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@lxo @randahl @benroyce @genziana

Trump provoked Russia's invasion of Ukraine? No, obviously not. The invasion of Crimea and Donbas happened before his first term, and the full invasion during Biden's term. Biden could have prevented it by giving clear guarantees to defend Ukraine, but I think he was as surprised by what happened as anyone outside of eastern Europe.

Look. Putin did it. He has full agency over his own actions and has no need for anyone else's manipulations to do something like this. To the contrary: he sees himself as the master manipulator, and his presidency has been full of manipulations of other countries and attempts to undermine them. Also by pushing for Trump's election. I have no doubt he has some leverage over Trump.

Putin is clearly the instigator here. I don't understand why you keep looking for anyone else who might be responsible for Putin's actions.