# As Peace Talks Advance, Critics Dig In 

As peace talks between the U.S. and Ukraine show “meaningful progress,” prominent critics are intensifying opposition to any settlement.

November 25, 2025 • News Releases 

As peace talks between the U.S. and Ukraine show “meaningful progress,” prominent critics are intensifying opposition to any settlement.

Cato’s [Justin Logan](https://www.cato.org/people/justin-logan) argues in [a new blog post](https://www.cato.org/blog/peace-ukraine-going-be-ugly-trump-right-pursue-it) that these critics offer no serious plan for Russian surrender. Before the war even began, such critics pushed absurd escalations like nuclear first-strikes and no-fly zones while opposing any diplomacy.

Logan explains why Ukraine’s geography and demographics make outright victory unattainable, and why Trump’s pragmatic approach beats maximalist fantasy.

To schedule an interview, please reach out to Madison: [mmiller@​cato.​org](mailto:mmiller@cato.org).

Related Commentary:

- [If Ukraine Wants Security Guarantees, It Should Get Them from Europe](https://www.cato.org/commentary/ukraine-wants-security-guarantees-it-should-get-them-europe)
- [Justin Logan discusses the Trump administration’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine war on CNN’s *Laura Coates Live*](https://www.cato.org/multimedia/media-highlights-tv/justin-logan-discusses-president-trumps-call-russian-president)
- [High-Stakes Intel](https://www.cato.org/multimedia/cato-podcast/high-stakes-intel)
- [The Key to Success at Trump-Putin Alaska Summit on Ukraine? Low Expectations](https://www.cato.org/commentary/key-success-trump-putin-alaska-summit-ukraine-low-expectations)

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