May 01, 2025
Sharper: Trump’s First 100 Days and Ukraine
The first 100 days of President Donald Trump’s second term has dramatically reoriented the United States’ relationship with its global allies and adversaries. Nowhere has this been more evident than in negotiations over the war in Ukraine. After a volatile Oval Office meeting threatened a permanent rift in the U.S.-Ukraine relationship, Ukraine and the United States this week signed a much-anticipated mineral rights deal that offers a possible pathway for continued U.S. support. Meanwhile, negotiations with Russia have stalled, prompting Trump to publicly accuse Russian President Vladimir Putin of leading him along. CNAS experts are sharpening the conversation on the prospect for peace in Ukraine and the future of American assistance. Continue reading this edition of Sharper to learn more.
Features
Brussels Sprouts | Ukraine Negotiates for Its Future
After initial negotiations between Moscow and Washington stalled, Ukraine and the United States signed a long-awaited economic deal that, while not providing security guarantees to Ukraine, did not include some initial U.S. requests that Ukraine had objected to. Charles Kupchan and Eric Ciaramella joined Brussels Sprouts to break down Washington’s role in negotiations over Ukraine and the prospects for a future peace.
Commentary | The Key to Ukraine’s Survival
The United States’ sudden, although ultimately temporary, suspension of all security assistance to Ukraine in early March raised alarms about Ukraine’s ability to defend itself. Celeste Wallander, who as assistant secretary of defense for international security affairs coordinated U.S. defense policy in support of Ukraine, argues in Foreign Affairs that the most crucial factor in determining how long and how effectively Ukraine will be able to defend against Russian attacks in the coming months will be the extent to which European powers step up to fill in any gaps.
Brussels Sprouts | The Hidden Past and Uncertain Future of the United States and Ukraine
Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the United States began to publicly send critical military aid to Ukraine. However, the U.S. was also providing targeting data and other intelligence resources that allowed the Ukrainian military to strike high-ranking Russian commanders and other priority targets. Celeste Wallander was one of the primary coordinators of U.S. support to Ukraine, and she joins Brussels Sprouts for a candid conversation on the history and future of U.S. support.
Transatlantic Security
Ukraine Negotiates for Its Future
There’s been a flurry of activity on the Ukraine front this week. Over the weekend, Donald Trump briefly met with Zelensky in Rome during ceremonies for Pope Francis’ funeral....
Transatlantic Security
The Key to Ukraine’s Survival
No one country in Europe has the financial and industrial resources to replace the United States, but together they can add up to formidable support to Ukraine....
Transatlantic Security
The Hidden Past and Uncertain Future of the U.S. and Ukraine with Celeste Wallander
Under the Trump administration, U.S. support for Ukraine is no longer guaranteed. President Trump's pause on aid and intelligence to Ukraine in March may have been brief, but ...
In the News
Commentary and Analysis from Andrea Kendall-Taylor and Celeste Wallander
Transatlantic Security
Far From Giving Ground, Putin Digs In With His Demands on Ukraine
When the Kremlin released its summary of President Vladimir V. Putin’s call Tuesday with President Trump, one thing was unmistakable: The Russian leader hadn’t retreated from ...
Transatlantic Security
In Europe’s North, Soldiers Train amid Worries over Trump’s Belief in NATO
In a forest in Latvia, just 150 miles from the Russian border, Swedish soldiers crouch among the trees, their faces smeared in green and black paint, posing as invaders agains...
Transatlantic Security
Could Ukraine Keep Fighting Even Without U.S. Support?
As Ukrainians mark the third anniversary of Russia’s horrific full-scale invasion, they have to contemplate the once unthinkable possibility that they might be abandoned by th...
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