Economist Podcasts The summit of its parts: Ukraine, Trump and Putin
103 snips
Aug 11, 2025 
Oliver Carroll, Ukraine correspondent for The Economist, delves into the complexity of peace talks in Ukraine, examining potential deals influenced by Russia and the US. He discusses the implications of President Trump’s unpredictable actions on the ongoing conflict, highlighting the urgency of Ukraine's situation. Meanwhile, Don Wineland, the finance editor, reveals China’s ambitious quest to become the electric vehicle powerhouse, akin to Detroit, as cities like Chongqing vie for dominance in this booming market.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Trump Envoy Disrupted Secret Talks
- Steve Witkoff's last-minute trip to Russia disrupted secret negotiations toward a deal.
- Oliver Carroll says his intervention introduced confusion and weakened Ukraine's position.
Proposed Landswap Hits Ukraine's Red Line
- Russia proposed a land swap centring on Donbass that would freeze frontlines in its favour.
- Oliver Carroll says that demand is unacceptable to Ukraine and would force constitutional changes.
US Policy Lacks A Clear, Unified Voice
- Oliver Carroll describes competing American envoys and shifting influence between Witkoff and Keith Kellogg.
- He warns the resulting US position appears unclear and unstable.