How Donald Trump’s War on Iran Helps Vladimir Putin’s War on Ukraine

This episode of The New Yorker Radio Hour examines how Donald Trump's foreign policy toward Iran and Ukraine is inadvertently strengthening Vladimir Putin's war effort. Through an interview with Olga Rudenko, editor-in-chief of the Kiev Independent, the episode reveals the deepening crisis in Ukraine, where civilians endure relentless bombing, energy blackouts, and curfews. Rudenko describes a growing sense of betrayal among Ukrainians, particularly toward the U.S., as Trump’s administration reportedly conditions military aid on Ukraine ceding territory—especially the fortified Donbas region. The war in Iran has further empowered Russia by lifting oil sanctions and enabling a dangerous military exchange: Russia, having scaled up Iranian drone production, is now sending those drones back to Iran. This strategic alliance, once one-sided, now benefits Russia economically and militarily. The episode also explores the erosion of press freedom under Zelensky, who, despite being a democratic symbol, has shown hostility toward independent journalism, including revoking accreditations and retaliating against critical reporting. The contrast between Zelensky’s public image and his treatment of the press underscores the complex realities of wartime leadership. Ultimately, the episode paints a grim picture of a war that is not only being lost on the battlefield but also in the realm of international diplomacy and democratic values. Key takeaways include: (1) Trump’s pivot away from Ukraine and toward Iran is strategically aiding Russia by boosting its oil revenues and enabling military cooperation; (2) Ukraine is being forced into a position where territorial concessions are being framed as a condition for Western support, undermining its sovereignty; (3) the Kremlin’s ability to produce and export Iranian-style drones has turned the tide of aerial warfare in its favor; (4) Zelensky, while a symbol of resistance, has shown authoritarian tendencies toward the press, threatening democratic norms; (5) the independent Kiev Independent remains a rare beacon of truth in wartime, despite government pressure; (6) the war has normalized extreme restrictions on civilian life, including long-term curfews and energy shortages; (7) the U.S. is increasingly seen as a strategic liability rather than a reliable ally; (8) the future of Ukraine may resemble a prolonged, unresolved conflict akin to the Korean Peninsula, with no immediate path to full territorial restoration.