Dan Fried
@ambdanfried.bsky.social
Veteran diplomat now with the Atlantic Council. America’s values & interests are indivisible, as Lincoln taught us. Believer in a Free World strategy, informed by tactical realism and strategic determination.
The bold (Venezuela), the bad (Greenland) and the constructive (Ukraine) in Trump’s foreign policy moves this first week of 2026. I try to unpack:
www.justsecurity.org/128167/trump...
www.justsecurity.org/128167/trump...
Trump’s New Year Foreign Policy: A Mix of Bold, Bad, Constructive
Trump’s foreign policy remains an inconsistent array of initiatives and adventures including in Latin America, Greenland, and Ukraine.
www.justsecurity.org
January 8, 2026 at 2:53 PM
The bold (Venezuela), the bad (Greenland) and the constructive (Ukraine) in Trump’s foreign policy moves this first week of 2026. I try to unpack:
www.justsecurity.org/128167/trump...
www.justsecurity.org/128167/trump...
Reposted by Dan Fried
Pres. Trump’s foreign policy, on full display over multiple fronts in the year’s first week, remains an inconsistent array of initiatives and adventures, writes @ambdanfried.bsky.social.
Assessing the bold, the bad, and the constructive actions to date:
#Venezuela #Greenland #RussiaUkraineWar
Assessing the bold, the bad, and the constructive actions to date:
#Venezuela #Greenland #RussiaUkraineWar
Trump’s New Year Foreign Policy: A Mix of Bold, Bad, Constructive
Trump’s foreign policy remains an inconsistent array of initiatives and adventures including in Latin America, Greenland, and Ukraine.
www.justsecurity.org
January 8, 2026 at 2:14 PM
Pres. Trump’s foreign policy, on full display over multiple fronts in the year’s first week, remains an inconsistent array of initiatives and adventures, writes @ambdanfried.bsky.social.
Assessing the bold, the bad, and the constructive actions to date:
#Venezuela #Greenland #RussiaUkraineWar
Assessing the bold, the bad, and the constructive actions to date:
#Venezuela #Greenland #RussiaUkraineWar
The Emancipation Proclamation came into effect on this day, 1863. Lincoln transformed the Civil War from a war of restoration into a war of liberation. The Stars & Stripes became “the flag that makes you free.” Lest we forget.
January 1, 2026 at 3:15 PM
The Emancipation Proclamation came into effect on this day, 1863. Lincoln transformed the Civil War from a war of restoration into a war of liberation. The Stars & Stripes became “the flag that makes you free.” Lest we forget.
To end the Russo-Ukraine, the US & Europe will have to push Russia more. The tools - economic and otherwise - are available.
The 20-point plan the US & Ukraine are working could work. That’s why the Kremlin is trying to spike it with accusations that Ukraine is attacking one of Putin’s palaces.
www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/202...
www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/202...
Opinion | Trump looks surprisingly close to securing a good Ukraine deal
When Putin balks, Russia should pay the price.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 29, 2025 at 11:45 PM
To end the Russo-Ukraine, the US & Europe will have to push Russia more. The tools - economic and otherwise - are available.
The 20-point plan the US & Ukraine are working could work. That’s why the Kremlin is trying to spike it with accusations that Ukraine is attacking one of Putin’s palaces.
www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/202...
www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/202...
Opinion | Trump looks surprisingly close to securing a good Ukraine deal
When Putin balks, Russia should pay the price.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 29, 2025 at 11:43 PM
The 20-point plan the US & Ukraine are working could work. That’s why the Kremlin is trying to spike it with accusations that Ukraine is attacking one of Putin’s palaces.
www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/202...
www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/202...
What’s in the new US National Security Strategy. My @atlanticcouncil.bsky.social colleagues & I go through the good (there’s a bit), the bad, and the ugly.
www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/new-at...
www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/new-at...
Experts react: What Trump’s National Security Strategy means for US foreign policy
Atlantic Council experts delve into the newly released document outlining the Trump administration’s principles and priorities for US foreign policy.
www.atlanticcouncil.org
December 5, 2025 at 11:52 PM
What’s in the new US National Security Strategy. My @atlanticcouncil.bsky.social colleagues & I go through the good (there’s a bit), the bad, and the ugly.
www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/new-at...
www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/new-at...
Putin stiffed the US peace plan. Here’s how the US should respond: stop negotiating with ourselves and increase the pressure on the Kremlin.
time.com/7338224/trum...
time.com/7338224/trum...
Why the U.S.-Russia Ukraine Talks Failed
President Trump is right to push for peace. But his administration are bad at negotiating with Vladimir Putin, writes Daniel Fried.
time.com
December 3, 2025 at 3:28 PM
Putin stiffed the US peace plan. Here’s how the US should respond: stop negotiating with ourselves and increase the pressure on the Kremlin.
time.com/7338224/trum...
time.com/7338224/trum...
Pushing hard for a sustainable deal to end the Russo-Ukraine war is good. Racing to close any deal risks being played. As we see with Steve Witkoff.
kyivindependent.com/when-you-wan...
kyivindependent.com/when-you-wan...
When you want it bad, you get it bad: Steve Witkoff and the US push to end the war
"When you want it bad, you get it bad." That’s how one of my colleagues on the Clinton National Security Council staff described the problem when a U.S. administration chases after an objective so har...
kyivindependent.com
November 27, 2025 at 12:04 AM
Pushing hard for a sustainable deal to end the Russo-Ukraine war is good. Racing to close any deal risks being played. As we see with Steve Witkoff.
kyivindependent.com/when-you-wan...
kyivindependent.com/when-you-wan...
Secretary Rubio is in Geneva to work through the weak plan with key Europeans and the Ukrainians. Good to sort out (& hopefully improve) the plan w/o yet more Russian input. Steep path to that goal, but Rubio has depth on the issues.
The US peace plan for Ukraine is a hot mess. Ukraine is under pressure to accept. But they don’t have to chose between surrender & defiance. Here’s how:
www.justsecurity.org/125365/ukrai...
www.justsecurity.org/125365/ukrai...
Ukraine’s Zelenskyy Has Options in Response to Latest U.S.-Russian 'Peace Plan'
The plan is a mess, but Ukrainians are right to try to work with the draft rather than reject it out of hand.
www.justsecurity.org
November 22, 2025 at 10:53 PM
Secretary Rubio is in Geneva to work through the weak plan with key Europeans and the Ukrainians. Good to sort out (& hopefully improve) the plan w/o yet more Russian input. Steep path to that goal, but Rubio has depth on the issues.
The US peace plan for Ukraine is a hot mess. Ukraine is under pressure to accept. But they don’t have to chose between surrender & defiance. Here’s how:
www.justsecurity.org/125365/ukrai...
www.justsecurity.org/125365/ukrai...
Ukraine’s Zelenskyy Has Options in Response to Latest U.S.-Russian 'Peace Plan'
The plan is a mess, but Ukrainians are right to try to work with the draft rather than reject it out of hand.
www.justsecurity.org
November 22, 2025 at 1:19 PM
The US peace plan for Ukraine is a hot mess. Ukraine is under pressure to accept. But they don’t have to chose between surrender & defiance. Here’s how:
www.justsecurity.org/125365/ukrai...
www.justsecurity.org/125365/ukrai...
Reposted by Dan Fried
The draft US-Russia “peace plan” for #Ukraine is a “hot mess,” writes @ambdanfried.bsky.social.
But Ukrainian Pres. Zelenskyy is right to try to work with it rather than reject it outright, Fried says, offering some possible negotiating pointers:
www.justsecurity.org/125365/ukrai...
But Ukrainian Pres. Zelenskyy is right to try to work with it rather than reject it outright, Fried says, offering some possible negotiating pointers:
www.justsecurity.org/125365/ukrai...
Ukraine’s Zelenskyy Has Options in Response to Latest U.S.-Russian 'Peace Plan'
The plan is a mess, but Ukrainians are right to try to work with the draft rather than reject it out of hand.
www.justsecurity.org
November 21, 2025 at 10:07 PM
The draft US-Russia “peace plan” for #Ukraine is a “hot mess,” writes @ambdanfried.bsky.social.
But Ukrainian Pres. Zelenskyy is right to try to work with it rather than reject it outright, Fried says, offering some possible negotiating pointers:
www.justsecurity.org/125365/ukrai...
But Ukrainian Pres. Zelenskyy is right to try to work with it rather than reject it outright, Fried says, offering some possible negotiating pointers:
www.justsecurity.org/125365/ukrai...
Reposted by Dan Fried
President Trump’s shifts on the #RussiaUkraineWar baffle Ukraine and its neighbors concerned about Putin’s aggression toward Europe.
@ambdanfried.bsky.social examines lessons from history to “make sense of current turmoil.”
@ambdanfried.bsky.social examines lessons from history to “make sense of current turmoil.”
Roosevelt’s Weak Hand and Trump’s Strong One in Eastern and Central Europe: Will Trump Play His Good Cards?
While the president hasn't fully sided with Putin, he hasn't used his favorable strategic position to end Russia's war on Ukraine.
www.justsecurity.org
October 22, 2025 at 12:55 PM
President Trump’s shifts on the #RussiaUkraineWar baffle Ukraine and its neighbors concerned about Putin’s aggression toward Europe.
@ambdanfried.bsky.social examines lessons from history to “make sense of current turmoil.”
@ambdanfried.bsky.social examines lessons from history to “make sense of current turmoil.”
Good that JD Vance shows exasperation w/Kremlin stonewalling on Ukraine. Better still if the US acts to increase pressure on Russia and support for Ukraine, which it can.
x.com/wartranslate...
x.com/wartranslate...
x.com
September 28, 2025 at 6:09 PM
Good that JD Vance shows exasperation w/Kremlin stonewalling on Ukraine. Better still if the US acts to increase pressure on Russia and support for Ukraine, which it can.
x.com/wartranslate...
x.com/wartranslate...
Reposted by Dan Fried
Always read @ambdanfried.bsky.social for nuanced, sober, historically-informed, pragmatic analysis that doesn't skimp on values or justice either.
Here's his latest on how the #Russia-Ukraine war could end and, crucially, what security for #Urkaine really means in practice:
👇
Here's his latest on how the #Russia-Ukraine war could end and, crucially, what security for #Urkaine really means in practice:
👇
US policy is a roller coaster. But after yesterday’s WH meetings, there is a path to greater security for Ukraine, the most critical part of ending Russia’s war of aggression.
www.justsecurity.org/119273/trump...
www.justsecurity.org/119273/trump...
Trump, Zelenskyy, European Leaders in White House Meeting: Progress Toward a Deal?
Getting to any deal between Ukraine & Russia will require the United States & Europe to stand by Ukrainians & stare down Russia's demands.
www.justsecurity.org
August 19, 2025 at 4:25 PM
Always read @ambdanfried.bsky.social for nuanced, sober, historically-informed, pragmatic analysis that doesn't skimp on values or justice either.
Here's his latest on how the #Russia-Ukraine war could end and, crucially, what security for #Urkaine really means in practice:
👇
Here's his latest on how the #Russia-Ukraine war could end and, crucially, what security for #Urkaine really means in practice:
👇
Reposted by Dan Fried
3/3 Link to @ambdanfried.bsky.social's essay at @justsecurity.org
Trump, Zelenskyy, European Leaders in White House Meeting: Progress Toward a Deal?
Trump, Zelenskyy, European Leaders in White House Meeting: Progress Toward a Deal?
Trump, Zelenskyy, European Leaders in White House Meeting: Progress Toward a Deal?
Getting to any deal between Ukraine & Russia will require the United States & Europe to stand by Ukrainians & stare down Russia's demands.
www.justsecurity.org
August 20, 2025 at 2:39 PM
3/3 Link to @ambdanfried.bsky.social's essay at @justsecurity.org
Trump, Zelenskyy, European Leaders in White House Meeting: Progress Toward a Deal?
Trump, Zelenskyy, European Leaders in White House Meeting: Progress Toward a Deal?
Reposted by Dan Fried
1/3 A revealing twist in the Ukraine diplomacy.
On the left:
On Tuesday, @ambdanfried.bsky.social anticipated that Witkoff may have missed a deceptive offering by Putin on security guarantees.
On the right:
On Wednesday, @antongerashchenko.bsky.social identifies the Russian move.
On the left:
On Tuesday, @ambdanfried.bsky.social anticipated that Witkoff may have missed a deceptive offering by Putin on security guarantees.
On the right:
On Wednesday, @antongerashchenko.bsky.social identifies the Russian move.
August 20, 2025 at 2:35 PM
1/3 A revealing twist in the Ukraine diplomacy.
On the left:
On Tuesday, @ambdanfried.bsky.social anticipated that Witkoff may have missed a deceptive offering by Putin on security guarantees.
On the right:
On Wednesday, @antongerashchenko.bsky.social identifies the Russian move.
On the left:
On Tuesday, @ambdanfried.bsky.social anticipated that Witkoff may have missed a deceptive offering by Putin on security guarantees.
On the right:
On Wednesday, @antongerashchenko.bsky.social identifies the Russian move.
US policy is a roller coaster. But after yesterday’s WH meetings, there is a path to greater security for Ukraine, the most critical part of ending Russia’s war of aggression.
www.justsecurity.org/119273/trump...
www.justsecurity.org/119273/trump...
Trump, Zelenskyy, European Leaders in White House Meeting: Progress Toward a Deal?
Getting to any deal between Ukraine & Russia will require the United States & Europe to stand by Ukrainians & stare down Russia's demands.
www.justsecurity.org
August 19, 2025 at 3:48 PM
US policy is a roller coaster. But after yesterday’s WH meetings, there is a path to greater security for Ukraine, the most critical part of ending Russia’s war of aggression.
www.justsecurity.org/119273/trump...
www.justsecurity.org/119273/trump...
Reposted by Dan Fried
A new version of realism is establishing itself in Washington. But two models from the past can reveal a better way forward, writes Daniel Fried.
Kissinger, Brzezinski, and the Promise of Realism
A cynical realism resonates today, but there is a model for fusing power and values.
foreignpolicy.com
August 4, 2025 at 3:30 PM
A new version of realism is establishing itself in Washington. But two models from the past can reveal a better way forward, writes Daniel Fried.
Reposted by Dan Fried
Trump’s Shift on #Ukraine and #Russia: @ambdanfried.bsky.social and @massdara.bsky.social explain what it means and what to look for, in conversation with Just Security’s @violagienger.bsky.social
#RussiaUkraineWar #sanctions
www.justsecurity.org/117252/podca...
#RussiaUkraineWar #sanctions
www.justsecurity.org/117252/podca...
Trump’s Shift on Ukraine and Russia
Viola Gienger is joined by Ambassador Daniel Fried and Dara Massicot to discuss Trump’s policy shift on Ukraine and its impact.
www.justsecurity.org
July 17, 2025 at 11:40 AM
Trump’s Shift on #Ukraine and #Russia: @ambdanfried.bsky.social and @massdara.bsky.social explain what it means and what to look for, in conversation with Just Security’s @violagienger.bsky.social
#RussiaUkraineWar #sanctions
www.justsecurity.org/117252/podca...
#RussiaUkraineWar #sanctions
www.justsecurity.org/117252/podca...
NATO’s Hague Summit Declaration reaffirms Article 5, notes the threat from Russia, commits Allies to 3.5% 1.5% defense spending by 2035, and reaffirms commitment to contribute to Ukraine’s defense. Not glorious but good enough. Sometimes that’s what you need.
www.nato.int/cps/en/natoh...
www.nato.int/cps/en/natoh...
The Hague Summit Declaration issued by NATO Heads of State and Government (2025)
www.nato.int
June 25, 2025 at 1:14 PM
NATO’s Hague Summit Declaration reaffirms Article 5, notes the threat from Russia, commits Allies to 3.5% 1.5% defense spending by 2035, and reaffirms commitment to contribute to Ukraine’s defense. Not glorious but good enough. Sometimes that’s what you need.
www.nato.int/cps/en/natoh...
www.nato.int/cps/en/natoh...
Reposted by Dan Fried
The Trump administration often dismisses #HumanRights as a serious factor in #ForeignPolicy.
@ambdanfried.bsky.social on history’s lessons about the risks such thinking poses to solidarity and strategic interests:
www.justsecurity.org/115191/trump...
@ambdanfried.bsky.social on history’s lessons about the risks such thinking poses to solidarity and strategic interests:
www.justsecurity.org/115191/trump...
Trump's Sidelining of Human Rights in Foreign Policy
Weakening the U.S. commitment to human rights and the tools to advance them undoubtedly will prove costly.
www.justsecurity.org
June 24, 2025 at 1:01 PM
The Trump administration often dismisses #HumanRights as a serious factor in #ForeignPolicy.
@ambdanfried.bsky.social on history’s lessons about the risks such thinking poses to solidarity and strategic interests:
www.justsecurity.org/115191/trump...
@ambdanfried.bsky.social on history’s lessons about the risks such thinking poses to solidarity and strategic interests:
www.justsecurity.org/115191/trump...
Reposted by Dan Fried
Amid pride over recent successful strikes against Russian targets, Ukrainians are realistic about what it will take to end the war – from them, Putin, and President Trump.
@ambdanfried.bsky.social reports from his latest trip to Ukraine:
www.justsecurity.org/114139/trump...
#RussiaUkraineWar
@ambdanfried.bsky.social reports from his latest trip to Ukraine:
www.justsecurity.org/114139/trump...
#RussiaUkraineWar
Can Trump Seize a Win in Ukraine?
It’s in Trump’s hands to deliver the logic of force: to rally the West, to back Ukraine, squeeze Russia, and set the stage for victory.
www.justsecurity.org
June 5, 2025 at 4:25 PM
Amid pride over recent successful strikes against Russian targets, Ukrainians are realistic about what it will take to end the war – from them, Putin, and President Trump.
@ambdanfried.bsky.social reports from his latest trip to Ukraine:
www.justsecurity.org/114139/trump...
#RussiaUkraineWar
@ambdanfried.bsky.social reports from his latest trip to Ukraine:
www.justsecurity.org/114139/trump...
#RussiaUkraineWar
Reposted by Dan Fried
WEDNESDAY 12-1pm ET @ambdanfried.bsky.social, Dafna Rand, Michael Schiffer, & @mwhanna.crisisgroup.org discuss the #DOS reorganization, #USAID, and more.
Unpack what’s happening, what’s at stake, and what lies ahead with @rcls-nyu.bsky.social
Zoom RSVP:
www.lawandsecurity.org/calendar/wha...
Unpack what’s happening, what’s at stake, and what lies ahead with @rcls-nyu.bsky.social
Zoom RSVP:
www.lawandsecurity.org/calendar/wha...
What’s Next for U.S. Diplomacy and Foreign Assistance? - Reiss Center on Law and Security
Register here The State Department has released a reorganization plan that would usher in significant changes to the way the United States conducts its diplomacy and foreign assistance, at a time of...
www.lawandsecurity.org
May 13, 2025 at 3:59 PM
WEDNESDAY 12-1pm ET @ambdanfried.bsky.social, Dafna Rand, Michael Schiffer, & @mwhanna.crisisgroup.org discuss the #DOS reorganization, #USAID, and more.
Unpack what’s happening, what’s at stake, and what lies ahead with @rcls-nyu.bsky.social
Zoom RSVP:
www.lawandsecurity.org/calendar/wha...
Unpack what’s happening, what’s at stake, and what lies ahead with @rcls-nyu.bsky.social
Zoom RSVP:
www.lawandsecurity.org/calendar/wha...