Podcast Summary: "Putin Trumps Zelenskyy?"

Podcast Information:

• Title: The World with Richard Engel and Yalda Hakim
• Host/Authors: Yalda Hakim (Sky News) and Richard Engel (NBC)
• Description: Richard Engel and Yalda Hakim, seasoned correspondents for global news, delve into frontline experiences, dissecting major world events and engaging with key decision-makers. From Middle Eastern conflicts to the US elections and the war in Ukraine, the podcast offers expert analysis and insightful discussions.
• Episode: Putin Trumps Zelenskyy?
• Release Date: February 26, 2025
• Schedule: New episodes every Wednesday starting October 9th

1. The Ongoing Conflict in Ukraine

Richard Engel opens the discussion from Odessa, Ukraine, providing a firsthand account of the devastation caused by Russian bombings. Highlighting his personal connection to the region, he mentions,

"[01:05] Richard Engel: And with me, Richard Engel. And I am in Odessa, Ukraine right now."

He describes the bombing of his favorite hotel:

"[03:43] Richard Engel: ...the Russians dropped some bombs on it and destroyed this hotel, or at least badly damaged it, right in the historic center."

Key Points:

• Resilience and Frustration: Ukrainians exhibit remarkable resilience despite ongoing assaults. However, recent statements by President Trump attributing blame to Ukrainian leadership have irked the populace.

"[03:43] Richard Engel: ...President Trump... said that it was their fault that President Zelensky was a dictator... It rubbed the people here in a very bad way."

• Historical Context: Engel references Ukraine's tumultuous history with Russia, including the Holodomor and territorial losses like Crimea and Donbas.

• Current Threats: Ukrainians live under constant threat of aerial attacks, emphasizing the precariousness of their daily lives.

2. US-Ukraine Relations and Trump’s Policies

The conversation shifts to the strained relationship between the US and Ukraine under President Trump’s administration.

Richard Engel criticizes Trump's stance, especially regarding a proposed mineral deal:

"[06:58] Yalda Hakim: ...Ukrainians are like, we have to pay. We didn't do anything, we didn't break this. This was Russia."

"[14:36] Richard Engel: ...President Trump dropped in his lap said, okay, here's our mineral agreement. $500 billion... So President Zelensky said, I can't sign that."

Key Points:

• Mineral Deal Controversy: Zelensky proposed a mineral deal as part of his victory plan to end the war. Trump’s counteroffer of an unmanageable $500 billion bill without tangible commitments angered Ukrainian leaders.

"[14:36] Richard Engel: ...President Zelensky said, I can't sign that. What's going on here?"

• Perception of US Support: Ukrainians feel abandoned, perceiving Trump’s policies as shifting blame onto them while offering insufficient aid.

"[13:07] Yalda Hakim: ...Ukrainian people have shown that."

• Zelensky's Bold Stance: Zelensky’s refusal to accept unfair deals has been met positively by Ukrainians, reinforcing his image as a strong leader.

3. European Far-Right Movements and US Influence

The discussion transitions to the rise of far-right parties in Europe and their connections with the US’s MAGA movement.

Yalda Hakim highlights recent German elections and the resurgence of the AfD (Alternative for Germany):

"[35:05] Yalda Hakim: ...the rise of the far right AfD party and this backing that they were getting from Elon Musk."

Key Points:

• Election Outcomes: The AfD secured approximately 20% of the vote in recent German elections, signaling significant support, especially among young voters disillusioned with centrist parties.

"[35:05] Yalda Hakim: ...young people, 18 to 24 year olds... 25% voted for the Left party and 20%... for the far right parties."

• Symbiotic Relationships: There's a noticeable alliance between European far-right factions and the US’s MAGA movement, facilitated by figures like Steve Bannon and influencers such as Elon Musk.

"[36:38] Richard Engel: ...the alliance between the far right movements which are growing in Europe and the MAGA movement is there."

• Cultural Parallels: Engel recounts attending a neo-Nazi concert in Germany where organizers mimicked Trump’s red hats with "mgha" (Make Germany Hate Again), underscoring the disturbing crossover of nationalist symbols.

"[35:05] Richard Engel: ...red hats... they had written on them mgha. So not maga, but mgha make Germany hate Again."

4. US-EU Transatlantic Relations Under Strain

The hosts examine the deteriorating relationship between the US and its European allies amidst Trump’s unpredictable policies.

Yalda Hakim points out Trump’s attempts to undermine transatlantic alliances:

"[33:08] Yalda Hakim: ...Donald Trump attempt to blow up this transatlantic relationship."

Key Points:

• Shifting Alliances: Trump’s preference for unilateral actions and personal diplomacy over multilateral agreements strains traditional US-European relations.

"[34:36] Richard Engel: ...assuming that this American strength will always be there. Yes, who needs alliances?"

• European Self-Reliance: Faced with perceived US withdrawal, European nations like Germany and France are contemplating increased defense spending and taking more responsibility for continental security.

"[44:49] Yalda Hakim: ...Europe will finally step up. They're now seriously talking about upping their defense spending."

• Historical Perspectives: Engel reflects on past US attempts to "reset" relations with Russia, noting their limited effectiveness compared to Trump’s approach.

"[24:45] Richard Engel: ...But this kind of sympathy starting, the relations with the Russian side, blaming the victim... is the US Changing its rules on an ally."

5. Predictions for the Future

In the episode's latter segment, Engel and Hakim offer their insights and predictions based on current trends.

Richard Engel anticipates that Ukraine might reluctantly agree to a modified mineral deal to secure European support:

"[43:34] Richard Engel: ...I think Zelensky is probably going to have to sign this mineral deal..."

Yalda Hakim foresees Europe stepping into a more prominent security role, potentially becoming the primary defense force protecting democratic values:

"[44:49] Yalda Hakim: ...Europe will finally step up. They're now seriously talking about upping their defense spending."

Key Predictions:

• Ukraine Handling the Mineral Deal: Despite resistance, economic pressures may compel Ukraine to accept a version of Trump's mineral proposal, facilitating European security commitments.

• European Defense Boost: As US support wavers, Europe may significantly increase its defense budget and capabilities, potentially diminishing reliance on the US for continental security.

• Continued Far-Right Growth: The alliance between European far-right parties and the US's MAGA movement is likely to strengthen, influencing future political landscapes in both regions.

6. Upcoming Episode and Conclusion

The hosts wrap up by teasing the next episode featuring Matt Pottinger, a former National Security Council member under Trump, who will discuss China, Iran, Ukraine, and insider perspectives on the Trump administration.

"[47:19] Yalda Hakim: ...we have a very special guest next week, Matt Pottinger..."

Final Thoughts: Richard Engel emphasizes the importance of historical lessons in shaping current international policies, cautioning against neglecting collaborative efforts that have historically maintained global stability.

"[46:44] Yalda Hakim: ...how their freedoms and Democracy and their liberties have come from."

The episode concludes with a reaffirmation of the podcast’s commitment to providing in-depth global analysis.

Notable Quotes:

• Richard Engel on Ukraine’s Resilience:

  "[03:43] Richard Engel: ...they are resilient, but they are also very annoyed right now."

• Yalda Hakim on European Far-Right Gains:

  "[35:05] Yalda Hakim: ...young people, 18 to 24 year olds... 25% voted for the Left party and 20%... for the far right parties."

• Richard Engel on Trump's Mineral Deal Approach:

  "[14:36] Richard Engel: ...President Zelensky said, I can't sign that. What's going on here?"

• Yalda Hakim on US-EU Relations:

  "[33:08] Yalda Hakim: ...Donald Trump attempt to blow up this transatlantic relationship."

• Richard Engel’s Prediction on Europe’s Defense Role:

  "[43:34] Richard Engel: ...I think Zelensky is probably going to have to sign this mineral deal..."

Conclusion: In "Putin Trumps Zelenskyy?", Yalda Hakim and Richard Engel dissect the complex interplay between Ukrainian resilience, shifting US policies under Trump, and the rise of far-right movements in Europe. The episode underscores the fragile state of international alliances and the impending shifts in global power dynamics, offering listeners a comprehensive analysis of current geopolitical tensions.