The Powers That Be: Daily White House War & Peace
Dec 2, 2025
Julia Ioffe, a journalist and Russia expert, joins Peter for a deep dive into the troubling state of Russia-Ukraine negotiations. She highlights how neither side seems motivated to pursue peace, while Donald Trump remains keen to broker a deal. Ioffe also discusses U.S. drone strikes on Venezuelan boats and the serious implications of potential war crimes. Their conversation probes the complexities of international relations and accountability within the military, making for a thought-provoking dialogue.
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Russia Drives A U.S.-Europe Wedge
- Russia has successfully driven a wedge between the U.S. and Europe by portraying Washington as reasonable and Europeans as maximalist warmongers.
- Julia Ioffe says this spin helps Moscow position peace talks as favorable to U.S. interests and is useful propaganda for Putin.
Putin Picks Intermediaries That Appeal To Trump Allies
- Moscow tailored intermediaries like Dmitriev to speak the language of U.S. business types and appeal to Trump-friendly actors.
- Ioffe warns the promised pot of gold for American companies in Russia is largely illusory and risky.
Western Firms Face Expropriation In Russia
- Western firms that stayed in Russia have faced expropriation and criminal risk, like Danone and Michael Calvey.
- Ioffe recounts these cases to show why promised investment gains in Russia are unrealistic.
