After months of what seemed to be a stalled if not utterly failing Trump effort to end the Ukraine War, developments on this front have been hurtling at a breakneck speed this week. As of Tuesday there was still an expectation that the President might be able to announce something big as America’s turkeys and pumpkin pies were landing on groaning holiday tables this Thursday.

To say there is a lot to do before such an event could take place is an understatement. First, the backlash against Trump’s 28-point peace plan has been swift and vitriolic. Remember, the forces lined up to reject any plan that offers Russia concessions are at the levers of legacy mainstream media and in concert with Congressional megaphones and both are already promoting a narrative of appeasement and capitulation. For many Americans, this is the only message they are receiving from the media on ongoing negotiations this week.

Nevertheless, the 28-point plan has already shrunk to a 19-point plan after the Trump team met with Ukrainians in Geneva Monday. Trump officials, including fresh envoy, Secretary of Army Dan Discroll, have been meeting with Russians, too, trying to gauge what measures in either plan they will ultimately agree. It is fluid and fraught, and social media is covering it minute-to-minute so gossip, scoops, fake news and spin are all on the menu. 

Here to discuss all of this are two of the best analysts on the war and the potential end to it, Mark Episkopos and Mike Vlahos. Mark is a colleague of mine at Quincy where he is a research associate in our Eurasia program. Mike is a retired professor of military strategy and history and author of “Fighting Identity: Sacred War and World Change.”

Episode ID: 1000738486779

GUID: cd1584cf-a2e7-43fd-9022-577e2613d997

Release Date: 26/11/2025, 13:08:14