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Hour 1 - WWI with Drones

By The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

August 18, 2025

Hour 1 of The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show delivers an in-depth analysis of the high-stakes diplomacy surrounding the Russia-Ukraine war and the pivotal role of the United States in shaping the outcome. The hour begins with 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.

The hosts 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.

Clay and Buck also highlight the shifting public opinion in Ukraine, where a majority now favors negotiations over fighting until victory, signaling widespread war fatigue. They underscore the enormous financial burden on the United States and Europe, with hundreds of billions already spent and projections nearing a trillion dollars. Against this backdrop, the hosts argue that Donald Trump is uniquely positioned to mediate a resolution, framing him as the only leader with the gravitas to broker a deal that could rival the most significant diplomatic achievements in modern history. The hour closes by acknowledging the broader geopolitical stakes, including breaking news on potential ceasefire developments in the Israel-Hamas conflict, and reiterates the urgent need for a sustainable peace that prioritizes American interests while ending the bloodshed.

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This story originally appeared in The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

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