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Jacobin Radio

Jacobin Radio: Trump’s Turn on Ukraine w/ Ilya Budraitskis

Feb 25, 2025
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.
57:30

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • 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.

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