Key Takeaways
- The daily Smerconish.com poll questions whether the Russia-Ukraine conflict should be settled by accepting current front lines.
- Former President Trump reportedly urged Ukrainian President Zelensky to cede territory, a claim Trump later denied.
- The host considers a 'territorial freeze' a practical endgame, despite acknowledging its unfavorable implications for Ukraine.
- Discussion centers on the significant risks of escalating the conflict by providing Ukraine with long-range missiles.
Deep Dive
- The Smerconish.com daily poll asks if the Russia-Ukraine conflict should be settled by accepting current territorial lines as permanent.
- The host referenced a prior poll on 'No Kings' rallies, where 61.87% voted against them leading to meaningful change.
- Listeners are encouraged to vote on the current poll question, which is reintroduced later in the podcast at 10:35.
- The host argues that accepting current front lines, while 'awful for Ukraine,' could be the only practical endgame.
- This option is presented as an alternative to continued attrition or dangerous escalation of the conflict.
- The host suggests not rejecting this policy solely because it might be advocated by Donald Trump.
- A Financial Times article reported former President Trump allegedly urged President Zelensky to cede territory to Russia during a meeting.
- Trump later denied these reports, stating the conflict should remain at the current front lines.
- The host relayed a quote suggesting Ukraine cannot win back territory and should pursue diplomacy instead.
- The discussion explores the risks associated with providing Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles, likening it to 'punching the bully'.
- Concerns include the potential response from a nuclear Russia and whether a limited number of missiles would alter the battlefield outcome.
- The host questions if supplying long-range missiles would ultimately compel Putin to cede territory.