The Wright Show Can Trump and Putin Make a Deal? (Connor Echols & George Beebe)
Aug 15, 2025
George Beebe, Director of Grand Strategy at the Quincy Institute and former CIA head of Russia analysis, offers deep insights into U.S.-Russia negotiations. He discusses the strategic significance of Trump and Putin's impending meeting in Alaska and the delicate balance of power between the EU and NATO regarding Ukraine. Beebe warns of the risks of bad deals and emphasizes that while sanctions hurt, they aren’t decisive. The evolving dynamics in European and Ukrainian negotiations reveal an intricate dance of diplomacy that could shape future peace deals.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Aim For A Narrow Framework First
- A realistic Alaska outcome is a limited framework, not sweeping deals or immediate ceasefires.
- Presidents should map compromises and a roadmap for bilateral and multilateral follow-ups.
Trade NATO Exclusion For EU Access
- A durable compromise could be the US ruling out NATO troops in Ukraine in return for Russian acceptance of EU membership for Ukraine.
- That tradeoff separates military alignment from political-economic integration.
EU Membership Can Be Carved With Opt-Outs
- Russia may accept political and economic EU ties while insisting Ukraine avoid EU military security mechanisms.
- Precedents like Ireland or Austria show tailored EU military opt-outs are feasible.