Chaos. Confusion. Surrender. Betrayal.

Many words could describe the fiasco surrounding the leaked proposal to end the war in Ukraine, but one stands above the rest: failure.

The Trump administration has failed to defend American interests and to protect the cause of our allies. The Trump administration has failed to stand up to Russia’s maximalist demands, to conduct transparent and principled diplomacy, and to pursue a just and lasting peace rather than appeasement, capitulation, and personal gain. From bottom to top, it is failure at every level.

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What is unfolding is not a negotiation, but a successful Russian influence operation. Regardless of the eventual outcome, Russia has already gained a strategic advantage by framing the terms of the conversation. Under this framework, Ukraine either capitulates to Russian demands or loses American support. Both outcomes weaken Ukraine and fracture the transatlantic alliance that has long been the cornerstone of Western security. Timing has not been incidental. The leak emerged just as Ukraine grapples with a domestic anti-corruption crisis, while Russian forces attempt to intensify their operations near the line of contact. The illusion of imminent peace, amplified through strategic leaks and disinformation, risks eroding morale in Ukraine’s military and destabilizing its political leadership.

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