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Post Reports

Trump turns on Ukraine

Feb 19, 2025
Michael Birnbaum, a seasoned White House correspondent for The Washington Post, delves into the recent U.S.-Russia talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, notably highlighting Ukraine's absence. He discusses Trump's troubling statements about NATO and Russia's invasion, and how they’ve affected perceptions in Ukraine and beyond. Birnbaum also raises alarms about the implications of U.S. decisions on European allies and the precarious dynamics of U.S.-Ukraine relations, including military aid and resource demands.
21:41

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The recent U.S.-Russia talks on Ukraine's future, held without Ukrainian representation, reflect shifting diplomatic priorities and alarming European allies.
  • Trump's rhetoric undermines Ukraine's sovereignty by embracing Russian narratives, complicating U.S. relations with European nations and raising concerns about future negotiations.

Deep dives

The Absence of Ukraine in Peace Negotiations

Recent high-level discussions between U.S. and Russian officials over the war in Ukraine notably exclude Ukraine itself, raising concerns among Ukrainian leaders and citizens. President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed strong disapproval, stating that Ukraine would never accept deals made without its involvement, emphasizing its right to participate in discussions regarding its own future. This sidelining reflects a concerning trend where major powers negotiate complex geopolitical outcomes without addressing the interests of the nations directly affected by conflict. The absence of Ukraine in these negotiations could undermine the legitimacy of any peace agreement that emerges.

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