Podcasts about Mariupol

In 2006 Ukraine, beams split the sky. Time stopped. Something inhuman came to Earth — and took people from their homes.EPISODE BLOG PAGE (includes sources): https://weirddarkness.com/UkraineUFOsSOURCES and RESOURCES:“The Ukraine Alien Abduction” by Marcus Lowth for UFO Insight: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2p82rjjpVIDEO: UFO Spotted Near Explosion In Ukraine: https://weirddarkness.com/ufo-spotted-near-explosion-in-ukraine/(Over time links may become invalid, disappear, or have different content. I always make sure to give authors credit for the material I use whenever possible. If I somehow overlooked doing so for a story, or if a credit is incorrect, please let me know and I will rectify it in these show notes immediately. Some links included above may benefit me financially through qualifying purchases.)WeirdDarkness® is a registered trademark. Copyright ©2026, Weird Darkness.Originally aired: July, 2022Weird Darkness digs into Ukraine's decades-long record of UFO sightings and humanoid encounters, from a husband and wife carried aboard a disc-shaped craft outside their own front door, to horned figures stripping orchards near an ancient fortress honeycombed with tunnels, to a truck driver who described being walked across the surface of the moon by three men who had flagged him down for car trouble.It opens with the case reported in the June 20th, 2008 edition of the Ukrainian newspaper Facts, in which 34-year-old Vladimir Voronezhskiy and his 29-year-old wife Olga described being taken aboard a disc-shaped craft outside their home in the early hours of the morning. The evening began when their daughters Vanessa and Angelica came back from a nearby shop describing a "flying star", then drew matching sketches of a round object flashing white, yellow and red. Olga and Vladimir went outside and watched an object hovering over a distant river, and Olga's mobile phone captured only a blurred yellow smear. Around 2 am the bedroom filled with white light, the roof appeared to turn transparent, and the couple ran outside to find a disc hanging roughly 350 feet from the house. Olga rose into the air in a spiraling motion while Vladimir grabbed for her leg and missed, and the two of them found themselves inside a bare room with glass-like walls, surrounded by three-foot entities with gray skin, oversized heads and three fingers on each hand, moving without visible legs in the manner of a caterpillar. Olga was placed in a medical chair and watched the entities open an incision across her abdomen with instruments she had never seen before, feeling no pain, then close it so completely that no scar remained; Vladimir, held back by what felt like an invisible wall, was paralyzed by four metal rods laid on his chest after he struggled, and a voice entered his head promising he would be home soon. A taller figure, roughly five feet tall with its face fully covered, told him only that the procedures "had to be done". The couple were then seated in front of transparent walls where the sun looked like a diffused spot of light and the Earth appeared no bigger than a tennis ball, taken down to a world where the inhabitants lived in open pits below the surface, and told that humans and cattle alike had been brought to Earth from another planet. Vladimir refused repeated attempts to make him copulate with a female entity, even after it took the form of a beautiful human woman, and the conversation turned instead to human emotion and why our species has not yet destroyed itself. UFO researcher Yuriy Stepanov later placed Vladimir under hypnotic regression, which produced detailed sketches of the craft and its occupants along with the claim that a plasma field surrounding the ship rendered it invisible to the eye and undetectable on radar. Medical examination of the family turned up no implants, though Vladimir's gray hair regained its color, Olga's lifelong stomach pain never came back, and she claimed she could sober up a drunk person by resting a hand on his forehead for two minutes. Their neighbors mocked them for all of it.From there the episode backs up to the June 9th, 2006 edition of the same newspaper, which reported that residents across Mariupol spent an evening watching six disc-shaped objects over the city and jammed the phone lines of local papers with calls, while the Ukrainian Air Force and air traffic control at Mariupol Airport both said their radar showed nothing unusual; the next morning a watchman named Nikolay Trinitsyn counted around twenty fast-flying lighted spheres over an industrial district in full daylight, visible to his coworkers for about ten minutes before they were gone. Older encounters follow. In the summer of 1952, according to an account in Interesting Newspaper, a boy named Ivan Sergeevich was left alone at a campfire with an elderly woman after a sudden violent wind scattered the group's horses, and three helmeted figures about six feet tall walked out of a bright domed object rising from the woods, halted twice by handfuls of powder the woman threw into the fire to make it crackle. Around the same season in Belgorod-Dnestrovskiy, Komsomolskaya Pravda documented an insomniac watching five horned figures in his neighbor's yard, followed the next day by an apple tree stripped bare, part of a run of horned-creature sightings and vanishing food near a fortress that local legend says sits atop a network of secret tunnels used by creatures living underground and, in other tellings, by survivors of a UFO crash. Anton Anfalov of the Yaroslavl UFO Group recorded a three-day encounter in Zhdanivka in August of 1953, where Lina Ivanovna Kravets watched a silver globe descend behind the houses and a neighbor found three figures in dark overalls, gloves and helmets cutting fruit-laden branches from apple, plum and cherry trees while carrying wheat, rye and transparent tubes holding a frog, a lizard and a fish; in broken Russian they told her they had flown from up there, that they were searching for a lost scout ship they feared humans had destroyed, that Earth's wars affected natural disasters on their own world, and they offered her a piece of their bread before leaving. The segment ends with the 1971 Odesa catacombs account published in The Secret Doctrine, in which a young woman named Masha followed the sound of a child crying down a side passage, was struck from behind and disappeared for three days, later gave birth to a son with a large head, small mouth and outsized eyes who read academic material as a child, and who vanished in those same catacombs in the late 1990s and was never found.The final stretch runs through four more abduction reports and into the present day. Outside Chernivtsi in the early hours of January 8th, 1976, a glass-factory truck driver identified only as Nikolay N was woken by knocking on his cab window by three men who said their car had broken down, and was led instead to an upright cylinder with a glowing dome, blacked out on board, woke on a table wired with cables and devices, and was told he was at his hosts' base on the moon before being suited up and taken by elevator to the surface, where he could see the Earth's cloud cover; years later a man stopped him on the street and asked how his trip to the moon had been. On the night of April 17th into the 18th of 1982 in Simferopol, Crimea, researchers Vladimir A Borominskiy and Vladimir A Belozyerov of the Simferopol UFO Research Group documented electrician Yuriy Vasilievich Zbroy watching a shape push through his bedroom wall, touching it, feeling himself become magnetized, and then facing three creatures that emerged from a saucer the size of a toy and grew as they approached before telling him telepathically that they intended to take sperm for a hybridization program. In June of 1989 near Kharkiv, the Kirov UFO Group reported Ivan Rybchenko stopping his car for a descending luminous spot, stepping through two doors that opened in its side, being placed in a box lined with soft material, and waking to a tearing pain in his left hand before viewing an alien world dotted with communication towers and a base he was told ran automatically, without crew. In February of 1990, in an account from Gennadiy Ya Leszshenko's book At The Edge of the Unknown or What is Behind the Curtain, relayed by veteran researcher Albert Rosales, 68-year-old Ivan Nikanorovich went outside to quiet his barking dogs in the Donetsk region and was confronted by three figures around ten feet tall whose outer suits peeled away by themselves once aboard, and who flew him past planets before returning him home so ill he could not eat for three days. Sightings have not stopped: a white triangular craft with no wings, windows or markings was filmed over the country in August of 2019 and attributed by some to the rumored American TR-3B, two metallic objects roughly the size of a small van were filmed over Odesa in February of 2022, and on March 1st of that year a disc-shaped object was recorded from an apartment window in an area under shelling, hanging in the distance while the explosions went off below it.

Maple Hope Foundation is presenting Love Knows No Death on August 29 at Alliance Française Vancouver, 6161 Cambie Street.This multimedia performance is inspired by the true story of Ukrainian mother, teacher, and artist Hanna Kisilishyna, whose only son was killed in russia's terrorist attack against Ukrainian Prisoners of War in Olenivka. The production blends live theatre, documentary audio, photographs, video, and music. The evening also features Resilience in Bloom, a photo exhibition honouring twenty Ukrainian women who lost loved ones in the defence of Mariupol and in Olenivka.Doors open at 5 p.m. for the photo exhibition, and the live performance begins at 6. Ticket proceeds support bereavement programs for mothers who have lost children to the war. For tickets, visit Eventbrite and search Love Knows No Death. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Life in Spite of Everything: Tales from the Ukrainian East (Daunt Books Publishing, 2025) is a unique reflection on the much-mythologised Donetsk and Luhansk regions of the Ukrainian east, the old and recent history of the region as seen by an esteemed academic multi-disciplinary scholar Victoria Donovan in her numerous travels to the region prior to the full-scale invasion. Seen through a deeply empathetic lens of conversations with local curators, historians, museum workers, and artists, the region is shown in its complexity, with the uniqueness of its landscapes, endangered biodiversity, entangled colonialisms of its past and a threatened future. Since start of Russia's war against Ukraine in 2014, its eastern region—Donbas—has been synonymous with conflict. With the escalation of that war in 2022, its, cities such as Bakhmut and Lysychansk have become familiar to us through the images and reports of brutal devastation. Victoria Donovan excavates a rich, multicultural history of this area, and paints a radically different picture. Travelling from the dramatic, jagged peaks of Bilokuzmynivka to the marshland of Mariupol, from a warehouse rave to an abandoned gypsum mine, the physical world and its importance to this region's identity is brought to vivid life. But above all else, by speaking to those whose lives are embedded there now—curators, artists, railway workers, young people who have grown up amidst instability and destruction—Donovan amplifies local voices and reveals the intensely personal lived reality of Putin's war. Victoria Donovan is Professor of Ukrainian and East European Studies and Director of the Centre for Global (Post)socialisms, Southeast, Central and East European Studies at the University of St Andrews. Viktoriia Grivina is an independent anthropologist and writer, author of Kharkiv, a War City (Ibidem, 2025), and Kharkiv is a Dream: Public Art and Activism, 2013–2023 (Ibidem, 2025). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Life in Spite of Everything: Tales from the Ukrainian East (Daunt Books Publishing, 2025) is a unique reflection on the much-mythologised Donetsk and Luhansk regions of the Ukrainian east, the old and recent history of the region as seen by an esteemed academic multi-disciplinary scholar Victoria Donovan in her numerous travels to the region prior to the full-scale invasion. Seen through a deeply empathetic lens of conversations with local curators, historians, museum workers, and artists, the region is shown in its complexity, with the uniqueness of its landscapes, endangered biodiversity, entangled colonialisms of its past and a threatened future. Since start of Russia's war against Ukraine in 2014, its eastern region—Donbas—has been synonymous with conflict. With the escalation of that war in 2022, its, cities such as Bakhmut and Lysychansk have become familiar to us through the images and reports of brutal devastation. Victoria Donovan excavates a rich, multicultural history of this area, and paints a radically different picture. Travelling from the dramatic, jagged peaks of Bilokuzmynivka to the marshland of Mariupol, from a warehouse rave to an abandoned gypsum mine, the physical world and its importance to this region's identity is brought to vivid life. But above all else, by speaking to those whose lives are embedded there now—curators, artists, railway workers, young people who have grown up amidst instability and destruction—Donovan amplifies local voices and reveals the intensely personal lived reality of Putin's war. Victoria Donovan is Professor of Ukrainian and East European Studies and Director of the Centre for Global (Post)socialisms, Southeast, Central and East European Studies at the University of St Andrews. Viktoriia Grivina is an independent anthropologist and writer, author of Kharkiv, a War City (Ibidem, 2025), and Kharkiv is a Dream: Public Art and Activism, 2013–2023 (Ibidem, 2025). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/environmental-studies

Life in Spite of Everything: Tales from the Ukrainian East (Daunt Books Publishing, 2025) is a unique reflection on the much-mythologised Donetsk and Luhansk regions of the Ukrainian east, the old and recent history of the region as seen by an esteemed academic multi-disciplinary scholar Victoria Donovan in her numerous travels to the region prior to the full-scale invasion. Seen through a deeply empathetic lens of conversations with local curators, historians, museum workers, and artists, the region is shown in its complexity, with the uniqueness of its landscapes, endangered biodiversity, entangled colonialisms of its past and a threatened future. Since start of Russia's war against Ukraine in 2014, its eastern region—Donbas—has been synonymous with conflict. With the escalation of that war in 2022, its, cities such as Bakhmut and Lysychansk have become familiar to us through the images and reports of brutal devastation. Victoria Donovan excavates a rich, multicultural history of this area, and paints a radically different picture. Travelling from the dramatic, jagged peaks of Bilokuzmynivka to the marshland of Mariupol, from a warehouse rave to an abandoned gypsum mine, the physical world and its importance to this region's identity is brought to vivid life. But above all else, by speaking to those whose lives are embedded there now—curators, artists, railway workers, young people who have grown up amidst instability and destruction—Donovan amplifies local voices and reveals the intensely personal lived reality of Putin's war. Victoria Donovan is Professor of Ukrainian and East European Studies and Director of the Centre for Global (Post)socialisms, Southeast, Central and East European Studies at the University of St Andrews. Viktoriia Grivina is an independent anthropologist and writer, author of Kharkiv, a War City (Ibidem, 2025), and Kharkiv is a Dream: Public Art and Activism, 2013–2023 (Ibidem, 2025). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/russian-studies

Life in Spite of Everything: Tales from the Ukrainian East (Daunt Books Publishing, 2025) is a unique reflection on the much-mythologised Donetsk and Luhansk regions of the Ukrainian east, the old and recent history of the region as seen by an esteemed academic multi-disciplinary scholar Victoria Donovan in her numerous travels to the region prior to the full-scale invasion. Seen through a deeply empathetic lens of conversations with local curators, historians, museum workers, and artists, the region is shown in its complexity, with the uniqueness of its landscapes, endangered biodiversity, entangled colonialisms of its past and a threatened future. Since start of Russia's war against Ukraine in 2014, its eastern region—Donbas—has been synonymous with conflict. With the escalation of that war in 2022, its, cities such as Bakhmut and Lysychansk have become familiar to us through the images and reports of brutal devastation. Victoria Donovan excavates a rich, multicultural history of this area, and paints a radically different picture. Travelling from the dramatic, jagged peaks of Bilokuzmynivka to the marshland of Mariupol, from a warehouse rave to an abandoned gypsum mine, the physical world and its importance to this region's identity is brought to vivid life. But above all else, by speaking to those whose lives are embedded there now—curators, artists, railway workers, young people who have grown up amidst instability and destruction—Donovan amplifies local voices and reveals the intensely personal lived reality of Putin's war. Victoria Donovan is Professor of Ukrainian and East European Studies and Director of the Centre for Global (Post)socialisms, Southeast, Central and East European Studies at the University of St Andrews. Viktoriia Grivina is an independent anthropologist and writer, author of Kharkiv, a War City (Ibidem, 2025), and Kharkiv is a Dream: Public Art and Activism, 2013–2023 (Ibidem, 2025). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/anthropology

Life in Spite of Everything: Tales from the Ukrainian East (Daunt Books Publishing, 2025) is a unique reflection on the much-mythologised Donetsk and Luhansk regions of the Ukrainian east, the old and recent history of the region as seen by an esteemed academic multi-disciplinary scholar Victoria Donovan in her numerous travels to the region prior to the full-scale invasion. Seen through a deeply empathetic lens of conversations with local curators, historians, museum workers, and artists, the region is shown in its complexity, with the uniqueness of its landscapes, endangered biodiversity, entangled colonialisms of its past and a threatened future. Since start of Russia's war against Ukraine in 2014, its eastern region—Donbas—has been synonymous with conflict. With the escalation of that war in 2022, its, cities such as Bakhmut and Lysychansk have become familiar to us through the images and reports of brutal devastation. Victoria Donovan excavates a rich, multicultural history of this area, and paints a radically different picture. Travelling from the dramatic, jagged peaks of Bilokuzmynivka to the marshland of Mariupol, from a warehouse rave to an abandoned gypsum mine, the physical world and its importance to this region's identity is brought to vivid life. But above all else, by speaking to those whose lives are embedded there now—curators, artists, railway workers, young people who have grown up amidst instability and destruction—Donovan amplifies local voices and reveals the intensely personal lived reality of Putin's war. Victoria Donovan is Professor of Ukrainian and East European Studies and Director of the Centre for Global (Post)socialisms, Southeast, Central and East European Studies at the University of St Andrews. Viktoriia Grivina is an independent anthropologist and writer, author of Kharkiv, a War City (Ibidem, 2025), and Kharkiv is a Dream: Public Art and Activism, 2013–2023 (Ibidem, 2025). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/art

Life in Spite of Everything: Tales from the Ukrainian East (Daunt Books Publishing, 2025) is a unique reflection on the much-mythologised Donetsk and Luhansk regions of the Ukrainian east, the old and recent history of the region as seen by an esteemed academic multi-disciplinary scholar Victoria Donovan in her numerous travels to the region prior to the full-scale invasion. Seen through a deeply empathetic lens of conversations with local curators, historians, museum workers, and artists, the region is shown in its complexity, with the uniqueness of its landscapes, endangered biodiversity, entangled colonialisms of its past and a threatened future. Since start of Russia's war against Ukraine in 2014, its eastern region—Donbas—has been synonymous with conflict. With the escalation of that war in 2022, its, cities such as Bakhmut and Lysychansk have become familiar to us through the images and reports of brutal devastation. Victoria Donovan excavates a rich, multicultural history of this area, and paints a radically different picture. Travelling from the dramatic, jagged peaks of Bilokuzmynivka to the marshland of Mariupol, from a warehouse rave to an abandoned gypsum mine, the physical world and its importance to this region's identity is brought to vivid life. But above all else, by speaking to those whose lives are embedded there now—curators, artists, railway workers, young people who have grown up amidst instability and destruction—Donovan amplifies local voices and reveals the intensely personal lived reality of Putin's war. Victoria Donovan is Professor of Ukrainian and East European Studies and Director of the Centre for Global (Post)socialisms, Southeast, Central and East European Studies at the University of St Andrews. Viktoriia Grivina is an independent anthropologist and writer, author of Kharkiv, a War City (Ibidem, 2025), and Kharkiv is a Dream: Public Art and Activism, 2013–2023 (Ibidem, 2025). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosts Roger Moorhouse and Patrick Bishop return to discuss the latest critical developments in the war, starting with a major strategic shift in Ukraine's drone targeting. The hosts break down Ukraine's long-range strikes against distribution centres belonging to Wildberries—Russia's largest online retailer—which have left facilities destroyed, killed nine people, and caused widespread economic disruption. While Russian sources denounce the strikes as terrorism, Ukrainian sources and President Zelenskyy maintain that the retailer forms a key part of Russia's military supply chain, distributing items like body armour, drone parts, and sanctioned electronics. The hosts also examine the ongoing political and military drama at the top of Ukraine's armed forces. Following public backlash over the sacking of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi has also been removed and replaced by Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi, a modern, reform-minded commander. Highlights:Strikes on Wildberries: How Ukrainian drone attacks on major warehouses near Moscow, Tambov, and Podolsk hit Russia's consumer economy and military logistics. Economic Backlash: The financial strain on a million Russian entrepreneurs whose contracts failed to cover drone damage, driving up broader inflationary pressures. Oligarch Breaks Ranks: Why Russian industrialist Andrei Melnichenko's interview with The Economist warning of looming disaster may actually be a Kremlin-approved piece of disinformation. Change at the Top: The removal of Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi and the appointment of Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi, known for his actions in Mariupol and Kharkiv. French Cyber Warning: France's firm stance against persistent FSB cyberattacks on its institutions, authorizing active countermeasures ahead of its 2027 presidential elections. Listener Q&A: Discussions on cyberattacks versus physical drone strikes on petrol stations, Western geopolitical moves in the Middle East, and the strategic leverage surrounding the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Join the Conversation: If you have a question about the war in Ukraine or any of the conflicts we cover, email us at podbattleground@gmail.comFollow us on:X - @PodBattlegroundInstagram - podbattlegroundProducer: James HodgsonA Goalhanger Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was perhaps the single worst act of civilian killing in Russia's war on Ukraine. The bombing of a theater in Mariupol came to symbolize Ukrainian sacrifice, and revealed Putin's true intentions. Compass Points moderator Nick Schifrin discusses one of Russia's most notorious war crimes with James Verini, author of "The Theater: Courage and Survival in the Defining Atrocity of the Ukraine War." PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer says he will step down. The U.S. and Iran agree a peace roadmap and the Revolutionary Guards stand to cash in. Ukraine's Azov fighters are hitting Russian logistics making Moscow pay a price for occupying Mariupol. And Cape Verde stuns again at the World Cup. Listen to the Morning Bid podcast ⁠⁠here⁠⁠. Sign up for the Reuters Econ World newsletter ⁠⁠here⁠⁠. Listen to the Reuters Econ World podcast ⁠⁠here⁠⁠. Visit the Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit megaphone.fm/adchoices to opt out of targeted advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Day after day, Russia pounds Ukraine as President Putin tries to claim he's winning this war - now in its fifth year. But increasingly audacious long-range Ukrainian strikes are challenging that narrative. This week, they struck an arms factory and an oil refinery deep inside Russia. Ukraine also hit the Russian-occupied port of Mariupol - a strategically important site that was taken by Russian forces early in the war after it was the setting for one of the first major sites of Russian horrors. Many people scrambling to survive the atrocity took refuge in a theatre, which was bombed on March 16th, 2022. This critical episode of the war is the subject of a new book, "The Theatre," by journalist James Verini and he joins the show from New York.   Also on today's show: actors Mark Strong and Lesley Manville discuss "Oedipus"; Rebecca Winthrop, Director, Brookings Institution Center for Universal Education    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Det som kändes som fantasier föra bara några år sen är idag verklighet och Sverige gör sig redo för att kunna evakuera sin befolkning. Lyssna på alla avsnitt i Sveriges Radios app. Våren 2022 är halvmiljonstaden Mariupol i sydöstra Ukraina omringad. Belägringen av staden pågår i två månader och är bland de blodigaste attackerna mot civila i Europa sedan andra världskriget.Röda Korset och FN förhandlar fram så kallade humanitära korridorer som invånarna ska kunna fly genom. Men gång på gång attackeras korridorerna och långt ifrån alla som vill lämna staden lyckas. Hundratusentals ukrainare är i dag fortfarande fast i Mariupol eller har deporterats till Ryssland. Belägringen är ett tydligt exempel på hur farligt det kan vara för civilbefolkningen i krig och visar på att man behöver en plan för hur man snabbt ska massevakuera.– Det var ju fullständigt kaos med en massa olika typer av ad hoc -lösningar, säger Henrik Larsson, tillförordnad chef för avdelningen för befolkningsskydd på Myndigheten för civilt försvar.Sverige har ingen landgräns till Ryssland, så för att ryska styrkor ska kunna slå en järnring runt en svensk stad måste det ha gått riktigt illa. Men det finns andra hot och scenarion där vi kan behöva evakuera.Sverige övar– Det är ändå så att det är inte mer än två och en halv minut ungefär i sju timmar för en Iskander-robot innan den dimper ner här i Blekinge från Kaliningrad. Det här är ett faktum vi behöver prata om, hantera och planera för att skydda oss emot. Det är det som ligger för ögonen och har gjort sen 2022, säger Peter Ryman, som är försvarsdirektör på Länsstyrelsen i Blekinge. Och flera myndigheter och kommuner planerar nu att öva skarpt för hur man ska kunna massevakuera människor i Sverige. I höst ska Gotland genomföra en stor övning och i Blekinge genomförde nyligen ett 100-tal tjänstemän en ledningsövning på hur man ska evakuera 100 000 Blekingebor.– Det här har varit väldigt lärorikt på många olika sätt för här tvingas man in av organisationerna och fatta beslut på. ett osäkert underlag och under tidspress, säger Peter Ryman.128 av Sveriges kommuner har platser som riskerar att attackeras, för dem görs nu upp planer.– I kommun A kanske du har ett objekt och i kommun C har du tio objekt som riskerar att förbekämpas. Den förfiningen håller på nu, säger Henrik Larsson.Övningar tillsammans med FinlandSverige och Finland har ett nära samarbete och planerar tillsammans för eventuella massevakueringar från öst till väst. Och framöver kommer det hållas stora övningar för att få svar på vissa frågor.– Hur skulle gränsövergången se ut, exempelvis mellan Haparanda och Torneå? Att vi övar tillsammans med svensk och finsk tull, finsk gränsbevakning. Hur registrerar vi invånarna som kommer över?Men benägenheten att flytta på oss är inte så stor och det blir inte alltid lyckad. Under andra världskriget anlände 70 000 barn ensamma till Sverige från krigsdrabbade Finland. Men det satte spår av rotlöshet och psykisk ohälsa hos en del av barnen.– Ska du förflytta människor bör det vara med sammanhållna familjer eller släkter så långt det bara är möjligt. Ska du förflytta barn, så ska det vara med en ansvarsfull vuxen. Om inte förälder, så med någon som de kan knyta an till och känner trygghet med, säger David Bergman,doktor i psykologi och arbetar vid Försvarsmakten. Han har forskat på hur människor agerar i krig och kris.Evakuering-sista utvägenI Sverige är det länsstyrelserna som fattar beslut om evakueringar vid höjd beredskap. Och där balanserar myndigheten på en tunn lina mellan att vänta för länge så att folk inte hinner iväg eller att trycka på knappen för tidigt så att folk evakueras i onödan.– Våra kommunikatörer är i det här läget vår första linjens soldater. Det är de som kommer få jobba med att hantera desinformation och se till att rätt information trycks ut till allmänheten om vart man ska ta vägen och vad som gäller just nu. Det är oerhört viktigt att den här informationen har tajming också så att det inte kommer för sent för då blir det kaos och inte för tidigt för då blir det kaos., säger Peter Ryman.Evakuering av människor ska alltså ses som den sista utvägen, för att vi inte mår så bra av det, och inte ens är så benägna att göra det. Då bör man i en del situationer överväga andra alternativ.– Det absolut bästa för både individer och samhälle är att förbereda sig och hantera ökade påfrestningar exakt där man är. och också veta att det är så människor tenderar att hantera det. Man ska så långt som möjligt fortsätta få samhället att fungera även under påfrestande situationer. Krig är ett maratonlopp, inte en sprinterdistanser, säger David Bergman, krigspsykolog vid Försvarsmakten.TEXT: Sylvia DahlénMedverkande:David Bergman, doktor i psykologi vid Försvarsmakten. Henrik Larsson, tillförordnad chef, avdelningen för befolkningsskydd på Myndigheten för civilt försvar.Peter Ryman, försvarsdirektör, Länsstyrelsen i Blekinge.Ljudkällor: SR, TV4, CNN, YLE

What happened at the Mariupol Drama Theater — and what does it reveal about the larger war between Russia and Ukraine?In this episode of Reckoning with Jason Herbert, historian Jason Herbert sits down with acclaimed journalist and author James Verini to discuss his powerful new book, The Theater, an intimate account of the bombing of the Mariupol Drama Theater during Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.Together, they explore the siege of Mariupol, the human cost of modern warfare, and the terrifying role propaganda plays in shaping reality during conflict. The conversation moves beyond headlines into the deeper history of Russian imperialism, the contested identity of the Donbas, the rise of Ukrainian nationalism, and why Vladimir Putin's war may ultimately have forged a stronger Ukrainian nation than ever before.Jason and James also discuss:Why the bombing of the theater became a defining atrocity of the warRussian propaganda and the global information warThe historical roots of the conflict going back to the Crimean WarVolodymyr Zelensky's transformation during the invasionNATO, the United States, and the future of global democracyWhether Putin can survive politically if Russia loses the warWhy Ukraine's fight resonates far beyond Eastern EuropePart war reporting, part historical reckoning, and part meditation on democracy itself, this episode examines one of the most consequential conflicts of the twenty-first century — and the people trapped inside it.

With convicted felon, six-time bankrupt trust fund kid Donald Trump illegally looting $1.8 billion of our tax-payer dollars for violent traitors who tried to overturn our democracy on January 6, it's time to dream big for our country. All ideas are on the table, including a Maidan-style revolution, as we must rebuild from the ashes. Gaslit Nation is here to tell you that a better world is possible.     This week's bonus show, available for Gaslit Nation supporters at the Truth-teller level and higher, continues our discussion with veteran war correspondent James Verini. He is the author of the powerful new book The Theater: Courage and Survival in the Defining Atrocity of the Ukraine War. In Part II of our discussion we discuss Palantir, owned by staunchly anti-democratic Peter Thiel, operating in Ukraine–the vanguard of democracy.    See you at the Gaslit Nation Salon Monday at 4pm ET – look out for the Zoom link to join the discussion then, and also the recording of this week's salon – on the AI-acapolyse trying to thrust millions of Americans into poverty, while the self-appointed tech gods hoard wealth and power, using our stolen copyrighted work. To join the salons, get bonus shows, all shows ad free, and more, subscribe at Patreon.com/Gaslit – discounted annual memberships are available, and you can give the gift of membership. Thank you to everyone who supports the show.  Want to hear Gaslit Nation ad-free? Join our community of listeners for bonus shows, exclusive Q&A sessions, our group chats, invites to live events like our Monday political salons at 4pm ET over Zoom, and more! Sign up at Patreon.com/Gaslit! Show Notes:   The Theater: Courage and Survival in the Defining Atrocity of the Ukraine War By James Verini https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Theater/James-Verini/9781668062203   'Dancing on bones': Mariupol theatre to reopen with staging of Russian fairytale https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/25/mariupol-bombed-theatre-reopen-russification-ukraine   Trump Wants a Repeat of Bush v. Gore. Amy Coney Barrett Might Make It Happen. https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2020/10/trump-wants-a-repeat-of-bush-v-gore-amy-coney-barrett-might-make-it-happen/   The Pro-Money Court: How the Roberts Supreme Court Dismantled Campaign Finance Law https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/pro-money-court-how-roberts-supreme-court-dismantled-campaign-finance-law   Gaslit Nation Read and Resist Book Club Featuring Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning: https://www.patreon.com/posts/read-and-resist-132804210?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link   Matt Taibbi's past comes back to haunt him https://www.cascadepbs.org/all/2017/10/matt-taibbis-past-comes-back-to-haunt-him/   Matt Taibbi filed a Trumpian, free speech-chilling lawsuit against me. A judge just threw it out https://www.ms.now/opinion/matt-taibbi-free-speech-defamation-lawsuit Opening clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMrNO6VjqiA&list=RDrMrNO6VjqiA&start_radio=1

Shaun Pinner is a former British soldier and Ukrainian Marine. He has written an extraordinary first-hand account of the war in Ukraine, his capture, imprisonment, and torture by the Russian invaders. Shaun was a retired and decorated British soldier, living peacefully in Mariupol with his Ukrainian family. But the full-scale war began, and after fighting alongside Ukrainian army colleagues, he found himself imprisoned in Russian-occupied Ukraine, and embarking on an unexpected and unimaginable fight for survival. After the horrors of frontline fighting, Shaun had to survive his capture by Russian soldiers, and his removal to a Black Site – an off-grid FSB prison operating outside all human rights conventions – where he was subjected to a campaign of torture by Putin's secret police.----------ACTIVE CAMPAIGN:We are raising funds for 5 of 15 Vampire DronesSilicon Curtain for Kupiansk Vampires. Dzyga's Paw, together with Jonathan Fink, is joining forces to raise $40,000 to provide the Khartiia Brigade with Vampire Drones.https://dzygaspaw.com/silicon-curtain-for-kupiansk-vampiresThese heavy bombers are designed to destroy manpower and equipment, as well as for remote mining. The Vampire UAV, manufactured by Skyfall, has proven itself to be one of the most effective weapons in the Kupiansk direction. Skyfall is one of Ukraine's largest defense tech companies, producing Vampire bomber drones, various modifications of Shrike FPV drones, P1-SUN, Shahed drone interceptors, communication systems, and components.----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformation----------LINKS:https://twitter.com/olddog100uahttps://www.facebook.com/snowy5599https://www.instagram.com/snowy_ua/https://linktr.ee/old_dog_uahttps://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=GKJQYBPRV6YNL----------BOOKS:Live. Fight. Survive.: An ex-British soldier's account of courage, resistance and defiance fighting for Ukraine against Russia Paperback (2023)by Shaun Pinner (Author)----------PLATFORMS:Twitter: https://twitter.com/CurtainSiliconInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/siliconcurtain/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4thRZj6NO7y93zG11JMtqmLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/finkjonathan/----------DESCRIPTION: Shaun Pinner on Captivity, Mariupol, and the Next Front: Russia's Cognitive War Against Ukraine and the WestJonathan Fink is joined by former Ukrainian marine POW Shaun Pinner, who fought for Mariupol, survived Russian captivity and torture, and now uses YouTube, Substack, and a book to inform both Western and Ukrainian audiences. Pinner describes shifting from combat to journalism after rehab, injury, and family commitments, and explains the “media wall” between Western narratives and Ukrainian realities, including the exclusion of pro-Ukrainian Russian-speaking Ukrainians. They promote a fundraiser to buy “vampire” drones for the Khartia unit and discuss sustaining and expanding pro-Ukraine engagement, especially among younger demographics. Pinner recounts efforts to reach North American media, warns about Russian propaganda and “neutrality,” and argues the war is increasingly cognitive and political, with Russia laundering its reputation internationally while destabilizing democracies. He outlines why a Russian victory would threaten NATO and highlights hope in a special tribunal and his lawsuit setting precedent for claims against the Russian state.----------CHAPTERS:01:05 From POW to Creator03:29 Breaking Media Narratives05:51 Vampire Drone Fundraiser07:06 Growing the Pro Ukraine Bubble09:20 Tours and Genocide Reality15:20 Soundbites and Propaganda21:17 Cognitive Warfare Front27:13 Debunking Ukraine Myths33:59 Why Russia Threatens All42:51 Justice and Tribunal Hope----------

On March 16, 2022, the Russian army committed one of the gravest war crimes of its invasion of Ukraine. It dropped air bombs on the Mariupol Drama Theatre, knowing that around a thousand civilians were sheltering inside, seeking refuge from Russian shelling. It did so despite the huge inscriptions reading “Children” — written in Russian on both sides of the theatre — clearly visible from the air as a warning to any potential bomber. In this episode, we analyse this crime with the help of a journalist who spent several years speaking with dozens of survivors. You are listening to the Explaining Ukraine podcast. *** Explaining Ukraine is a podcast by UkraineWorld, an English-language media outlet run by Internews Ukraine. Host: Volodymyr Yermolenko, a Ukrainian philosopher, Chief Editor of UkraineWorld, and President of PEN Ukraine. Guest: James Verini, an American journalist and book writer who wrote for The New York Times and other papers. He recently published a book, The Theater: Courage and Survival in the Defining Atrocity of the Ukraine War. The book was published this year by Simon & Schuster. Link to the book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Theater/James-Verini/9781668062203 *** Listen on various platforms: https://li.sten.to/explaining-ukraine UkraineWorld: https://ukraineworld.org/en *** SUPPORT: You can support our work on https://www.patreon.com/c/ukraineworld Your help is crucial, as we rely heavily on crowdfunding. You can also contribute to our volunteer missions to frontline areas in Ukraine, where we deliver aid to both soldiers and civilians. Donations are welcome via PayPal at: ukraine.resisting@gmail.com. *** CONTENTS: 0:00 Intro 2:40 Why does the guest call the Mariupol drama theater bombing the "defining atrocity" of the Russian war against Ukraine? 5:48 What made Mariupol particularly vulnerable to the Russian siege and bombardment? 8:51 What were the devastating living conditions for civilians in Mariupol during the siege? 9:48 Why did people consider the Mariupol drama theater a safe shelter, and how was it designated as such? 13:05 How did the theater's staff and volunteers manage to transform it into a functioning refugee shelter for thousands? 15:50 When did the bombardment of the theater occur, and why is it significant that "Children" was clearly written outside? 21:28 What were the immediate consequences of the direct bomb hits on the theater, and how did they cause such lethality? 24:49 How did the journalist connect with and interview dozens of survivors to document their experiences? 31:32 How is Russia attempting to erase the memory and culture of Ukraine in occupied Mariupol? 35:10 What is the historical context of neglecting and building over the dead in Mariupol, and how does it relate to current events? 40:10 How has the Greek heritage of Mariupol been affected by the Russian invasion and occupation? 45:37 What was the significance of the defense of Azovstal in Mariupol's story, and how did it impact civilians? 47:29 What is the final message regarding the Mariupol drama theater bombing and its implications for the war? *** Photo credit (James Verini's portrait): Larry D. Moore, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons.

Presiden Ukraina Volodymyr Zelenskyy mengumumkan tahap pertama pertukaran tawanan perang antara Ukraina dan Rusia telah dimulai. Sebanyak 205 prajurit Ukraina yang sebelumnya ditahan Rusia kini telah dibebaskan.Para prajurit tersebut berasal dari berbagai wilayah pertempuran seperti Mariupol, Donetsk, Kharkiv hingga Chernobyl. Pemerintah Ukraina menyebut langkah ini sebagai bagian penting dari upaya kemanusiaan di tengah konflik berkepanjangan dengan Rusia

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit smokeempodcast.substack.comNancy speaks with war correspondent James Verini, who reported from Ukraine about the devastating 2022 bombing of a theater in Mariupol housing 1500 refugees. James (and photographer Paolo Pellgrin) made his way to survivors of the bombing, and later tracked down every survivor he could find. The result is The Theater: Courage and Survival in the Defining Atrocity of the Ukraine War, a new book that tells stories of ordinary people—students, actors, metal workers, a doctor, a cook—called upon to do extraordinary things. The Theater is cinematic (calling Christopher Nolan!) and horrifying, beautiful and essential, a battle between freedom and authoritarianism that Russia is determined to win—and Ukraine more determined not to lose. “You had the fact that this theater represented Ukrainian culture and the dream of an independent Ukraine,” says James. “On the dark opposite side of that, it represented what Putin and Russia were trying to wipe out, the idea that there is such a thing as Ukrainian culture, that there is such thing as a Ukrainian language... The theater was, if not exactly a metaphor, then the perfect setting for this kind of story, of a young republic now barely more than 30 years old that was fighting for its life.”(Sarah was unable to sit in on this episode, but she'll be listening!) Also discussed:* On why first-person war books should be under 200 pages* A “glandular nostalgia” for the Soviet Union* When you're reporting overseas, “someone is always going to think you're CIA”* One advantage to not speaking the local language* “You can't do what I do and care about money”* Nancy gives thanks for Reason's editorial freedom* How James covered up the smell of pot smoke back in the day* Nancy: still not Jewish!* The Nazi high command was “a cabal of mediocrities”* Salad days at Vanity FairPlus, props for reporters William Langewiesche and Evan Wright, what to eat if you want to be a competitive eater, a great audiobook on New York City excesses in the ‘90s, and much more.Pre-order The Theater, out on May 19. Also on May 19, James will be in conversation with recent Smoke guest Sebastian Junger. Tickets here.Nancy note to self: Less ambition when flipping salmon will forestall another armpit burn

Day 1,534.Today, as President Zelensky said he "doesn't recommend" that foreign representatives attend tomorrow's May Day parade in Moscow, we report on the Kremlin's cool and measured response to the threat of Ukrainian strikes, with Russian State Duma deputies threatening the use of Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missiles against Kyiv whilst, for reasons known only to them, warning that these statements are Russia's “last warning to Brussels”. And, as the Azov Corps say they have returned to occupied Mariupol - albeit using strike drones - somewhat fittingly we have our regular update of resistance activity in the occupied areas. Help shape the future of Ukraine: The Latest. Share your thoughts in this quick survey:https://tinyurl.com/ukrainethelatestContributors:Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @adeliepjz on X. Dom Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.Dr Jade McGlynn (Occupied Territories Expert, King's College London).NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest CONTENT REFERENCED:Will Ukrainian drones spoil Putin's Victory Day parade? (The Spectator)https://spectator.com/article/will-ukrainian-drones-spoil-putins-victory-day-parade/Rosenberg: Russia's Victory Day parade with no tanks a sign Ukraine war not going to plan (BBC)https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwy2gj2jlr8oIs Frustration With Armenia's Pashinyan Enough to Bring the Pro-Russia Opposition to Power? (Carnegie Endowment)https://carnegieendowment.org/russia-eurasia/politika/2026/04/vojna-mir-i-socseti-kuda-vedet-predvybornaya-kampaniya-v-armenii'They are stealing the election': How Armenia became the next Russia-EU battlefieldhttps://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20260419-stealing-election-how-armenia-became-next-russia-eu-battlefieldEU prepares for ‘potential' talks with Vladimir Putin, says official (Financial Times) https://www.ft.com/content/b093dae1-939b-47b4-96e4-40f212e87430?shareType=nongift&syn-25a6b1a6=1Ukraine war 'led me to surrogacy' to earn money but a new law could end those plans (BBC)https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/clyp4kp687goEMAIL US:Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk . We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many on air and in our newsletter as possible.HIGHLIGHTS:Putin running scared with pared back V-Day parade plans Zelensky visits brigades on the frontline Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Verini is an American long-form journalist and author who writes for The New Yorker, The New York Times Magazine, National Geographic and other outlets. The Pulitzer Center describes him as a contributing writer at The New York Times Magazine and National Geographic whose work has won both a National Magazine Award and a George Polk Award. He is also the author of They Will Have to Die Now: Mosul and the Fall of the Caliphate, about the battle to retake Mosul from ISIS.On Ukraine, Verini's major reporting arc includes “In the Trenches of Ukraine's Forever War” from January 2022, “Surviving the Siege of Kharkiv” from May 2022, “The Theater” / “Witness to the Massacre in Mariupol” from September 2022, “The Collaborators” from November 2023, and a 2025 New Yorker essay on Alexander Dugin and the ideological roots of Russia's war. His own site describes the Donbas before the full-scale invasion as a “deadlocked, time-warped conflict,” Kharkiv as a city Russia battered but failed to take, and the Mariupol theater bombing as “the defining atrocity of the Ukraine War.” (James Verini)----------LINKS:https://jamesverini.com/books/https://www.amazon.co.uk/Theater-Courage-Survival-Defining-Atrocity/dp/1668062208/ref=sr_1_2https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Theater/James-Verini/9781668062203https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Verinihttps://www.newyorker.com/contributors/james-verinihttps://www.kcl.ac.uk/people/james-verinihttps://pulitzercenter.org/people/james-verini----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformation----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Car4Ukrainehttps://car4ukraine.com/en-US/campaignsDzyga's Pawhttps://dzygaspaw.com/projectsSuperhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/----------PLATFORMS:Substack: https://substack.com/@siliconcurtainTwitter: https://twitter.com/CurtainSiliconLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/finkjonathan/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4thRZj6NO7y93zG11JMtqm----------

In der ukrainischen Hafenstadt Mariupol ticken die Uhren jetzt nach Moskauer Zeit. Das steht symbolisch für den radikalen Umbau der Stadt zu einer russischen Metropole. Dafür lässt Wladimir Putin Neubauviertel mit Wohnungen für Russinnen und Russen bauen, Schulen, viele Sportanlagen und eine Militärakademie für die russische Marine: Mit Hilfe eines Masterplans will der Kreml die Stadt neu ordnen. In dieser 11KM-Folge erzählt Alice Pesavento vom NDR-Verifikationsteam anhand von Satellitenbildern, Immobilienanzeigen und Daten zu Baufirmen, wie Putin Mariupol russifiziert – und warum der Wiederaufbau für Moskau so wichtig ist. Hier geht's zum NDR-Film von Alice Pesavento für das tagesschau-Format rabbit hole “Wie Putin Mariupol in eine russische Stadt verwandelt”: https://youtu.be/d4s4DiGIoDE?si=489ajaJMITt0Fcdz In dieser früheren 11KM-Folge erzählt die Kiew-Reporterin Rebecca Barth vom Vorgehen der russischen Behörden, ukrainische Kinder zu russischen Bürgern umzuerziehen: „Putins Strategie: Wie eine ukrainische Familie vor Russifizierung flieht”: https://1.ard.de/11KM_Russifizierung Hier geht's zu „Was tun, Herr General?“, unserem Podcast-Tipp: https://1.ard.de/general Diese und viele weitere Folgen von 11KM findet ihr überall da, wo es Podcasts gibt, auch hier in ARD Sounds: https://www.ardsounds.de/sendung/11km-der-tagesschau-podcast/urn:ard:show:4549910994dc2464/ 11KM ist am 9. Mai beim ARD Sounds Festival dabei. Alle Infos und Tickets hier: https://www.ardsoundsfestival.de/#/ An dieser Folge waren beteiligt: Folgenautorin: Nadja Mitzkat Mitarbeit: Claudia Schaffer Host: Elena Kuch Produktion: Konrad Winkler, Dennis Filimonow, Alexander Gerhardt und Marie-Noelle Svihla Planung: Nicole Dienemann und Hardy Funk Distribution: Kerstin Ammermann Redaktionsleitung: Yasemin Yüksel und Fumiko Lipp 11KM: der tagesschau-Podcast wird produziert von BR24 und NDR Info. Die redaktionelle Verantwortung für diese Episode liegt beim BR.

This Knyzka Corner Book Review features Kidnapped from Ukraine: Under Attack, Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch's novel about 12‑year‑old twins Rada and Dariia Popkova from Mariupol and the impact of Russia's full‑scale invasion of Ukraine on their lives. The story follows their separation during the bombing of Mariupol, the desperate search for safety, and Dariia's ordeal in a Russian filtration camp for Ukrainian children. The novel incorporates real historical events and includes an Author's Note and a Five Questions section that address the factual context of this period. The review also highlights Skrypuch's background as an acclaimed Ukrainian Canadian writer whose work focuses on historical truth and the experiences of young people in wartime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cormac Smith has worked in Public Relations and Corporate Communications for over three decades. In 2016 he traveled to Ukraine to take up a special appointment as the ‘Strategic Communication Advisor' to Pavlo Klimkin, then the Foreign Minister of Ukraine. He was attached to the British Embassy in Kyiv but was embedded in Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the first foreigner to hold such a position. While in Kyiv, he also advised and provided training for five other government ministries and worked directly with three other cabinet ministers: Health, Education and the Deputy Prime Minister. ----------LINKS:https://defencebrink.uk/https://x.com/CormacS63https://x.com/philipingmbe----------ACTIVE CAMPAIGN:We are raising funds for 5 of 15 Vampire DronesSilicon Curtain for Kupiansk Vampires. Dzyga's Paw, together with Jonathan Fink, is joining forces to raise $40,000 to provide the Khartiia Brigade with Vampire Drones.https://dzygaspaw.com/silicon-curtain-for-kupiansk-vampiresThese heavy bombers are designed to destroy manpower and equipment, as well as for remote mining. The Vampire UAV, manufactured by Skyfall, has proven itself to be one of the most effective weapons in the Kupiansk direction. Skyfall is one of Ukraine's largest defense tech companies, producing Vampire bomber drones, various modifications of Shrike FPV drones, P1-SUN, Shahed drone interceptors, communication systems, and components.----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformation----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Car4Ukrainehttps://car4ukraine.com/en-US/campaignsDzyga's Pawhttps://dzygaspaw.com/projectsSuperhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/----------PLATFORMS:Substack: https://substack.com/@siliconcurtainTwitter: https://twitter.com/CurtainSiliconLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/finkjonathan/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4thRZj6NO7y93zG11JMtqm----------

Er is weer een aflevering van Europa Draait Door en  de tv van Arend Jan heeft weer de hele nacht aangestaan. Maar dit keer niet met CNN, want niemand minder dan Thomas Erdbrink is te gast, de journalist die voor Videoland de vierdelige serie Onze Man bij de Vijand maakte. Thomas trok maandenlang door Rusland: van de clubs in Moskou waar het leven gewoon doorgaat, tot de armste regio's in de Kaukasus waar jonge mannen voor een paar duizend euro naar het front worden gelokt. En Thomas kent ook Iran als geen ander: is hij verbaasd dat het Iraanse regime stand lijkt te houden? Dat en véél meer in een nieuwe aflevering van Europa Draait Door! - Transcript: NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Face the Nation (https://www.cbsnews.com/news/mark-rutte-nato-secretary-general-face-the-nation-transcrip  t-03-22-2026/)            - Onze Man bij de Vijand (https://v2.videoland.com/onze-man-bij-de-vijand-p_5417)    - Leven onder een autoritair regime: de emmer loopt een keer over (https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2026/03/20/leven-onder-een-autoritair-regime-de-emmer-loopt-ee  n-keer-over-a4923265)    - 20 Days in Mariupol (https://www.npodoc.nl/artikelen/20-days-in-mariupol)   - US warns EU to pass  trade deal or risk losing 'favourable' access to LNG (https://www.ft.com/content/6bf153e4-11af-44d5-9d1c-48b5c7ad26ef)                                      - The Drugs Don't Work - The Verve (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToQ0n3itoII)                                                                                                    

Nobel laureate Oleksandra Matviichuk and Deputy Minister Alona Shkrum join Lisa Burke to discuss the Advocacy Coalition and the cost of silence for Europe My Guests: - Her Excellency Ambassador Barbara Karpetová, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg - Inna Yaramenko, the Representative of the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, and Vice President at LUkraine - Oleksandra Matviichuk, Chairwoman of the Center for Civil Liberties, which was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2022. - Alona Shkrum, First Deputy Minister for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine. - Kristina Mikulova, Head of Regional Hub for Eastern Europe for the European Investment Bank In this powerful episode, the conversation shifts from the abstract concept of 'aid' to the urgent reality of strategic investment in European security. As Ukraine enters its fourth year of full-scale invasion, a new initiative has been developed by Ambassador Karpetová with the help of Inna Yaramenko. 'The Advocacy Coalition - Defending Our Future Now' has launched in Luxembourg to remind the continent that defending Ukraine is synonymous with defending the future of democracy itself. This year-long set of events will pass the baton between the founding embassies: Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, and the United Kingdom, to stand united in the conviction that defending Ukraine means defending Europe's future. Beyond Charity: A Strategic Investment Supporting Ukraine in 2026 is now viewed as a strategic investment in the infrastructure of European security. Alona Shkrum, Ukraine's First Deputy Minister for Reconstruction, explained that waiting for hostilities to cease before rebuilding is not an option. "If we do not reconstruct water, utilities, energy supply, schools, and hospitals, then people will leave," she noted, emphasising that keeping the economy functioning allows Ukraine to fund its own defence and protect the eastern borders of the European Union. The scale of destruction is staggering: the road damage alone is equivalent to the distance from Luxembourg to Iran, and the amount of housing destroyed, over 3 million units, exceeds the total housing stock of Denmark. Humanising the Numbers Whilst the statistics are overwhelming, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Oleksandra Matviichuk focuses on "humanising the numbers". She shared the harrowing story of 10-year-old Ilya from Mariupol, whose mother died in his arms in a frozen apartment after they were caught in Russian shelling. Matviichuk also recounted the experience of Professor Irak Kyvslovski, a philosopher who spent 700 days in captivity and gave lectures on philosophy to rats in his solitary cell just to hear a human voice. "Dignity is action," Matviichuk told the audience, asserting that the "accountability gap" in international law must be closed by establishing a Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression. A Year of Intensive Advocacy The Advocacy Coalition, a partnership between LUkraine, the European Commission, and nine resident embassies in Luxembourg (but they're open for more partners), will host monthly events throughout 2026. These events will tackle critical themes such as countering disinformation, reconstruction, and the role of the Ukrainian diaspora. The first event will take place at the European Parliament in Luxembourg on March 23, featuring a keynote address by Matviichuk, focussing on the abducted children. Unity as the Strongest Weapon The message from my guests underlines that unity is the strongest weapon against authoritarianism. As Ambassador Barbara Karpetová noted, even a small nation like Luxembourg can provide "shared inspiration" by standing together, mirroring the visionary leadership of historical figures like Pierre Werner, former Prime Minister of Luxembourg, whose home she now resides in. The Power of Ordinary People Matviichuk emphasises that "ordinary people can do extraordinary things". Inna cites the 700 Luxembourgish families who offered to host refugees within just three days after the invasion began. Digital Engagement: The Coalition is launching an Advocacy Platform, a digital ecosystem featuring authentic testimonies from diplomats, volunteers, and citizens to humanise the impact of solidarity.

War and resistance in UkraineJust over four years ago, as Putin launched Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, he expected the war to be over in a matter of days. But Putin's army would soon be shocked by the resistance they encountered, and today Ukraine still hasn't fallen. But it hasn't won either. This is now a complex, attritional war for endurance against an autocratic, imperial state that appears willing to absorb huge economic and human costs to fight on. If you're unsure of what to make of the war, its history, and some of the debates it throws up, then this is the show for you.Host Luke Cooper is joined by Roksolana Nesterenko, a researcher at the Kyiv School of Economics, and Taras Fedirko, an academic with positions at the University of Glasgow and the Institute for Human Sciences in Vienna. In this episode:  Mood and situation in Ukraine as of early 2026 Historical context of the war, including the Maidan protests and the Revolution of Dignity A culture of active everyday citizenship  Revenue mobilisation for the war effort through crowdfunding, and how it's impacted the rise of drone warfare Russian propaganda and Steve Witkoff, Trump's special envoy A transition away from the “rally around the flag” stage of 2022 and where Ukraine is now Featured Organisation: Ukraine Solidarity Campaign BlueskyInstagramTwitter/XFacebookLinks to things we discussedCome Back Alive: a charitable foundation that comprehensively equips the Defence Forces of Ukraine with everything from vehicles to grenade launchers, as well as implementing educational projects for the military.Freefilmers: a cinemovement and NGO from Mariupol, UkraineSerhiy Prytula Charity Foundation: focused on strengthening the Defence Forces of Ukraine and providing assistance to the civilians affected by Russian aggression.Solidarity Collectives: a group of Ukrainian anarchists and anti-authoritarians who united in 2022 to support comrades fighting the Russian imperial aggression in Ukraine and help people affected by the war. Since then, they have built a mutual aid network for the anti-authoritarian movement in Ukraine.UNITED24: this platform allows one-click donations to Ukraine from anywhere. Why is this so important? Because Ukraine itself knows best what is needed and can deliver aid directly.ABOUT THE PODCASTCOUNTER•POWER is brought to you by Stop Trump Coalition, Another Europe Is Possible and Global Justice Now, three organisations at the centre of the new global resistance. This podcast isn't just about chatting and conversation — it's about turning ideas into action and building real community power. That's why we have a simple pledge to you, our audience. On every single episode we'll leave you with something you can do to catalyse change. Whether it's the latest big ideas or the movements you need to check out, you'll find them on COUNTER•POWER. But we need your help to launch this project. We need £8,000 to catapult COUNTER•POWER into the podcasting sphere with the aim of making it self-sustaining in the future.The funds will cover high-quality production – including sound and visuals – as well as consistent editorial quality, all of which are essential to creating the kind of impactful podcast we're aiming for.Any donation – big or small – can help us get there. Thank you for your support.DONATE HEREFollow Us Instagram@anothereuropeispossible@globaljusticenow @ukstoptrumpTikTok@global.justice.now@uk.stop.trump.coaTwitter / X @Another_Europe@GlobalJusticeUK@UKStopTrumpMusic(cc): Intro R&B instrumental loop, Mcgrogo (Freesound.org)

Send us Fan MailToday is the second of five episode previewing the 98th Academy Awards where I will be breaking down each and every category throughout the week. Today I am joined by Dan Pal from the PalCinema, Television, and Music newsletter to break down Best Animated Feature, Best International Feature, Best Documentary Feature, Best Original Score, and Best Original Song. I've listed the nominees below along with other films mentioned throughout the episode.Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to get all the preview episodes this week, and head over to my Substack to submit your guesses for my annual Oscar prediction contest.The nominees for each category are listed below.Best Animated Feature:ArcoElioKPop Demon HuntersLittle Amélie or the Character of RainZootopia 2Best International Feature:The Secret Agent (Brazil)It Was Just an Accident (France)Sentimental Value (Norway)Sirât (Spain)The Voice of Hind Rajab (Tunisia)Best Documentary Feature:The Alabama SolutionCome See Me in the Good LightCutting through RocksMr. Nobody against PutinThe Perfect NeighborBest Original Score:BugoniaFrankensteinHamnetOne Battle after AnotherSinnersBest Original Song:“Dear Me” from Diane Warren: Relentless“Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters“I Lied To You” from Sinners“Sweet Dreams Of Joy” from Viva Verdi!“Train Dreams” from Train DreamsOther films mentioned in this episode include:Flow directed by Gints ZilbalodisZootopia directed by Rich Moore and Byron HowardToy Story 3 directed by Lee UnkrichRango directed by Gore VerbinskiBrave directed by Brenda Chapman and Mark AndrewsFrozen directed by Jennifer Lee and Chris BuckBig Hero 6 directed by Don Hall and Chris WilliamsInside Out directed by Pete DocterCoco directed by Adrian Molina and Lee UnkrichSpider-Man: Into the Spiderverse directed by Peter Ramsey, Bob Persichetti, and Rodney RothmanGuillermo del Toro's Pinocchio directed by Guillermo del Toro and Mark GustafsonThe Boy and the Heron directed by Hayao MiyazakiDemon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba The Movie: Infinity Castle directed by Haruo SotozakiChainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc directed by Tatsuya YoshiharaLittle Miss Sunshine directed by Valerie Faris and Jonathan DaytonI'm Still Here directed by Walter SallesParasite directed by Bong Joon HoNavalny directed by Daniel Roher20 Days in Mariupol directed by Mstyslav ChernovAmerican Symphony directed by Matthew HeinemanStar Wars directed by George LucasJurassic Park directed by Steven SpielbergPsycho directed by Alfred HitchcockOppenheimer directed by Christopher NolanThe King's Speech directed by Tom HooperOther media mentioned in this episode include:"I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" by Diane Warren, performed by Aerosmith"How Do I Live Without You" by Diane Warren, performed by Leann Rimes or Tricia YearwoodSupport the show

Nobel laureate Oleksandra Matviichuk and Deputy Minister Alona Shkrum join Lisa Burke to discuss the Advocacy Coalition and the cost of silence for Europe My Guests: - Her Excellency Ambassador Barbara Karpetová, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg - Inna Yaramenko, the Representative of the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, and Vice President at LUkraine - Oleksandra Matviichuk, Chairwoman of the Center for Civil Liberties, which was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2022. - Alona Shkrum, First Deputy Minister for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine. - Kristina Mikulova, Head of Regional Hub for Eastern Europe for the European Investment Bank In this powerful episode, the conversation shifts from the abstract concept of 'aid' to the urgent reality of strategic investment in European security. As Ukraine enters its fourth year of full-scale invasion, a new initiative has been developed by Ambassador Karpetová with the help of Inna Yaramenko. 'The Advocacy Coalition - Defending Our Future Now' has launched in Luxembourg to remind the continent that defending Ukraine is synonymous with defending the future of democracy itself. This year-long set of events will pass the baton between the founding embassies: Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, and the United Kingdom, to stand united in the conviction that defending Ukraine means defending Europe's future. Beyond Charity: A Strategic Investment Supporting Ukraine in 2026 is now viewed as a strategic investment in the infrastructure of European security. Alona Shkrum, Ukraine's First Deputy Minister for Reconstruction, explained that waiting for hostilities to cease before rebuilding is not an option. "If we do not reconstruct water, utilities, energy supply, schools, and hospitals, then people will leave," she noted, emphasising that keeping the economy functioning allows Ukraine to fund its own defence and protect the eastern borders of the European Union. The scale of destruction is staggering: the road damage alone is equivalent to the distance from Luxembourg to Iran, and the amount of housing destroyed, over 3 million units, exceeds the total housing stock of Denmark. Humanising the Numbers Whilst the statistics are overwhelming, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Oleksandra Matviichuk focuses on "humanising the numbers". She shared the harrowing story of 10-year-old Ilya from Mariupol, whose mother died in his arms in a frozen apartment after they were caught in Russian shelling. Matviichuk also recounted the experience of Professor Irak Kyvslovski, a philosopher who spent 700 days in captivity and gave lectures on philosophy to rats in his solitary cell just to hear a human voice. "Dignity is action," Matviichuk told the audience, asserting that the "accountability gap" in international law must be closed by establishing a Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression. A Year of Intensive Advocacy The Advocacy Coalition, a partnership between LUkraine, the European Commission, and nine resident embassies in Luxembourg (but they're open for more partners), will host monthly events throughout 2026. These events will tackle critical themes such as countering disinformation, reconstruction, and the role of the Ukrainian diaspora. The first event will take place at the European Parliament in Luxembourg on March 23, featuring a keynote address by Matviichuk, focussing on the abducted children. Unity as the Strongest Weapon The message from my guests underlines that unity is the strongest weapon against authoritarianism. As Ambassador Barbara Karpetová noted, even a small nation like Luxembourg can provide "shared inspiration" by standing together, mirroring the visionary leadership of historical figures like Pierre Werner, former Prime Minister of Luxembourg, whose home she now resides in. The Power of Ordinary People Matviichuk emphasises that "ordinary people can do extraordinary things". Inna cites the 700 Luxembourgish families who offered to host refugees within just three days after the invasion began. Digital Engagement: The Coalition is launching an Advocacy Platform, a digital ecosystem featuring authentic testimonies from diplomats, volunteers, and citizens to humanise the impact of solidarity.

This podcast features a review of the first book in a trilogy by Canadian author Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch titled Kidnapped from Ukraine. The trilogy brings to light the horrific human impact of Vladimir Putin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which began on February 24, 2022. His first invasion occurred in 2014 when he took Crimea and portions of Eastern Ukraine.Skrypuch's trilogy portrays the lived experience of Russia's assault on Mariupol through the story of 12‑year‑old twins Rada and Dariia Popkova, and how this invasion turned their lives upside down when the first bombs fell on Mariupol. In her review, Myra Junyk discusses the book's portrayal of the collapse of civilian life, the separation of families, and the documented abduction and “re‑education” of Ukrainian children in russian filtration campsKidnapped from Ukraine: Under Attack is the first in the series and tells the story of Dariia and her mother, who are out shopping when their apartment is bombed. In the ensuing chaos, they are separated from Rada and the twins' father, and Dariia ends up abducted and "adopted" by a russian family. Grounded in real events and supported by an Author's Note and historical Q&A, the novel offers younger and adult readers a clear, accessible account of the real-life difficulties and dangers of civilians caught up in this unprovoked war. Reviewed by Myra Junyk for Nash Holos Ukrainian Roots Radio.Full transcript here.Book here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Award‑winning Canadian author Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch returns to discuss her newly completed Kidnapped From Ukraine trilogy, set in Mariupol and grounded in the lived realities of Russia's war on Ukraine. Her work continues to illuminate the human cost of this war for young readers at a time when few authors are writing into this space.This follow‑up conversation builds on last year's Nash Holos interview discussing the first book in her trilogy. In this conversation, we discuss how she wove real‑world events into the storylines and how those events impacted her personally as well as professionally through the craft of writing the books.For the transcript of this interview, visit the Nash Holos blog.You can find our previous conversation — with the full transcript and embedded player — on the Nash Holos blog here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 255 of Talk Eastern Europe, Alexandra, Adam and Nina discuss the week's key developments across the region, from Olympic results to the latest from the Munich Security Conference, including EU calls related to Russia–Ukraine regotiations and a high-level US visit to the countries of theregion.The second half features the first instalment of our special series commemorating the fourth anniversary of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. For this episode, Nina sat down with Ukrainian-Canadian singer, folklorist and activist Marichka. She reflects on her journey from musician to activist, medic and war journalist and speaks about her musical project Daughters of Donbas, where she collaborates with international artists and amplifies survivor voices, including Lisa, a young woman who survived filtration camps in Mariupol.In the bonus episode, Marichka stays on to speak about Ukrainian folk music traditions and briefly sings in the “open voice” polyphonic singing technique. She also speaks about her digital archive, Folk Songs of Ukraine. Our patrons can listen to that here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/bonus-255-folk-151154003Check out Daughters of Donbas Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/p/Daughters-of-Donbas-61572669756771/Check out Daughters of Donbas Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/daughtersofdonbas/

Deze week in de Bright Podcast onder meer de nieuwe AirTag, de minst betrouwbare Android-telefoons, een nieuwe gadget van Sonos en een listige truc van Microsoft. Verder in deze aflevering: weer twee streamingdiensten die de prijzen verhogen, een Amerikaanse staat die e-bikes verbant en dubbel goed nieuws over groene stroom en EV's. Tips uit deze aflevering: App: Blybahn: een Nederlandse social media app die vol in de maak is. Het is eerder een soort BeReal, in plaats van TikTok of Instagram. Je kunt iedere dag 1 keer posten en je hebt een beperkt aantal likes. Zo worden die hopelijk waardevoller. Doomscrollen kan ook niet, want je swipet maximaal 25 keer, en wordt dan vriendelijk verzocht iets te doen wat je echt leuk vindt. Film: 2000 Meters to Andriivka van Mstyslav Chernov, die eerder 20 Days in Mariupol maakte. Een indringende documentaire over een slag om een verwoest gehucht in oostelijk Oekraïne. Bodycams, mortiergranten en drones vliegen in het rond. In filmhuizen te zien maar spoedig ook in diverse Pathé bioscopen. Film: The Phoenician Scheme van Wes Anderson staat op SkyShowtime. Uiteraard weer gewoon ouderwetse Wes Anderson want dat is gelukkig alles dat hij maakt, maar toch weer anders dan zijn andere films. De shots zijn weer prachtig uitgedacht, de sets zijn geweldig en de attributen zijn het best van allemaal: ingepakte doosjes, ouderwetse bommen, rare dolken. Soms lijken de films van Anderson gewoon een smoesje om een soort school-toneelstuk met een gigantisch budget te maken. En een sterrencast natuurlijk: Benicio del Toro speelt de hoofdrol van een rijke zakenman die constant aanslagen overleeft. Mia Threapleton, de dochter van Kate Winslet, speelt in de film de dochter van die zakenman. Verder geweldige rollen voor Miceahl Sera, Benedict Cumberbatch, Bryan Cranston, Tom Hanks en natuurlijk Bill Murray.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An incredible Mea Culpa special episode takes you to the gates of hell; inside the city of Mariupol. Later Sons of Liberty founder Matt Van Dyke joins from an undisclosed bunker near the front to give an unvarnished report. A must listen! 

A Ukrainian battalion fights to reach and reclaim a Russian-held village in 2000 Meters to Andriivka, the new documentary from the Oscar-winning team behind 20 Days in Mariupol. Host and filmmaker Raney Aronson-Rath speaks with filmmakers Mstyslav Chernov and Michelle Mizner about this unflinching, intimate portrait of modern warfare and the human cost of every advance.

2026-01-16 | UPDATES #102 | Kadyrov's Mafia Dynasty Wobbles. Car crash, failing kidneys and a gunfight in Mariupol – this episode has it all – intriguing, violence and drama. This is a dangerous time for Putin – a failed succession process in Chechnya could cause massive problems for him, and regime instability. The Kadyrov clan is wobbling, their brand is faltering, and Moscow is watching in trepidation. Chechnya's ruler Ramzan Kadyrov is back at the centre of a storm of health rumours — kidney failure, dialysis, “hospitalized in Moscow,” succession panic — while his 18-year-old son Adam, the one being groomed like a crown prince, is reportedly in serious condition after a motorcade crash in Grozny. (RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty) All a coincidence? We must be wary to jump to that conclusion, as freak accidents that occur to the powerful and influential in both Moscow and Grozny rarely turn out to be coincidental. ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------SOURCES: RFE/RL (North Caucasus Service), Jan 16, 2026 — Adam Kadyrov hospitalized after crash; sources on ICU/roads/“barrier”; NIYSO “obstacle” claim. Ukrainska Pravda, Jan 16, 2026 — Echoes Kavkaz.Realii / NIYSO reporting; includes source quote and “obstacle” wording. The Moscow Times, Jan 14, 2026 — What's known on Kadyrov health rumors; denials; Ukrinform/HUR-linked dialysis claim context. FDD (Foundation for Defense of Democracies), Jan 14, 2026 — Analysis of HUR-sourced hospitalization claim and succession destabilization; notes appointment of son Akhmat. Caucasian Knot, Jan 14, 2026 — Compiles Kadyrov's repeated health denials and quotes. Newdosh, Jan 15, 2026 — Translated denial quote (“I swear by God…”) and recap of repeated denials.OC Media, Jan 13, 2026 (background) — Kadyrov video response; “fake information” framing; quote about “kidneys have failed” rumor. UNITED24 Media, Jan 14, 2026 — Mariupol shootout report, citing Atesh; casualty claims and “Year of Friendship” embarrassment framing. Kyiv Independent, Jan 8, 2026 (background) — Zelensky “Why not Kadyrov?” remark context. ----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------

Russlands Staatsmedien feiern die Wiedereröffnung des Theaters in Mariupol. Sie leugnen, dass es 2022 bei einem russischen Luftangriff zerstört wurde. Hinter der Fassade von Nationalismus bleibt die Erinnerung an ein mutmaßliches Kriegsverbrechen. Ein Kommentar von Mariia Fedorova www.deutschlandfunk.de, Kommentare und Themen der Woche

Dornblüth, Gesine www.deutschlandfunkkultur.de, Fazit

Day 1,391.Today, we assess what some are calling a “breakthrough” in talks between Europe, Ukraine, and the United States, after reports that Washington is offering Kyiv security guarantees equivalent to NATO's Article 5. But is the proposal all it appears to be – and would Vladimir Putin ever accept it? We then report a first in military history: the sinking of a submarine in port by a drone, before examining internal pressures within Russian society, and reflecting on what Moscow has done to the Ukrainian city of Mariupol, reopening its destroyed theatre with a performance many see as shockingly insensitive.ContributorsFrancis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Roland Oliphant (Chief Foreign Analyst). @RolandOliphant on X.James Kilner (Russian Analyst). @jkjourno on X.SIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST' WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainenewsletter Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It's free for everyone, including non-subscribers.CONTENT REFERENCED:US tells Ukraine: Take our ‘platinum' security guarantees or lose them (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/12/15/germany-witkoff-and-kushner-far-from-ideal-negotiators/ Ukraine ‘blows up £300m Russian submarine' with underwater drones (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/12/15/ukraine-blows-up-300m-russian-submarine-underwater-drones/ The bedroom farce at the centre of a Russian war-crime propaganda plot (Roland Oliphant on Maruipol in The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/12/11/mariupol-theatre-putin-ukraine-plans/ LISTEN TO THIS PODCAST IN NEW LANGUAGES:The Telegraph has launched translated versions of Ukraine: The Latest in Ukrainian and Russian, making its reporting accessible to audiences on both sides of the battle lines and across the wider region, including Central Asia and the Caucasus. Just search Україна: Останні Новини (Ukr) and Украина: Последние Новости (Ru) on your on your preferred podcast app to find them. Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us for a special screening of the new documentary 2000 Meters to Andriivka, followed by a conversation with acclaimed Ukrainian filmmaker and war correspondent Mstyslav Chernov. From the Oscar-winning team behind 20 Days In Mariupol, 2000 Meters to Andriivka documents the toll of the Russia-Ukraine war from a personal and devastating vantage point. Following his historic account of the civilian toll in Mariupol, Chernov turns his lens toward Ukrainian soldiers—who they are, where they came from, and the impossible decisions they face in the trenches as they fight for every inch of their land.  Amid a failing counteroffensive in 2023, Chernov and his AP colleague Alex Babenko follow a Ukrainian brigade battling through approximately one mile of a heavily fortified forest on their mission to liberate the Russian-occupied village of Andriivka. Weaving together original footage, intensive Ukrainian Army bodycam video and powerful moments of reflection, 2000 Meters to Andriivka reveals, with haunting intimacy, the farther the soldiers advance through their destroyed homeland, the more they realize that, for them, this might never end. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris is joined by journalist Tom Mutch to discuss The Dogs of Mariupol and the realities of reporting from Ukraine's front lines. Tom shares what it takes to work inside an active war zone—from the decision to stay during the invasion to the daily logistics of moving, sourcing, and staying alive. They dig into the resilience of Ukrainians under fire, the reach of Russian propaganda, and the social fractures between those who fought and those who fled. Tom also reflects on why documenting these stories matters and how Ukraine's future could be shaped by the ingenuity and grit he's seen on the ground. Subscribe and share to stay ahead in the world of intelligence, global issues, and current affairs. Order The Dogs of Mariupol: https://www.bitebackpublishing.com/books/the-dogs-of-mariupol Please share this episode using these links Audio: https://pod.fo/e/35a2eb YouTube: https://youtu.be/yZQz7bUms3E Send in audience questions for the next Espresso Martini by December 4th! Email secretsandspiespodcast@gmail.com, or reach out on social media via the links below. Please include your first name and general location if you're comfortable. Support Secrets and Spies Become a “Friend of the Podcast” on Patreon for £3/$4: https://www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies Buy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996 Buy us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/secretsandspies Subscribe to our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com Connect with us on social media Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.social Instagram: https://instagram.com/secretsandspies Facebook: https://facebook.com/secretsandspies Spoutible: https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies Follow Chris and Matt on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/chriscarrfilm.bsky.social https://bsky.app/profile/mattfulton.net Secrets and Spies is produced by F & P LTD. Music by Andrew R. Bird Photos by AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka, AFP & Madison Tuff Secrets and Spies sits at the intersection of intelligence, covert action, real-world espionage, and broader geopolitics in a way that is digestible but serious. Hosted by filmmaker Chris Carr and writer Matt Fulton, each episode examines the very topics that real intelligence officers and analysts consider on a daily basis through the lens of global events and geopolitics, featuring expert insights from former spies, authors, and journalists.

Dive into the ongoing war with Cormac Smith today. Dominic and Cormac discuss Mariupol, whether the war can be considered genocide, the disinformation war, the reality of Russian aggression, war crimes, hybrid warfare, the need for unity, and more!Today we are joined by Cormac Smith. Cormac works at the intersection of authentic leadership & effective communication. He travelled to Ukraine in 2016 to take up a special appointment as the ‘Strategic Communication Advisor' to Pavlo Klimkin, the then Foreign Minister of Ukraine. Cormac was attached to the British Embassy in Kyiv but was embedded in Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the first foreigner to hold such a position. There he worked for the cabinet ministers of Health, Education and the Deputy Prime Minister. In addition, he worked with The National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine and the NATO mission to the country. In 2018, Cormac joined the National Security Communication Team in the Cabinet Office, specifically to advise on Russian Disinformation / Hybrid Warfare tactics, in the wake of the Skripal poisoning in Salisbury. In addition, Cormac is a communication coach & charity leader & Bobsleigh veteran!The International Risk Podcast brings you conversations with global experts, frontline practitioners, and senior decision-makers who are shaping how we understand and respond to international risk. From geopolitical volatility and organised crime, to cybersecurity threats and hybrid warfare, each episode explores the forces transforming our world and what smart leaders must do to navigate them. Whether you're a board member, policymaker, or risk professional, The International Risk Podcast delivers actionable insights, sharp analysis, and real-world stories that matter.Dominic Bowen is the host of The International Risk Podcast and Europe's leading expert on international risk and crisis management. As Head of Strategic Advisory and Partner at one of Europe's leading risk management consulting firms, Dominic advises CEOs, boards, and senior executives across the continent on how to prepare for uncertainty and act with intent. He has spent decades working in war zones, advising multinational companies, and supporting Europe's business leaders. Dominic is the go-to business advisor for leaders navigating risk, crisis, and strategy; trusted for his clarity, calmness under pressure, and ability to turn volatility into competitive advantage. Dominic equips today's business leaders with the insight and confidence to lead through disruption and deliver sustained strategic advantage.The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.Follow us on LinkedIn and Subscribe for all our updates!Tell us what you liked!

On this edition of Parallax Views, journalist and war correspondent Tom Mutch, author of The Dogs of Mariupol: The Invasion of Ukraine and the Future of War, joins the show to discuss his frontline reporting on the Russia–Ukraine war and the hard lessons of a conflict that continues to reshape global politics. We begin by revisiting the shocking first days of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, when many in Moscow and the West assumed Ukraine would collapse within days. Why did so many analysts underestimate Ukraine's resilience, and what explains the country's remarkable ability to withstand Vladimir Putin's assault? From there, we examine how the war has evolved between 2022 and 2025—highlighting acts of courage by Ukrainian civilians and soldiers, but also the immense human cost of the conflict. Tom reflects on mistakes made by Ukraine and the West, including the absence of a coherent U.S. strategy for aiding Kyiv, and whether Washington's focus has sometimes been more about weakening Russia than guaranteeing Ukraine's territorial sovereignty. We also address difficult questions such as the controversial defense of Bakhmut, whether Ukraine committed critical tactical errors, and what the future may hold: negotiations, diplomacy, or total victory. The conversation goes beyond Ukraine as well. We discuss the significance of Nagorno-Karabakh in understanding today's revived great-power politics, and how the war in Gaza has negatively impacted Ukraine, especially as Israel's actions have come under scrutiny and undermined U.S. moral credibility as an arbiter of the global order. Finally, Tom speaks to audiences split on the war—those skeptical of Ukraine's continued fight and U.S. military aid, and those who strongly defend Kyiv's efforts. While Mutch comes from a firmly pro-Ukraine perspective, he offers a nuanced and critical edge that challenges simplistic narratives on both sides of the debate. He also offers criticisms of the American right-wing's views on Ukraine, addresses controversies around the Azov Battalion and the cultural significance of WWII-era far-right figure Stepan Bandera in modern Ukraine, and more.

The war in Ukraine started in February 2022 when Russia launched a full-scale invasion. We watched as civilians sheltered from airstrikes and buildings became ruins in the Oscar award-winning documentary ‘20 Days in Mariupol’, just as the Russians took siege of one of Ukraine’s largest metropolitan areas. Now, three years after the Russian invasion and two years after that film's release, writer, director and producer, Mstyslav Chernov’s follow up documentary, ‘2000 Meters to Andriivka’ takes us back to the frontline as we follow Ukrainian soldiers on a mission to liberate the small town of Andriivka. Austin Cross sat down with Chernov to talk about the documentary and the importance of capturing the war on camera. Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency!

Day 1,253.Today, after a quieter night in the skies, we turn our focus to renewed tank movements on the ground and covert operations at sea – before sitting down with the director of the Oscar-winning ‘20 Days in Mariupol' to discuss his new film, ‘2000 Metres to Andriivka'. Plus we share how Elon Musk reportedly stopped Starlink operations during an important Ukrainian counterattack.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Hamish de Bretton Gordon (Former Tank Commander). @HamishDBG on X.Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Journalist and Producer). @adeliepjz on X.With thanks to our guest, Mstyslav Chernov.Content Referenced:Learn More' About 2000 Meters To Andriivka':https://releasing.dogwoof.com/2000-meters-to-andriivka Musk ordered shutdown of Starlink satellite service as Ukraine retook territory from Russia (Reuters):https://www.reuters.com/investigations/musk-ordered-shutdown-starlink-satellite-service-ukraine-retook-territory-russia-2025-07-25/ Why Ukraine can't afford to demobilize its soldiers (Kyiv Independent):https://kyivindependent.com/why-ukraine-cant-afford-to-demobilize-its-soldiers/ Understanding Russia's Black Sea strategy (Chatham House):https://www.chathamhouse.org/2025/07/understanding-russias-black-sea-strategy 100 years of Telegraph Puzzles: Can you complete our first ever crossword?:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/07/28/100-years-the-telegraph-crossword-week-long-celebration/ Puzzles Main Page:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/puzzles/ SIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST' WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/ Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It's free for everyone, including non-subscribers.Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prospects for negotiations between the United States and Iran on nuclear proliferation have dimmed significantly.Just a few days ago, it seemed the two sides were ready to return to negotiations. But US President Donald Trump then said he was not speaking to Iran and was not offering Tehran anything. Iran's deputy foreign minister has told the BBC his country won't enter into talks on its nuclear programme. Also in the programme: We'll get a rare glimpse at life inside the Ukrainian city of Mariupol after three years of Russian occupation; and after calling the shots for 148 years, tennis tournament Wimbledon says goodbye to human line judges.(Photo: Iran's deputy foreign minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi in an interview with the BBC's Lyse Doucet. Credit: BBC)

Israel has carried out waves of airstrikes and artillery fire in Gaza, reportedly killing at least 60 people, some of them while queuing for aid. Medical officials say about 20 people were killed in an airstrike on a beachfront site in Gaza City. One eyewitness said women and children were present when a warplane fired. What is the strategy of Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, when it comes to the war in Gaza? Also in the programme: We get a rare glimpse of life in the Ukrainian city of Mariupol, under Russian occupation for three years; and we hear from a Norwegian lottery winner who was a millionaire for 15 minutes. (File photo: Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gives a statement during a visit to the site of the Weizmann Institute of Science, which was hit by an Iranian missile barrage, in the central city of Rehovot, Israel June 20, 2025. Credit: Jack Guez/Pool via Reuters)

Day 1,192.Today, while missiles and drones ran down on Ukraine, and especially on Kharkiv, Ukraine and its allies are still waiting for Russia's memo on their terms for a potential ceasefire and peace talks next week in Istanbul. We also discuss the increase of electronic warfare on the battlefield and share an exclusive interview with former deputy assistant to the US president and senior director for European and Russian affairs on the U.S. National Security Council, Fiona Hill. Contributors:Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Journalist and Producer). @adeliepjz on X.Hamish De Bretton-Gordon (Former British Army Tank Commander). @HamishDBG on XWith thanks to Fiona Hill (Former deputy assistant to the US president and senior director for European and Russian affairs on the U.S. National Security Council) and Cameron Henderson (US Reporter at the Telegraph). @CamHenderson98 on X.SIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST' WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/ Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It's free for everyone, including non-subscribers.Content Referenced:Fiona Hill: Trump is terrified of Putin, I've seen it first hand, The Telegraph https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/politics/2025/05/25/fiona-hill-interview-trump-terrified-putin-seen-firsthand/Lessons of Ukraine: Properly equipped modern tanks will still rule the battlefield, The Telegraphhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/05/29/main-battle-tanks-ads-active-defence-ew-ukraine-drone-war/Moscow is now a target for Ukraine's Western missileshttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/05/28/moscow-target-ukraine-missiles-kremlin-putin-merz-taurus/Ukraine Drone Carriers Launch First Long-Range Autonomous Strikeshttps://www.forbes.com/sites/davidhambling/2025/05/26/ukraine-drone-carriers-launch-first-long-range-autonomous-strikes/China Cut Drone Sales to West But Supplies Them to Russia, Ukraine Sayshttps://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-05-29/china-cut-drone-sales-to-west-but-supplies-them-to-russia-ukraine-saysNOW AVAILABLE IN NEW LANGUAGES:The Telegraph has launched translated versions of Ukraine: The Latest in Ukrainian and Russian, making its reporting accessible to audiences on both sides of the battle lines and across the wider region, including Central Asia and the Caucasus. Just search Україна: Останні Новини (Ukr) and Украина: Последние Новости (Ru) on your on your preferred podcast app to find them.Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Israel conspicuously absent from Trump's first major Middle East trip, Christiane speaks with Biden's former Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman about the ethical concerns surrounding his overseas deals and meetings, the U.S. role in the war in Gaza, and new revelations about efforts by Biden's inner circle to conceal his decline ahead of the election. Then, Ukraine's former Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba, speaks to Christiane about what the country should reasonably expect and where the crisis stands now after Putin was a no-show for ceasefire talks in Turkey. Clare Sebastian reports on Russia's propaganda campaign to maintain its grip on the occupied Ukrainian port city of Mariupol. And, as the war in Gaza continues with no ceasefire in sight, Israeli Alon Lee-Green and Palestinian citizen of Israel, Rula Daood, co-directors of "Standing Together", a Jewish-Arab movement for peace, discuss their hopes for ending the conflict, and shared activism. Also, as the first group of white South Africans landed as welcome refugees in the U.S. this week, from Christiane's archive, her 1997 report on the long post-apartheid path to reconciliation in the country.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Day 1,160.Today, as Vladimir Putin announces a sudden three-day ceasefire in May, we assess just how meaningful it really is, and ask: why now? Then we analyse another extraordinary weekend of diplomacy at Pope Francis's funeral, before learning more about the history of the Donbas: a region where much of the war's fiercest fighting has taken place.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on XWith thanks to Victoria Donovan (Professor of Ukrainian and East European Studies at the University of St Andrews). @vsdonovan on X.Content Referenced:Victoria's Book: ‘Life in Spite of Everything: Tales from the Ukrainian East':https://www.amazon.co.uk/Life-Spite-Everything-Tales-Ukrainian/dp/1917092148Freefilmers - a collective of filmmakers and artists, originally from Mariupol:https://help-freefilmers.network/ Behind the scenes at Trump's most extraordinary meeting yet (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/04/28/russia-ukraine-zelensky-putin-war-ceasefire-latest-news529/ The Russian Military Moves That Have Europe on Edge (Wall Street Journal):https://www.wsj.com/world/russia/russia-military-nato-europe-finland-ff53b912 The ugly task of Putin-proofing your border (The Economist):https://www.economist.com/international/2025/04/22/the-ugly-task-of-putin-proofing-your-borderNOW AVAILABLE IN NEW LANGUAGES:The Telegraph has launched translated versions of Ukraine: The Latest in Ukrainian and Russian, making its reporting accessible to audiences on both sides of the battle lines and across the wider region, including Central Asia and the Caucasus. Just search Україна: Останні Новини (Ukr) and Украина: Последние Новости (Ru) on your on your preferred podcast app to find them, or click the links below.Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestLearn more about the tech: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/02/24/ukraine-the-latest-podcast-russian-ukrainian-ai-translation/Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.