Westminster Insider Russia raises the stakes: how can Starmer shape Ukraine’s endgame?
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Dec 5, 2025 
This discussion features John Foreman, a former military attaché in Moscow with deep insights on Russian strategies, and Esther Webber, POLITICO's expert on international diplomacy. They dive into the recent failed US-Russia negotiations, examining the implications for UK defense. Calvin Bailey, a Labour MP and RAF veteran, offers perspectives on military readiness and the challenges of supporting Ukraine. Key points include Russia's territorial ambitions, the UK's role in forming security coalitions, and the urgent need for defense budget reassessment.
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Diplomacy Is A Long, Messy Process
- John Foreman argues diplomacy is a very long game and war termination is complex with many obstacles.
- He sees movement from sketchy bullet points to substantive documents driven by US-Russian exchanges.
Tentative Shift From US‑Russian Starting Point
- Esther Webber senses a tentatively different mood because current proposals began with US-Russian agreement.
- London is pushing to insert itself via a Coalition of the Willing and security-guarantee workstreams.
Putin's Tough Talk Is Theater
- John Foreman describes Putin's rhetoric as choreographed theatre to project strength and deter Western intervention.
- He doubts Russia intends or is capable of escalating to a wider NATO war.