Former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta said Thursday that President Donald Trump deserved “credit” for making a ceasefire in the war in Ukraine a possibility.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy both expressed openness to a 30-day ceasefire since Monday. Panetta told “CNN News Central” host Boris Sanchez that Trump would need to “stand strong” against Putin and use “leverage” to end the war.
WATCH:
“The key to Putin is to make clear that if he doesn’t accept this ceasefire, the United States is going to provide military aid,” Panetta said. “We’re going to provide intelligence. We’re going to provide support to Ukraine so that they can continue the fighting, and Russia will pay the price for that. That’s the hand that the president has. And hopefully he’ll exercise that because that is leverage.”
Trump paused aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine after Zelenskyy clashed with Trump and Vice President JD Vance during a Feb. 28 meeting in the Oval Office. Trump also threatened further sanctions on Russia Friday if Putin didn’t agree to negotiate for peace.
“This is a test for the president. Whether he is going to stand strong for doing the right thing or whether he caves in to Putin, that’s going to be the issue. And I hope he stands strong. He’s been able to negotiate the possibility of a clean ceasefire. That’s to his credit,” Panetta said. “He can’t now suddenly engage in a series of negotiations on a bunch of other issues that ultimately have to be left to the parties. If you start that process now, you’re going to undermine your ability to get a ceasefire now.”
“That’s going to be what the president has to make clear to Putin is that he has a chance to accept a ceasefire now,” Panetta added. “That will stop the killing. Let’s do that, and then let’s negotiate on the longer-term issues.”
The United States has sent over $174 billion in aid to Ukraine since Russia invaded on Feb. 24, 2022, including M1 Abrams tanks, MIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missiles, long-range missiles and M864 Dual-Purpose Improved Conventional Munition artillery shells.
(Featured Image Media Credit: Screenshot/Rumble/CNN)
All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.
DONATE TO BIZPAC REVIEW
Please help us! If you are fed up with letting radical big tech execs, phony fact-checkers, tyrannical liberals and a lying mainstream media have unprecedented power over your news please consider making a donation to BPR to help us fight them. Now is the time. Truth has never been more critical!
- Police chief who groveled after discussing ‘East African crime’ panders to Somalis again - December 17, 2025
- Ilhan Omar whines about ICE operations in Minneapolis - December 17, 2025
- ‘It’s all bullsh*t’: Tim Walz goes on anti-Second Amendment rant - December 17, 2025
Comment
We have no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, profanity, vulgarity, doxing, or discourteous behavior. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain fruitful conversation.
BPR INSIDER COMMENTS
Scroll down for non-member comments or join our insider conversations by becoming a member. We'd love to have you!
