Geopolitical Economy Report Why Trump is angry at Russia: Reality strikes in Ukraine war
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May 28, 2025 In this discussion, Richard Sakwa, a Professor of Russian and European politics, delves into the complexities of the Ukraine conflict and U.S. foreign policy under Trump. He notes Trump's criticism of Putin and highlights the shifting dynamics from neoconservative approaches to a more mercantilist strategy. Sakwa emphasizes the dwindling morale of the Ukrainian military, the stalled EU peace negotiations, and Ukraine's dilemmas as a negotiating partner. The conversation uncovers how geopolitical strategies are shaping the war's trajectory and the future of international relations.
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Trump Hits Hard Ukraine Reality
- Trump's approach reflects hitting the hard reality of the Ukraine conflict's complexity beyond his initial optimism.
- He aims to shift US foreign policy from neocon ideology to traditional great power politics, though inconsistently.
Europe Betters War Over Peace
- Europe has transformed from a peace project into a warfare project, seeking Russia's defeat without strategic realism.
- European leaders show visceral Russophobia, ignoring nuclear risks and diplomatic avenues, worsening the conflict.
Eastern Europe Wags EU Dog
- Eastern Europe's influence drives EU policy against Russia, motivated by security and economic ties to Germany.
- European Union's Eastern wing often dictates confrontational Russia policy, overriding Western member states' interests.