Is Putin playing Trump on Ukraine?
Summary
In this episode, former Trump advisor Fiona Hill offers a unique perspective on Donald Trump's approach to foreign policy and his attempts to broker a peace deal in Ukraine. She explains how Trump's "monarchical" and often unpredictable negotiation style, combined with his susceptibility to flattery, makes him a target for manipulation by Vladimir Putin. The discussion also delves into Putin's maximalist war aims and the critical challenges Europe faces in redefining its security, especially given the US's shifting role.Episode description
Donald Trump has once again criticised Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky and is putting pressure on both sides to accept a proposed peace deal.
Nick speaks to Fiona Hill, who advised Donald Trump on Russia during his first term in the White House, about that deal (7:26) and the US president's approach to negotiations (8:35).
She also explains what it was like advising President Trump (10:08) and how Putin manipulates him (28:38).
Plus Nick and Amol are reunited for Moment of the Week (40:40).
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The Today Podcast is hosted by Amol Rajan and Nick Robinson who are both presenters of BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. Amol was the BBC’s media editor for six years and is the former editor of the Independent, he’s also the current presenter of University Challenge. Nick has presented the Today programme since 2015, he was the BBC’s political editor for ten years before that and also previously worked as ITV’s political editor.
This episode was made by Lewis Vickers and Tom Smithard with Izzy Rowley and Grace Reeve. Digital production was by Izzy Rowley. The technical producer was Abbey Wiltshire. The editor is Louisa Lewis. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths.