In The Atlantic, Anne Applebaum argues that while Ukrainians risk their lives to build a transparent, accountable state, even during war, American and Russian elites circling peace talks are driven by self-interest. With Kushner and Witkoff negotiating alongside Kremlin-linked financiers, Applebaum sees a disturbing contrast: Ukraine is fighting for clean government, while Trump's circle revives transactional politics, risking both Ukraine’s future and America’s credibility.