The Big Story
Why Trump turned on Ukraine
Feb 21, 2025
Marcus Kolga, a Russia and security expert, dives into Trump’s controversial shift regarding Ukraine and U.S. support. He discusses the cancelation of aid and the troubling peace talks with Russia that exclude Ukrainian voices. Kolga emphasizes the dangers of disinformation, noting Trump’s misleading portrayal of President Zelensky and the implications for democracy. The talk also covers Ukraine’s efforts to ramp up self-sufficiency in defense and the need for allied nations to strengthen their security amidst geopolitical tensions.
27:42
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Quick takeaways
- Trump's abandonment of Ukraine, framing its conflict inaccurately, reflects a dangerous rhetoric that undermines Western support for democracy.
- Excluding Ukraine from U.S.-Russia peace talks raises serious concerns about fairness and the implications for Ukrainian sovereignty and global stability.
Deep dives
Trump's Assertion on Ukraine's Role in the Conflict
Donald Trump has claimed that Ukraine initiated the conflict with Russia and referred to President Zelensky as a dictator. These allegations echo Russian disinformation narratives aimed at undermining Ukraine's legitimacy and Western support. Historical context shows that Russia's actions began in 2014 with the annexation of Crimea and continued with support for separatists, making Trump's claims unfounded. This type of rhetoric raises concerns about how it may affect U.S. support for Ukraine amid its ongoing defense against Russian aggression.
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