Shouldn’t Ukraine Negotiate with Putin? – Robert Person on Obstacles to a Negotiated Ending of Russia’s Ongoing War of Aggression

In the newest episode of our monthly special in cooperation with the Journal of Democracy, Robert Person – Professor of International Relations at the United States Military Academy, West Point – discusses key issues that in his understanding pose nearly insurmountable obstacles to a negotiated ending of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine; dissects the Putin regime’s main aims regarding Ukraine over the past twenty years; and reflects on why arguments in favor of a ‘peace deal’ have gained in popularity – and what European supporters of Ukraine should be preparing for.

The conversation is based on Robert Person’s article “Why Ukraine Shouldn’t Negotiate with Putin” which has been published in the January 2025 (36/1) issue of the Journal of Democracy. In the framework of this partnership, authors discuss outstanding articles from the latest print issue.