GOP Hawks Urge Trump to Pressure Putin for Ukraine Deal

Republican hawks and former national security officials are pressing former President Donald Trump to compel Russian President Vladimir Putin toward peace negotiations by employing a more assertive strategy.

These critics argue that recent actions, such as suspending sanctions on Russian diesel exports, publicly criticizing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and potentially limiting military aid to Kyiv, could inadvertently embolden Putin's aggression.

"Our President has become Neville Chamberlain," wrote Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) on X, drawing a parallel to the British prime minister known for his appeasement policies toward Nazi Germany. Bacon advocated for a "Churchill" approach, referencing Trump's past criticisms of Zelensky during a period of strained relations.

The renewed calls follow recent Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries, which ended a temporary energy cease-fire, and disruptions in US-provided internet services for Ukraine's military, causing battlefield concerns.

"We need peace, but it has to be on terms that demonstrate that you can’t have a power like Vladimir Putin rolling through a European nation," said Mike Pompeo, former Secretary of State and CIA Director under Trump, in a Fox Business interview. He also emphasized the importance of ensuring Ukraine has the necessary resources for long-range strikes, citing reports of issues with Starlink internet services.

Members of Congress have also urged Trump to adopt a firmer stance on Russia, advocating for the full implementation of sanctions passed in a bill named for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) as a means to achieve peace.

"Putin has repeatedly shown that he responds to pressure, not goodwill," Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas) stated in a bipartisan letter to Trump. "With the October 18 deadline approaching, we again urge you to implement this law fully and faithfully."

McCaul expressed concern that the recent lifting of sanctions on Russian oil could fuel further conflict. He noted that Putin's continued attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, even after Trump's call for an energy cease-fire, and indiscriminate strikes on civilian targets, demonstrate a disregard for peace and international law. McCaul asserted that full implementation of the sanctions bill is crucial to cripple Russia's war capabilities and bring Putin to the negotiating table.

Tensions between the U.S. and Ukraine have been evident, particularly after Zelensky's public defiance of Trump's call for a limited truce on oil facilities. Following Russian strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure, Zelensky stated, "The block is out. We’re done," to the Financial Times.

Ukrainian drones struck a refinery southeast of Moscow on Thursday, defying Trump's repeated requests to cease attacks on Russian refineries due to their impact on oil and diesel prices. Ukraine reported not receiving advance intelligence from the U.S. regarding Russian attacks and experienced interruptions in U.S.-facilitated Starshield internet services, critical for battlefield and drone operations.

Elon Musk, whose company operates Starlink, indicated that any usage limitations are determined by the U.S. military and the President. Trump denied halting routine intelligence sharing with Ukraine, and administration officials denied ordering a throttling of internet services, leaving these matters unclear amidst the heightened tensions.

Four Republican senators joined a Democratic senator in asking the Pentagon inspector general to investigate the cause of the internet slowdown. Ukraine's Charge D’Affaires, Denys Sienik, stated that Star Shield speeds had improved and expressed hope for a full resumption, emphasizing the critical role of speed for logistics and drone interception.

Fred Fleitz, former chief of staff for the National Security Council, believes the turning point for a peace deal will be when Putin recognizes the war's unwinnability and seeks an exit through negotiations with Trump. He suggested this should be a central theme for any discussions involving Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner with Putin.

The recent refinery strikes and internet interruptions mark further strain in U.S.-Ukraine relations. Last Friday, Trump announced the waiver of U.S. sanctions on Russian diesel to address rising prices, a move that drew criticism for potentially providing funds for Russia's war effort.

Zelensky characterized the diesel deal as "weak," leading Trump to suggest it was time for Ukraine to find a new president. Trump subsequently announced an "energy cease-fire," which Zelensky initially agreed to abide by but later expanded its scope. Zelensky accused Russia of violating the deal and ceased his participation.

Former national security officials from Democratic administrations have also voiced criticism. Daniel Shapiro, former U.S. Ambassador to Israel, suggested Trump's actions were an attempt to lower diesel prices before the midterms and to pressure Zelensky into accepting a surrender agreement. Shapiro contended that these efforts would likely fail.