The Inside Story Podcast Is Trump negotiating Ukraine's future to favour Russia?
Nov 21, 2025
In this discussion, political analyst Alexander Bratersky, Chatham House's Samir Puri, and former U.S. diplomat Donald Jensen dissect a contentious U.S. peace framework aimed at Ukraine. They delve into how the plan seemingly favors Russia, raising concerns over its enforceability and trustworthiness. The guests explore strategic shifts in U.S. policy, the complexities of Ukraine's potential engagement with the plan, and the ambiguous security guarantees for Europe. Ethical considerations about post-war justice and the implications of rehabilitating Russia on the global stage are also vividly examined.
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Plan Tilts Toward Russian Narrative
- Donald Jensen says the plan tilts heavily toward the Russian narrative and asks Ukraine to trust an aggressor with a history of treaty violations.
- He judges the text woefully inadequate without substantial revision.
U.S. Push Aims For Face-Saving Exit For Russia
- Samir Puri argues the consistent aim of the Trump administration is to craft a face-saving exit for Russia.
- He warns accumulated political and battlefield pressure may be aimed at forcing Ukrainian concession.
Russia Uses Business Envoys To Soften Talks
- Alexander notes Russia is trying a more commercial, business-oriented diplomatic push via envoys like Kirill Dmitriev.
- He sees Moscow showing willingness to talk to secure advantageous terms.
