Bulwark Takes: "Kyiv Is Burning While Trump Shrugs" – Detailed Summary
Release Date: May 27, 2025
In this intense episode of Bulwark Takes, released on May 27, 2025, hosts Tim Miller and Kalyn Robertson delve into the harrowing realities unfolding in Kyiv amidst an unprecedented Russian offensive. The conversation provides a raw, on-the-ground perspective of the escalating conflict, the political dynamics affecting aid to Ukraine, and the profound psychological toll on its citizens.
1. Escalation of Russian Attacks in Kyiv
Kalyn Robertson opens the discussion by painting a grim picture of Kyiv under relentless assault. Describing the recent surge in Russian offensives, Robertson highlights the severity and frequency of the attacks:
"It's been a brutal weekend of attacks and an offensive from Russia that's kind of unlike what we've seen throughout the whole war."
[00:00]
He recounts his recent experience traveling from Brussels back to Kyiv, juxtaposing the relative calm of Brussels with the "Apocalypse now" scene witnessed from the train window en route to Kyiv.
2. Impact on Infrastructure and Civilian Safety
The conversation delves into the specifics of Russia's targeting strategies, emphasizing the devastating effects on Kyiv's infrastructure and civilians:
"Russia are amping up their efforts. They've been hitting this city as well as other cities with everything that they have... Russia have been putting their missiles into residential buildings. And children have been dying around here."
[02:27]
Robertson details the depletion of Kyiv's air defense systems, including Patriot systems, forcing the city to resort to antiquated methods akin to those used in World War II. The relentless bombardment aims to instill fear and reduce morale among the populace.
3. U.S. Aid and Political Stance Under Trump
A significant portion of the discussion centers on the United States' role and its shifting stance under President Trump. Robertson criticizes the administration's reluctance to continue support, framing it as an ideological issue rather than a financial one:
"The whole point and the whole premise of Trump's campaign against Ukraine was it's costing us too much money... this isn't about money. This isn't about cash or finances. It's about ideology, and it's about siding with Russia."
[04:26]
He underscores Trump's perceived affinity for Putin, suggesting that personal beliefs are undermining strategic support for Ukraine. The host, Tim Miller, echoes these sentiments, highlighting the frustration over blocked access to crucial air defense systems despite Ukraine's willingness to fund them:
"Ukraine is basically going to sort this stuff alone... If they're going to have to fight this war themselves, they will."
[07:37]
4. Zelenskyy's Diplomacy and Ukraine’s Self-Reliance
The discussion shifts to Ukrainian leadership, particularly President Zelenskyy's diplomatic efforts amidst rising tensions:
"Zelensky has been very, very patient... every single time Putin... puts weapons and missiles into cities like this, hopefully the US Will slowly wake up."
[06:15]
Robertson conveys Zelenskyy's frustration with unproductive peace talks and his hope that continued aggression will eventually compel international players, especially the U.S., to re-engage more robustly. Additionally, he notes a growing confidence within Ukraine's political establishment to develop indigenous military technologies in response to hindered foreign aid.
5. Public Sentiment and Psychological Toll
The episode poignantly addresses the mental health crisis brewing in Kyiv due to constant fear and desensitization to violence:
"When this war is over, there's going to be a massive mental health crisis in this country because people have become totally desensitized to the type of terrorism that Russia's been unleashing."
[08:55]
Robertson shares personal struggles with sleep and anxiety, reflecting a broader national trauma. Despite the omnipresent danger, Kyiv remains a city of resilience, with families striving to maintain normalcy amidst chaos.
6. Personal Anecdotes and Human Element
Adding a human touch, Robertson shares a heartfelt moment about his recent engagement in Kyiv, juxtaposing personal joy against the backdrop of war:
"This is beautiful. It's still families walking around celebrating. You know, Kyiv is a beautiful city. It's where I just got engaged."
[10:02]
Their lighthearted banter about potential wedding locations amid missile threats underscores the desperate desire for normalcy and hope in an otherwise dire situation.
7. Conclusion and Final Thoughts
As the episode wraps up, both hosts reflect on the uncertain future. Tim Miller emphasizes the importance of public awareness and congressional support for Ukraine:
"There still is ostensibly a super majority in our Congress of people that want to support Ukraine. It's just they're too cowardly to do it."
[12:19]
Robertson expresses cautious optimism, noting increased support from Americans disillusioned by Trump's stance:
"This gives me so much hope because America is full of amazing people and it always will be."
[12:46]
The episode concludes on a somber yet hopeful note, highlighting the resilience of Kyiv's citizens and the potential for changing political winds in favor of sustained support for Ukraine.
Notable Quotes:
- "It's like Apocalypse now or something." – Kalyn Robertson (00:24)
- "This is absolutely constant and it's just designed to install fear and terror every single day for the people in the city to reduce morale." – Kalyn Robertson (02:27)
- "If they're going to have to fight this war themselves, they will." – Kalyn Robertson (07:37)
- "This country is figuring out their own technology, their own jammers, their own drones." – Kalyn Robertson (07:37)
- "I think the US has just [lost] interest." – Kalyn Robertson (04:26)
- "Kyiv is a beautiful city. It's where I just got engaged." – Kalyn Robertson (10:02)
This episode of Bulwark Takes offers a comprehensive and emotionally charged exploration of the ongoing conflict in Kyiv, shedding light on both the strategic military developments and the profound human impact of war. It underscores the urgent need for international support and the unwavering spirit of the Ukrainian people in the face of relentless adversity.