Why does Ukraine's fight for freedom matter to the United States?

On this episode of Peace and Power Ukraine, host Gary Marx welcomes Igor Khrestin, Policy Expert and Strategic Advisor at the George W. Bush Institute, for a discussion on Ukraine's strategic importance, the growing cooperation between authoritarian regimes, and why supporting Ukraine remains firmly in America's national security interest.

Drawing on both his personal experience as a Ukrainian refugee and his work on global policy, Khrestin explains how Russia's invasion of Ukraine fits into a broader geopolitical challenge involving China, Iran, and North Korea, and why the outcome of the war will shape international security for decades to come.

The conversation covers:

• Igor Khrestin's journey from Ukraine to the United States
• The growing partnership between Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea
• Why Ukraine's victory matters to U.S. national security
• Human rights, democracy, and authoritarian regimes
• The work of the George W. Bush Institute
• The current state of Ukraine peace negotiations
• America's continuing role in supporting Ukraine

Khrestin also discusses Ukraine's growing military innovation, the importance of continued intelligence sharing and air defense support, and how Russian domestic politics could ultimately influence the course of the war.

Throughout the conversation, he argues that defending Ukraine is about more than one nation—it's about preserving the international order that has helped secure peace and prosperity since the end of World War II.

00:00 — Why Ukraine matters to America
00:30 — Intro + Meet Igor Khrestin
03:53 — Coming to America as a Ukrainian refugee
05:26 — The "CRINK" authoritarian alliance
08:02 — Why Ukraine is in America's national interest
10:13 — Human rights and authoritarian regimes
13:03 — The George W. Bush Institute's mission
18:01 — The current peace negotiations
20:20 — U.S. military support for Ukraine
23:16 — Is Russia losing leverage?
28:04 — Final thoughts and closing

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