Russia ‘uses Zircon hypersonic missile for first time’ & US Senate passes Ukraine aid package
Feb 13, 2024
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Christopher Miller, the FT’s Ukraine Correspondent, joins the podcast to discuss Zelensky’s military reshuffle. Other topics include Russia’s alleged use of a hypersonic missile, Russian strikes in Ukraine, the passing of a Ukraine aid package, and the ongoing disagreements between Zelensky and Zeluzhnyi. The podcast also covers the impact of sanctions on Russia’s aviation industry and the concerns regarding the safety of airline passengers in Russia.
The US Senate passed a Ukraine aid package, symbolizing continued US support against Russian aggression.
Ukraine's President Zelensky replaced the Defense Minister to revitalize the military and counter Russian forces.
Professor Timothy Snyder critiques Putin's historical claims, urging continued support for Ukraine in its fight against authoritarianism.
Deep dives
The Ukraine Aid Package and Russian Aggression
The US Senate has passed a Ukraine aid package, despite delays, aimed at providing support in the face of Russian aggression. The package, although symbolic, signals continued US support for Ukraine and its fight against Russian forces. The aid package now awaits approval from the House of Representatives. Concerns have been raised over the potential for a direct military confrontation with Russia, and Estonia's Prime Minister has been listed as wanted by the Kremlin, highlighting tensions in the region.
Changing Leadership in Ukraine's Military
Ukraine's President Zelensky has dismissed his Defense Minister, Zelusioni, amid disagreements over military operations and priorities. Zelensky seeks to revitalize the military and regain momentum in the fight against Russian forces. General Cersky has been appointed as the new Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. Although Cersky is seen as an effective military leader, some soldiers express concern about his decision-making and its impact on their lives. The changes in military leadership come as Ukraine grapples with the challenge of mobilizing troops and countering Russian aggression.
Putin's Pseudo History and Ukraine Fatigue
Vladimir Putin's recent interview with Tucker Carlson highlighted his revisionist view of history, particularly when it comes to Ukraine. Professor Timothy Snyder has critiqued Putin's historical claims, exposing them as propaganda rooted in distortion and false narratives. Additionally, there is a concern of Ukraine fatigue in the West, where some feel tired of supporting Ukraine's fight against Russian aggression. Ukrainians, on the other hand, view the conflict as not just defending their own country, but as a stand against the rise of authoritarianism worldwide. The plea is made to continue supporting Ukraine and recognizing the broader stakes in the ongoing war.
Ukraine's Counter Offensive and Military Shake-Up
The podcast episode discusses Ukraine's decision to keep its brigades in Boc mode, hoping it would exhaust Russian forces and lead to a successful counter offensive. However, this decision backfired, as the Ukrainian brigades became significantly weakened, hindering their ability to launch a successful offensive. The appointment of Cersky as a military leader, who is unpopular among Ukrainian soldiers, is seen as a consolidation of power by President Zelensky. Ukrainians are concerned about the loss of experienced fighters, a manpower issue, and the impact on recruitment.
Uncertainty around US Foreign Aid for Ukraine
The podcast raises concerns about the passage of the foreign aid bill in the US and its impact on Ukraine. While Ukraine remains hopeful that the aid will continue, there is a lack of strategy to convince skeptical Republicans to support the aid transfer. The situation is seen as critical, and without American military assistance, Ukraine may struggle to defend itself and plan for potential counter-offensives, possibly leading to a deteriorating situation in the war. Ukrainians feel nervous and uncertain, and there is a growing concern about a potential loss of public support for the conflict.
Today, we Russia bring you the latest news from Ukraine as Russia strikes Dnipro and kills civilians across the country. Over the Atlantic, the US Senate passes an Ukraine aid package plagued by delays. Plus, we interview Christopher Miller, the FT’s Ukraine Correspondent on Zelensky’s military reshuffle.
Contributors:
David Knowles (Head of Audio Development). @DJKnowles22 on Twitter.
Francis Dearnley (Assistant Comment Editor). @FrancisDearnley on Twitter.
Melissa Lawford (Economics Reporter). @MelissaLawford on Twitter.
Christopher Miller (Ukraine Correspondent, Financial Times). @ChristopherJM on Twitter.
