Are Trump and Putin Underestimating Ukraine? - The Rest Is Politics Recap

Podcast: The Rest Is Politics

Published: 2026-02-25

Duration: 1 hr 6 min

Summary

The episode explores Ukraine's surprising resilience amid the ongoing conflict with Russia, contrasting perceptions in the West regarding Trump and Putin's stance on the situation. Alistair Campbell shares firsthand insights from his recent visit to Ukraine, highlighting the country's determination to defeat Putin.

What Happened

In this episode, Alistair Campbell provides a vivid account of his recent trip to Ukraine, coinciding with the fourth anniversary of the Russian invasion. He describes a moving event led by President Zelensky at the Maidan, where the somber realities of war intersect with national pride. Campbell emphasizes the stark contrast between Ukraine's optimism and the struggles they face, particularly in the context of international support and perceptions of resilience.

Campbell notes that Ukrainians feel underestimated by the West, particularly regarding the support they need to confront Putin's aggression. He shares a poignant observation about the resilience of the Ukrainian people, who, despite the horrors of war, maintain a strong sense of purpose and hope. This sentiment is echoed by a young Ukrainian girl who believes that victory is possible if the world remains alert to their plight. The episode underscores the necessity for stronger action from the U.S. and Europe to help Ukraine in its fight against Russia.

Key Insights

• Ukrainians perceive Trump as being on Putin's side, highlighting a distrust toward U.S. support.
• Despite ongoing conflict, the morale and national pride in Ukraine remain remarkably strong.
• The use of cold as a weapon by Putin is a serious concern that needs more media attention.
• Ukrainians feel that international perceptions of their resilience might hinder the necessary support to defeat Russia.

Key Questions Answered

What are the perceptions of Trump and Putin regarding Ukraine?

Campbell mentions that many Ukrainians believe Trump is on Putin's side, which contributes to a sense of mistrust about U.S. support. This perception is fueled by the belief that the U.S. has done much to weaken Ukraine's position, despite the ongoing commitment to assist them.

How do Ukrainians perceive their national resilience?

While Ukrainians are proud of their resilience, they express frustration at being labeled as such. Campbell highlights that they feel this narrative distracts from the actions needed from the international community to effectively combat Putin's aggression.

What did Campbell observe during his visit to the Maidan?

At the Maidan, where Zelensky led a memorial event, Campbell witnessed a poignant display of national pride and sorrow. This event served to remind him of the human cost of the conflict, as he noted the presence of flags and photos of fallen soldiers over the past four years.

What is the significance of the cold weather in the conflict?

Campbell relays a critical point made by the EU ambassador about how Putin is weaponizing the cold against Ukrainians, leaving many without power and vulnerable to hypothermia. This strategy, however, seems to have garnered less media attention as the world becomes desensitized to the ongoing crisis.

What is the overall sentiment among young Ukrainians?

Campbell met an optimistic 18-year-old girl named Dorena who, despite the loss of friends and family, expressed unwavering belief in Ukraine's potential for victory. She emphasized that continued awareness and support from the world are vital for Ukraine to succeed against Russia.