Ukraine Won’t Surrender
Summary
David Frum, Tim Mak, and Adrian Karatnycky discuss the dwindling US aid to Ukraine under the Trump administration, analyzing whether recent rhetoric signals a genuine policy shift or mere 'vibes reporting.' They delve into Ukraine's internal political landscape, including President Zelensky's controversial anti-corruption reforms and the resulting public protests, emphasizing the nation's unwavering unity and democratic spirit. The conversation also covers the current state of battlefield conditions, the impact of US aid interruptions, and the prospects for Ukraine's self-reliance, with experts expressing skepticism about a forced peace and highlighting Europe's increasing role.Episode description
On this episode of The David Frum Show, The Atlantic’s David Frum opens with a warning about the crumbling of U.S. support for Ukraine under President Donald Trump. He lays out how the Trump administration has slowed the flow of weapons to Ukraine, undermined sanctions on Russia, and made empty promises about future action while spending more money upgrading Trump’s private jet than aiding Ukraine’s defense.
Then David is joined by the journalist Tim Mak, reporting from Kyiv, and Adrian Karatnycky, a senior fellow with the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center, for a conversation about Ukraine’s resilience in the face of U.S. abandonment. They discuss why the Ukrainian people remain united, how battlefield conditions have evolved, and why no politician—Ukrainian or American—can force a peace that rewards Russian aggression. They also talk about President Volodymyr Zelensky’s controversial anti-corruption reforms, the surge of youth-led protests, and whether Ukraine’s Western allies truly understand what’s at stake.
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