Bloomberg Talks Leon Panetta Talks Russia/Ukraine War
Aug 20, 2025
Leon Panetta, former U.S. Secretary of Defense and CIA director, shares his insights on the Russia-Ukraine crisis. He discusses Trump's summit with Putin and the implications for NATO unity. Panetta emphasizes the importance of robust security guarantees for Ukraine to deter Russian aggression. He also explores the challenges of military support and the complexities of negotiations in the ongoing conflict. With his wealth of experience, he sheds light on the strategic dynamics at play in this pivotal geopolitical landscape.
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Security Assurances Must Be Credible
- Leon Panetta argues security assurances must commit the U.S. and NATO to aid Ukraine if Russia attacks again.
- He warns Russia should not have veto power over the shape of those assurances.
Include The U.S. And Fast Response Terms
- Ensure the United States is part of any security guarantee to make it effective and credible.
- Aim for rapid decision timelines and NATO-style collective response if Russia invades again.
Putin Wants To Prolong And Pressure
- Panetta echoes that Vladimir Putin does not genuinely seek to end the war and prefers to exhaust Ukraine.
- He says Putin wants to force concessions, not negotiate in good faith.