I can’t think of a better way to start the year than with a Jewish joke — one that sums up Donald Trump’s diplomatic year of 2025 better than any commentary ever could.

An American president and a Russian president meet.
“Okay, Vladimir,” says the American president. “Take all the oblasts you want in Ukraine, and then stop the war.”
“All right, Donald,” replies the Russian president. “But what do I get in return?”