The Victor Davis Hanson Show Putin and Zelensky: In Search of the DMZ
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Aug 19, 2025 The podcast dives into the high-stakes diplomacy surrounding the recent Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska, scrutinizing its implications on the Ukraine-Russia conflict. It offers a critical analysis of Ukraine's NATO aspirations and contrasts past U.S. approaches to Russia with Trump's strategies. The discussion extends to the potential impact of central bank digital currencies on financial freedom, highlighting the complexities of international relations. There's also a humorous interlude on a Subway sandwich-related incident, tying it back to accountability in law enforcement.
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Alaska Meeting Aimed At Settlement Not Ceasefire
- Victor argues Trump failed to secure a ceasefire but pursued a comprehensive settlement with Putin.
- He predicts temporary battlefield shifts before a negotiated withdrawal to prearranged borders.
Settlements Will Reward Territorial Gains
- Hanson says key concessions include Ukraine staying out of NATO and formalizing Russian gains like Crimea.
- He warns stopping the fight now rewards Putin with expanded exterior lines while contracting Ukraine's interior lines.
Engage Pragmatically To Gain Leverage
- Hanson recommends courting Russia pragmatically instead of denouncing its leader to pursue peace.
- He cites FDR and Nixon as precedents for engaging violent regimes for strategic ends.