Undercurrents George Beebe: Trump can still bring Peace to Ukraine
May 28, 2025
George Beebe, Director of Grand Strategy at the Quincy Institute and ex-CIA Russia analyst, dives into the complex landscape of U.S.-Russia negotiations over Ukraine. He argues that Trump's turbulent ties with Putin don’t spell the end for peace talks. Beebe emphasizes the need for strategic concessions and highlights the role of skilled diplomats in navigating these intricate discussions. He also critiques the current administration's approaches and the critical role of bureaucracy in shaping foreign policy outcomes.
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NATO Enlargement Is Key Issue
- Russia insists on ending NATO enlargement as a settlement condition, especially for Ukraine and Georgia.
- A fair deal could involve legal guarantees that Ukraine won't join NATO if Russia supports its EU accession.
Ukraine Military Limits Vital
- Negotiations must address limits on Ukraine's military to prevent it becoming a strategic threat to Russia.
- The US can leverage its NATO posture in Europe to encourage Russia to compromise on Ukraine's military capability.
Ceasefire Without Deal Fails
- A ceasefire is unlikely without addressing Russia's core security concerns first, like NATO enlargement.
- Forcing a ceasefire before a political settlement may entrap Russia without solving underlying issues.
