The Crisis Room Negotiation or capitulation? Ukraine's crossroads moment
Nov 20, 2025
The discussion centers on a controversial US-Russia plan for peace in Ukraine, with the team questioning its viability and potential implications for Ukrainian forces. They explore the effectiveness of intelligence agencies in negotiations compared to traditional diplomats. The podcast also transitions to Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince's diplomatic visit, debating the complexities of balancing strategic alliances with human rights concerns. Finally, they shed light on the troubling presence of a Russian spy ship near British waters, discussing its capabilities and the need for a careful response.
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Why The 28-Point Plan Looks Unworkable
- The reported 28-point US-Russia plan would force Ukraine to cede territory and drastically cut its armed forces, which seems politically untenable.
- Mark Urban argues such terms would neuter Ukrainian security and likely be rejected by Kyiv and its public.
Back-Channel Chaos Reflects Policy Dysfunction
- Marc Polymeropoulos describes US internal confusion and competing agendas around the back-channel negotiations.
- He highlights that unclear White House policy and mixed signals undermined coherent diplomacy.
How Good Back Channels Normally Operate
- Effective back channels usually run with experienced, trusted interlocutors and government coordination.
- Marc warns Witkoff's informal approach lacked the usual NSC-level oversight, producing a preposterous draft.