ABC News Daily Will Trump’s 'security guarantees' end Putin’s war?
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Aug 19, 2025 
John Herbst, former US Ambassador to Ukraine and senior director of the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center, provides keen insights into the delicate diplomatic landscape of the Ukraine-Russia conflict. He discusses a recent meeting between Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders, emphasizing the importance of proposed US security guarantees. Herbst analyzes the potential for peace talks with Putin, the significance of NATO's commitments, and the challenges of ensuring reliable support for Ukraine amid fluctuating political dynamics.
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Unprecedented Coordinated Summit
- The White House meeting was unusually large and signalled coordinated Western involvement in Ukraine diplomacy.
- John Herbst says the context and US stance now differ markedly from Trump's earlier, more conciliatory approach to Putin.
Putin Meeting Is Possible But Uncertain
- Trump phoned Putin to explore bilateral and trilateral meetings between Putin and Zelensky.
- Herbst rates Putin's attendance as uncertain, putting the odds below 50% but above negligible.
US Security Guarantees Are Pivotal
- Security guarantees from the US were the summit's most important development according to Herbst.
- He sees US involvement in coordinating guarantees as a significant step forward for Ukraine's deterrence.