Michael Kofman, a Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment, brings his expertise on Russian military affairs, joined by Justin Logan from the Cato Institute, specializing in defense policy, and Liana Fix, a Council on Foreign Relations Fellow focused on European security. They dive into the chaotic diplomacy surrounding Ukraine's future, discussing the role of minerals, the influence of Trump on U.S.-Ukraine relations, and prospects for a European peacekeeping force. Their lively debates uncover the complexities of security guarantees and the shifting dynamics of European defense strategies.

Liana Fix, a CFR fellow specializing in European security, and Charles A. Kupchan, a CFR senior fellow and expert on international affairs, delve into Trump's evolving policies on Ukraine. They discuss the impact of U.S. foreign policy on European dynamics, including mixed responses to the Ukraine conflict and the challenges of unity among European nations. The conversation highlights potential economic partnerships centered around rare earth elements for Ukraine’s reconstruction, stressing the significance of a unified strategy against Russian aggression.

Liana Fix, a CFR fellow focusing on European security and transatlantic relations, and Matthias Matthijs, a senior fellow specializing in Europe’s political economy, join James M. Lindsay to unpack Europe's strategy for a potential second Trump administration. They discuss how political turmoil in Germany could reshape EU relations and the pressures of trade policies and defense spending. The conversation also touches on the EU's digital regulations amid U.S. tensions and the growing perception of China as a security threat, influencing European economic strategies.

Liana Fix, a fellow for Europe at CFR, discusses Ukraine's bold military move into Kursk, exploring its strategic implications for European security. She highlights Ukraine's shift in strategy to strike within Russia amid changing Western support. The conversation also covers Belarus's complicated role and the internal challenges facing the Russian military. Additionally, Fix examines Germany's fluctuating support for Ukraine against a backdrop of political tension and rising far-right influence, revealing the intricate dynamics of the ongoing conflict.

Gordon Repinski, POLITICO’s executive editor for Germany, discusses Chancellor Olaf Scholz's precarious position amid a looming political crisis and snap elections in Germany. Liana Fix offers insights on how this domestic chaos impacts EU stability. Eric Bazail-Eimil then dives into Marco Rubio's unconventional rise as a potential envoy under Trump, exploring his foreign policy evolution and Cuban-American influence. The conversation highlights the interplay between U.S. foreign policy and European security in a shifting political landscape.