this helpful in advance of a visit from a presidential envoy?

[Williams]

Trump tried kissing Putin’s butt for months. Bad result.
Now they are talking reality.
I think anyone underestimates Trump at their own peril.
Look at what Trump is doing to both China and Russia.
Trump’s approach is, if one of us is going down - it’s going to be you.
In that sense, Trump is every bit as ruthless as Putin.
Trump doesn’t want a war, and he knows the risks. But he already considered tossing Zelensky into the fire.
Now I think there is at least a chance Trump has concluded the world will be better off without Putin.

That’s why the Russians are saying, hey we’re not Iran!

Putin only cares about Putin, and therefore he needs to see the threats closing around him.

Before they all go down, it’s possible someone will find an open window and introduce it to Putin.

50-50 odds.

[Widget Jr]

No and Yes. On the surface, for old style diplomatic diplomacy no matter what else is happening, this isn't a good look. That never works with Russia so there is no real loss.

Trump has reduced his 50 day ultimatum to 10. If this was an "approved off the cuff remark", it is sending a message to Putin before Wikoff arrives.

That message is Trump has had enough and is going to up the ante regarding Ukraine.