One Decision Inside Negotiations to End the War in Ukraine
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Aug 21, 2025 
Join John Herbst, former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, as he dives into the complex fallout from President Trump’s summit with Putin. He discusses whether Trump is being outwitted by Putin and how Europe’s newfound military unity could shift global power dynamics. The conversation also touches on Russia’s gray warfare tactics and the fragility of Putin’s regime amidst ongoing conflict. With NATO's credibility on the line, Herbst emphasizes the critical need for strong Western support in Ukraine.
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Putin Wants Control, Not Compromise
- Putin seeks "effective political control" of Ukraine, not a negotiated peace that preserves Ukrainian sovereignty.
- John Herbst argues Putin will only negotiate if forced by sufficient Western coercion and pressure.
Rapid European Rally At The White House
- The White House summit mobilized an unusually rapid coalition of European leaders and signaled seriousness about Ukraine.
- Herbst sees this as a positive political step that increased pressure on Russia.
Keep Leverage, Not Just Optics
- Reapply sustained pressure on Putin with arms and sanctions to force negotiations on favorable terms.
- Resume leverage policies rather than abandoning them after short diplomatic gestures.