Daily Review with Clay and Buck - Aug 18 2025

WWI with Drones

A breakdown of the Anchorage Summit in Alaska on Friday and the unprecedented gathering of European leaders at the White House today alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Clay and Buck explore the core question dominating global headlines: can there be a negotiated settlement or ceasefire? They argue that Russia’s primary objective remains territorial control, while Ukraine seeks ironclad security guarantees. The discussion draws historical parallels to the Korean Peninsula, suggesting that a demilitarized zone could be the most realistic path to peace, though such an arrangement presents enormous challenges.

Clay and Buck emphasize the complexity of providing Ukraine with credible security assurances without triggering NATO-style obligations, which remain a red line for Vladimir Putin. They question the effectiveness of sanctions, citing historical failures in Iraq and Libya, and stress that sanctions alone cannot end the war. The conversation shifts to the brutal reality on the ground, describing World War I-style trench warfare updated with modern technology, including drones and fortified defensive lines. Casualty rates are staggering, and the conflict has become a war of attrition, with Russia willing to absorb heavy losses to achieve its goals.

Trump and Zelensky

Zelensky signals readiness for a trilateral meeting with Trump and Putin, raising hopes for a diplomatic breakthrough. Trump emphasizes his commitment to ending the war “good for everybody,” while reiterating that U.S. support will come through arms sales, not giveaways. He also criticizes the Biden administration’s handling of the conflict, claiming the war would never have occurred under his leadership. Later, the discussion briefly touches on Trump’s renewed push for election integrity, including his call to eliminate mail-in ballots and electronic voting machines in favor of secure paper ballots.

American Troops to Ukraine?

President Donald Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky amid a historic summit involving top European leaders and NATO officials. This hour focuses on the high-stakes negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine war, with Trump positioning himself as a mediator and signaling the possibility of a trilateral meeting with Vladimir Putin.

Key highlights include Trump’s insistence on a long-term peace agreement, not just a short-term ceasefire, and his refusal to rule out U.S. troop involvement in Ukraine as part of potential security guarantees. The discussion explores the complexities of structuring a durable peace deal, comparing possible arrangements to the Korean DMZ model, with Ukrainian forces on the front line, European peacekeepers in secondary positions, and U.S. forces in a tertiary role safeguarding American economic interests.

Trust but Verify

Former Reagan-era defense official Frank Gaffney Jr. joins the conversation, offering insights on why security guarantees for Ukraine are critical yet challenging, the likelihood of Putin’s compliance, and the strategic necessity of holding China accountable. The hour also touches on historical parallels, the future of NATO, and the long-term implications for global security.

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