The Intelligence from The Economist cover image

The Intelligence from The Economist

With this ring: Trump and Putin omit Ukraine

Feb 13, 2025
Shashank Joshi, Defense editor for The Economist, dives into the implications of the recent phone conversation between Trump and Putin regarding Ukraine, highlighting the sidelining of Ukraine in negotiations and its potential consequences for European security. Emmett Livingstone, Africa correspondent, sheds light on the M23 rebel group's dramatic takeover of Goma in Congo, discussing regional dynamics and the chaos that ensued. The podcast blends politics with a dash of cultural commentary, capturing both global tensions and local conflicts.
22:53

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Recent U.S.-Russia discussions suggest a troubling shift in diplomatic focus that may undermine Ukraine's sovereignty and European security.
  • The M23 rebel group's recent actions in Congo highlight escalating regional tensions, raising concerns about the potential for further military conflict.

Deep dives

Diplomatic Developments in the Ukraine Conflict

Recent conversations between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin signal a potential shift in diplomatic efforts to end the ongoing war in Ukraine. Trump announced the formation of a negotiating team that includes prominent political figures, which aims to initiate immediate talks between the conflicting parties. This strategic move raises concerns about the sidelining of Ukraine in these discussions, as both Trump and Putin appear to be steering the dialogue without the direct involvement of Ukrainian leadership. Additionally, significant concessions from the U.S., including the recognition that Ukraine might not regain its pre-2014 borders, potentially jeopardize Ukraine's sovereignty in future peace talks.

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