A plaque on the table of Russian delegation is seen before the Russia - NATO talks in Brussels, Belgium. © Sputnik / Alexey Vitvitsky
Axios: Sullivan seeks advice from Russia hawks ahead of talks on Ukraine
A group of Russia experts urged National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan to send more arms to the Ukrainians when he spoke with them ahead of this week’s high-stakes diplomatic meetings with Russian officials, participants told Axios.
Why it matters: By soliciting advice from the hawkish pockets in the foreign policy establishment, including those who served under former President Trump, the Biden administration is considering all options while weighing how to discourage Russian President Vladimir Putin from invading Ukraine — and punish him if he does.
* "It’s always smart to engage with outsiders. There’s never a downside,” said Michael McFaul, a National Security Council official under President Obama who later served as ambassador to Russia.
* “Jake is not afraid to interact with specialists, including those who may disagree with him,” said McFaul, who declined to confirm last Monday's videoconference or his participation in it.
* Officials routinely meet with outside Russia experts with a diverse set of views and have welcomed "their expertise as we address this crisis," NSC spokesperson Emily Horne told Axios.
Read more ....
Update: Biden Seeking Advice From Russia Hawks On How To Handle Ukraine Talks (Zero Hedge)
WNU Editor: Getting advice from neocons. When does that end well?
But this desire by the administration to get advice from groups that have failed miserably in protecting US national security interests tells me that the White House really has no strategy on how to deal with Russia.
And it shows.
Monday's U.S. - Russia meeting did not end well, and today's NATO - Russian meeting found no common ground .... Russia & NATO fail to find common ground – Moscow (RT).
And while there are hints of future talks .... No Ukraine breakthrough, but NATO and Russia eye more talks (AP), I am not optimistic that there will be progress.