

Trump says no deal, ‘up to Zelenskyy'
Aug 16, 2025
Retired Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Vindman, who authored 'The Folly of Realism', and Congressman Ro Khanna, from California's 17th district, share their insights on the precarious situation in Ukraine. They discuss the aftermath of the Trump-Putin summit, critiquing the lack of meaningful agreements while Zelensky urgently seeks peace. The conversation highlights the consequences of U.S. foreign policy missteps and the importance of moral leadership in global conflicts. They also touch on Khanna's plans to repeal tariffs on coffee, linking economics to broader political narratives.
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Episode notes
Summit Showmanship, Not Substance
- Trump's Anchorage meeting produced no ceasefire or concrete agreements despite fanfare and five hours together.
- Putin used the visual optics and access to portray strength while the war on the ground continued.
Flattery Empowers Aggression
- Tim Snyder argues Trump prioritizes personal praise over policy, enabling Putin's aggression.
- That dynamic lengthens and worsens the war because the U.S. fails to change the power balance.
Enable Defense To Create Peace
- To end the war, empower Ukraine with defensive capabilities rather than demand surrender.
- Strengthen Ukraine to change the power balance and create conditions for a lasting end to fighting.