Bulwark Takes: Death and Destruction in Ukraine After Trump Betrayal (w/ Caolan Robertson) – Episode Summary

Release Date: March 7, 2025

In this gripping episode of Bulwark Takes, host Tim Miller engages in a profound discussion with Kalan Robertson, an Irish journalist entrenched in the heart of Ukraine's ongoing conflict. The conversation delves deep into the ramifications of former President Donald Trump's decision to halt intelligence sharing with Ukraine and its catastrophic impacts on the beleaguered nation.

1. Introduction to Kalan Robertson’s Journey

Tim Miller opens the episode by introducing Kalan Robertson, highlighting his extensive background in journalism and his transition from running a liberal news outlet in London to becoming a frontline correspondent in Ukraine.

• Kalan Robertson shares his motivations:

  "This was just after her son was liberated. And that film came out, it won 12 awards...I made the decision to move out here about nine months ago."
  (00:43)

He discusses his transition from covering Russian and far-right disinformation in London to documenting war crimes in Ukraine, emphasizing the personal and professional transformation that led him to reside in Kyiv.

2. The Sanctioning of Kalan Robertson

A significant portion of the discussion centers around Robertson's recent sanctioning by Russia, a consequence of his on-the-ground reporting.

• Kalan Robertson explains the incident:

  "I jumped in the military vehicle and went straight into Suzha, this town that was under heavily heavy bombardment from Russians."
  (02:32)

His unauthorized entry into a Russian-controlled area led to his inclusion on Russia's international wanted list, severely restricting his ability to travel and heightening personal safety fears.

3. Impact of Trump's Intelligence Shift on Ukraine

The crux of the episode examines the direct fallout from Trump's abrupt cessation of intelligence support to Ukraine, which Robertson argues has left the country vulnerable to intensified Russian assaults.

• Kalan Robertson vehemently criticizes the decision:

  "Donald Trump has cut off US Intelligence sharing with this country... It is already killing people in this country."
  (06:03)

He details the surge in Russian ballistic missile strikes and drone attacks, attributing the increased aggression to the perceived weakening of Ukrainian defenses following the intelligence withdrawal.

4. Shifting Alliances and European Realizations

Robertson observes a seismic shift in European alliances as countries like France step up to fill the intelligence void left by the US, signaling a new era of European autonomy in defense matters.

• Kalan Robertson draws historical parallels:

  "Europe is now realizing that the US Is no longer its ally. And this is the first time this has happened since World War II."
  (10:51)

He underscores the urgency with which Europe is now investing in its own defense capabilities, anticipating a potential rearmament effort nearing a trillion dollars to counteract Russian threats.

5. Heightened Tensions and Future Prospects in Kyiv

The conversation shifts to the immediate atmosphere in Kyiv, where air raid sirens have become a nightly norm, reflecting the heightened state of alert and fear among civilians.

• Kalan Robertson describes the escalating crisis:

  "There was constant air raid sirens, more than I've ever really heard in a night here in Kyiv."
  (12:40)

He anticipates an escalation in attacks, with the possibility of more critical infrastructure being targeted, leaving the city in a state of constant tension.

6. Russian Tactics in Eastern Ukraine

Concluding the episode, Robertson provides a harrowing account of Russian military strategies in eastern Ukraine, particularly in regions like Kherson and Suzha.

• Kalan Robertson details the devastation:

  "They are hammering the city with glide bombs...60,000 residents left there. So it is absolutely horrendous."
  (14:00)

He highlights the unprecedented brutality and the strategic shifts in Russian tactics, painting a grim picture of the ongoing conflict's future trajectory.

7. Closing Thoughts and Reflections

As the interview wraps up, both hosts reflect on the dire situation, expressing concerns over the rapid deterioration of Ukraine's defenses and the broader implications for global stability.

• Kalan Robertson concludes with a somber note:

  "This is just completely unprecedented."
  (15:10)

Tim Miller adds his personal sentiments, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the importance of continued coverage and awareness.

Key Takeaways

• Kalan Robertson's firsthand reporting underscores the severe consequences of the US's withdrawal of intelligence support to Ukraine.
• The Russian aggression has intensified, with increased missile and drone strikes devastating Ukrainian infrastructure and civilian life.
• European nations are accelerating their defense investments, recognizing the diminished role of the US as a strategic ally.
• The human cost in Ukraine is escalating, with cities like Kherson experiencing unprecedented levels of destruction and displacement.
• The episode serves as a stern warning about the fragility of international alliances and the real-time impacts of political decisions on war-torn regions.

This episode of Bulwark Takes offers a sobering analysis of the current geopolitical landscape, highlighting the intricate web of alliances and the dire need for sustained international support in the face of relentless aggression.

Notable Quotes:

• Kalan Robertson (00:43): "It was probably the most meaningful work I've ever done."
• Kalan Robertson (02:32): "Instead of not committing war crimes, instead of not invading other countries, they sort of sanction and try and kill journalists that report on what they're doing."
• Kalan Robertson (06:03): "Donald Trump has cut off US Intelligence sharing with this country... It is already killing people in this country."
• Kalan Robertson (10:51): "Europe is now realizing that the US Is no longer its ally. And this is the first time this has happened since World War II."
• Kalan Robertson (14:00): "They are hammering the city with glide bombs...60,000 residents left there. So it is absolutely horrendous."

Follow Kalan Robertson:

• YouTube: Kalan Robertson's Channel
• X (Twitter): @KalanRobertson

Note: Links are placeholders and should be updated with actual URLs.