Fareed Zakaria's Tense Trip to Ukraine Amidst New Anxiety and Russian Attacks

New Sense of Anxiety in Ukraine

• ✈️ Fareed Zakaria describes a palpable new sense of anxiety in Ukraine, more tense than even after the full-scale invasion.
• 🚨 The trip was marked by Russian drone attacks and ubiquitous air raid warnings, leading to sleepless nights and frequent trips to shelters.
• 💥 While Ukraine's air defense intercepts most projectiles, some Russian missiles, like an Iskander, have hit government buildings in Kyiv.

Coping Mechanisms and National Resolve

• 🏙️ Despite the constant threat, Kyiv remains a beautiful and lively city, but with a jittery new normal overlaid.
• 🚶 Some residents consider leaving to escape the air raids, while others have developed coping strategies.
• 💪 There is a strong weakening of resolve is not an option; surrender is not considered, as it's viewed as a battle for national survival.

Trump's Approach and Putin's Maximalist Demands

• 🇺🇸 Former President Trump's approach to ending the war involved preemptive concessions to Russia, including Ukraine not joining NATO and Russia keeping conquered territories.
• 🚫 Despite these concessions and an invitation to negotiate, Putin stood his ground, seeking to dismember Ukraine territorially and economically.
• 📈 This approach seemed to convince Putin that he could continue pressing forward, leading to increased Russian attacks on Western targets.

Europe's Response and the Central Question

• ⚔️ NATO jets were activated to shoot down Russian drones after a violation of Polish airspace, indicating a response to direct threats.
• 🇪🇺 While Europe is seen by some as slow, there's a clear desire for Ukraine to win the war.
• 🤔 The central question remains: what is the Trump administration's actual goal regarding Ukraine's security and independence?