As discussions of a possible Donald Trump-Vladimir Putin summit gain momentum, veteran journalist Marvin Kalb warns that such a meeting could have disastrous consequences for Ukraine, NATO, and global stability. Kalb, a former CBS Moscow correspondent and foreign policy expert, draws from decades of experience to argue that a poorly planned summit could backfire, much like the 1961 Kennedy-Khrushchev meeting.
Trump’s Approach to Ukraine: A Potential Game-Changer for Russia
Trump has repeatedly criticized the war in Ukraine, calling it a “bloody mess” and vowing to end it quickly. However, Kalb points out that Putin also wants the war to end—but on his own terms.
What a Trump-Putin Deal Might Look Like:
- Ceasefire in place – Russia retains control of 20% of Ukraine.
- Ukraine is blocked from NATO and the EU – The country is forced into “neutrality,” aligning with Russia instead of the West.
This outcome would mirror Putin’s goals, which Trump has appeared sympathetic to in the past.
Trump has even stated that Ukraine “may be Russian someday,” emphasizing its valuable mineral resources.
What Would Happen if Trump Strikes a Deal with Putin?
If a Trump-Putin peace deal forces Ukraine into a position of neutrality, the consequences could be severe and long-lasting:
1. Ukraine Would Be Left Defenseless
- Betrayal by the West: Ukraine has relied on U.S. and NATO support. If abandoned, Kyiv would feel betrayed.
- Guerrilla Warfare: Without NATO protection, Ukraine may continue the war through guerrilla resistance, keeping conflict alive.
2. NATO’s Credibility Would Crumble
- NATO, a historic bulwark against Russian aggression, would be severely weakened.
- European allies could lose trust in the U.S., fearing they might also be abandoned.
- Trump has previously suggested that he would “encourage” Russian aggression against NATO members who fail to meet defense spending targets.
French President Emmanuel Macron has already warned Europe to ‘wake up’ and prepare for self-defense as Trump returns.
3. China Could Be Emboldened to Attack Taiwan
- If the U.S. abandons Ukraine, China may interpret it as a signal that America won’t defend Taiwan.
- China has repeatedly threatened to invade Taiwan, and without U.S. deterrence, such an attack could become more likely.
Would the U.S. protect Taiwan more reliably than it did Ukraine? Kalb questions whether American commitment to allies is still trustworthy.
A Chilling Shift in U.S. Global Leadership
For decades, the U.S. has promised to support Ukraine “for as long as it takes.” If Trump and Putin reach a deal that favors Russia, America’s role as a global leader could vanish overnight.
- NATO could fracture, leaving Europe vulnerable to Russian aggression.
- U.S. allies worldwide might rethink their reliance on Washington, seeking security elsewhere.
- Democracy itself could suffer a major setback, with authoritarian leaders emboldened.
“This would send a chilling message that America has indeed changed,” Kalb warns.
A Trump-Putin summit without detailed preparation could have catastrophic consequences. If Trump agrees to Putin’s demands, Ukraine could be left vulnerable, NATO weakened, and U.S. global influence severely damaged. Kalb’s decades of experience suggest that history has already shown the dangers of poorly planned summits—and another miscalculation could reshape the world order in Russia’s favor.
The question remains: Will America uphold its commitments, or will it retreat from its role as a global leader?