What key negotiation principle from 'The Art of the Deal' is being criticized in the context of U.S.-Russia-Ukraine talks?

The principle of maintaining leverage during negotiations is highlighted as a crucial element from Trump's 'The Art of the Deal.' Nancy Cordes criticizes how U.S. officials have preemptively surrendered negotiating leverage by publicly stating Ukraine won't receive NATO membership and may need to cede territory before negotiations have even begun. Cordes emphasizes that traditional negotiation approaches advise maintaining the strongest possible position and not giving away key points of leverage prematurely. This criticism reflects concern that the administration has undermined Ukraine's position by showing their cards too early, contradicting the fundamental negotiation strategy of holding cards 'closer to your vest.'