The Trump Report

Michael Weiss - editor of The Insider - joins Times Radio’s Maddie Hale to discuss Ukraine’s meeting with US delegates in Berlin, Volodymyr Zelenskyy urges Donald Trump to commit to security guarantees and have it voted on in Congress and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warns Europe to take Putin seriously while comparing his ambitions to those of Hitler in the 1930s. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Bill Browder, an investor and activist renowned for his fight against Russian corruption, shares insights on pressing geopolitical issues. He critiques the U.S. proposal for Donbas as a free economic zone, asserting it could invite further Russian aggression. Browder discusses the implications of Europe potentially seizing frozen Russian assets to bolster Ukraine's bargaining power. He also highlights Ukraine's effective strikes against Russian economic targets and warns against territorial concessions, asserting strong support for Zelensky among Ukrainians.

Scott Lucas, a Professor at the Clinton Institute and an expert on transatlantic relations, dives into the complexities of the evolving U.S.-European alliance. He discusses how Trump's influence has fractured this partnership, revealing a growing isolationist trend within the GOP. Lucas highlights competing Ukraine peace proposals and European leaders’ resilience against Trump pressure. He also warns about the implications of losing pro-European voices in the administration, stressing the need for moderation amid escalating tensions.

Kyiv-based journalist Jimmy Rushton, a foreign policy and security expert, dives into Ukraine’s steadfast refusal to make territorial concessions and the strategic importance of frontline cities. He critiques Donald Trump’s peace comments for misunderstanding the nuances of the conflict. Rushton discusses the U.S. roles, the necessity of legal security guarantees for Ukraine, and the prospect of using frozen Russian assets for funding the war effort. He also vehemently dismisses Moscow's genocide claims as fabricated while addressing the urgent military needs of Ukraine.

Former British Army Colonel Hamish de Bretton-Gordon provides sharp insights on U.S. national security and the Ukraine conflict. He critiques the new National Security Strategy for its leniency towards Russia, warning that ceding territory could echo the appeasement of the 1930s. Hamish aligns with Czech President Pavel on the dangers of such concessions, fearing they may ignite broader conflict. He discusses Russia's desperate recruitment of foreign soldiers and stresses the importance of unwavering support for Ukraine, urging the U.S. to bolster arms and aid.

Michael Weiss, an investigative journalist and editor at The Insider, shares insights into leaked European leaders' call notes revealing distrust towards Trump envoys Witkoff and Kushner. He discusses the origins of a controversial Russia-drafted plan and its alarming demands on Ukraine and NATO. Weiss critiques the envoys as inexperienced and unfit, while warning that ceding Donetsk could be a strategic blunder. He highlights the complexities of US-Ukraine dynamics and European apprehensions about potential territorial betrayal.

Don Bramer, a former Bush administration official and naval intelligence officer, shares his insights on the complex dynamics of Ukraine's situation. He discusses alarming warnings from European leaders about Zelensky potentially being isolated in negotiations. The conversation also touches on Trump's fluctuating stance on military aid and the importance of NATO contingencies. Bramer emphasizes the necessity for careful judgment regarding military decisions and the implications of international relationships amidst ongoing conflict.

Scott Lucas, a political analyst and Professor at University College Dublin, dives deep into the recent US-Russia talks with Vladimir Putin. He reveals the failure of peace negotiations and discusses competing peace proposals from the Kremlin and Europe. Lucas argues that figures like Marco Rubio are key in resisting Kremlin narratives, while also addressing the implications of NATO's heightened military support for Ukraine. Tune in for insights on how internal US dynamics and European unity shape the ongoing conflict.

In this discussion, Malcolm Nance, an intelligence and foreign policy analyst with extensive experience in Ukraine, reveals the brutal realities of Russia's military strategies, likening their operations to a 'meat grinder.' He warns that Putin's desperation to regain control over Donbas reflects his chaotic mindset. Nance critiques the Trump team's financial motives in negotiations, suggesting a dangerous mix of real-estate interests and diplomacy. He also highlights the psychological tactics employed by Russia to manipulate public opinion and foreign policy.

Jimmy Rushton, a Kiev-based journalist and foreign policy expert, offers keen insights into the dynamics of Ukraine and the U.S. meeting in Miami. He shares how Ukrainians perceive land concessions as betrayal, emphasizing their staunch position against territorial giveaways. Rushton critiques the notion of Trump's peace plan as a mere business deal for Russia and highlights the significant role of U.S. security guarantees. He also discusses Ukraine's effective strikes on Russian energy, showcasing their advanced drone capabilities, and reflects on how history will view Ukraine's resilient forces.