“European leaders have emerged as a critical line of defense in Trump’s recklessness”. Absolutely, and that’s why they were in Washington yesterday. They know their security is contingent upon Ukraine’s security. Admitting Ukraine into NATO would help the situation but remains to be seen. Putin played Trump like a fiddle. Now all we hear is Trump’s tiny violin 🎻
Wake up America. We are now living in a Fascist state. What Mr. Malinowski is saying to me is that America is now losing control over our very democracy.
He, (Trump) MUST be stopped NOW. Talking about security guarantees is long over productive. He must be indicted and taken out of office, NOW.
Too many American patriots have fought and died to preserve our democracy. ACT NOW!!
Agree, Tom Malinowski brought light to a dark and murky situation.
But, the depth and rigor of his examination leaves little room for wishful thinking. Like if only the US resumes military aid or the Europeans step up, that Ukraine will win. Tom Malinowski's thoughts on where we go from here make a Ukraine "win" seem like uninformed and foolish thinking.
A useful suggestion that Congress speak out NOW and be taken into account by Putin in his calculations about a peace deal. Well, that would be a first in this administration.
Overall, a pretty bleak review. Ukraine's trust in the US has been betrayed. Russia gambled on US/European weakness and seems to have won.
I'm learning as I go so there is a good chance I could be wrong. But this was a conversation that did not leave me feeling hopeful. But still grateful to the Contrarian and Tom Malinowski.
Wow. That was so informative and helpful. I hope Mr. Malinowski returns as this situation unfolds. Really helped me to understand all the implications.
Just as Trump is changing what has been done before him, so can the next president change things. There is no continuity here because we have different basic ideas of what this country is about.. We swing with our polarity especially wider, more extreme, as we get farther apart it *by design of the captured GOP, the *MAGA leaders* who are literally at war with the left, the Democrats they call radical ( when they are the radicals) as never before in our lifetimes that I remember. So we are in no shape to make any agreements or to even preside over a peace agreement of Trump and Putin's making especially without Ukraine. Malinowski's possible resolution regarding Ukraine no longer fighting for certain territory but *without conceding* that territory sounds reasonable. But there has to be a lot else that is guaranteed in such a ceasefire or armistice..concrete guarantees. That is why the Euro presence now and from now on is important for any so called peace deals.
Anne Applebaum has a good commentary on the Atlantic:
I think the Europeans are much more realistic about Trump being a Putin asset than Americans are. Our journalists/media talk about the heads of state meeting, then Trump showing an iota of humanity to Zelensky, and saying, "maybe things will change." No, actually, they won't - we can expect Trump to side with Putin because that is his history. Putin has something on him whether it's financial, sexual, corruption or all three. The only question is, when will Americans decide to do something about - and I'm talking about those Americans in a position to actually intervene - not those of us out there protesting, writing ....
Clear explanation of how negotiations should work and exhibition of lack of diplomatic steps that should be followed. We so need more of Tom in our government. Thanks for such a learned interview.
Sobering and straight delivery by Tom Malinowski. His information and manor of delivery left no doubt of the need for our nations awareness and alarm over Trump and regimes dangerous alignment with Putin’s ideals and trivialization and dismissal of the importance of Ukraine‘s sovereignty and the need for our allies and NATO to be partners with us.
“European leaders have emerged as a critical line of defense in Trump’s recklessness”. Absolutely, and that’s why they were in Washington yesterday. They know their security is contingent upon Ukraine’s security. Admitting Ukraine into NATO would help the situation but remains to be seen. Putin played Trump like a fiddle. Now all we hear is Trump’s tiny violin 🎻
This was so enlightening. And Tom Malinowski is an American treasure. I can't wait until we can have people like him in an administration.
Thanks Jen for having these interviews!!
Wake up America. We are now living in a Fascist state. What Mr. Malinowski is saying to me is that America is now losing control over our very democracy.
He, (Trump) MUST be stopped NOW. Talking about security guarantees is long over productive. He must be indicted and taken out of office, NOW.
Too many American patriots have fought and died to preserve our democracy. ACT NOW!!
Tomorrow is too late.
Would be good to find out if Congress is still alive and will support Ukraine.
Very honest informative. We have a pathological sociopath in the white house.
He is a twin to Hitler and Putin. Hitler had the Jews. Trump has immigrants gays
and non white christians he can go after with Heritage and the Fedelist society help.
He is cultivating HATE FEAR and we need to stand up and stop it.
Agree, Tom Malinowski brought light to a dark and murky situation.
But, the depth and rigor of his examination leaves little room for wishful thinking. Like if only the US resumes military aid or the Europeans step up, that Ukraine will win. Tom Malinowski's thoughts on where we go from here make a Ukraine "win" seem like uninformed and foolish thinking.
A useful suggestion that Congress speak out NOW and be taken into account by Putin in his calculations about a peace deal. Well, that would be a first in this administration.
Overall, a pretty bleak review. Ukraine's trust in the US has been betrayed. Russia gambled on US/European weakness and seems to have won.
I'm learning as I go so there is a good chance I could be wrong. But this was a conversation that did not leave me feeling hopeful. But still grateful to the Contrarian and Tom Malinowski.
Wow. That was so informative and helpful. I hope Mr. Malinowski returns as this situation unfolds. Really helped me to understand all the implications.
Malinowski is very good.. Thank you for this.
Just as Trump is changing what has been done before him, so can the next president change things. There is no continuity here because we have different basic ideas of what this country is about.. We swing with our polarity especially wider, more extreme, as we get farther apart it *by design of the captured GOP, the *MAGA leaders* who are literally at war with the left, the Democrats they call radical ( when they are the radicals) as never before in our lifetimes that I remember. So we are in no shape to make any agreements or to even preside over a peace agreement of Trump and Putin's making especially without Ukraine. Malinowski's possible resolution regarding Ukraine no longer fighting for certain territory but *without conceding* that territory sounds reasonable. But there has to be a lot else that is guaranteed in such a ceasefire or armistice..concrete guarantees. That is why the Euro presence now and from now on is important for any so called peace deals.
Anne Applebaum has a good commentary on the Atlantic:
gift article link. I hope this works for you https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2025/08/trump-putin-ukraine-talks/683899/?gift
Jen great session , Tom Malinowski is a Star. Love to see more of him out there.
I think the Europeans are much more realistic about Trump being a Putin asset than Americans are. Our journalists/media talk about the heads of state meeting, then Trump showing an iota of humanity to Zelensky, and saying, "maybe things will change." No, actually, they won't - we can expect Trump to side with Putin because that is his history. Putin has something on him whether it's financial, sexual, corruption or all three. The only question is, when will Americans decide to do something about - and I'm talking about those Americans in a position to actually intervene - not those of us out there protesting, writing ....
Clear explanation of how negotiations should work and exhibition of lack of diplomatic steps that should be followed. We so need more of Tom in our government. Thanks for such a learned interview.
As usual, Tom, your comments are razor-sharp. Great post-Alaska analysis!
Sobering and straight delivery by Tom Malinowski. His information and manor of delivery left no doubt of the need for our nations awareness and alarm over Trump and regimes dangerous alignment with Putin’s ideals and trivialization and dismissal of the importance of Ukraine‘s sovereignty and the need for our allies and NATO to be partners with us.
Excellent discussion! Thank you.
Discussions with him are always informative and worthwhile