Herbst: Kremlin Exploiting US Misjudgment Over Ukraine War (Video)

(NEW YORK) – Former US ambassador to Ukraine, John Herbst, has warned that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin is attempting to lure President Donald Trump into a false sense of control through what he described as a “Kremlin seduction campaign.” Herbst expressed deep concern that the 28 point peace plan currently under discussion could result in a weak agreement that benefits Russia more than Ukraine, potentially allowing the Kremlin to restart its war in the future.

According to Herbst, the proposed plan risks creating a “very weak peace” that could enable Putin to resume military aggression within months or years, while convincing Trump that the deal would significantly benefit the United States. “If he could persuade the United States through intermediaries like Kirill Dmitri and Steve Witkoff to accept proposals that weaken Ukraine’s position, the Russian dictator may see it as a victory,” Herbst said.

Putin has publicly warned that Russia is prepared for conflict if European nations push him, accusing European leaders of provoking tensions. Herbst suggests that the Kremlin’s strategy is designed to exploit divisions in US politics and American misunderstandings of the war in Ukraine.

Analysts have noted that previous attempts at peace initiatives often leave Ukraine at a disadvantage while giving Russia room to regroup. Herbst’s comments underscore concerns that any agreement framed as a rapid resolution could be more favourable to Moscow than Kyiv, weakening Ukraine’s negotiating power and security.

Experts also stress the danger of miscalculating Putin’s intentions, given his long record of aggression in Georgia, Crimea, and eastern Ukraine. “History shows that the Russian dictator often uses ceasefires and diplomatic talks to gain time, rebuild forces, and renew military campaigns,” Herbst noted.