The President's Daily Brief PDB Situation Report | August 16th, 2025: Putin’s Crumbling Economy & Trump’s DC Takeover
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Aug 16, 2025 In this engaging discussion, Jason Jay Smart, a Kiev-based national security strategist banned by the Kremlin, shares insights on the precarious state of Russia's economy and Putin's vulnerabilities during crucial ceasefire talks in Alaska with Trump. Zach Smith, a Senior Legal Fellow, analyzes Trump's controversial deployment of the National Guard in D.C., focusing on the legal implications and citizen safety amid rising crime rates. The conversation navigates modern diplomacy's challenges and the complex geopolitical landscape affecting Ukraine's uncertain future.
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Putin Wants Distraction, Not Peace
- Jason Smart argues Putin likely seeks to distract Trump and avoid genuine ceasefire talks.
- Putin uses summits to manipulate focus away from Ukraine rather than to end the war.
Sanctions Could Cripple Russia's Budget
- Smart warns that new sanctions targeting buyers of Russian energy could cripple Russia's budget.
- He notes India and China are negotiating with the US and could be pressured to cut purchases.
Fear Shaped Past US Policy
- Smart says previous US restraint stemmed from fear of escalation with Russia.
- He argues Russia's conventional limits mean tougher pressure was always an option.