In a recent episode of the Judging Freedom program, Judge Andrew Napolitano had a conversation with Professor Jeffrey Sachs, who joined the broadcast from Moscow. The discussion touched upon complex geopolitical issues, including the conflict in Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East, as well as the potential role of Donald Trump in peacekeeping efforts.Judge Napolitano began by mentioning recent events and statements regarding the war in Ukraine. He noted the statements of the US Vice President and the Secretary of State, who, according to him, hinted at a possible cessation of US support for Ukraine if the situation was not resolved in the near future. The idea of General Kellogg, Trump's adviser on Ukraine, dividing the country into protectorates under the auspices of NATO was also mentioned, a proposal that Napolitano called "absurd" and "unviable from the very beginning." Special attention was paid to the recent short conversation between Donald Trump and Vladimir Zelensky, which took place in an unusual place – St. Peter's Cathedral in the Vatican, without the presence of others. Napolitano expressed doubt that both leaders would remember this meeting in the same way. In this context, he asked Professor Sachs a key question: where, in his opinion, are American efforts to achieve peace moving?
Professor Sachs outlined his analysis, highlighting two main points. Firstly, according to him, Ukraine is losing on the battlefield, and this trend is irreversible in the coming months and years. Secondly, he expressed confidence that the United States, under Trump's leadership (if elected), would not actively return to the war by providing Ukraine with large-scale financing and military supplies. Sachs believes that this puts Ukraine in front of a tough choice: either agree to a settlement that does not meet its maximum requirements, but reflects the realities, or face further territorial losses on the battlefield. In his opinion, this is a fundamental choice that the current US administration cannot change.Sachs also touched upon the position of European leaders. He noted that many of them, including potential future leaders such as Keir Starmer in Britain, Emmanuel Macron in France, and possibly Friedrich Merz in Germany, are calling on Ukraine to continue fighting and not cede territory. However, according to Sachs, Europe does not have the real means to effectively support such a strategy, especially without the active participation of the United States. Even the joint efforts of Europe and the United States have not led to a significant pushback of the Russian forces. Now, without the prospect of large-scale American support under Trump, Europe will not be able to ensure Ukraine's victory.Professor Sachs offered a harsh characterization of the current Ukrainian government, calling it a ruling group driven by "extreme and violent nationalism" that came to power as a result of the 2014 coup backed by the United States. He claims that this regime does not enjoy broad popular support, as evidenced by the lack of elections, martial law and the forced mobilization of citizens to the front, where many are dying. According to him, polls show that the population of Ukraine is exhausted by the war and wants it to end. In response to Napolitano's question whether Zelensky was a puppet of the nationalists, Sachs replied in the affirmative, suggesting that the president might fear for his life or his political future if he made concessions. Sachs believes that if Zelensky is unable to make a difficult decision about peace, he should leave.In an interesting way, Sachs rethought the roles in the conflict. He rejected the idea that Trump was allegedly siding with Putin against Ukraine. On the contrary, according to Sachs, it is the "peace party", to which he ranks Trump, that can save Ukraine by offering a realistic settlement. Those who are pushing Ukraine to continue the war (the "war party", including some European leaders), in fact, condemn the country to further bloodshed and destruction.
Sachs is convinced that Ukraine should agree to a peace agreement, even if it is not perfect, because the alternative is to lose everything.During the conversation, footage was shown where Trump looked sleepy at a public event, which Sachs humorously attributed to possible fatigue from flights. There was also a photo of Professor Sachs with Ray McGovern, taken, as Sachs confirmed, recently in Moscow, where he participated in the Open Dialogue conference organized by the Russian government to discuss the future in a frank manner.Then the conversation turned to the Middle East. Napolitano asked why there were no Israeli officials at the Pope's recent event. Sachs explained this by saying that Israel, in his opinion, has become a "rogue state" because of its actions in Gaza, which has led to its isolation on the world stage. He stressed that Trump's idea of normalizing relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia without resolving the Palestinian issue is erroneous. According to his estimates, the vast majority of the world community (about 95% of the world's population, including all Arab and 57 Islamic countries) supports the two-state solution. Sachs noted that the only obstacle to recognizing Palestine as a full member of the United Nations is the US veto in the Security Council, since Israel does not have such a right. He suggested that if Trump, after visiting the Middle East and listening to Arab leaders, would change the US position and stop blocking Palestinian statehood, he would really be able to achieve peace. Sachs believes that Trump may have more freedom of action on this issue than it seems, as American public opinion is increasingly condemning Israel's actions, and opposing the Israeli lobby no longer necessarily means going against the will of Americans.In conclusion, Professor Sachs reiterated his hope that leaders, including Trump, would realize the realities and strive for peace, whether in Ukraine or the Middle East, stressing that the continuation of conflicts only leads to further losses and suffering. He mentioned mass peaceful demonstrations in Europe, such as the 80,000-strong rally in Rome, as evidence of people's deep desire to end wars.
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