John Sullivan, Former US Ambassador to Russia and Deputy Secretary of State, shares his insights on negotiating with Putin and the current state of the Ukraine conflict. He discusses the complexities of U.S. military support and the implications for future leadership. Sullivan also reflects on the pressures of diplomatic life, offering personal anecdotes tied to Russia and ice hockey. The conversation emphasizes the need for assertive communication and coordinated strategies among NATO allies to address the deteriorating relations with Russia.
Negotiating with Russia poses challenges due to Putin's inflexible stance, demanding a recalibration of Western diplomatic communication.
Continued US support for Ukraine is essential to reinforce its defensive capabilities and assert the non-recognition of Russian territorial gains.
Deep dives
Joe Rogan's Controversial Comments on US Involvement
Joe Rogan criticized the recent decision by President Biden to allow Ukraine to use US missiles against Russian targets, expressing concern that such actions could escalate tensions and potentially lead to World War III. He questioned the rationale behind this strategy, especially considering the incoming administration might respond differently than expected. Rogan's remarks sparked anger among Ukrainians, including comments from prominent figures like former Foreign Minister Dmitry Koleba, who invited Rogan for a discussion to clarify Ukraine's situation. The backlash from the Ukrainian community highlights the sensitive nature of public statements made by influential figures regarding the ongoing conflict.
Escalation of Military Actions in Ukraine
The conflict in Ukraine has intensified with the deployment of US-supplied missiles, which has provoked a strong reaction from Russia, including ballistic missile attacks on Ukraine. Reports indicate that Russia is increasing its drone attacks and advancing in the eastern Donbass region, raising fears of a significant escalation in violence. Ukrainian officials and military leaders are expressing alarm over the situation, indicating a need for robust support from allies to face the mounting threat. This shifting dynamic underscores the urgency for a cohesive international response to maintain stability in the region, as the military conflict appears to ramp up.
The Complexity of Negotiating with Russia
Negotiating with Russia under the current regime presents significant challenges, as Ambassador John Sullivan emphasized that any negotiation style typical of Western diplomacy may not apply. Sullivan highlighted that Vladimir Putin does not exhibit the flexibility needed for fruitful negotiations, often perceiving requests as signs of weakness. The Ambassador argued that the West needs to maintain a strong stance and continue supplying Ukraine with defensive resources, while simultaneously conveying a clear message to Russia regarding the non-recognition of territorial gains made through force. This approach requires a recalibration of communication to ensure that any discussions frame Russia as the aggressor and maintain firm support for Ukraine amidst potential political shifts.
Can Donald Trump end the war in Ukraine? Is negotiating with Russia a realistic option? What can President Biden accomplish in the final weeks of his term?
John Sullivan, former US Ambassador to Russia under President Trump, joins Ukrainecast to share his experience of working with Russians and explains why continued US support for Ukraine is in the nation’s best interest.
Today’s episode is presented by Lucy Hockings and Vitaly Shevchenko.
The producers were Arsenii Sokolov and Ben Carter. The technical producer was Dafydd Evans. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The senior news editor is Sara Wadeson.
Email Ukrainecast@bbc.co.uk with your questions and comments. You can also send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp, Signal or Telegram to +44 330 1239480
You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord
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