Defense & Aerospace Report DEFAERO Strategy Series [Dec 02, 25] Dr. Eugene Rumer on Latest Russia/Ukraine Headlines
Dec 2, 2025
Dr. Eugene Rumer, a leading expert on Russia and Eurasia from the Carnegie Endowment, dives deep into the complexities of the Ukraine conflict. He outlines the implications of the U.S. peace plan and potential fallout on NATO alliances. Rumer discusses how a corruption scandal undermines Ukrainian leadership, affecting negotiations. He also analyzes Europe's evolving role and the strategic predicament facing Russia, emphasizing the need for democratic accountability. Finally, he assesses combat losses, revealing how Ukraine continues to strike back effectively despite its challenges.
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Ukrainians Unlikely To Accept Moscow's Terms
- Russia's demands align with what many outsiders perceive as Moscow's objectives, but Ukrainians are unlikely to accept surrender terms.
- Eugene Rumer argues domestic turmoil in Kyiv makes voluntary acceptance of those terms improbable.
U.S. Normalization Won't Guarantee European Follow‑Through
- Even if the U.S. pursues normalization with Russia, European allies and Ukraine itself are unlikely to follow suit.
- Rumer doubts the war would end simply because one administration withdraws support.
ECB Refusal Forces Tough European Funding Choices
- The ECB's refusal to backstop frozen Russian assets forces Europe to choose between letting Ukraine run out of funds or finding alternative financing.
- Rumer expects Europeans will seek solutions rather than capitulate to Russia.