Trump's Russia Policies: Return to Normalcy or Defeat for America?

Open to Debate

As he did in this first presidential term, President Trump has continued to signal closer alignment with Vladimir Putin. This included a tense February Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, where he claimed Ukraine was responsible for the war. The U.S. also joined Russia in voting against a UN resolution condemning Russia’s action in Ukraine and Vice President Vance has called for a re-evaluation of the U.S.'s relationship with NATO. Could these actions, and others, help chart a return to a state of improved U.S.-Russia diplomatic relations or lead America toward defeat in the region and beyond? Those who argue that Trump’s actions signal a return to normalcy say that European security should be Europe’s responsibility, which could lead to a stronger, more self-sufficient NATO, and that recent years of antagonism have failed to alter Russian behavior. The Trump administration could help bring U.S.-Russia relations into constructive focus at a high-stakes moment. However, those who declare this a defeat for America argue that Trump warming up to Putin will only encourage Russian aggression, hurt Ukraine, and erode our allies’ trust.

With this background, we debate Trump’s Russia Policies: Return to Normalcy or Defeat for America?

Arguing "Defeat for America":

Bill Browder, Head of the Global Magnitsky Justice Campaign

Alina Polyakova, President and CEO of the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA)

Arguing "Return to Normalcy":

Jeffrey Sachs, Economist, Public Policy Analyst, and Professor at Columbia University

Thomas Graham, Distinguished Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations; Co-founder of Yale University’s Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies Program

Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates

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