Post Reports Trump's push to end the war in Ukraine
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Aug 18, 2025 Michael Birnbaum, White House correspondent for The Washington Post, delves into Trump's ambitious push to mediate peace in Ukraine. He discusses the controversial summit between Trump and Putin in Anchorage, highlighting the striking dynamics and lack of agreements. Birnbaum explores Trump's claims of potential peacemaking and his Nobel aspirations, but notes the stark realities of conflicting demands from Ukraine and Russia. The conversation reveals the complexities faced by leaders in navigating diplomacy amid an ongoing war.
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Calmer Talks, Persistent Disagreements
- Today's meetings were calmer than earlier confrontations but still showed clear disagreements among leaders.
- Zelensky and European leaders politely pushed Trump toward a ceasefire and stronger guarantees for Ukraine.
Ceasefire First Vs. Skepticism
- Ukrainians and Europeans want a ceasefire first, then a broader peace negotiation to avoid negotiating under fire.
- Trump voiced skepticism because he believes Putin doesn't want a ceasefire and may therefore resist it.
Security Guarantees Are Unclear
- Security guarantees are contested: Ukraine wants U.S. military response if Russia violates a ceasefire.
- It's unclear Putin would accept such guarantees or whether Trump would offer them.