In recent months of the war, Ukraine has managed to hold its front lines and bring war to regular Russians via attacks on infrastructure. That’s why Economic Advisor to the President of Ukraine Chrystia Freeland believes Ukraine has flipped the narrative from being the virtuous victim of Russia’s aggression to the necessary ally and shield of Europe. This week, she joins Sir Ben Wallace and co-host Kate McCann to make the case for why Ukraine is winning, and why winning on the economic battlefield is equally important to the country’s future.
Freeland talks about how Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is laying the political groundwork for Ukraine’s economic success, the importance of Ukraine’s alliances, and why Poland’s success story should serve as a model for Ukraine’s post-war future. They also discuss Ukraine’s strong defense industrial base, the importance of rooting out corruption and the remnants of Soviet ideology for bringing in investment to the country, the challenges of attracting people back to Ukraine, and why victory for Ukraine is a victory for liberal democracy.
Plus, In Brief: what Andy Burnham is up against on the UK’s defense front as he ascends to the role of Prime Minister, another battle in the Strait of Hormuz reignites conflict between Iran and the United States, and a leadership shakeup in China’s People’s Liberation Army.
In this episode:
(00:00) Cold Open and Introduction
(02:21) Incoming UK PM Andy Burnham
(04:16) IRGC Proscription Explained
(05:20) Renewed Tensions with Iran
(09:14) China Military Leadership Shakeup
(10:32) Chrystia Freeland On Ukraine
(11:35) Is Ukraine Winning?
(15:38) Ukrainian Sentiment on the State of War
(24:43) Zelenskyy’s Political Strategy
(29:44) Ukrainian Defense Innovation
(33:36) Why Crimea Was A Strategic Blunder for Putin
(37:17) Ukraine’s Future Economic Vision
(42:39) Corruption and Investment in Ukraine
(53:32) Rebuilding Ukraine and Returning Home
(56:28) Why Allyship is Key for Ukrainian Success
(59:48) Reflecting On Politics, Alliances, and the Future of Ukraine
Hosted by Sir Ben Wallace (former UK Defense Secretary) and co-host Kate McCann (Political Editor at Times Radio).
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