Serbia’s prime minister resigns and the US freezes foreign aid to Ukraine
Jan 28, 2025
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Aliona Hlivco, founder of St James's Foreign Policy Group, shares her insights on Ukraine's future as US foreign aid freezes. Sir William Patey, a former British diplomat, discusses implications for both Ukraine and broader geopolitical shifts. Bill Broyles, a Vietnam War veteran, reflects on the complex emotional impacts of war and critiques its portrayal in media. The trio uncovers the intertwined challenges of political accountability, resilience in conflict, and the necessity for human connection beyond war.
The resignation of Serbia's Prime Minister Milos Vučević follows widespread protests emphasizing accountability and reform from an increasingly mobilized student movement.
The U.S. freezing foreign aid to Ukraine highlights the urgent need for the nation to enhance self-sufficiency while navigating ongoing geopolitical challenges.
Deep dives
Serbia's Political Turmoil
Serbia's political landscape has shifted with the resignation of Prime Minister Milos Vucevic following weeks of protests sparked by a tragic accident at a railway station. The protests have evolved into a broader movement, primarily driven by students who emphasize the need for accountability and reform, distancing themselves from political parties, particularly the ruling Progressive Party. The unrest challenges President Aleksandar Vucic's grip on power, despite his popularity among voters. The government faces scrutiny regarding the infrastructure failures that led to the tragic loss of lives, coupled with demands for transparency and immediate action.
Ukraine's Resilience Amidst Uncertainty
Ukraine's ongoing struggle against Russia has exhausted the nation, yet there is a palpable resilience among its people as they brace for further challenges. The suspension of U.S. foreign aid under former President Trump's administration has raised concerns about the continuity of support for vital projects while reinforcing the need for Ukraine to strengthen its self-sufficiency. Despite optimistic prospects for potential aid from other sources, the reality remains that rebuilding will take time, especially given European bureaucratic processes. Ukrainians remain cautious of quick resolutions and recognize the need for a strategic approach to ensure their survival and prosperity.
Brexit's Fishing Dispute
The ongoing fishing dispute between the UK and EU has highlighted post-Brexit tensions, with the UK imposing a ban on sand eel fishing that conflicts with the interests of EU member states, particularly Denmark. This situation demonstrates the complexities of Brexit negotiations, where seemingly trivial issues, such as fishing quotas, become points of contention that can strain diplomatic relations. The debate centers around the balance between conservation efforts and economic livelihoods linked to fishing communities, leading to broader discussions on how Brexit has impacted trade and cooperation between the UK and EU. As relations evolve, there is hope for more constructive engagement in addressing shared challenges.
Reflections on the Vietnam War and its Legacy
The upcoming documentary series on the Vietnam War emphasizes the ongoing relevance of the conflict and its lessons for contemporary military engagements. Veteran Bill Broyles reflects on his experiences, noting how the war serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of having clear strategic goals for military interventions. His insights stress that successful missions require strong leadership and a genuine purpose, as demonstrated by the challenges faced in Afghanistan. The series invites viewers to reconsider not only the historical narrative of the Vietnam War but also the broader implications of military engagement in modern geopolitics.
We get the latest from our Balkans correspondent, Guy de Launey, following the resignation of Serbia’s prime minister, Milos Vučević. Then: Aliona Hlivco and Sir William Patey discuss what’s next for Ukraine as the US freezes all foreign aid. Plus: we unpack why UK-EU diplomacy always seems to hit a snag over fishing and assess Zürich’s new number-plate legislation.