Letters from an American — February 24, 2026
Host: Heather Cox Richardson
Episode Date: February 25, 2026
Main Theme:
Reflecting on the four-year anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Heather Cox Richardson examines the historical context, international response, and recent political developments shaping the ongoing conflict and the U.S. role under different administrations.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Contextualizing the Invasion (00:00–02:45)
- Richardson begins with a historical overview:
- Marks four years since Vladimir Putin launched a “special military operation,” initiating the major invasion of Ukraine (00:00).
- References the Budapest Memorandum of 1994, under which Ukraine surrendered its nuclear arsenal in exchange for security assurances from Russia, the U.S., and the U.K.
- Highlights Russia’s violations of this agreement with invasions in 2014 and 2022.
2. Putin’s Motives & Strategy (01:45–03:00)
- Putin’s Goals:
- Ambition to control Ukraine’s industrial regions; desire to install pro-Russian government (notably, Viktor Yanukovych).
- Cites fabricated justifications: “protecting” Russian speakers, alleged genocide by the Kyiv regime, and calls for demilitarization.
- Explicit intent to “seize or kill” leaders who moved Ukraine toward Europe.
3. Ukrainian Resistance & Global Response (03:00–05:15)
- Ukrainian Defiance:
- President Zelensky’s refusal to flee:
“The fight is here. I need ammunition, not a ride.” (Zelensky, ~03:50)
- Widespread civilian and military mobilization; Ukraine becomes a global leader in drone technology.
- President Zelensky’s refusal to flee:
- U.S. & Allied Support Under Biden:
- Biden administration revitalizes NATO and rallies the G7 and EU.
- Massive U.S. aid: ~$50B in military aid, ~$53B humanitarian.
- Unprecedented sanctions, including Russia’s exclusion from the SWIFT international payment system.
4. The Turning Point: Shift in U.S. Politics (05:15–08:10)
- Congressional Dynamics:
- Bipartisan majority supports aid, but House Speaker Mike Johnson (R) blocks funding.
- MAGA Republicans tie Ukraine aid to U.S.-Mexico border security (demanded by Trump); Trump urges killing the measure to keep immigration alive as a campaign issue.
- Aid delayed six months—weakening Ukraine’s position.
5. Trump’s Return & Deterioration of U.S. Support for Ukraine (08:10–10:20)
-
Backchannel Diplomacy:
- Putin reaches out to new Trump administration before inauguration; Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff (with no diplomatic experience), negotiates in Moscow with Putin, without intelligence briefing.
- Trump parrots Putin’s talking points post-call:
[Paraphrase] After their call, “Trump talked to Putin for nearly an hour and a half and came out…parroting Putin’s justification for invading Ukraine.” (Heather Cox Richardson, 09:15)
-
International Messaging:
- Vice President J.D. Vance publicly undermines European alliance, refuses to acknowledge Russian aggression.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s calls with Russian Foreign Minister hint at Russia’s need for sanctions relief.
-
Oval Office Confrontation:
- Trump and Vance “ambush” Zelensky during a White House meeting, demanding a ceasefire on Russian terms and access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals, using “Russian propaganda” and accusing him of ingratitude.
- Trump furiously defends Putin, walks out, then asks Zelensky to leave.
6. Symbolic & Diplomatic Developments (10:20–11:29)
- Trump meets Putin in Alaska—Putin is still wanted by the ICC for war crimes—greeted with literal “red carpet treatment”; photograph displayed in White House.
- U.S. backs a plan giving Russia much of what it wants, ongoing negotiations demand major Ukrainian concessions with no reciprocation from Russia.
- Jared Kushner now involved in talks; Russia remains inflexible on territorial demands.
7. Global & Human Impacts (11:00–11:40)
-
Landmarks worldwide are illuminated in blue and yellow, a reminder of the solidarity for Ukraine.
-
Increase in Ukrainian civilian deaths since Trump’s return—up 31% over 2024 and 70% over 2023.
-
Powerful observation on the true cost of shifting U.S. policy:
“We measure the transatlantic divorce in money and they in black bags.” (~11:20)
-
Ukrainians remain resilient and determined; the outcome is framed as a choice of “how,” not “when” the war will end.
“Ukrainians are saving us all and unlike us, they don’t even ask us to say thank you.” (~11:40)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
Volodymyr Zelensky:
"The fight is here. I need ammunition, not a ride." (~03:50)
-
On Ukrainian Civilian Losses:
“Since Donald Trump returned to the White House, Ukrainian civilian deaths have increased by 31% compared to 2024 and by 70% compared to 2023.” (~11:20)
-
On U.S.-European Relations:
“We measure the transatlantic divorce in money and they in black bags.” (~11:25)
-
On Ukrainian Resolve:
“Ukrainians have changed the way they wage war. They no longer ask when it will end, but only how.” (~11:30)
-
On Ukraine’s Unheralded Sacrifice:
“Ukrainians are saving us all and unlike us, they don’t even ask us to say thank you.” (~11:40)
Important Segment Timestamps
- 00:00 — Historical introduction; the invasion’s background and the Budapest Memorandum
- 03:00 — Ukrainian resistance and Zelensky’s iconic statement
- 05:15 — Biden administration’s support and international sanctions
- 08:10 — Turning point in U.S. political support for Ukraine; Congressional deadlock
- 09:15 — Putin’s engagement with Trump administration; rationale for U.S. policy shift
- 10:20 — U.S. diplomatic posture reversal, Trump’s meetings with Zelensky and Putin
- 11:20 — Increased Ukrainian casualties, global tribute to Ukrainian resolve
- 11:40 — Final reflections on sacrifice and Western gratitude
Tone & Language
Richardson’s narration is measured, factual, and sober, emphasizing historical context while highlighting the profound moral and geopolitical stakes—particularly America’s shifting role and its impact on Ukrainian lives.
For more or to read the full newsletter, visit heathercoxrichardson.substack.com.