Former CIA director on attempts to end war in Ukraine

 

• The conversation begins with a focus on President Trump's relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which he describes as warm and foundational for pursuing peace. However, Leon Panetta underscores that while such relationships can be beneficial, they must lead to tangible progress.
• The effectiveness of dialogue with leaders like Putin is contingent upon establishing credibility and bargaining power, especially when faced with someone whose goals may not align with your own.
• Panetta points out that Trump's credibility has been undermined by his failure to follow through on commitments, such as preventing a ceasefire or implementing promised sanctions. This lack of follow-through raises questions about the seriousness of his threats and diminishes his ability to negotiate effectively.
• The notion of "crying wolf" emerges; if leaders frequently make threats they do not act upon, it becomes challenging for opponents to take them seriously.
• Panetta emphasizes that to prompt serious negotiations with Putin, it's essential to convey a strong stance that Russia cannot win the war in Ukraine. He argues that merely discussing root causes or historical mistakes does not pressure Putin but rather plays into his narrative.
• The understanding is that direct and decisive actions, such as sanctions and military support for Ukraine, are necessary to shift the dynamics and foster a more productive dialogue toward ending the conflict.