Opinion | The ‘Useful Idiots’ From America Whom Putin Is Playing Like a Flute

Summary

The author argues that President Trump and certain aides to Russia are professing to want an end to the Ukraine conflict but are effectively aiding Moscow by misrepresenting negotiations and undermining Ukrainian sovereignty. The piece highlights perceived compromises and echoes Russia’s messaging, suggesting that real peace would require concessions from both sides, even if uncomfortable.

Key arguments

The authorship asserts that Trump and his envoys to Russia, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, claim to want to halt the Ukraine conflict but are described as failing to do so.
It contends there is a dynamic in which American figures appear to align with Russian narratives, potentially shaping public perception of the war’s prospects.
The piece emphasizes that achieving peace would demand concessions from both Russia and Ukraine, and that neither side is on the verge of surrender.
Counterpoints are raised about media representations, suggesting that some summaries of discussions may not reflect the full complexity of the negotiations.

Quotes

“They sincerely want to stop the killing in Ukraine, but they are failing…”
“Both sides are going to have to give up something in order to get to the table, in order to make this happen.”

Note: The article discusses how U.S. actors’ stances interact with Russian messaging and what peace might realistically entail, without endorsing any particular outcome.

Author’s takeaway

Peace would require compromise from both sides, and public discourse should reflect the nuanced realities of negotiations rather than absolute positions.

Author’s summary (120–200 characters): The piece contends that U.S. figures echo Russian lines while real peace hinges on mutual concessions, not surrender or maximal demands.

The New York Times — 2025-12-04

Summary

Key arguments

Quotes

Author’s takeaway

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