Full Transcript: "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Aug. 17, 2025

On the "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, moderated by Margaret Brennan:

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Democratic Representative Jason Crow from Colorado, Fiona Hill, former senior director for Europe and Russia on the National Security Council, Republican Senator Dan Sullivan from Alaska, and José Andrés, chef and founder of World Central Kitchen, joined the discussion.

Margaret Brennan began the program by highlighting the recent meeting between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. The summit, which lasted three hours, ended without a formal agreement. Putin insisted that Ukraine must cede territories it has occupied, an offer that President Zelenskyy has refused.

The discussion centered around the implications of this meeting and the potential for future negotiations. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that while the root cause of the conflict is Russia's invasion, the focus should be on achieving a lasting peace. He acknowledged the challenges of reaching an agreement, noting that both sides would need to make concessions.

Rubio also addressed concerns about the precedent set by accepting territorial changes through negotiation. He stressed that the U.S. does not accept or reject any terms, as the decision ultimately rests with Ukraine and Russia. He highlighted the importance of creating conditions for a meaningful dialogue between the two nations.

The conversation also touched on the security guarantees for Ukraine. Rubio mentioned that discussions are ongoing with European leaders and that the U.S. is exploring ways to provide support. He noted that the goal is to ensure Ukraine can rebuild and prevent future conflicts.

Another key topic was the abduction of Ukrainian children by Russia. Rubio confirmed that the U.S. has raised this issue repeatedly and emphasized the importance of returning the children to their families. He described the situation as tragic and highlighted the ongoing efforts to address it.

The program also featured a discussion with Colorado Democratic Representative Jason Crow. He criticized the administration's approach to the conflict, arguing that the U.S. has been too hesitant to support Ukraine effectively. He pointed out the lack of pressure on Russia and the need for more decisive action.

Fiona Hill, a former senior director for Europe and Russia on the National Security Council, provided insights into the dynamics of the Trump-Putin meeting. She noted the significant differences in how the summit was conducted compared to previous meetings and expressed concerns about the optics of the event.

Alaskan Republican Senator Dan Sullivan discussed the strategic importance of Alaska and the potential for resource development. He contrasted the current administration's policies with those of the previous one, emphasizing the need for continued investment in Alaska's natural resources.

Finally, José Andrés, founder of World Central Kitchen, shared his experiences visiting Gaza. He highlighted the humanitarian crisis and the urgent need for aid. He emphasized the importance of ensuring a steady flow of supplies and the need for increased support to meet the growing demand.

The program concluded with a summary of the key points discussed and a reminder of the ongoing efforts to address the complex issues facing Ukraine and the broader region.