Radio Atlantic Peace in Ukraine Is Not a Real-Estate Deal
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Aug 21, 2025 
Vivian Salama, a politics and national security writer, and Anne Applebaum, a seasoned reporter on Russia and Ukraine, unpack the complexities of international diplomacy in the Ukraine conflict. They explore President Zelensky's pivotal visit to the White House amid escalating tensions and dissect the evolving dynamics between Trump and Putin. The conversation dives into the urgent need for effective communication and the shifting alliances affecting U.S.-Russia relations, stressing that peace isn't as simple as a real-estate deal.
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How Language Becomes Leverage
- Putin floated 'ceasefire' and vague peace talks to keep leverage while continuing to fight.
- Using his language lets Russia shape outcomes without committing to stop the war.
Security Guarantees Over Simple Ceasefires
- Europeans pushed Trump to consider 'security guarantees' to prevent Russia re-invading after any pause.
- They argued that ending fighting requires a durable structure, not just a temporary truce.
Don't Start With Leaders' Summit
- Negotiate wars through incremental, low-level talks before leader summits to clarify issues.
- Reserve leaders' meetings for final agreements, not the opening or middle of negotiations.