Who will Britain choose: Zelenskyy or Trump?

73 snips

Feb 20, 2025

Judith Gough, the former UK ambassador to Ukraine, shares her unique insights into the geopolitical challenges faced by President Zelenskyy. The discussion reveals the backlash against Donald Trump's controversial comments labeling Zelenskyy a dictator. Gough highlights the unity among British and European leaders in supporting Ukraine during this turmoil. The podcast also delves into public sentiment towards Trump and the implications for British politics, showcasing how changing perspectives on America could reshape critical issues like Brexit and international alliances.

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ANECDOTE

Mandelson's Response

US Ambassador Peter Mandelson, when asked about Trump's comments on Zelenskyy, avoids direct criticism.
Mandelson's careful response reflects the pressure to maintain US-UK relations.

INSIGHT

Starmer's Dilemma

Trump's stance creates a dilemma for UK politicians.
Starmer seeks to balance maintaining relations with the US while supporting Ukraine.

INSIGHT

Zelenskyy's Predicament

Zelenskyy's responses to Trump, while potentially escalating tensions, are understandable given the circumstances.
European leaders face a difficult decision regarding aligning with either the US or Europe.

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The backlash against Donald Trump for his diatribe against Volodymyr Zelenskyy has strengthened. Keir Starmer called the Ukrainian President in a show of support and told him it was "perfectly reasonable" to have suspended elections given Russia's invasion. European leaders have also lined up to reject Trump's claims that Zelenskyy is a "dictator" - even Nigel Farage has distanced himself from that notion, though pointedly has suggested that Ukraine needed to set a timeline for new elections.

But how far can politicians here, and in Europe, push against the American president when so much is at stake for Western security? Or is there an electoral advantage to standing up to the world's most powerful figure if voters think he has overstepped the mark?

We speak to Judith Gough, the UK's former ambassador to Ukraine who knows President Zelenskyy. And later, to More in Common's Luke Tryl, who has been conducting focus groups here about attitudes towards Donald Trump and the Ukraine war.

You can read More in Common's full report on 'Progressive Activists' here: https://www.moreincommon.org.uk/our-work/research/progressive-activists/

How might Trump change the course of the war in Ukraine? And what will the impact be for British and European politics?

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Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

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