(GENEVA, SWITZERLAND) — Ukrainian representatives have entered a new round of trilateral negotiations led by the United States in Geneva as the Trump administration continues its effort to broker a ceasefire. The talks occur against a backdrop of domestic political volatility in the US, with analysts suggesting that the Republican party faces a significant electoral challenge in the upcoming 2026 midterms due to its shifting stance on European security and the ongoing invasion by the Russian dictator.
Ken Harbaugh, a former US Navy pilot and President of Valour Media Network, characterised the current American diplomatic approach as an “embarrassment” and a “stain on America’s honour”. Speaking on Times Radio, Harbaugh criticised recent comments made by the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, at the Munich Security Conference. Rubio’s assertion that armies do not fight for “abstract ideas” was described by Harbaugh as a betrayal of American history and a deep ignorance of human motivation. He further suggested that such rhetoric serves as an audition for the 2028 presidential nomination rather than a coherent foreign policy.
The Trump administration has maintained a sceptical view of North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) commitments, repeatedly arguing that European nations are failing to contribute their fair share to collective defence. Critics, however, point to nations such as Poland and Denmark, where defence spending is approaching 5% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Harbaugh noted that the only invocation of Article 5 in history followed the 11 September attacks, when European allies came to the aid of the United States. The current US demand for Europe to fund its own militaries is viewed by some as a “moral affront” to those allies.
There are growing concerns regarding the collapse of nuclear arms control. With the Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty effectively void, and uncertainty surrounding the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START), the risk of nuclear proliferation has increased. Harbaugh warned that the world is closer to a regional or accidental nuclear exchange than it has been in decades, noting that tactical nuclear weapons, rather than Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs), are the most likely flashpoint.
On the battlefield, the Russian dictator continues to employ a strategy of aerial terror, launching nearly 400 drones and missiles in a single night against Ukrainian civilian infrastructure, including preschools and hospitals. Despite these strikes, Ukrainian air defences are reportedly intercepting 92% of incoming threats. Ukraine has responded with long range drone strikes of its own, targeting legitimate military objectives such as Russian oil terminals to degrade the enemy’s ability to wage war.
The operational landscape has also been affected by the status of the Starlink satellite system. While the Russian military recently lost access to the system, concerns remain regarding the “capricious” nature of private control over essential military communications. Harbaugh emphasised that the ability of a single individual, such as Elon Musk, to unilaterally influence the security of the United States or its allies is a significant concern for 21st century military operations.
As the November 2026 midterms approach, there are allegations of the Trump regime threatening the integrity of free and fair elections. Reports of attempts to nationalise elections and the presence of intelligence officials at county election offices have raised concerns about the domestic stability of the US government. Harbaugh predicted that if the democratic process remains intact, a “tsunami” of voter opposition will significantly weaken the Trump administration and lead to a more “hawkish” Democratic party taking power in three years.
