Washington Week with The Atlantic full episode, 2/28/25
Mar 1, 2025
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Jonathan Karl, Chief Washington Correspondent at ABC News, dives into the dramatic fallout from President Trump's heated Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky. They discuss the critical implications for U.S. military support in the face of Russia's aggression and the intense emotions of the confrontation. The roundtable also explores the impact of a recent U.N. vote against Russia, shifting dynamics in the transatlantic alliance, and how Trump's foreign policy rhetoric is reshaping international relationships.
President Trump's angry confrontation with Zelensky during the Oval Office meeting signals a troubling shift in U.S.-Ukraine relations.
The growing rift among Republicans regarding Ukraine aid complicates Biden's foreign policy and challenges Zelensky's leadership amidst external threats.
Deep dives
An Unprecedented Oval Office Confrontation
An extraordinary Oval Office meeting revealed a raw confrontation between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The meeting, characterized by intense anger from Trump, shifted into a shouting match, where Trump criticized Zelensky for not expressing gratitude for U.S. support. He emphasized the high stakes, stating that without American military assistance, Ukraine's conflict with Russia would have ended quickly in favor of the latter. This dramatic display underscored the increasingly fraught relationship between the two leaders and raised alarms about potential shifts in U.S. foreign policy.
Internal Schisms Within U.S. Politics on Ukraine Aid
The tensions during the meeting highlighted significant divisions within Trump's administration regarding Ukraine policy. While figures like Senators Rubio and Waltz have consistently supported Ukraine, J.D. Vance's confrontational stance and skepticism towards U.S. aid illustrated a growing rift among Republicans. Vance's criticism of Zelensky for a perceived lack of gratitude reflected a larger anti-Ukraine sentiment gaining traction among certain U.S. political factions. This schism poses challenges for the Biden administration and allies as they navigate mounting pressures both domestically and internationally.
Consequences for Ukraine's Leadership and Future
The fallout from the meeting casts uncertainty over Zelensky's position and the strategy Ukraine must adopt moving forward. With support from the U.S. in jeopardy, Zelensky may be forced to lean more on European allies for military aid and restructure his approach to the ongoing conflict. The call for leadership change in Ukraine from some U.S. politicians only adds to the pressure on Zelensky, as he faces internal opposition and external threats. This precarious situation could force a significant reevaluation of Ukraine's war strategy and alliances as it braves an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape.
President Trump abandoned Ukraine and its president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in an Oval Office meeting that devolved into a display of raw anger. The fallout has been swift and intense. Join guest moderator Franklin Foer, Peter Baker of The New York Times, Jonathan Karl of ABC News, Ashley Parker of The Atlantic and Nancy Youssef of The Wall Street Journal to discuss this and more.
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