EA VideoCasts with Times Radio and War and Politics 24: Why The Defense of Ukraine Matters
I set out the differences between the Witkoff-Kushner proposal, developed with Vladimir Putin’s top economic advisor Kirill Dmitriev, and the European counter-proposal.
In particular, I consider whether Zelensky and the Europeans can resist the demands for Ukraine’s withdrawal from the Donetsk region and limits on Ukrainian sovereignty and its military.
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In a 15-minute analysis, I detail the Witkoff-Kushner collusion with the Krmelin. I consider their motive, as well as that of Vice President J.D. Vance and Donald Trump, in forcing a Ukrainian capitulation.
In single word: Money.
I look at the options of Zelensky and Europe, given that others in the Trump Administration — notably Secretary of State Marco Rubio and career officials — are not happy with the alignment with Moscow. Can they establish a ceasefire on the frontlines and security guarantees for Kyiv?
The barrier to that? Vladimir Putin. He is not interested in a ceasefire. He told Indian media, “We will get the rest of the Donetsk region, whether by negotiation or force. Ukraine will be kept militarily restricted.
The Kremlin is saying, “We are not interested in compromise. Accept our conditions or we continue the attacks.”
I also discuss the Trump Administration’s seizure of a Venezuelan tanker. And I look at FBI Director Kash Patel, politically exploiting a mass killing at Brown University, ruining the reputation of an innocent man.
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Our 10-minute conversation begins with an international conference trying to establish Russian reparations for the damage which Moscow has caused in its full-scale invasion.
I then examine the state of the Berlin talks and reiterate the necessity for Europe, given the Trump Administration’s abandonment of alliance, to stand up for its security as well as that of Ukraine.