NBC Meet the Press Meet the Press NOW — August 19
Aug 19, 2025
Richard Engel, NBC News chief foreign correspondent, reports from the front lines of the Russia-Ukraine war. He discusses Trump's efforts to bridge gaps between Putin and Zelenskyy, emphasizing the skepticism surrounding peace talks. Former Ambassador McFaul weighs in on security guarantees for Ukraine's future. The podcast also touches on the political implications of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation and the complexities of redistricting in Texas and California, revealing the tangled web of U.S. political strategy.
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Trump Pushes For Leader-Level Talks
- Trump is pursuing direct talks between Putin and Zelensky and offering U.S. coordination of security guarantees without US ground troops.
- That approach raises big questions about what credible guarantees would actually look like and who enforces them.
U.S. Role In Guarantees Is Still Unclear
- The White House says Marco Rubio will head a commission to design security guarantees and coordinate with European partners.
- The U.S. role remains unclear, with the White House ruling out ground troops but leaving open air support and other options.
Zelensky Willing But Guarantees Required
- Richard Engel reports Zelensky is willing to meet Putin but doubts remain because Putin questions Zelensky's legitimacy.
- Ukrainians want a ceasefire plus credible security guarantees and reject simple land-for-peace formulas without enforcement.