The Brian Lehrer Show The Trump Zelensky Meeting
Aug 19, 2025
Julia Ioffe, a distinguished Russian-American journalist and founding partner at Puck News, provides insightful analysis on Zelensky’s meeting with Trump. She delves into the nuances of security guarantees for Ukraine and the complex NATO dynamics. Ioffe also discusses the evolving views within the MAGA movement regarding Israel amidst recent conflicts, highlighting the tension between long-standing support and new criticisms. Her expertise sheds light on the intricate web of geopolitics and the implications for U.S. foreign policy.
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Article-5 Guarantees Are Unlikely
- Putin likely has not agreed to Article-5-style guarantees for Ukraine and Moscow has called Western boots on the ground a nonstarter.
- Julia Ioffe says Western proposals resemble NATO and therefore are unacceptable to Russia.
Talks Can Be A Russian Tool
- Negotiations may be theatrical and serve Russian strategic aims rather than genuine compromise.
- Ioffe warns Russia uses talks to gain territory or concessions while keeping war as an option.
Donbass Is A Core Territorial Demand
- Donbass is an industrial, Russian-speaking region that Russia views as culturally and economically tied to it.
- Ioffe stresses territorial 'swaps' are actually Ukrainian concessions and not true exchanges.
