Ukrainecast Q&A: Trump vs Medvedev, a US defection and revisiting the minerals deal
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Jul 31, 2025 James Waterhouse, a seasoned BBC Ukraine correspondent, joins the conversation to unpack critical issues surrounding the ongoing conflict. He reveals insights into army infiltration and the unsettling story of an American family that defected to Russia, shedding light on their motivations and military ties. The discussion also includes a look at a controversial minerals deal between the U.S. and Ukraine, exposing the gap between political promises and on-the-ground realities. Waterhouse's expertise adds depth to these pressing geopolitical topics.
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Russia Ignores Ceasefire Deadlines
- Russia continues intense missile attacks despite Trump's ceasefire deadline of August 8th.
- The attacks appear unaffected by political deadlines, aiming to maintain pressure on Ukraine.
Medvedev’s Veiled Nuclear Threat
- Dmitry Medvedev used a cryptic phrase referencing the Soviet "dead hand" nuclear system in response to Trump.
- This implies a veiled nuclear threat, highlighting dangerous rhetoric in their spat.
Minerals Deal Faces Long Timeline
- The US-Ukraine minerals deal lacks visible progress and remains inconsequential amid the war.
- Mining projects require decades, making immediate impacts and profits unlikely now.