Biden's decade in Ukraine comes to an end

Summary

In this detailed discussion, the hosts analyze President Joe Biden's sweeping pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, covering a period from 2014 onwards, with a focus on Hunter's involvement in Ukraine and Burisma. The pardon, considered unusually broad, not only protects Hunter but may shield President Biden as well from potential legal consequences. The conversation explores the political implications of this move, questioning its impact on U.S.-Ukraine relations and the future of Biden family involvement in Ukraine. Additionally, it discusses recent U.S. actions in Ukraine, including military aid and missile strikes, suggesting the Biden administration is closing its chapter on Ukraine.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Biden pardon for Hunter Biden covers an extensive 11-year period, starting in 2014, and is considered one of the most sweeping pardons in generations.
• 😀 The pardon is seen by some analysts as not only protecting Hunter Biden but also providing a shield for Joe Biden from potential legal consequences related to Hunter's business dealings.
• 😀 The timing of the pardon coincides with significant events in Ukraine, including the 2014 Maidan coup and Hunter Biden's involvement with Burisma, raising questions about conflicts of interest.
• 😀 Hunter Biden's business dealings, particularly with Burisma, have been widely documented, though they received little mainstream attention at the time. His role as an 'energy expert' has been unclear.
• 😀 The pardon includes multiple issues beyond the charges that have been investigated so far, including tax issues and gun possession, extending to broader business dealings and possible criminal activities.
• 😀 Some argue that Joe Biden's pardon of Hunter Biden effectively pardons the president himself, as legal action against Hunter could implicate him in various illegal activities.
• 😀 While Hunter Biden's activities have not been thoroughly investigated, the pardon complicates efforts to bring legal action against him or his father.
• 😀 The pardon raises questions about future investigations and whether it will prevent accountability for actions involving Hunter Biden's international business dealings.
• 😀 The conversation suggests that the U.S.'s protective influence over Ukrainian oligarchs is ending, as the Biden family is unlikely to continue its involvement in Ukraine after this period.
• 😀 With the U.S. backing out, Ukrainian oligarchs may seek protection from other external sources, like the EU or Russia, signaling a shift in Ukraine's political dynamics.
• 😀 Biden's recent actions, including missile strikes on Russia and massive financial aid to Ukraine, are seen as efforts to close the chapter on Ukraine before his term ends, with little chance of future peace negotiations leading to resolutions.

Q & A

What is significant about the Biden pardon for Hunter Biden?

The Biden pardon is significant because it covers a 10-11 year period starting from 2014, which includes Hunter Biden's business dealings in Ukraine, particularly with Burisma. Legal analysts have described it as one of the most sweeping pardons seen in generations.

What event in 2014 is linked to the start of Hunter Biden's involvement in Ukraine?

In 2014, a change of government occurred in Ukraine, which is often referred to as the Maidan coup. This marked a turning point, and it was around this time that Hunter Biden began working with the Ukrainian energy company, Burisma.

How has Hunter Biden's role with Burisma been described?

Hunter Biden's role with Burisma has been described as somewhat unclear, with some sources suggesting he was an 'energy expert.' However, there is little public understanding of his exact responsibilities, leading to speculation about whether his position was a form of protection or political influence.

Why is the timing of Hunter Biden's appointment to Burisma significant?

The timing is significant because Hunter Biden joined Burisma at a time when his father, Joe Biden, was heavily involved in U.S.-Ukraine relations, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest. This coincided with the U.S. supporting a pro-Western government in Ukraine.

How does the pardon relate to Joe Biden's potential legal issues?

The sweeping pardon granted to Hunter Biden may also be seen as indirectly shielding Joe Biden from legal consequences related to Hunter's activities. Given that Hunter Biden's dealings in Ukraine were potentially linked to his father's role, the pardon could make it difficult for any legal action to be taken against Joe Biden.

What impact does the pardon have on future investigations into Hunter Biden and Joe Biden?

The pardon prevents Hunter Biden from being prosecuted for offenses related to his business dealings, especially those linked to Ukraine and China. While investigations into Joe Biden's involvement might still occur, they would be complicated by Hunter's immunity.

What is the broader political implication of the Biden pardon, especially regarding the Ukraine situation?

The broader political implication is that the pardon serves to close the chapter on U.S. involvement in Ukraine, which had been closely tied to the Biden family. It signals the end of a period where U.S. influence, particularly from individuals like Hunter Biden, played a significant role in Ukraine's politics.

What does the pardon mean for the oligarchs in Ukraine?

With the U.S. stepping back from its role in Ukraine, the protection once offered by U.S. political figures like the Bidens may be ending. Ukrainian oligarchs who once relied on U.S. support might now look for new sources of protection, potentially from the EU, UK, or Russia.

What role did the U.S. government play in Ukraine's internal power struggles?

The U.S. government, especially through individuals like Joe Biden, played a significant role in supporting certain political factions in Ukraine. The support was often tied to providing 'protection' or 'cover' for Ukrainian oligarchs and political figures in exchange for loyalty or favors.

What does the conversation suggest about the future of U.S. involvement in Ukraine?

The conversation suggests that U.S. involvement in Ukraine is winding down. The recent financial and military aid being provided to Ukraine is seen as a way to close out U.S. support before the Biden administration potentially exits the scene. This indicates that U.S. backing for Ukraine may diminish in the near future.