Podcast Summary: Bulwark Takes – "Trump’s Peace Plan Is Putin’s Dream — And the GOP Backs It"

Episode Details:

• Title: Trump’s Peace Plan Is Putin’s Dream — And the GOP Backs It
• Host/Author: The Bulwark
• Release Date: April 23, 2025

1. Introduction to the US Peace Proposal

The episode opens with Andrew Egger introducing the critical issue at hand: the United States’ latest peace proposal in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Highlighting a recent move by the White House, Egger underscores that the proposed plan closely mirrors Russia’s long-standing demands, effectively signaling a significant shift in US policy towards Ukraine.

Notable Quote:

Andrew Egger [00:00]: "Vice President J.D. Vance on Wednesday called on Ukraine to accept an American peace proposal that closely mirrors long-standing Russian demands..."

2. Breakdown of the US Peace Proposal

Bill Kristol delves into the specifics of the peace proposal, explaining that it includes a freeze on territorial lines achieved during the three-year conflict, recognition of Russia’s annexation of Crimea, and a prohibition on Ukraine joining NATO. Kristol suggests that this proposal represents not just a policy shift but a potential full-scale abandonment of Ukraine by the US.

Notable Quote:

Bill Kristol [00:59]: "Maybe it's a decisive step... a coordinated attempt to say, okay, this preliminary stage of abandoning Ukraine is coming to an end."

3. Coordination Among US Politicians

Kristol highlights the coordinated efforts among prominent Republican figures like Trump, Vance, and Rubio, indicating that this alignment signals a unified front in moving towards the peace proposal. He posits that this coordination hints at a broader strategy within the GOP to distance the US from Ukraine.

Notable Quote:

Bill Kristol [00:59]: "They’re not just popping off randomly; it's a coordinated thing."

4. Analyzing the Shift from Support to Abandonment

The discussion moves to the broader implications of the US shifting from supporting Ukraine to essentially abandoning it. Kristol draws parallels to historical events, such as the UK’s abandonment of Czechoslovakia, suggesting that while the US may not be overtly pro-Russia, the act of abandonment aligns their current policy trajectory with Russia’s interests.

Notable Quote:

Bill Kristol [02:16]: "It's more of an abandonment, I would say, than anything else."

5. Putin’s Stance and Europe’s Increasing Role

Kristol notes that despite the US proposal aligning with Russian interests, Putin has not accepted it, preferring to maintain his stance on Ukraine. He further discusses Europe’s unexpected increase in support for Ukraine, filling the void left by the US’s strategic retreat. This shift raises questions about the sustainability of Ukraine’s defense without substantial American support.

Notable Quote:

Bill Kristol [02:40]: "Europe has stepped up more than I expected... They can provide a fair amount of aid to Ukraine."

6. The Future of US-Europe Alliances

The conversation explores the potential long-term effects on US-Europe relations. With the US possibly sidelining itself, Kristol questions whether Europe can maintain its support for Ukraine independently and what that means for the global international order. He emphasizes the importance of the US and Europe acting as a cohesive alliance, highlighting the challenges posed by the current US administration’s stance.

Notable Quote:

Bill Kristol [05:29]: "We need to really step up as a kind of alliance at times without the US, and that would be a huge change."

7. Republicans on the Hill: Loyalty vs. Policy

Ellaborating on the internal dynamics within the Republican Party, Kristol discusses whether GOP members on Capitol Hill will continue to support Trump’s agenda or stand up against it, especially regarding Ukraine. He notes the historical support many Republicans have shown for aiding Ukraine, even against Trump’s preferences, and speculates on whether this issue might embolden some to challenge the current leadership.

Notable Quote:

Bill Kristol [05:29]: "Ukraine is a kind of unusual one where they have a very explicit recent record... I think Republicans on the Hill might be more willing to step forward against Trump."

8. Trump’s Criticism of Zelenskyy and Its Implications

The episode transitions to discussing Donald Trump’s recent attacks on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Egger criticizes Trump for blaming Zelenskyy for the stalled peace process, arguing that Trump’s inflammatory statements not only undermine Ukraine but also exacerbate tensions, making a peaceful resolution more elusive.

Notable Quote:

Andrew Egger [09:59]: "Trump makes sure to get in that and get that in there, it’s inflammatory statements like Zelensky's that makes it so difficult to settle this war."

9. The Republican Strategy and Potential Pushback

Kristol suggests that Trump’s strategy might be an attempt to undermine bipartisan and multinational support for Ukraine by casting doubt on its leadership. He raises the possibility of a faction within the GOP pushing back against Trump’s approach, especially as the stakes for Ukraine and Europe grow higher.

Notable Quote:

Bill Kristol [12:09]: "Republicans on the Hill... it's harder for them... They don't just have to go somewhat against Trump, they have to really go full out against it."

10. Conclusion and Future Outlook

The episode concludes on a cautiously optimistic note. While the current US administration’s policies appear detrimental to Ukraine and potentially bolster Russian ambitions, there is hope that internal pressures within the Republican Party and sustained European support may counterbalance these moves. Kristol remains watchful of how Hill Republicans will respond to Trump’s continued stance on Ukraine and the broader geopolitical implications.

Notable Quote:

Bill Kristol [14:24]: "That would be courageous if a few Republicans joined with Democrats to push for that. We'll see if that happens."

Final Thoughts: This episode of Bulwark Takes offers a critical analysis of the US’s shifting stance in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, highlighting the potential ramifications of prioritizing domestic political alignment over international alliances. Through insightful commentary and detailed discussion, hosts Andrew Egger and Bill Kristol shed light on the complexities facing Ukraine, the GOP, and the broader geopolitical landscape.

Subscribe and Stay Informed: For more in-depth analyses and updates, subscribe to Bulwark Takes and visit thebulwark.com to access the "Morning Shots" newsletter co-authored by Andrew Egger and Bill Kristol.