The President’s Daily Brief: Afternoon Bulletin

Date: December 15, 2025
Host: Mike Baker

Overview

This episode of The President’s Daily Brief brings listeners up to speed on two breaking international stories with significant global repercussions: Ukraine’s landmark proposal to abandon its bid for NATO membership in a bid to secure security guarantees, and a deadly terror attack targeting a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, Australia. Host Mike Baker analyzes these stories’ broader implications for geopolitics and counterterrorism, explaining their importance in a direct, concise tone.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Ukraine’s Historic NATO Concession

(Segment begins ~01:08)

• Background:
  Baker opens by outlining a “major shift at the negotiating table” regarding the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has indicated that Ukraine is prepared to abandon its long-standing ambition to join NATO, which is currently enshrined in the country’s constitution.

  “[Zelensky] is now saying Ukraine is prepared to give up its ambition of joining NATO… Discarding that goal would require a formal constitutional amendment.” (02:00)

• Rationale & Context:
  This strategic pivot is framed as Ukraine’s most significant concession since the full-scale Russian invasion began. Baker emphasizes how this meets one of Russia’s central demands—blocking NATO expansion.

• Terms of the Concession:

  • The offer is not unilateral; Ukraine seeks “binding security guarantees,” similar to NATO’s Article 5 mutual defense, from Western partners:

    “Zelensky isn’t offering neutrality for free. What Ukraine wants instead are binding security guarantees. Actual ones, real ones… in writing and legally binding.” (03:26)

  • These guarantees would need to be robust, covering international backing from the US, European partners, and others like Canada and Japan.

  • Critical distinction: Ukraine is not offering territorial concessions or disarmament.

    “Ukraine is not agreeing to cede territory that it still controls. It’s not withdrawing from the Donbass. It’s not endorsing Moscow’s demand for a neutral Ukraine stripped of defensive capabilities.” (04:42)

• Negotiation Dynamics:
  The timing coincides with high-level talks in Germany featuring US negotiators and envoy Steve Witkoff (appointed by President Trump). The gesture is positioned as Ukraine “demonstrat[ing] seriousness, flexibility, and willingness to meet the US halfway while still protecting its core interests.” (05:10)

• Future Uncertainties:
  Baker frames the central question going forward:

  “If NATO membership was truly the obstacle to peace… then Ukraine has just removed that obstacle. And what happens next will tell us a lot about Moscow’s real intentions.” (05:45)

  He notes there is “no indication that Putin is prepared to reciprocate,” highlighting continued Russian strikes and inflexible negotiating stances.

• Implications for US Policy:
  Baker points to the Trump Administration’s posture—alleging Kyiv is seen as the persistent “roadblock to peace”—and speculates on whether this shift will prompt a reassessment of US policy if Russia fails to offer reciprocal concessions:

  “…if Putin doesn’t respond in some meaningful fashion to this NATO concession by Kyiv, it might be time for the White House to stop pretending that Putin is interested in peace.” (06:31)

2. Attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach

(Segment resumes ~09:59)

• Incident Recap:
  Authorities confirm that the deadly attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach was a terror assault carried out by a father and son, Sajid and Navid Akram, during a Hanukkah celebration.

  “…the two men who opened fire on a Hanukkah celebration were a father and son who had been monitored over suspected Islamic State ties years before… Australia’s deadliest antisemitic attack.” (10:09)

• Casualty Summary:

  • 15 people confirmed dead, over 40 injured, including two police officers.
  • Sajid Akram was shot dead at the scene; Navid Akram critically wounded and under heavy guard.

• Links to Islamist Extremism:
  Both attackers reportedly pledged allegiance to ISIS; ISIS flags and IEDs found in their vehicle.

  “…both attackers allegedly pledged allegiance to the Islamic State and two ISIS flags were found inside a vehicle. While that’s kind of a clue…” (11:06)

• Background Checks and Security Lapses:
  Navid Akram was previously investigated (2019) for ISIS connections but cleared after six months due to perceived lack of “immediate threat.” Baker notes the investigation’s short duration is now facing scrutiny:

  “Yeah, and apparently nothing was done about it. As you can assume that clearance is now under intense scrutiny.” (11:45)

  The cell Navid was linked with had members later convicted for ISIS activity. The father, Sajid, had lived in Australia since 1998 and legally owned six firearms.

• Wider Investigations & International Implications:

  • Links are being probed with earlier Iranian-backed terror plots against Jewish targets in Australia, foreshadowed by Mossad warnings.
  • No direct operational link to Iran or the Quds Force is confirmed, but Baker underscores that the “timing, targets and ideological signals are… being closely scrutinized.” (13:47)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Ukraine is saying this: If we can’t be inside NATO, we still need NATO-level protection.” (03:45)
• “If Putin still refuses to engage at this point, it will be interesting to see if that changes the current White House perspective.” (06:21)
• On the failed monitoring of Navid Akram:
  “Apparently nothing was done about it. As you can assume, that clearance is now under intense scrutiny.” (11:45)
• On father Sajid’s profile:
  “Despite that relatively unremarkable travel history, Sajid was a licensed firearm owner for roughly a decade, legally possessing six guns.” (12:28)
• On the terrorism warnings:
  “According to the Times of Israel, the massacre came roughly one month after Mossad notified Australian intelligence about Islamic Republic-backed terror infrastructure planning attacks on Jewish targets in the country.” (13:13)

Important Timestamps

• 01:08 — Ukraine signals willingness to abandon NATO ambition.
• 03:26 — Terms of Ukrainian offer: demands for binding security guarantees.
• 05:45 — Baker’s analysis: What does this move mean for Moscow’s intentions?
• 06:31 — Potential ramifications for US policy and Trump administration approach.
• 09:59 — Report on the Bondi Beach attack: attackers’ identities and ISIS connections.
• 11:45 — Akram investigation shortcomings and counterterrorism context.
• 13:13 — International terror links and Mossad warnings.
• 13:47 — Emphasis on continuing investigation and potential implications.

Conclusion

This episode provides a compact yet comprehensive update on two fast-developing crises: Ukraine’s dramatic peace overture to Russia and the aftermath of a major terrorist attack in Australia. Baker frames both stories as pivotal, urging listeners to watch for the international responses that will shape their outcomes.

For questions or comments, listeners are invited to contact host Mike Baker at pdb@thefirsttv.com.