War in Ukraine: The Role of Fascist Forces and US Imperialism

Introduction

• Speaker: Brian Becker, with guest Eugene Puryear
• **Topics: **New revelations about Russia-Ukraine war, US and NATO intentions, internal dynamics within Ukraine

Key Points

Peace Negotiations in April 2022

• Russia and Ukraine were close to signing a peace deal to end the war in April 2022
• The negotiations were eventually torpedoed
• New York Times article reveals we are further from peace now than ever, despite initial closeness

Factors Driving the Conflict

• Eastern Ukraine territories (Donetsk, Luhansk, Crimea) were focal points in negotiations
• Western discourse: Ukraine must reclaim all territories; counter-narrative: Ukraine was willing to cede these territories
• Issue of language laws in Ukraine: Post-2014 law made Ukrainian the only official language, disenfranchising Russian speakers

Internal Dynamics within Ukraine

• Yanukovych's government overthrown in 2014 with US support
• Fascist forces played a critical role in Maidan protests
• Jeffrey Sachs' mentions US involvement: US backed coup immediately after peace agreement brokered by the EU
• False flag sniper incident in Maidan Square by far-right forces to escalate conflict

US and NATO Strategy

• Long-term US strategy post-1989: Preventing close ties between Germany and Russia to maintain US hegemony
• NATO's expansion eastward to encircle Russia
• Far-right forces in Ukraine and Central Europe as shock troops for US geopolitical agenda

Economic Impact on Ukraine

• 2014 privatization pushed by IMF, World Bank: Cuts in pensions, wages, privatization of key sectors
• 2018 Ukraine opens up land market; Western companies begin to dominate agriculture
• Recent 2024 pushes for privatization of banks, more companies
• Mass opposition within Ukraine: Majority against privatization and loss of labor rights

Political Repercussions in Europe and US

• Rise of right-wing forces in Europe as a reaction to economic hardship and war
• US manipulates fascist elements for strategic gains
• Comparison with post-WWII integration of former Nazis into Western political frameworks

Historical Context

• Historical memory of WWII and Cold War heavily influences current events
• Role of Bandera and Ukrainian nationalist fascists during WWII now being celebrated in Ukraine

Conclusion

• True path to peace involves recognizing complex internal divisions within Ukraine and broader geopolitical realities
• US and NATO's agenda leads to prolonged conflict and economic colonization of Ukraine
• Urgent need for a realistic and historically informed approach to resolve the conflict

Final Thoughts

• Ending the war is in the interest of ordinary ukrainians and everyone affected by the conflict
• Pro-imperialist forces, including Democratic Party establishment, hold responsibility for current state of affairs

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Reflection

• The importance of understanding historical and social complexities when analyzing international conflicts
• Recognition that peace can be achieved through negotiated settlements rooted in realism