Jacobin Radio: Trump’s Turn on Ukraine w/ Ilya Budraitskis
Feb 25, 2025
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In this conversation, Ilya Budraitskis, a historian and political theorist, and Zakhar Popóvych, a leading Ukrainian researcher, dissect Trump's controversial peace talks regarding Ukraine that sidelined its representatives. They explore how this fuels pro-Putin narratives and impacts Ukraine's sovereignty amid rising authoritarianism. The duo delves into the complexities of modern imperialism, the challenges of the left in Ukraine, and the dire necessity for international solidarity to combat these geopolitical shifts. It's a thought-provoking dialogue on resilience and the left's role.
Trump's negotiations with Russia, which exclude Ukraine, represent a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy and threaten Ukraine's survival.
The ongoing war underscores the necessity for international leftist unity against imperialism, highlighting interconnected struggles for democracy and justice.
Deep dives
Geopolitical Tensions and Betrayal
The ongoing war in Ukraine has reached a critical juncture as the U.S. political landscape shifts under the Trump administration, which has engaged in peace talks with Russia while excluding Ukraine. Trump’s narrative puts Ukraine at the center of blame, asserting that it instigated the war, a claim that serves to legitimize Russian aggression. This creates a perception of historical betrayal for Ukraine, as its most significant ally appears to backtrack, potentially undermining Ukraine's fight against Russian imperialism. The situation intensifies fears of a broader geopolitical instability in Europe, positioning Ukraine as a battleground for competing imperial interests.
The Nature of Negotiations
The discussions surrounding the negotiations led by Trump and Russia lack a concrete agenda and fail to address Ukraine’s sovereignty and safety. Trump's approach to negotiations has been described as capitulation rather than collaboration, reflecting a dangerous imperialist mindset that disregards Ukraine's agency. There is skepticism regarding the potential for these talks to yield meaningful results, especially considering Russia's unwavering objectives to exert control over Ukraine. The absence of substantial and fair negotiations raises concerns about the future of Ukraine and its relationship with Western powers.
Impacts on Ukrainian Society
Ukraine continues to endure the brutal impacts of warfare, with persistent air alarms and destruction, particularly in border cities. Despite this devastation, the Ukrainian state is demonstrating resilience, mobilizing societal resources, and revising its stance on social policies as the war progresses. Calls for consolidation around leadership and a shift towards more state involvement in industries signal a potential departure from previous neoliberal approaches. While grappling with war's immediate consequences, there is hope that this period could catalyze a stronger, more socially conscious national identity.
The Global Left and Future Directions
The war in Ukraine highlights the need for a renewed understanding and unity among the international left as they confront rising authoritarianism and imperialist ideologies. As economic and political tensions escalate globally, there's a call for leftist movements to recognize their interconnected struggles against oppression and exploitation, with Ukraine serving as a focal point. Left organizations must adapt their frameworks to address the contemporary political landscape and resist regressive policies. The discussion emphasizes the importance of fighting not just for national sovereignty but also for a collective vision of democracy and justice worldwide.
On February 21, Suzi talked to Zakhar Popóvych, a Ukrainian researcher and activist in Kyiv with roots in labor and socialist organizing, and Ilya Budraitskis, a Russian historian and political theorist now in exile, about Trump’s foreign policy moves regarding Ukraine on the eve of the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion. The Trump administration has engaged in peace talks in Saudi Arabia that excluded Ukraine entirely. Trump has even embraced Putin’s revisionist narrative claiming Ukraine started the war.
What does this mean for Ukraine’s survival, Europe’s stability, and the broader left struggle against imperialism and authoritarianism? Suzi asks Zakhar and Ilya to unpack the shifting geopolitical landscape, the implications of Trump’s concessions to Putin, the resilience of Ukraine, and the role of the internationalist left in an era of resurgent imperialism.
Jacobin Radio with Suzi Weissman features conversations with leading thinkers and activists, with a focus on labor, the economy, and protest movements.
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