Ukraine: The Latest Trump to meet Putin in Budapest in ‘huge blow’ to Europe & North Korean troops direct Russian strikes into Ukraine
Oct 17, 2025
Hobart Earle, the Music Director of the Odessa Philharmonic Orchestra, dives into the profound connection between music and Ukrainian identity. He shares how concerts during the Soviet collapse provided refuge and joy. The discussion highlights the resurgence of Ukrainian culture post-independence, especially after Crimea’s annexation. Earle reflects on the emotional shift in repertoire following the 2022 invasion, the targeting of cultural venues, and critiques the complex narratives around Russian cultural claims, advocating for a balanced approach to heritage amidst conflict.
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Putin's Call Pre‑Empted Kyiv's Momentum
- Vladimir Putin arranged an unscheduled call with Donald Trump to pre-empt Kyiv's push for Tomahawk missiles.
- The call shifted Trump toward a meeting in Budapest and cooled immediate US decisions benefiting Russia's diplomacy.
Venue Choice Carries Heavy Symbolism
- Choosing Budapest as the summit venue rewards Hungary's Viktor Orban and frustrates European allies.
- Holding talks where the Budapest memorandum was signed carries symbolic pain for Kyiv and aids Moscow's narrative.
Echo Chamber Shapes Kremlin Strategy
- Putin's advisers present him with optimistic battlefield reports that shape his insistence he can still win.
- That feedback helps explain Russia's refusal of ceasefire terms that preserve its territorial demands.