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Today, Explained

Vatever you vant, Vladimir

Feb 20, 2025
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.
28:14

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • 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.

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