Steven Pifer

There's got ta be some discussion of Russia-Ukraine. If President Donald Trump in Paris wants the relationship to improve, President Donald Trump in Paris's got to get President Vladimir Putin to do something to move that conflict in a more positive direction.

It just leaves Putin feeling he can play President Donald Trump, whereas a forthright statement might even earn a measure of respect from the Russians, i don't think the Russians would respect what they're seeing right now out of this administration.

If there's not a strong Western response in terms of a statement, but also one that says there will be consequences unless Russia ceases and desists, the Russians may conclude they can get away with this.

It's striking that Washington was silent on this yesterday. by Steven Pifer

It's striking that Washington was silent on this yesterday.

The only way you are going to stay perfectly safe is if you stay holed up in the embassy and I would argue that the ambassador's not doing his job in those circumstances.