Will Trump’s ‘imperfect plan’ for ending the Ukraine war work?

The Bottom Line Will Trump’s ‘imperfect plan’ for ending the Ukraine war work? Some European leaders feel sidelined as US mediation takes Russian priorities into consideration. After years of support from the United States for the Ukraine war to continue “as long as it takes”, the Trump administration is now pushing to end Europe’s war - quickly and imperfectly. While details are still under negotiation, they include issues such as ensuring Ukraine never joins NATO and Russia’s control over about 20 percent of Ukraine. To understand the implications for Europe, the US and their relations, host Steve Clemons speaks with Kurt Volker, Trump’s former special representative for Ukraine negotiations, and retired Colonel Heino Klinck, former director of US Army international affairs. Published On 21 Dec 2025

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