Keen On America From Munich to Mar-a-Lago: Is Trump Appeasing Putin in Ukraine?
Dec 26, 2025
Jim Goldgeier, a scholar of U.S. foreign policy and Russia, dives deep into the complexities of the Ukraine conflict. He argues that Putin has no desire for peace unless it entails total control over Ukraine. Goldgeier critiques Trump's potential approach to negotiating with Putin, calling it appeasement. They discuss the necessity of raising the costs for Russia to push for a settlement and the critical role the U.S. plays in supporting Ukraine. Plus, he highlights the concerning rise of pro-Russian sentiment in Europe and the imperative for a stronger NATO.
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Putin Wants Control, Not Compromise
- Vladimir Putin seeks control over Ukraine rather than a negotiated independent Ukraine outcome.
- Jim Goldgeier warns Trump admires Putin and his team lacks incentives to raise costs on Russia.
Raise The Costs Or Resist Territorial Concessions
- Increase costs on Putin via stronger economic pressure and more lethal military aid to Ukraine.
- Avoid asking Ukraine to cede territory it currently controls as a peace condition.
Why Zelensky Looks To The U.S.
- Zelensky believes only the U.S. can realistically persuade Russia to end the war because Putin wants a deal with Trump.
- Goldgeier notes Putin prefers negotiating with the U.S. rather than Europeans or Ukrainians.