Daniel Davis Deep Dive Trump Must Be Ready to Walk Away /Lt Col Daniel Davis & Jennifer Kavanagh
Aug 14, 2025
Jennifer Kavanagh, a Senior Fellow and Director of Military Analysis at Defense Priorities, shares her insights on Trump's approach to foreign relations, especially regarding Russia. She discusses the complexities of potential peace negotiations involving land swaps in the Ukraine-Russia conflict and highlights the challenges Ukraine faces in securing its defense. Kavanagh emphasizes the importance of realistic expectations in diplomacy and the need for effective U.S. leadership while navigating the delicate balance of international relations.
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Summit As A Process Starter
- A single Trump–Putin summit is unlikely to end the war; it should be the start of a longer peacemaking process.
- Narrow, concrete commitments that enable follow-on working-level talks are more valuable than grand bargains.
Insist On Concrete, Actionable Commitments
- Avoid quick, superficial agreements like vague 'agreements in principle' that Putin uses to delay.
- Seek narrow, finalized, and actionable commitments that keep talks moving after the summit.
Territory Is Not The Root Issue
- Territory alone does not address the war's root causes like security alignment, military caps, and minority protections.
- Small frontline adjustments are common, but large land swaps are politically and militarily difficult.