Marvin Kalb, a seasoned correspondent with decades of experience covering American foreign policy—from reporting in Moscow to anchoring prominent political shows—delivers a stark warning about the perils of insufficiently planned summits. Drawing on his firsthand experience from the historic 1961 meeting between President Kennedy and Soviet Premier Khrushchev, Kalb argues that without comprehensive preparation, high-level talks risk spiraling into disaster.
In his analysis, Kalb critiques the idea of a forthcoming summit between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, describing the situation as a highly problematic gamble. Both leaders have expressed a desire to end the conflict in Ukraine swiftly, yet their definitions of a resolution diverge significantly. Trump’s proposition aims for an immediate ceasefire, under which Ukraine would effectively cede a substantial portion of its territory to Russia and be precluded from joining NATO or the European Union. Instead of aligning with the West, Ukraine would be forced into a position of neutrality, effectively under Russian influence.
Kalb posits that such an arrangement, while potentially halting open warfare, would leave Ukraine feeling betrayed and isolated. The likely result would be the continuation of conflict through guerrilla warfare, undermining the trust that allies place in American commitments. Moreover, an agreement of this nature could weaken NATO, a cornerstone of Western security, and send a disconcerting message about America’s reliability as a global leader.
Beyond the immediate implications for Ukraine and NATO, Kalb warns that the broader international balance could be at risk. With America’s commitment to long-term support for Ukraine called into question, nations like China might feel emboldened to pursue aggressive actions, such as challenging Taiwan. This potential shift in global dynamics underscores the gravity of the decisions being made and the possible long-term consequences of a poorly structured peace deal.