The Monocle Daily Zelensky’s meeting with top US army delegation in Kyiv
8 snips
Nov 20, 2025 
Carol Walker, a political commentator and Times Radio presenter, teams up with Charles Hecker, a Russia expert and author, to dissect the intricacies of Zelensky's upcoming meeting with a US army delegation. They delve into a draft peace plan's unfeasibility for Ukraine, emphasizing political impossibilities regarding territorial concessions. The duo also explores Trump's strategic motives towards Ukraine and questions whether Europe can step in to support Ukraine should US backing wane, alongside reflections on political dynamics affecting New York's mayor-elect.
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Draft Plan Lacks Real Bargaining Space
- The reported 28-point US-Russia draft heavily favors Russian demands and offers little Ukraine could accept.
- Charles Hecker and Carole Walker argue the plan seems designed to fail or lacks incentives for Kyiv to agree.
Trump's Posture May Tilt Toward Russia
- Donald Trump appears to be shifting toward conceding many of Russia's original demands.
- Carole Walker suggests this could either be caving or a strategy to isolate Ukraine politically.
Sanctions May Not Sway Putin
- Economic sanctions and corruption pressures are unlikely to force Putin to accept major concessions.
- Charles Hecker notes past sanctions have not altered Putin's core calculations over nearly four years.
