Part 7/16:
The debate extended to the future of the conflict. Dan was bullish on the prospects of the deal holding, citing Trump’s influence as a stabilizing factor. Others warned that Russia’s territorial ambitions, especially regarding the Donbas region, and Ukraine’s possible moves toward EU integration, posed stiff challenges to a lasting peace—hinting at a potential shift in U.S. policy back toward a more conciliatory stance with Russia, a move that drew criticism from parts of the national security community.