Jacobin Radio Jacobin Radio: Trump’s Turn on Ukraine w/ Ilya Budraitskis
Feb 25, 2025
In this conversation, Ilya Budraitskis, a historian and political theorist, and Zakhar Popóvych, a leading Ukrainian researcher, dissect Trump's controversial peace talks regarding Ukraine that sidelined its representatives. They explore how this fuels pro-Putin narratives and impacts Ukraine's sovereignty amid rising authoritarianism. The duo delves into the complexities of modern imperialism, the challenges of the left in Ukraine, and the dire necessity for international solidarity to combat these geopolitical shifts. It's a thought-provoking dialogue on resilience and the left's role.
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The Left's Retroactive Analysis
- The Western left's reactions are often based on outdated historical examples, hindering their understanding of the current geopolitical situation.
- The question of Ukraine's fate is central to the future development of global capitalism and its potential shift towards authoritarianism and imperialism.
The State of the Ukrainian Left
- The Ukrainian left, weakened by Soviet nostalgia and the discrediting of the Communist Party, is rebuilding.
- Trade unionists, socialists, and anarchists actively participate in supporting the armed forces and displaced persons, while advocating for workers' rights.
Repression in Russia: A Tool for Control
- Repression in Russia is selective and aims to suppress public dissatisfaction, not solely due to regime weakness.
- Opposition within Russia is limited, and potential change hinges on Putin's failure in Ukraine, which could trigger splits among elites.
