Branko Marcetic: Neoconservatives are hysterical over Trump’s Ukraine peace plan
Feb 19, 2025
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Branko Marcetic, a keen writer for Jacobin, dives into the complexities of Trump’s proposed peace talks with Russia regarding Ukraine. He discusses how President Zelensky's grip on power weakened as public support for the war faltered, revealing a stark contrast to Western narratives. The conversation sheds light on NATO’s evolving role in the conflict, highlighting the hypocrisy in U.S. foreign policy and the pressing need for meaningful peace negotiations amid rising social resistance in Ukraine.
The U.S. has deemed Ukraine's NATO membership unrealistic, revealing a shift in the political landscape towards more pragmatic security assurances from Europe.
President Zelensky is facing declining popular support within Ukraine, leading to calls for a negotiated resolution instead of unconditional war support.
Deep dives
NATO Membership Realities
Ukraine's aspirations for NATO membership are ultimately deemed unrealistic by the U.S., as it has been clarified that any security guarantees would require support from capable European forces rather than NATO integration. This fundamental shift signifies the fading of long-held fantasies among neoconservatives and liberal interventionists regarding Ukraine's potential accession to NATO. Acknowledging this truth, critical voices within the U.S. political landscape, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Donald Trump, have started to challenge the narrative that Ukraine's NATO membership is a viable outcome. This shift reveals broader implications for Ukraine's geopolitical standing and reliance on Western allies, as key leaders no longer predicate their strategies on NATO membership as a foregone conclusion.
Department of Ukraine's Public Sentiment
The public mood within Ukraine has been increasingly overshadowed by domestic discontent with leadership and the war effort, as President Zelensky struggles to maintain popular support amid rising draft dodging and social resistance. Despite the narratives pushed by Western leaders that equate unconditional support for the war with national unity, many Ukrainians are reportedly seeking a negotiated resolution, contrary to the portrayal of a homogeneously resolute populace. Recent polling reflects this dissent, revealing a considerable discrepancy between official accounts and the realities experienced on the ground, including a surge in desertion from military ranks. As Zelensky's popularity declines, his government faces mounting challenges to its legitimacy and effectiveness in guiding the nation toward a sustainable peace.
Economic Ramifications of U.S. Policy
The unfolding situation in Ukraine is further complicated by proposed U.S. economic measures that are perceived as detrimental colonialism rather than genuine support for the country. Leaked proposals indicate that the Trump administration's approach could result in extensive control over Ukraine's resources, signaling a shift towards exploitation rather than aid. Critics argue that the long-term consequences of sustained conflict, such as the destruction of infrastructure and soaring national debt, are being overlooked in favor of an aggressive military stance. The discontent surrounding U.S. aid reflects a growing awareness of the geopolitical dynamics at play, where the interests of foreign corporations may undermine Ukraine's sovereignty and stability.
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Branko Marcetic of Jacobin joins Emily to break down news from the Trump administration’s peace talks with Russia to end the war in Ukraine. Marcetic explains how Volodymer Zelensky lost leverage as the war became unpopular at home.
Watch it on the Undercurrents website: https://unherd.com/undercurrents/
