Ukraine: The Latest BONUS: ‘There’s no deal to be done with Putin’, with Lt General (Retired) H.R. McMaster, Boris Johnson, Michael Koffman & Sergey Vysotsky
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Nov 22, 2025 
Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson shares insights on Europe's response to the Russian threat, advocating for collaboration in defense production. Lt. Gen. (Ret.) H.R. McMaster emphasizes the need for hard deterrence and challenges the notion that negotiating with Putin is viable. Sergey Vysotsky discusses Ukraine's defense production capabilities and financing needs. Michael Kofman highlights the urgency in converting willingness to actual military capabilities, stressing the importance of a multinational reassurance force.
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Europe's Slow Wake-Up To Russian Aggression
- Boris Johnson argues Europe was slow to act after Russia's earlier aggressions, treating 2014 measures as largely performative until 2022 changes forced a real response.
- He warns against territorial compromise that cedes Ukrainian sovereignty because it won't satisfy Putin or stop aggression.
Fund Ukraine To Let It Fight Back
- Boris Johnson urges giving Ukraine the ability to strike back and funding for weapons, citing the $250 billion as crucial to tipping the balance.
- He calls on Belgium to unblock Euroclear so Ukraine can access those funds immediately.
Putin Driven By Restoring Russian Greatness
- H.R. McMaster says Putin is driven by an obsession to restore Russian greatness and will not be satisfied by concessions.
- He argues deterrence requires convincing Putin he cannot win, not appeasement through concessions.
