EU Confidential
Europe’s future, brought to you by Putin and Trump
Feb 14, 2025
Veronika Melkozerova, a POLITICO correspondent in Kyiv, shares firsthand insights on Ukraine's challenges amid shifting U.S. diplomacy led by Trump and Putin. Clea Caulcutt, a senior correspondent in Paris, discusses how these developments impact EU politics and trade tensions. Robert Biedroń, a Member of the European Parliament and LGBTQ rights activist, provides a personal look at his partnership with Krzysztof Śmiszek, highlighting the intersection of love and political activism in an evolving landscape.
39:29
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Quick takeaways
- Trump's unexpected announcement about U.S.-Ukraine negotiations has left European leaders alarmed and struggling to formulate clear responses.
- The introduction of tariffs by Trump on EU imports threatens to escalate trade tensions, impacting both European economies and geopolitical strategies.
Deep dives
Trump's Shift on Ukraine
Trump's recent announcement has significantly altered U.S. policy regarding Ukraine, declaring that direct negotiations with Putin would commence. His defense chief conveyed that restoring Ukraine's pre-2014 borders is unrealistic, and NATO membership would not be a forthcoming option. This blunt articulation of what some believe are longstanding truths about U.S. intentions has left Ukrainian officials feeling uneasy, with mixed public reactions. While the Ukrainian administration projects optimism, behind the scenes, there is a clear acknowledgment that regaining lost territory is increasingly improbable.
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