• Research
  • Emissary
  • About
  • Experts
Carnegie Global logoCarnegie lettermark logo
DemocracyIran
  • Donate
Podcast Episode

Abandoning Ukraine? Trump's Policy and Europe's Challenge

Sophia Besch sits down with Dara Massicot to discuss the latest developments in the war in Ukraine—where the war stands now, how the Trump administration’s decisions are shaping battlefield dynamics, and what’s at stake for European security moving forward.

Link Copied
By Sophia Besch and Dara Massicot
Published on Mar 7, 2025

Subscribe on

YoutubeSpotifyApple PodcastsOvercastPlayer FM
Project hero Image

Project

Ukraine Initiative

The United States and its allies and partners need a sustainable, long-term policy framework to defeat Russia’s aggression and help ensure a future for Ukraine as a resilient democracy anchored firmly in Europe. Carnegie has launched a multiyear initiative that will contribute policy and analytical heft to these efforts, in partnership with Ukrainian scholars.

Learn More

Nearly a week after the tense Oval Office meeting between President Trump and President Zelensky, and just days after the Trump administration’s abrupt decision to pause military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine, serious questions loom over America’s commitment to Kyiv’s security. At the same time, the White House appears to be exploring a thaw with Moscow—including potential sanctions relief with little in return.

In this episode, Sophia Besch and Dara Massicot unpack the implications of these moves: What message does this send to Ukraine and its European allies? How are European leaders responding? And what does this shift mean for U.S. foreign policy and great power competition?

Notes:

  1. Dara Massicot, Russian Military Reconstitution: 2030 Pathways and Prospects, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, September 12, 2024.

Hosted by

Sophia Besch
Senior Fellow, Europe Program
Sophia Besch

Featuring

Dara Massicot
Senior Fellow, Russia and Eurasia Program
Dara Massicot

Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.

More Work from The World Unpacked

  • Podcast Episode
    A Luddite’s Guide to the AI Economy

    Brian Merchant on the Industrial Revolution’s failures, how AI undercuts workers, and the social order of technology.

      • Jon Bateman
      • Brian Merchant

      Jon Bateman, Brian Merchant

  • Podcast Episode
    Data Centers Are Fine, Actually

    The missing context that shows how AI isn’t the resource hog everyone thinks it is – with Andy Masley. 

      • Jon Bateman
      • Andy Masley

      Jon Bateman, Andy Masley

  • Podcast Episode
    How Europe Fights Russia Without the U.S.

    Sophia Besch games out NATO’s future, Baltic scenarios, German rearmament, and Europe’s next way of war. 

      • Jon Bateman

      Jon Bateman, Sophia Besch

  • Podcast Episode
    Iran Will Probably Still Get Nukes – Here’s How

    James Acton gives 50% odds of an Iranian nuke in 3 years and tells U.S. negotiators what to prioritize. 

      • Jon Bateman

      Jon Bateman, James M. Acton

  • The World Unpacked
    Podcast Episode
    How a U.S.-China War Would Unfold

    A U.S.-China war over Taiwan would be catastrophic for all sides and the world. Preventing such a war requires understanding how it might unfold—from start to finish—including worst-case scenarios.

      • Jon Bateman

      Jon Bateman, Charles Hooper

Get more news and analysis from
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Carnegie global logo, stacked
1779 Massachusetts Avenue NWWashington, DC, 20036-2103Phone: 202 483 7600
  • Research
  • Emissary
  • About
  • Experts
  • Donate
  • Programs
  • Events
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts
  • Contact
  • Annual Reports
  • Careers
  • Privacy
  • For Media
  • Government Resources
Get more news and analysis from
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
© 2026 Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. All rights reserved.