FT News Briefing
Swamp Notes: Trump ices Europe out of Ukraine peace plan
Feb 15, 2025
Max Seddon, Moscow bureau chief for the Financial Times, joins the discussion on Trump’s recent call with Putin and its implications for Ukraine. He explores the high stakes of Trump's peace strategy and the potential backlash from Ukraine and Europe. Seddon delves into Russia’s reactions to diplomatic gestures, signaling possible concessions, while examining Ukraine's steadfastness in the face of Russian demands. The conversation also highlights Europe’s shifting defense strategies amid U.S. policy changes, raising critical questions about regional security.
13:30
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Quick takeaways
- Trump's unilateral approach to peace talks with Putin dismisses Ukrainian sovereignty, alarming European allies about their own security and future negotiations.
- The podcast highlights Europe's urgent need to enhance defense capabilities as reliance on U.S. protection diminishes amidst a shifting geopolitical landscape.
Deep dives
Trump's Call with Putin and Its Implications
Donald Trump's recent 90-minute call with Vladimir Putin marks a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy regarding Ukraine. During the conversation, Trump dismissed the existing Western approach, which emphasized cooperation with Ukraine and its allies, in favor of a more unilateral stance. This development indicates a potential pivot towards negotiating a peace deal that may favor Russian interests while sidelining Ukraine's input altogether. Essentially, Trump is suggesting that any agreement would be presented to Ukraine as a fait accompli, indicating a troubling disregard for Ukrainian sovereignty and the geopolitical complexities involved.
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