Joe Kent: Why the U.S. Proxy War in Ukraine Must End Now

Summary

In this interview, former U.S. National Counterterrorism Center director Joe Kent argues that Washington’s involvement in Ukraine and the Middle East is creating overlapping conflicts that the U.S. cannot reliably control. His proposals and assessments are presented as commentary, not as independently verified reporting.

Ukraine and U.S. Policy

Kent says President Trump’s efforts to end the Ukraine war have been undermined because U.S. intelligence and military support was not fully shut off. He argues that bureaucratic loopholes and assistance routed through NATO partners can keep aid flowing despite White House directives.

In Kent’s view, distancing the U.S. from Zelensky while Europeans continue supporting Ukraine would look to Russia like a change in public relations, not a real change in strategy. He advocates ending U.S. support and using Washington’s influence within NATO to discourage allies from continuing the war.

The Risks of a Proxy War

Kent argues that once the U.S. trains and equips a partner, it may lose the ability to control how that partner uses those capabilities. He also warns that the Ukraine and Iran conflicts are affecting energy markets and could make fuel and other essentials more expensive for Americans. He sees these consequences as an example of why the U.S. should avoid distant proxy wars.

Russia and Escalation

Kent calls the goal of “destroying” Russia reckless and undefined, warning that a campaign framed as existential could increase the risk of nuclear escalation. He doubts Russia has either the capacity or, in his assessment, the intention to conquer Europe, and says the conflict should be approached through diplomacy and attention to Russia’s security concerns. He argues that trade and practical agreements could offer a way to reduce tensions.

Trump’s Approach and Domestic Pressure

Kent characterizes Trump’s shifting public stance as a mix of negotiating style and frustration at being unable to impose his preferred outcome. He says the president needs to manage the intelligence and military bureaucracy more closely if he wants policy changes to take effect.

Kent also links the conflicts and their economic fallout to political risks ahead of the U.S. midterm elections.

Iran and the Possibility of Renewed Fighting

Kent warns that further U.S. or Israeli attacks could prompt Iranian retaliation. He suggests Iran may seek to apply measured economic pressure, including through threats to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, rather than immediately escalating to a direct attack on U.S. forces. He also describes possible risks involving U.S. bases, energy infrastructure, and regional armed groups.

His preferred course is for the U.S. to withdraw forces, restrain Israeli military action, and pursue negotiations that could reopen shipping routes and address sanctions and frozen assets.

The Houthis and Saudi Arabia

Kent says U.S. airstrikes against the Houthis in 2025 failed to force them to submit, and argues that a renewed military campaign would be unlikely to solve the problem. He warns that further fighting could put Saudi Arabia in a difficult position and draw the U.S. into a wider conflict.

Instead, he proposes negotiating with the Houthis, recognizing their control of Sana’a in practice, and focusing on maritime security and an end to the blockade of Yemen.

Possible Regional Consequences

Kent speculates that a Saudi setback could encourage unrest in Bahrain or Kuwait, particularly among Shiite communities, and contribute to wider instability. He also suggests that anger over Israeli and U.S. actions could strengthen broader regional opposition to Western influence, crossing Sunni–Shiite lines. He stresses that these dynamics are uncertain and difficult to measure.

Central Theme

The discussion’s central theme is that military pressure may not restore the previous status quo. Kent favors negotiated compromises and de-escalation over attempts to dictate outcomes through force.

Presenters and Contributors

• Glenn Diesen: Host/interviewer
• Joe Kent: Guest