Matthew Luxmore, a Wall Street Journal reporter covering the Ukraine war, dives into the perplexing shifts in U.S.-Russia relations. He discusses the unexpected peace talks excluding Ukraine and European officials, shedding light on the implications of appointing a pro-Russia intelligence chief. Luxmore reveals the tense atmosphere in Kiev, where citizens balance defiance with resignation amid ongoing conflict, and highlights the contradictions within American politics and how they affect the perception of support for Ukraine.
The appointment of Tulsi Gabbard as the US spy chief represents a controversial shift towards aligning with Russia, raising concerns about foreign policy direction.
Ongoing US-Russia peace talks, excluding Ukrainian officials, highlight diverging interests and a lack of cohesive international dialogue regarding the conflict.
Deep dives
Shift in U.S.-Russia Relations
Recent statements from a prominent political figure indicate a significant shift in U.S.-Russia relations, moving towards a closer alignment with Russia at the expense of traditional support for Ukraine. This individual has attributed blame to Ukraine for its own invasion by Russia and referred to the Ukrainian president as a dictator. The change marks a departure from the previous administration's approach, leading to concerns about U.S. foreign policy direction and its potential impact on Ukraine's sovereignty. Such remarks suggest a growing sentiment that could redefine diplomatic strategies in favor of fostering cooperation with Russia.
Tulsi Gabbard's Controversial Role
The appointment of Tulsi Gabbard to a key intelligence position raises eyebrows given her lack of relevant experience and past statements perceived as sympathetic to Russia. Gabbard has previously criticized the U.S. establishment for its approach to Putin, suggesting that NATO’s actions provoked tensions with Russia. Her history of aligning with controversial narratives, including support for figures like Edward Snowden and her critical stance towards military interventions, reveals an unconventional political trajectory. This appointment signals a drastic shift in the intelligence community's approach and could influence U.S. strategies toward adversaries like China and Russia.
Challenges in Negotiating Peace
Ongoing negotiations to resolve the conflict between Ukraine and Russia have been complicated by diverging interests and unclear U.S. intentions. Recent discussions hint at a potential peace deal, but specifics remain vague as both Ukraine and Russia hold firm to their territorial positions. The new political backdrop suggests a willingness from U.S. leadership to favor negotiations that include minimal involvement from Ukrainian perspectives. Therefore, the complex realities of the conflict are exacerbated by a lack of cohesive international dialogue, leaving many Ukrainians feeling uncertain about the future.
Kremlin defender Tulsi Gabbard is the US’s new spy chief, while the US and Russia are holding peace talks without European and Ukrainian officials at the table. The vibe has officially shifted.
This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Andrea Kristinsdottir, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.