Neutrality Studies The West Is Drowning In Its Own War Lies | Anatol Lieven
Nov 29, 2025
Anatol Lieven, director of the Eurasia Program and an expert in Russian affairs, dives deep into the complexities of the US's 28-point peace plan for Ukraine. He reveals internal divisions within the Trump administration and highlights critical diplomatic hurdles in Ukraine's military and territorial compromises. Lieven discusses the potential for European nations to unintentionally sabotage negotiations, the implications of Western promises to Ukraine, and how domestic US politics are impacting foreign policy decisions. His insights paint a picture of a conflict mired in geopolitical intricacies.
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US Internal Splits Over Peace Push
- Anatol Lieven says the Trump team shows genuine elements pushing for a negotiated end to the Ukraine war, but internal splits remain.
- Key issues are now being addressed in detail, making a negotiated settlement more plausible than months ago.
Donbass Withdrawal Is The Core Hurdle
- Lieven argues Europe's and Ukraine's counter-demands risk sabotaging a deal that addresses core Russian aims.
- The Donbass withdrawal is the pivotal, hardest concession for Ukraine and central to any settlement.
Europe Could Be Sabotaging Peace
- Europeans may be using maximal demands as bargaining chips or deliberately wrecking the process, risking Ukrainian collapse.
- If Europe and Ukraine block the deal, prolonged war could lead to catastrophic Ukrainian defeat.