WSJ Opinion: Potomac Watch Europe Gets (More) Serious About the Threat From Vladimir Putin
Dec 17, 2025
Jillian Melcher, a European correspondent for The Wall Street Journal, shares insights from Ukraine, highlighting its struggles despite a willingness to negotiate. Joe Sternberg, an opinion writer, emphasizes Russia's leverage in talks and warns against pressuring Ukraine. The discussion reveals NATO's urgent call for Europe to prepare for large-scale conflict, and both guests address the alarming drop in military aid for Ukraine. They also touch on Europe's defense production challenges and the complex balance between security obligations and domestic spending.
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Negotiations Stall Without Russia's Compromise
- Ukraine appears willing to negotiate, but Russia's position hasn't budged and undermines realistic peace prospects.
- Jillian Melcher is skeptical that talks are "close to a peace" while Moscow refuses to compromise.
Negotiating With Everyone Except The Invader
- Negotiations risk becoming talks among supporters while the aggressor, Russia, stays out of good-faith bargaining.
- Joe Sternberg warns that pressing Ukraine rather than pressuring Moscow makes the process unrealistic.
Ukraine's Growing Self-Reliance Has Limits
- Ukraine is building domestic weapons and drone capabilities but still relies on foreign intelligence and missile defenses.
- Jillian Melcher warns U.S. leverage has pressured Kiev instead of being applied to Moscow.