Anderson Cooper 360 Ukraine Denies Drone Targeted Putin Residence
Dec 30, 2025
Jake Auchincloss, a U.S. Congressman and Marine combat veteran, discusses the moral responsibility of U.S. leadership in supporting Ukraine amidst claims of a drone attack on Putin's residence. He emphasizes the need for strength and deterrence against Russia. Beth Sanner, former deputy director of national intelligence, dives into the strategic implications of China's live-fire exercises around Taiwan and their potential testing of U.S. responses. Both guests shed light on the complex geopolitical landscape involving Russia, Venezuela, and China.
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Phone Calls Shift Diplomatic Tone
- Meetings at Mar-a-Lago produced hopeful language but no clear breakthroughs on ending the war.
- Subsequent calls with Putin appear to sway the president's public stance more than in-person meetings with Zelensky.
Use Strength To Compel Russian Seriousness
- Apply demonstrable pressure on Russia to make Putin serious about peace.
- Use targeted economic measures and military options as leverage rather than expressing sympathy for Russian damage.
Congress And EU As Strategic Backstops
- Congress and the EU represent key backstops if U.S. presidential policy shifts.
- Bipartisan legislative support and EU frozen assets could deter Russian aggression even if U.S. policy wavers.