The implications of the Trump-Zelensky spat for Ukraine, Russia, Europe, China, USA and the rest of the world
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After Friday’s incredibly dramatic if also unbelievable shouting match between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office, we feature two highly regarded and well-informed former leading Indian diplomats who speak about how they view the situation and what they see as the critical implications and consequences for Zelensky and Ukraine, Russia, Europe, Taiwan, USA and, of course, the rest of the world.
My first guest is India’s former Ambassador to Russia and former Deputy National Security Advisor, Pankaj Saran and my second guest is India’s former Ambassador to the United States, Meera Shankar.
Whilst the details of last night’s shouting match may be engrossing what really matters are the implications and consequences. That is what we focus on. If this is a subject that interests you and you want to be guided by experts who understand I strongly recommend you watch these interviews.
To help you, I will give you the main questions that were put to both guests. The subsidiaries are not included.
Here they are:
1) On Friday the world witnessed an incredible if not unbelievable shouting match between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office. After it ended the BBC reports Zelensky was told to leave the White House. It’s the implications and consequences I want to discuss. But first what was your response to this incredible development?
2) You’ve seen clips of what happened and you have read about it in the papers. Do you have any sense of who is to blame?
3) Let’s come to the implications and consequences of yesterday’s shouting match. First, where does this leave Zelensky and Ukraine? Presumably, he is unlikely to receive any more arms and equipment from America. So when he runs out of what he already has will Ukraine collapse?
4) This has created a deep rupture with America, Ukraine’s most important partner. Can Zelensky survive in office or is it only a matter of time before he goes?
5) On the other hand, let me ask the opposite. Can the relationship be patched up? Or is the rift too personal to be healed easily?
6) I imagine the response in Moscow from President Putin is the exact opposite of Zelensky and Ukraine. He must be smiling and he must feel Trump is his ally not Ukraine’s.
7) The other part of the world that faces major implications is Europe. After last night how damaged is the Transatlantic Alliance? Both Macron and Starmer must be very worried men. Their visits to Washington earlier this week have suddenly come to nought.
8) What does this mean for China’s claim on Taiwan? Will Xi feel he’s got some sort of green light from Trump?
9) Let’s come to Trump. The American President is a special person for heads of government all over the world. How will they view him after his behaviour yesterday? I imagine the King of Jordan and the President of Egypt, who have differences with Trump over Gaza, would be very perturbed. So too Cyril Ramaphosa in South Africa.
10) This has also created a deep political rift in America. Whilst Republicans support Trump the Democrats have come down on Zelensky’s side. So has the American media. Will that worry Trump?
11) Finally, is there a lesson here or a warning for India and Mr. Modi? Could our differences with America over tariffs and immigration lead to similar behaviour?
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