Consider This from NPR: Can Trump Get Putin to Make a Deal?

Release Date: August 14, 2025

In this compelling episode of NPR's Consider This, host Mary Louise Kelly delves into the intricate and high-stakes dynamics between former President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Set against the backdrop of ongoing conflicts and evolving military strategies, the episode explores whether Trump can leverage his unique relationship with Putin to broker a peace deal in Ukraine.

1. Historical Context of US-Russia Relations

Mary Louise Kelly opens the discussion by providing a historical overview of American presidents' interactions with Vladimir Putin:

• George W. Bush: Met with Putin 28 times (00:00)
• Barack Obama: Sat down with Putin nine times, aiming to enhance security and prosperity for both nations (00:12)
• Joe Biden: Met with Putin only once, reflecting a more restrained approach (00:23)

Greg Myre reflects on his meetings with Putin during this period, stating, “I was able to get a sense of his soul. He's a man deeply committed to his country and the best interests of his country. And I appreciated so very much the frank dialogue” (00:12).

Despite these efforts, past administrations struggled to steer Russia toward democracy, leading to Russia's expansionist actions, including the wars in Georgia and Ukraine.

2. The Escalation of the Ukraine Conflict

The episode shifts focus to the ongoing war in Ukraine, highlighting the significant escalation in drone warfare:

Mary Louise Kelly notes, “The Russian president says a military operation is now in eastern Ukraine. Tonight, his troops are holding firm in a corner of Ukraine known as Crimea” (00:59).

Greg Myre explains the surge in drone attacks: “Russia has been learning and is now unleashing large numbers of drones against Ukraine almost every night. Last month, Russia sent an average of more than 200 drones per night” (04:08). On peak nights, attacks have exceeded 700 drones (04:08).

2.1 Development and Deployment of Russian Drones

Omar Algosbi provides insights into Russia's rapid enhancement of its drone capabilities:

• Initially, drones were limited to reconnaissance roles during the early stages of the invasion in February 2022.
• With assistance from France and technological inputs from Iran, Russia transformed these drones from propeller to jet-powered, increasing their speed and range (05:30).
• Mass production facilities, notably in the Republic of Tatarstan, and collaboration with civilian hobbyists have enabled Russia to deploy hundreds of drones nightly (05:51).

Algosbi adds, “Russia has made no secret of it. The Defense Ministry here has run lengthy film documentaries that take viewers really inside the operation. They’re using it as a propaganda tool” (07:44).

2.2 Ukraine's Countermeasures and Offensive Strategies

Greg Myre discusses Ukraine's defensive and offensive strategies:

• Defensive Measures: Ukraine employs a combination of helicopters, fighter jets, electronic jamming, machine guns, ground-launched missiles, and defensive drones to intercept incoming Russian drones. However, the volume of attacks still overwhelms defenses (06:47).

• Offensive Tactics: Ukraine has intensified strikes on Russian infrastructure, targeting oil refineries and railway stations to disrupt supply lines. Recently, a significant oil refinery in Volgograd was hit, igniting large fires (08:46).

• Innovation in Defense: There is a push to develop defensive drones capable of intercepting offensive ones, with President Volodymyr Zelensky advocating for the production of a thousand interceptors daily, requiring substantial investment (07:44).

3. The Trump-Putin Summit in Anchorage

As the episode progresses, focus shifts to the imminent summit between Trump and Putin in Anchorage, Alaska:

Mary Louise Kelly describes Anchorage's strategic location, equidistant from Moscow and Washington D.C., setting the stage for the high-profile meeting (03:06).

Greg Myre suggests that Trump is keenly interested in resolving the conflict, stating, “I think he wants to get it done. I really feel he, he wanted the whole thing. I think if it weren't me, it was somebody else, he would be not talking to anybody” (01:30).

The central question posed is whether Trump's personal rapport with Putin can lead to a breakthrough in ending the prolonged and escalating conflict in Ukraine.

4. Implications for US Drone Warfare Strategy

In a broader context, the episode examines how drone warfare fits into Russia's overall military strategy:

Omar Algosbi shares an anecdote from the Victory Day event in Moscow, highlighting the prominent display of drones alongside traditional military hardware: “This year there was a new addition, a flatbed truck hauling drones across the square” (09:24).

This signifies a shift in Russian military pride, placing drones at the forefront of their strategic capabilities, underscoring their importance in modern warfare.

5. Conclusion and Future Outlook

Mary Louise Kelly wraps up the episode by emphasizing the high stakes of the Trump-Putin summit and its potential impact on global geopolitics:

• The ability of Trump to negotiate a peace deal could reshape the conflict landscape in Ukraine.
• The ongoing drone arms race underscores the evolving nature of modern warfare and the critical need for innovative defensive and offensive technologies.

Greg Myre and Charles Mains, NPR’s correspondents in Kyiv and Moscow respectively, provide on-the-ground perspectives that enrich the analysis, offering listeners a nuanced understanding of the conflict's complexities.

Notable Quotes

• Greg Myre: “I was able to get a sense of his soul. He's a man deeply committed to his country and the best interests of his country. And I appreciated so very much the frank dialogue.” (00:12)

• Greg Myre: “Russia has been learning and is now unleashing large numbers of drones against Ukraine almost every night.” (04:08)

• Omar Algosbi: “Russia has made no secret of it. They’re using it as a propaganda tool.” (08:38)

• Greg Myre: “I think he wants to get it done. I really feel he, he wanted the whole thing.” (01:30)

This episode of Consider This offers an in-depth exploration of the persistent challenges and strategic maneuvers in US-Russia relations, particularly focusing on the potential for diplomatic resolutions amidst ongoing military conflicts. Through expert insights and firsthand accounts, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the geopolitical tensions shaping our world today.