Podcasts about Ukraine

Michael Wolff joins Joanna Coles to dissect the now tangible proof that Trump has lost touch with political reality. Beginning with a marathon State of the Union that was less a governing document than a 1-hour-and-47-minute exercise in self-mythology, aimed at his fan base, where reality was declared perfect even as polls told a different story. That disconnect between performance and public mood becomes sharper in Minneapolis, where a legitimate COVID-era fraud case that led to dozens of convictions was transformed by the ICE killings, tragedies so unpopular that it could cost Trump an easy political win. Now, JD Vance is dispatched to sell the punishment and absorb the blowback. Abroad, the stakes escalate: brinkmanship with Iran risks blowback Trump once vowed to avoid, while the grinding war in Ukraine—which he promised to end in a day—remains unresolved and increasingly perilous. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the MeidasTouch Podcast, we break down the accelerating fallout from the Epstein Files, including the stunning resignation of the World Economic Forum's CEO and new revelations about the DOJ burying deeply troubling allegations involving Donald Trump and a minor. We also cover the chaotic closed-door Clinton deposition that was briefly derailed after Republicans leaked images to a MAGA propagandist while continuing to block public transparency. Meanwhile, JD Vance's latest attempt to sell Trump's economy goes off the rails, Trump's wellness influencer–turned–Surgeon General nominee faces a brutal hearing that raises serious concerns, and Netflix pulls out of its bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery amid Paramount's hostile takeover bid. Plus, key updates from Ukraine and more from Ben, Brett, and Jordy. Subscribe to Meidas+ at https://meidasplus.com Get Meidas Merch: https://store.meidastouch.com Deals from our sponsors!  Found: Open a Found account for FREE at https://found.com. Found is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by Lead Bank, Member FDIC. HexClad: Find your forever cookware @hexclad and get 10% off at https://hexclad.com/MEIDAS! #hexcladpartner iRestore: Reverse hair loss with @iRestorelaser and get exclusive savings on the iRestore Elite, use code TRUTH at https://irestore.com/TRUTH! #irestorepod American Giant: Visit https://american-giant.com and get 20% off your first order with promo code MEIDAS Ultra Pouches: Don't sleep on @ultrapouches. New customers get 15% Off with code MEIDAS at https://takeultra.com! #UltraPouches #ad Remember to subscribe to ALL the MeidasTouch Network Podcasts: MeidasTouch: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/meidastouch-podcast Legal AF: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/legal-af MissTrial: https://meidasnews.com/tag/miss-trial The PoliticsGirl Podcast: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-politicsgirl-podcast Cult Conversations: The Influence Continuum with Dr. Steve Hassan: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-influence-continuum-with-dr-steven-hassan The Weekend Show: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-weekend-show Burn the Boats: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/burn-the-boats Majority 54: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/majority-54 On Democracy with FP Wellman: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/on-democracy-with-fpwellman Uncovered: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/maga-uncovered Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Blake Hawkins joins the show to share the gritty details of a $32,000 wholesale deal that was nearly derailed by title issues, uncooperative sellers, and hidden property occupants. From navigating a "business divorce" to restructuring his team to eliminate internal friction, Blake explains how he moved away from nationwide lead models to focus on high-intent, local PPC leads in Houston. This episode is a masterclass in operational efficiency, the importance of protecting your deals from "Facebook snakes," and knowing exactly which exit strategies align with your specific skillset.Make sure to follow the TTP Training Program for more!---------Show notes:(0:58) Beginning of today's episode(9:11) Why he decided to collapse his acquisition and disposition departments into one role to stop the "Russia vs. Ukraine" friction in his team.(13:06) The transition from messy, nationwide lead generation to focusing exclusively on high-quality PPC leads in the Houston market.(17:43) Why Blake stopped posting specific property addresses on Facebook groups to prevent other investors from hijacking his deals.(25:38) Why Blake walked away from fix-and-flips and rentals to focus purely on wholesaling and novations, and why you should too if it doesn't align with your strength.----------Resources:InvestorLiftWorking Capital Pros LLCGoogle PPCMLS To speak with Brent or one of our other expert coaches call (281) 835-4201 or schedule your free discovery call here to learn about our mentorship programs and become part of the TribeGo to Wholesalingincgroup.com to become part of one of the fastest growing Facebook communities in the Wholesaling space. Get all of your burning Wholesaling questions answered, gain access to JV partnerships, and connect with other "success minded" Rhinos in the community.It's 100% free to join. The opportunities in this community are endless, what are you waiting for?

Subscribe now to skip the ads and get all of our episodes. Warner Brothers shamefully won't consider Danny and Derek's aggressive offer. In this week's news: U.S.-Iran nuclear talks resume in Geneva amid reports that the White House is weighing strike options (0:54), plus Trump claims in his State of the Union that Iran is building nuclear weapons and intercontinental ballistic missiles (9:58); on the fourth anniversary of the Ukraine invasion, the EU fails to advance new Russia sanctions and a Ukraine loan package due to Hungarian interference (12:28); fighting again intensifies in the eastern DRC (15:53); Mexican authorities kill alleged cartel leader El Mencho, triggering widespread violence (18:49); the Committee to Protect Journalists reports a record number of media workers killed in 2025, mostly killed by Israel (22:07); the UAE backs construction of Israeli-controlled camps in Rafah (23:25); the U.S. extends consular services to West Bank settlements (25:34); the so-called Islamic State declares a “new phase” of operations in Syria (27:37); Pakistan launches cross-border strikes into Afghanistan amid renewed tensions (29:16); the RSF massacres civilians in North Darfur (31:44); a diplomatic spat erupts between Washington and Paris over rhetoric on left-wing violence (33:22); Cuba faces a firefight off its coast and limited U.S. easing of fuel restrictions for private firms (35:44); Trump proposes sending a hospital ship to Greenland (38:51); and the Supreme Court overturns Trump's tariffs as the administration moves to reimpose duties via alternative means (41:14). Grab a copy of Danny and Michael Brenes' edited volume Cold War Liberalism: Power in a Time of Emergency. Use the discount code BESSNER26. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Colleen Dulle and Gerard O'Connell discuss the announcement of several new papal trips, as well as the Society of St. Pius X's rejection of a Vatican offer for dialogue and what could happen next. In the second part of the show, the hosts look at the situation of Ukrainian Catholics and the Vatican's efforts to help end the war on its fourth anniversary. 0:00 Intro 0:47 Papal trips for spring announced 7:30 SSPX rejects Vatican proposal 12:33 The extra letter to SSPX that Gerry saw 17:30 Cardinals Muller and Sarahs's warnings 19:24 What's next for SSPX? 24:14 Fourth anniversary of war in Ukraine 26:59 Vatican response to Ukraine peace talks 31:02 Vatican's humanitarian aid to Ukraine 34:02 Situation of Ukrainian Catholics 38:32 Outro and Credits Links: Pope Leo XIV to embark on 10-day Africa tour and trips to Spain and Monaco SSPX rejects Vatican dialogue, plans to consecrate bishops without papal mandate Cardinals Müller, Sarah urge SSPX to submit to papal authority Pope Leo calls for ‘an immediate ceasefire' to the war in Ukraine Four years of war: ‘The Ukrainian Catholic Church is wiped out every time there is Russian aggression.' Follow Gerry on X: @gerryorome  Follow Colleen on Instagram: @colleendulle  Support Inside the Vatican by becoming a subscriber to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Warner Brothers shamefully won't consider Danny and Derek's aggressive offer. In this week's news: U.S.-Iran nuclear talks resume in Geneva amid reports that the White House is weighing strike options (0:54), plus Trump claims in his State of the Union that Iran is building nuclear weapons and intercontinental ballistic missiles (9:58); on the fourth anniversary of the Ukraine invasion, the EU fails to advance new Russia sanctions and a Ukraine loan package due to Hungarian interference (12:28); fighting again intensifies in the eastern DRC (15:53); Mexican authorities kill alleged cartel leader El Mencho, triggering widespread violence (18:49); the Committee to Protect Journalists reports a record number of media workers killed in 2025, mostly killed by Israel (22:07); the UAE backs construction of Israeli-controlled camps in Rafah (23:25); the U.S. extends consular services to West Bank settlements (25:34); the so-called Islamic State declares a “new phase” of operations in Syria (27:37); Pakistan launches cross-border strikes into Afghanistan amid renewed tensions (29:16); the RSF massacres civilians in North Darfur (31:44); a diplomatic spat erupts between Washington and Paris over rhetoric on left-wing violence (33:22); Cuba faces a firefight off its coast and limited U.S. easing of fuel restrictions for private firms (35:44); Trump proposes sending a hospital ship to Greenland (38:51); and the Supreme Court overturns Trump's tariffs as the administration moves to reimpose duties via alternative means (41:14).Grab a copy of Danny and Michael Brenes' edited volume Cold War Liberalism: Power in a Time of Emergency. Use the discount code BESSNER26.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

“We stand and fight for survival. We are an independent state. We will definitely not lose this war”Jeremy Bowen, the BBC's International Editor, speaks to the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in an interview marking the fourth anniversary of the Ukraine war. Official figures put the number of Ukrainian soldiers killed at 55,000 since the full-scale Russian invasion began, but that is believed to be an underestimate, with many more missing. The number of Russian soldiers killed is believed to be much higher. The civilian death toll in Ukraine stands at more then 14,000. Repeated attempts at a peace deal have failed. In the face of ongoing Russian aggression, President Zelensky remains defiant. Russia has started the Third World War, he says, and must not be allowed to win. Thank you to Imogen Anderson and Jeremy Bowen for their help in making this programme. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC, including episodes with Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Colombian President Gustavo Petro. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenter: Jeremy Bowen Producers: Imogen Anderson and Lucy Sheppard Editors: Justine Lang and Damon RoseGet in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: Volodymyr Zelensky Credit: Leon Neal/Getty Images)

This week marked 4 years since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and the start of a war that served as a wakeup call for Europe and the West. Since then, we've seen Europe take drastic steps to cut its ties to Russian gas, redrawing the region's energy map. Greece has played, and continues to play, a key role in this story. At the same time, questions remain about European security, the continued Russian threat, and whether the Trump administration can deliver a negotiated peace. Finally, the war in Ukraine also brought the world's attention to a murkier side of the Kremlin's playbook, and that's the weaponization of the Orthodox Church and its campaign to undermine the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt, Charles Kupchan, Elena Lazarou, and Aristotle Papanikolaou join Thanos Davelis this week for a deep dive into how Russia's invasion of Ukraine four years ago has changed Europe, reshaped the region's energy map, and impacted the Ecumenical Patriarchate and Orthodoxy around the world. Taking us to our “I am HALC” segment, we're putting the spotlight on Andreas Akaras, looking at his time on Capitol Hill and his work bringing Turkey to justice over the attack by Turkish President Erdogan's bodyguards against US protesters in Washington, DC. A little more info on our guests: Charles Kupchan is a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) and professor of international affairs at Georgetown University in the Walsh School of Foreign Service and Department of Government. Elena Lazarou is the Director General of ELIAMEP and an expert specializing in EU foreign policy, global geopolitics, transatlantic relations, and security and defence issues. Amb. Geoffrey Pyatt is former US ambassador to Greece and Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources. Aristotle Papanikolaou is a Professor of Theology and the Archbishop Demetrios Chair in Orthodox Theology and Culture. He is Co-founding Director of the Orthodox Christian Studies Center at Fordham University. You can support The Greek Current by joining HALC as a member here.

Is Donald Trump hitting a political ceiling — or has he overplayed his hand?After a widely watched State of the Union, new polling suggests Trump may be maxing out his base support — even as tariffs rise, surveillance powers expand, Elon Musk influences battlefield outcomes in Ukraine, and new reporting on the Epstein files raises explosive questions.In this episode of Political Rehab, we break down:• The real impact of Trump's State of the Union• Why tariffs are functioning as a tax on American consumers• Whether AI surveillance and FISA expansion threaten civil liberties• Elon Musk's reported role in shaping battlefield conditions in Ukraine• The growing risk of U.S. conflict with Iran• New revelations about withheld Epstein-related files• The SAVE Act and the future of voting rightsThis isn't partisan outrage. It's structural analysis.If Trump is at a ceiling — or if he's overplayed his hand — what happens next for Republicans, Democrats, and the country?Smart politics. No hangover.Subscribe for weekly deep dives on power, policy, and political reality.#Trump#StateOfTheUnion#EpsteinFiles#ElonMusk#UkraineWar#Iran#Tariffs#Midterms#PoliticalAnalysis#PoliticalRehab00:00 Tech Billionaires in War00:53 Trump Dump State of Union04:03 Tariffs and Economic Pain06:19 State of Union Rundown09:25 AI Surveillance and FISA12:09 Ukraine Starlink Shock15:03 Iran War Countdown17:47 Epstein Files Smoking Gun20:41 Good Idea Bad Idea34:11 Math That Is Bullshit37:04 Alternative State of Union40:23 Final Dose of Hope

In this week's episode, Elliot Berman and John Byrne cover a wide-ranging set of developments reshaping the global AML landscape. They open by marking the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine before diving into new regulatory, enforcement, and geopolitical stories affecting financial crime professionals. John highlights the Federal Reserve's request for comment on removing “reputation risk” from bank supervision and discusses ongoing litigation involving JPMorgan and the Trump Organization. The conversation then turns international: OCCRP's newly announced Anti-Corruption Hero Awards, revelations of European-made parts ending up in Russian military drones, and the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law's work on financial access for human rights defenders. Elliot and John also examine Australia's transition to a new AML/CFT regime and Canada's new financial intelligence initiative focused on extortion. Additional topics include the Treasury Inspector General's audit of FinCEN, IRS-CI's latest BSA data usage report, and U.S. cases involving cyber intrusions and tax fraud.

Danny Rensch went from being weaponized as a chess prodigy by a cult to co-founding Chess.com — detailed on part two of this two-part episode. (Find part one here!)Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1290What We Discuss with Danny Rensch:Chess.com grew from a bootstrapped startup — laughed out of investor rooms — into a unicorn by building a chess creator economy and content ecosystem years before the pandemic boom, capturing 99% of chess's explosive growth when The Queen's Gambit and COVID lockdowns sent 400,000 new members flooding in per day.Catching cheaters in chess is a high-stakes statistical science. Chess.com employs 30 full-time specialists, from research scientists to in-house detectives, who use AI-driven algorithms to detect engine-assisted play, acting only when evidence would hold up in court rather than in the court of public opinion.The digital revolution in chess has dramatically compressed the learning curve. Kids now grow up playing against Magnus Carlsen and top grandmasters online, producing prodigies like a 12-year-old Argentine dubbed "the Messi of chess" who may break the youngest grandmaster record in history.Chess.com's public stance against Russia after the Ukraine invasion landed Danny Rensch on a dark web hit list, and years of closing cheaters' accounts have brought direct threats — including one player who tracked his tournament locations and emailed that he'd feel a gun behind his neck.Danny's most powerful insight is that you can redefine your relationship with your past. Forgiveness isn't rewriting what happened, it's freeing yourself from it, and believing "everything happens for a reason" becomes actionable when you realize you get to choose the reason and reclaim the power over your own story.And much more...And if you're still game to support us, please leave a review here — even one sentence helps! Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course!Subscribe to our once-a-week Wee Bit Wiser newsletter today and start filling your Wednesdays with wisdom!Do you even Reddit, bro? Join us at r/JordanHarbinger!This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors:Northwest Registered Agent: Get more at northwestregisteredagent.com/jordanZocdoc: Find and book a doctor you love today: zocdoc.com/jordanHomes.com: Find your home: homes.comQuiltmind: Email jordanaudience@quiltmind.com to get started or visit quiltmind.com for more infoThe President's Daily Brief: Listen here or wherever you find fine podcasts!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Russia exports billions of dollars worth of fish a year across the world. But after the invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. banned imports of Russian fish. It turns out those bans are only so effective. Today on the show, how Russia has dodged import bans to keep selling billions of dollars worth of seafood every year, and how the U.S. has struggled to stop it.  FYI, we are going on a book tour! Planet Money's first ever book comes out in April. We'll be celebrating in about a dozen cities. There's a limited edition tote bag included with your ticket, while supplies last. Details, dates and how to get your ticket at planetmoneybook.com.Related episodes: What's propping up Russian oil?How Russia's shadow fleet is sailing around oil sanctionsFor sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Fact-checking by Vito Emanuel. Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter.  Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

New York's vacant apartments and rent stabilization, school denies teacher religious accommodation, Ukraine's long resistance, and helping girls in Kenya. Plus, Seth Troutt on on engineered masculinity, a record-setting romance, and the Thursday morning newsSupport The World and Everything in It today at wng.org/donateAdditional support comes from Planted Gap Year, where young adults combine Bible classes, hands-on farming, and outdoor adventure. More at plantedgapyear.orgFrom Ridge Haven Camp in North Carolina and Iowa. Summer Camp registration open now at ridgehaven.orgAnd from the Joshua Program at St. Dunstan's Academy in the Blue Ridge Mountains: work, prayer, and adventure for young men. stdunstansacademy.org

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: First up — new reporting reveals how a five-minute phone call between President Trump and Nicolás Maduro may have sealed the Venezuelan strongman's fate, as misread intentions helped turn diplomacy into military action and, ultimately, a prison cell. Later in the show — amid mounting pressure on Tehran, the CIA launches a rare recruitment push aimed directly at Iranians. Plus — the United Kingdom slaps sanctions on nearly 300 Russian-linked entities after an email blunder exposed a network of illicit oil traders tied to Moscow's energy and military sectors. And in today's Back of the Brief — Russia accuses Ukraine of seeking to acquire a nuclear weapon with help from the UK and France, a claim Kyiv and Western officials dismiss as baseless disinformation.  To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting https://PDBPremium.com. Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief. YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief American Financing: Call American Financing today to find out how customers are saving an avg of $800/mo. NMLS 182334, https://nmlsconsumeraccess.org APR for rates in the 5s start at 6.196% for well qualified borrowers. Call 866-885-1881 for details about credit costs and terms. Visit http://www.AmericanFinancing.net/PDB  Ultra Pouches: Don't sleep on @ultrapouches. New customers get 15% Off with code PDB at https://takeultra.com! #UltraPouches #ad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Donate (no account necessary) | Subscribe (account required) Join Bryan Dean Wright, former CIA Operations Officer, as he dives into today's top stories shaping America and the world. In this episode of The Wright Report, Bryan breaks down the political aftershocks of President Trump's record-setting State of the Union address, from new retirement proposals and Big Tech power requirements to the growing frustration over the Senate filibuster and the fate of the SAVE America Act. Bryan then examines the sharp partisan divide on immigration, crime, parental rights, and voter ID, arguing that the speech exposed a fundamental split over who counts as an American and what the country should become. The second half pivots global, with updates on the capture of Venezuela's Maduro, delicate negotiations with Cuba, expanding U.S. seizures of illicit oil tankers, and a looming confrontation with Iran as Tehran eyes hypersonic missiles from China. Bryan also covers the grinding war in Ukraine and why crypto markets are struggling, with nearly half of Bitcoin holders now underwater.   "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." - John 8:32     Keywords: February 26 2026 Wright Report, Trump State of the Union reaction, SAVE America Act filibuster debate, voter ID legislation, Maduro capture operation, Cuba oil negotiations Raul Castro, ghost fleet tanker seizures Venezuela Russia Iran, Iran hypersonic missiles China purchase, looming US Iran conflict, Ukraine year five war attrition, Bitcoin underwater investors crypto slump

Send a textThis Daily Drop is all movement, no filler.The Army is doubling down on its auction-style warrant officer retention bonus experiment. Market-driven talent management? Maybe. Hunger Games for CW5s? Also maybe. At the same time, lessons from Ukraine are reshaping armored warfare training, drone integration, and electronic warfare acquisition speed.The Navy installs a new Submarine Force Atlantic commander and rehearses an anti-ship strike with a B-2 off California. Targeting ships at sea isn't the same as dropping bombs on dirt—and that joint integration matters.The Air Force mobility enterprise is waving red flags. Aging tankers and airlift fleets aren't getting replaced fast enough, and timelines stretching into the 2030s aren't comforting. Meanwhile, Reserve and Guard leaders are pushing for equal benefits when serving identical missions.Space Force pauses Vulcan rocket launches over an anomaly—national security missions now in holding.And at the policy level, legal tension continues over military speech and disciplinary authority.A lot moving. A lot worth watching.⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 Intro and sponsor 02:00 Warrant officer retention bonus auction system 04:30 Ukraine armored warfare lessons 06:30 Electronic warfare acquisition overhaul 08:30 New Submarine Force Atlantic commander 10:00 B-2 and Navy anti-ship strike rehearsal 12:30 Mobility fleet modernization concerns 15:00 Equal benefits push for Guard and Reserve 17:30 Space Force Vulcan rocket launch pause 19:00 Legal dispute over military speech limits

Day 1,463.Today, after a mass Russian aerial bombardment struck multiple regions across Ukraine, we report from Kyiv and eastern Ukraine on what it was like on the ground during the latest wave of drone and missile attacks. We then hear about Dom's visit to a Ukrainian HUR military intelligence base in Zaporizhzhia, and examine reports that Vladimir Putin has been forced to curb the recruitment of foreign fighters to avoid diplomatic fallout with key allies. We also discuss the battlefield “kill ratio” that could undermine Russia's war effort, and new air defence systems being developed that claim the capability to intercept nuclear missiles.ContributorsFrancis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest).Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest).Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Host on Ukraine: The Latest).Rozina Sabur (National Security Editor, The Telegraph).Svitlana Morenets (Freelance Ukrainian Journalist).NOW AVAILABLE IN 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://youtu.be/1fIYPjtdNa8?si=B7tHxw3CxQGAy3OGCONTENT REFERENCED:How Ukraine turned hobby drones into precision killing machines (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/02/26/ukraine-fpv-drones-evolution-precision-killing-machines/ Russia's air defences could shoot down Britain's nuclear missiles (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/02/26/russia-air-defences-could-shoot-down-britain-missiles/ First Ukrainian drone factory opens in Britain (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/02/26/first-ukrainian-drone-factory-opens-in-britain/ The kill ratio that can sink Putin's war (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/02/24/the-kill-ratio-that-can-sink-putin-war/ Putin bans recruitment of foreign soldiers to placate African allies (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/02/25/putin-bans-foreign-soldiers-to-placate-african-allies/ Allies bow to Putin over Ukraine peace troops (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/02/24/allies-bow-to-putin-over-ukraine-peace-troops/WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:Our weekly newsletter includes maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons, answers your questions, provides recommended reading, and gives exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights.. It's free for everyone, including non-subscribers. Join here – http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainenewsletter EMAIL 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.Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week marks four years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the largest and deadliest conflict in Europe since WW2.Ukraine has put its official losses at 55,000 soldiers, and the BBC has verified the deaths of more than 180,000 on the Russian side, although the true toll is likely to be much higher. Tens of thousands of civilians have been killed or wounded, and millions have been displaced.In today's episode, the BBC's international editor Jeremy Bowen, travels through Ukraine, speaking to people living on the front line, to soldiers, and to Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, about what they would concede – if anything - for a peace deal with Russia.The Global Story brings clarity to politics, business and foreign policy in a time of connection and disruption. For more episodes, just search 'The Global Story' wherever you get your BBC Podcasts.

It's been four years since the beginning of the Ukraine war, and the consequences continue to reverberate across Europe and the world. David Kramer, Executive Director of the Bush Institute and former Assistant Secretary of State, joins host Krys Boyd to discuss why he thinks the U.S. should increase military assistance to Ukraine, why more pressure needs to be put on Putin, and why conceding land to Russia is not the answer to unprovoked aggression. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Two Medals of Honor Awarded. Dem's Spanberger Response Better Than Usual. Cuban Government Shoots 4 Americans on a Speedboat. Obama Legacy's Signature a Slam Dunk. The State of the Union is over — but the real story is what Trump didn't say. In Episode 449, Paul Rieckhoff breaks down the longest SOTU in American history: two hours of pageantry, 103 standing ovations, and a president who gave 20 seconds to Ukraine on the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion while quietly beating the war drums on Iran. Paul cuts through the noise to find the moments that actually mattered — including a 100-year-old Korean War hero finally receiving his Medal of Honor, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer honored for saving 169 lives, and Army veteran George Redis, detained by ICE and then released without a phone call or a lawyer, sitting in the chamber as a living indictment of an out-of-control federal agency. While most Americans tuned out before 11 PM, Paul stayed locked in. He breaks down the Democratic response — led by Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger, a former CIA officer who delivered arguably the strongest opposition address in recent memory — and the organized Democratic boycott that sent dozens of members to a counter-programming event on the National Mall. He also zeroes in on the Epstein files, where Representative Thomas Massie is asking the question millions of Americans want answered: why are there still no arrests in the United States while resignations pile up worldwide? Then it's below the radar: breaking news out of Cuba, where the Cuban government shot four Americans aboard a Florida-based speedboat. Paul connects the dots — Trump's pressure campaign, Rubio's long-stated goal of regime change, and how this incident could become the pretext for the next military strike. Back at home, he doesn't let up on ICE, playing the raw interview with Elia Rahmet — the woman dragged from her car in Minneapolis, both shoulders torn — and demanding accountability by name. Plus: Mayor Adams failing the NYPD in Washington Square Park, Tommy Tuberville earning his "Senator Redneck" title again, and something good: the Obama Presidential Library's basketball court and Bruce Springsteen bringing Tom Morello on every stop of his tour. Paul also shares big news — he'll be appearing on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert in the coming weeks, and Sebastian Junger is confirmed for next week's episode. If you believe America's future belongs to independent thinkers, not party loyalists — this is your show. Country over party. People over politics. Stay vigilant. -WATCH full video of this episode here. -Learn more about Paul's work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Learn more about American Veterans for Ukraine here. Connect with Independent Americans: Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platforms Read more at Substack Support ad-free episodes at Patreon  Connect: Instagram  • X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook  Follow on social: @PaulRieckhoff on X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media.  And now part of the BLEAV network!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Paul Rieckhoff is stuck in Florida — airports shut down, snowstorm paralyzing the Northeast — but he's not going quiet. In this special episode, Paul breaks down Trump's State of the Union address in real time, delivering the sharpest analysis you won't hear anywhere else. The speech clocked in as the longest State of the Union ever delivered. Trump spent exactly three minutes on Iran — roughly 90 minutes in. Paul calls it what it is: a missed opportunity, a half-made case, and a failure of presidential responsibility. The core issue isn't whether military action against Iran is on the table — it clearly is. The pieces are in place. The forces are arrayed. Paul knows what that looks like firsthand; he was in Iraq when the U.S. went to war in 2003. What's missing from Trump's address is the one thing every commander-in-chief owes the American people before pulling the trigger: an honest accounting of the cost. No mention of consulting Congress. No coalition of allies. No preparation for what a long conflict — with real American casualties — could mean. Trump's approval rating among independents sits at 26%, down ten points from last year. That number tells the story. Then there's Ukraine. The United States just abstained from a United Nations vote affirming support for Ukraine — standing alongside Saudi Arabia. On the four-year anniversary of Russia's invasion. Paul, who founded American Veterans for Ukraine, doesn't mince words: it's a black mark on America's record, a moment that demanded moral clarity, and a president who chose silence instead. Finally, New York City. Paul weighs in on the viral NYPD snowball incident — where officers were pelted with ice by a mob — and the new mayor's stunning failure to stand with his police department. Paul breaks down why this moment matters far beyond one incident, and what it signals about a mayor who came into office with the lowest trust from the NYPD in recent memory. This is Independent Americans: straight talk, no party loyalty, and the five I's to keep you connected. Stay vigilant. -WATCH full video of this episode here. -Learn more about Paul's work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Learn more about American Veterans for Ukraine here. Connect with Independent Americans: Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platforms Read more at Substack Support ad-free episodes at Patreon  Connect: Instagram  • X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook  Follow on social: @PaulRieckhoff on X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media.  And now part of the BLEAV network!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We'll give you the latest from Hillary Clinton's closed-door interview with lawmakers as part of their Jeffrey Epstein investigation. We'll tell you how a third round of US talks went with Iran and Ukraine. Two neighboring countries exchanged cross-border strikes. We have details on the mayor of New York City's unannounced visit to the White House. Plus, mortgage rates cracked a key threshold for the first time in more than three years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's Thursday, February 26th, A.D. 2026. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark Russian-Ukrainian war in its fifth year The war between Russia and Ukraine entered its fifth year this week. International Christian Concern reports religious communities in the Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine continue to face harassment and violence. Protestant churches are especially targeted with intimidation, raids, and closures. The European Evangelical Alliance is calling on Christians to pray for their brothers and sisters caught in the conflict. The organization noted, “Churches continue to serve courageously. Acts of compassion and solidarity are widespread. Stories of protection, provision, and spiritual awakening remind believers that God remains present and active even in the darkest times.” Romans 8:28 reminds us, “We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” 1.8 million casualties in Russian-Ukrainian war After four years of fighting, Russia and Ukraine have experienced an estimated 1.8 million casualties. That includes people killed, wounded, and missing.  U.S. President Donald Trump continues to broker peace talks between the two countries even as the war drags on.  Ukrainian representatives plan to meet with U.S. envoys in Geneva, Switzerland today. This is ahead of a potential trilateral meeting between the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine next week.  U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently wrote on X, “President Trump wants a solution that ends the bloodshed once and for all.” European Commission fines X $140 million Speaking of X, the company is challenging a $140 million fine imposed by the European Commission.  The commission is using the European Union's Digital Services Act to impose censorship on American tech companies. Jeremy Tedesco with Alliance Defending Freedom stated, “The platforms the Digital Services Act targets … are the modern public square. They are where Americans debate politics, share their faith, and hold the powerful accountable. … The EU Commission is targeting X for a simple reason: X is committed to free speech, and the Commission demands censorship.” El Mencho's Mexican cartel extorted and harassed pastors As The Worldview reported on Tuesday, Mexico's military forces killed the drug cartel leader, Nemesio Cervantes,  known as “El Mencho” on Sunday. He was the most wanted person in Mexico and one of the most wanted people in the United States.  The cartel he led was known for terrorizing not only businesses but also church leaders in Mexico. Pastors faced intimidation, extortion, harassment, and threats at the hands of the cartel.  Trump affirmed “one nation under God” In the United States, President Donald Trump delivered his 2026 State of the Union Address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday.  The speech lasted for an hour and 48 minutes, the longest State of the Union Address in modern tracking.  At one point, he asked a question. TRUMP: “One of the great things about the State of the Union is how it gives Americans the chance to see clearly what their representatives really believe. So tonight, I'm inviting every legislator to join with my administration in reaffirming a fundamental principle. “If you agree with this statement, then stand up and show your support. ‘The first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens.'” (Republicans applauded) Not surprisingly, all the Republicans stood and all the Democrats remained seated, revealing the stark contrast between the two major parties. Throughout his speech, the president mentioned the upcoming 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. He acknowledged the hand of Providence in our country's destiny and celebrated recent renewal in religious interest among young people. Listen. TRUMP: “I'm very proud to say that during my time in office, both the first four years, and in particular this last year, there has been a tremendous renewal in religion, faith, Christianity and belief in God. “This is especially true among young people, and a big part of that had to do with my great friend, Charlie Kirk, a great guy, a great man.” (You can watch the State of the Union here.) Singer Johnny Cash remembered for faith in Christ And finally, today marks the birthday of Johnny Cash. The iconic American singer was born on February 26, 1932.  He rose to fame in the music scene in the 1950s before coming to Christ later in the 1970s. He became known as the “Man in Black” for his all-black stage suits.  After his conversion, Cash would use his music to share the Gospel, often performing at Billy Graham Crusades.  Cash remains one the best-selling music artists of all time. He was inducted into the Country Music, Rock and Roll, and Gospel Music Halls of Fame.  One of his last recorded songs was called “I Came to Believe.” Listen to the chorus. “I came to believe in a Power much higher than I. I came to believe that I needed help to get by. In childlike faith, I gave in and gave Him a try. And I came to believe in a Power much higher than I.” Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Pick up a copy of Greg Laurie's biography entitled, Johnny Cash: The Redemption of an American Icon.  And watch the Christian movie by the same name.  Close And that's The Worldview on this Thursday, February 26th, in the year of our Lord 2026. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  Plus, you can get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

A wall of U.S. air and naval power now sits within reach of Iran, but does massed hardware equal a winning strategy? We sit down with Colonel Douglas Macgregor to map the real shape of a campaign: suppressing integrated air defenses, cracking command-and-control, and hunting Iran's theater ballistic missiles before they launch. The outline sounds familiar; the context does not. Iran fields depth, industry, and partners willing to help, and that changes everything. We walk through the limits that rarely make the speeches: finite interceptor stocks, exhausted carrier groups, long supply lines, and the simple physics of sortie generation. If tempo drops after a week and magazines thin by two, what choice set remains? Macgregor argues deterrence-by-buildup misreads Tehran's will to fight. For Washington, this is leverage and signaling; for Iran, it's survival. That gap in motivation means salvos won't stop because a president expects them to. And if an American ship or regional base takes a serious hit, the psychological shock could matter as much as the physical damage. External players complicate the map. China sees Iran as vital to energy security and the Belt and Road, reportedly moving hundreds of missiles and precision systems that threaten ships at sea. Russia's experience in air defense and electronic warfare lurks in the background. Across the region, public anger grows, and Turkey weighs how and when to act. At home, elite consensus can be loud, but assumptions of quick regime change and clean outcomes echo past mistakes. This conversation is a grounded, unsentimental look at targets, timelines, risks, and endgames. If the first days don't deliver capitulation, what then—pause, escalate, or negotiate from a weaker hand? We don't offer easy answers; we ask the questions leaders must face before the launch order is signed. If this deep dive challenged your assumptions, follow, share with a friend, and leave a review so more listeners can find it.

-Matt Welch's Caribbean identity crisis at Da Pig Beach-The State of the Union aka a two-hour hostage note-A greatest hits, lowest lights compilation for President Camacho-The futility of “speeching” your way through a math-defying approval rating-You can't talk your way through a 38% approval rating-Let the hockey boys drink-Dan Crenshaw is allowed to be mad-The RNC's new guard of real fucking bozos and sycophantic dick-tots-JD Vance as anti-corruption czar and populist beard for the crypto-regime-Tariffs and The Gilded Age corruption engine, now with “ballroom fund” exclusions-Drug prices are down 600%,….so do you owe me money?-Moynihan screaming drug questions at his glitching phone-Marxist Republicans and the gobbledygook of corporate housing bans-Maybe let's just abolish the State of the Union-Dispatches from the Purple State: An interview with Senator Elissa Slotkin-Stop kicking allies in the teeth to play grab-ass with dictators-Walking out on Lindsey Graham's Danish disdain-AI thinks Moynihan is a neo-folk neo-Nazi-Four years of war and Ukraine gets a one-sentence hand wave-Anthropic vs. Hegseth: Code is speech until the Pentagon wants a frictionless kill-switch-We tried collectivism once. Everyone starved. The end.-Gemini identifies the mystery caller as Friedrich Nietzsche, chimney sweep-About that BBC BAFTA N-Word Drama….-“You're acting like Israel” is the ultimate Park Slope breakup trump cardPrefer to watch & chat live with other members of the Fifdom? This episode premieres over on our YouTube channel NOW.The Fifth Column (A Podcast) is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Follow The Fifth ColumnYouTube: @wethefifthInstagram: @we.the.fifthX: @wethefifthTikTok: @wethefifthFacebook: @thefifthcolumn This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.wethefifth.com/subscribe

It has been four years since the full scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. Does Vladimir Putin still believe he is leading Russia to a military victory, or is he now banking on winning at the negotiating table? Gavin Esler talks to Samuel Greene, Professor of Russian Politics at King's College London. You can read more from Professor Greene at his Substack, TL;DRussia.  Advertisers! Want to reach smart, engaged, influential people? Some 3.5 MILLION people download and watch our podcasts every month – and they love our shows. Why not get YOUR brand in front of our influential listeners with podcast advertising? Contact ads@podmasters.co.uk to find out more. • Support us on Patreon to keep This Is Not A Drill producing thought-provoking podcasts like this. Written and presented by Gavin Esler. Produced by Robin Leeburn. Original theme music by Paul Hartnoll – https://www.orbitalofficial.com. Executive Producer Martin Bojtos. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. This Is Not A Drill is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vice President JD Vance says the Administration is pausing some Medicaid funds to Minnesota over fraud concerns, a day after President Donald Trump said in his State of the Union Address the Vice President will lead a 'war on fraud'; Senate Republican leader John Thune and Democratic leader Chuck Schumer react to that and other issues in the president's nearly two-hour address, especially economic affordability, and what that means for the Senate agenda; two other Senators, Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) discuss Russia's war with Ukraine, a topic that got barely a mention in this year's State of the Union Address; nominee for Surgeon General Dr. Casey Means tells the Senate Health Committee that she will not unequivocally say that parents should vaccinate their children against diseases like measles, the flu or whooping cough; Supreme Court hears a case about a house in Michigan worth nearly $200,000, foreclosed on by the county for an unpaid $2,000 tax bill and sold at auction for $76,000. Plaintiffs say that is an unconstitutional taking without just compensation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Max and Maria spoke with Hanna Notte, JP Gresh, and Michael Kimmage at a live CSIS event marking the four-year anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This conversation was recorded on February 23, 2026. For the video recording of this event, please go to CSIS.org. "Putin Had High Hopes for Trump. They Have Been Dashed," by Hanna Notte (The New York Times, February 2026). Preorder We Shall Outlast Them: Putin's Global Campaign to Defeat the West, by Hanna Notte (W.W. Norton & Company, August 2026).

Lt. Col. Robert Maginnis, a retired U.S. Army officer and an experienced military analyst with on-the-ground experience inside Russia and Ukraine and the author of "Preparing for World War III"Topic: "President Trump’s Iran warning is serious — but Americans need the full facts" (Fox News op ed) Danny Coulson, Former Deputy Assistant Director of the FBI and Founding Commander of the FBI Hostage Rescue TeamTopic: FBI obtained Kash Patel and Susie Wiles phone records during Biden administration; FBI searching home and office of Los Angeles schools superintendent David Wildstein, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of New Jersey GlobeTopic: Mikie Sherrill nominates first woman to lead the NJ State Police Liz Peek, Fox News contributor, columnist for Fox News and The Hill, and former partner of major bracket Wall Street firm Wertheim & CompanyTopic: "America expected one thing from Trump’s State of the Union. It got another" (Fox News op ed) Sgt. Joseph Imperatrice, Founder of Blue Lives Matter NYC with 19 years of law enforcement experience primarily in the Detective Bureau fieldTopic: Snowball attack on police Mike Davis, Founder of the Article III Project, Former Law Clerk for Justice Neil Gorsuch, and Former Chief Counsel for Nominations for the U.S. Senate Committee on the JudiciaryTopic: "Kash Patel is restoring the FBI despite constant attacks"; Other legal news of the day Nicole Parker, Special Agent with the FBI from 2010 through October 2022, Fox News contributor, and the author of "The Two FBIs: The Bravery and Betrayal I Saw in My Time at the Bureau"Topic: Meeting the Men's Olympic Hockey Team Paul Jacobs for Food for the PoorTopic: Food for the PoorSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wie immer diskutieren wir im ersten Teil unseres Programms aktuelle Ereignisse. Wir beginnen mit der Entscheidung Frankreichs, dem US-Botschafter den Kontakt zu Regierungsministern zu verwehren. Anschließend sprechen wir über die äußerst kritische Haltung vieler EU-Politiker zur fehlenden Unterstützung der USA für die Ukraine inmitten der russischen Aggression. Aus europäischer Sicht wirkt es wie ein Verrat, dass die USA der Ukraine den Rücken kehren. In unserem Wissenschaftsteil sprechen wir über weltraumgestützte Solarenergie, die unabhängig von Wetter und Tageszeit zuverlässig umweltfreundlichen Strom liefern kann. Und wir beenden den ersten Teil unseres heutigen Programms mit einer Diskussion über die Berlinale. Das Filmfestival hat wegen seines Umgangs mit politisch brisanten Themen für Kontroversen gesorgt. Der Rest des Programms ist der deutschen Sprache und Kultur gewidmet. Die heutige Grammatiklektion konzentriert sich auf Latin-Based (-ieren) Verbs: Part 1. In den letzten Jahrzehnten wurde, nicht zuletzt durch die Medien, das Bild geprägt, dass es in der DDR systematische, politisch motivierte Zwangsadoptionen gegeben habe, deren Opfer insbesondere Regimekritiker waren. Eine Studie hat dies nun widerlegt. Einzelfälle werden allerdings nicht ausgeschlossen. Wenn Sie auf der Suche nach der Liebe Ihres Lebens sind, da Ihre romantische Situation aus dem letzten Loch pfeift, sollten Sie vielleicht einen Brief an die Bräutigamseiche in Schleswig-Holstein schreiben, den sogenannten Liebesbaum! Aus dem letzten Loch pfeifen ist auch unsere Redewendung diese Woche. Viel Glück! Frankreich verweigert US-Botschafter Zugang zu Regierungsministern Der Verrat der USA an der Ukraine verdeutlicht die neue politische Weltordnung Kann Solarstrom aus dem All Europas Energieprobleme lösen? Berlinale 2026 – überschattet von einer Kontroverse über Politik im Kino Keine Zwangsadoptionen in der DDR Der Liebesbaum

Silicon Bites Ep293 | 2026-02-25 | Druzhba on Fire: Ukraine's drones, Orbán's veto, Fico's power cut — and Europe's energy solidarity stress-test. I love the smell of burning Russian oil in the morning – it smells, like… VICTORY! You may have seen the videos of the burning installation? Absolutely spectacular. A fireball in Tatarstan — more than a thousand kilometers from the Ukrainian border — and suddenly Hungary and Slovakia are threatening to hold up EU sanctions and attempting to take Ukraine's funding hostage (spoilers – they didn't succeed). This is the Druzhba pipeline crisis: drones, oil, electricity supplies and two EU capitals trying to turn Russia's outrageous aggression into their own political leverage. Druzhba means “friendship.” But 2026, it's unfriendly actions that are taking centre stage.----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformation----------SOURCES:Reuters — Ukrainian drones hit Druzhba-linked pumping station in Tatarstan (23 Feb 2026). RFE/RL — Explosion at key Druzhba-linked facility in Tatarstan (23 Feb 2026). Kyiv Independent — SBU source claims strike details on Kaleykino station (23 Feb 2026). Reuters — Slovakia to stop emergency power supplies to Ukraine over Druzhba dispute (23 Feb 2026). Reuters — Ukraine moves Druzhba resumption date to Feb 25, Slovakia says (23 Feb 2026). Reuters — Hungary blocks sanctions and EU cash/loan amid Druzhba dispute; Kallas quote (23 Feb 2026).Reuters — Szijjártó: “We will not give in to this blackmail” (20 Feb 2026).Euronews — Hungary blocks sanctions package until oil transit resumes (22 Feb 2026). Euronews — Slovakia halts emergency power supply; Ukraine “ultimatums” response (23 Feb 2026).Kyiv Independent — Ukraine condemns Hungary/Slovakia “ultimatums and blackmail” (21 Feb 2026).The New Voice of Ukraine — Sybiha: Ukraine ready to “act constructively” (24 Feb 2026). ANSA — Szijjártó on blocking sanctions; Hungarian government framing (22 Feb 2026). Al Jazeera — EU sanctions some Russians as Hungary blocks broader measures; Druzhba dispute context (23 Feb 2026). ----------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/extrasWe need to scale up our support for Ukraine, and these events are designed to have a major impact. Your support in making it happen is greatly appreciated. All events will be recorded professionally and published for free on the Silicon Curtain channel. Where possible, we will also live-stream events.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------

2026-02-23 | UPDATES #140 | The Kill Zone — how the drone war is rewriting strategy in Ukraine. Based on an original text from The Financial Times – “Inside the ‘kill zone'”, how drones are reshaping Ukraine's frontline — and the future of warfare by Christopher Miller in Kyiv and Chris Campbell, Peter Andringa and Sam Joiner in London. Structure: Two acts —I. The battlefield revolutionII. The strategic consequencesFor most of modern history, war meant manoeuvre — tanks advance, infantry holds ground, artillery shapes the battlefield. Air power is a crucial element. Not anymore.----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformation----------A REQUEST FOR HELP!I'm heading back to Kyiv this week, to film, do research and conduct interviews. The logistics and need for equipment and clothing are a little higher than for my previous trips. It will be cold, and may be dark also. If you can, please assist to ensure I can make this trip a success. My commitment to the audience of the channel, will be to bring back compelling interviews conducted in Ukraine, and to use the experience to improve the quality of the channel, it's insights and impact. Let Ukraine and democracy prevail! https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrashttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformationNONE OF THIS CAN HAPPEN WITHOUT YOU!So what's next? We're going to Kyiv in January 2026 to film on the ground, and will record interviews with some huge guests. We'll be creating opportunities for new interviews, and to connect you with the reality of a European city under escalating winter attack, from an imperialist, genocidal power. PLEASE HELP ME ME TO GROW SILICON CURTAINWe are planning our events for 2026, and to do more and have a greater impact. After achieving more than 12 events in 2025, we will aim to double that! 24 events and interviews on the ground in Ukraine, to push back against weaponized information, toxic propaganda and corrosive disinformation. Please help us make it happen!----------SOURCES: Financial Times frontline reporting (kill zone investigation) DroneXL summary of FT investigation Ukrainian FPV production capacity (Межа. Новини України.)Casualties and drone volume (Military.com)Battlefield effects of drones (The Sun)Kherson drone defence and civilian impact (Pravda)----------

Jason Jay Smart is a political adviser who has lived and worked in Ukraine, Moldova, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Latin America. Due to his work with the democratic opposition to Vladimir Putin, Smart was made persona non grata for life by Russia in 2010. Jason is a Special Correspondent at the Kyiv Post. It's the state of US support for Ukraine that we will discuss today.----------LINKS:https://jasonjaysmart.com/ https://www.kyivpost.com/authors/5 https://americanpoliticalservices.com/https://www.facebook.com/jasonjaysmarthttps://twitter.com/officejjsmart ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformation----------A REQUEST FOR HELP!I'm heading back to Kyiv this week, to film, do research and conduct interviews. The logistics and need for equipment and clothing are a little higher than for my previous trips. It will be cold, and may be dark also. If you can, please assist to ensure I can make this trip a success. My commitment to the audience of the channel, will be to bring back compelling interviews conducted in Ukraine, and to use the experience to improve the quality of the channel, it's insights and impact. Let Ukraine and democracy prevail! https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrashttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformationNONE OF THIS CAN HAPPEN WITHOUT YOU!So what's next? We're going to Kyiv in January 2026 to film on the ground, and will record interviews with some huge guests. We'll be creating opportunities for new interviews, and to connect you with the reality of a European city under escalating winter attack, from an imperialist, genocidal power. PLEASE HELP ME ME TO GROW SILICON CURTAINWe are planning our events for 2026, and to do more and have a greater impact. After achieving more than 12 events in 2025, we will aim to double that! 24 events and interviews on the ground in Ukraine, to push back against weaponized information, toxic propaganda and corrosive disinformation. Please help us make it happen!----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - 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/kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyślhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/----------DESCRIPTION:4 Years of War: Jason Jay Smart on Russia's Weakness, Putin's Resolve, and What the West Must Do Next. On the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion, Jonathan interviews political advisor Jason Jay Smart, who argues the last four years have exposed major weaknesses in Russia's military—its air force's limited effectiveness, the army's dysfunction, and Ukraine's crippling of the Black Sea Fleet—while also highlighting Vladimir Putin's unchanged resolve and willingness to absorb massive losses. Smart and Jonathan contend the war is a battle within a wider global conflict driven by a Russian worldview rooted in hierarchy, coercion, and absolute power rather than rule of law, and that Western leaders misunderstand Russia by assuming it thinks like Europe. ----------

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----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformation----------A REQUEST FOR HELP!I'm heading back to Kyiv this week, to film, do research and conduct interviews. The logistics and need for equipment and clothing are a little higher than for my previous trips. It will be cold, and may be dark also. If you can, please assist to ensure I can make this trip a success. My commitment to the audience of the channel, will be to bring back compelling interviews conducted in Ukraine, and to use the experience to improve the quality of the channel, it's insights and impact. Let Ukraine and democracy prevail! https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrashttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformationNONE OF THIS CAN HAPPEN WITHOUT YOU!So what's next? We're going to Kyiv in January 2026 to film on the ground, and will record interviews with some huge guests. We'll be creating opportunities for new interviews, and to connect you with the reality of a European city under escalating winter attack, from an imperialist, genocidal power. PLEASE HELP ME ME TO GROW SILICON CURTAINWe are planning our events for 2026, and to do more and have a greater impact. After achieving more than 12 events in 2025, we will aim to double that! 24 events and interviews on the ground in Ukraine, to push back against weaponized information, toxic propaganda and corrosive disinformation. Please help us make it happen!----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - 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/kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyślhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/----------DESCRIPTION:Cormac Smith on Ukraine: Why “As Long As It Takes” Is Not a StrategyJonathan interviews communications veteran Cormac Smith, formerly embedded in Ukraine's Foreign Ministry as a strategic communications adviser, on the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion. Smith argues the West should have said “with Ukraine until they win,” criticizing “as long as it takes” as planless and enabling slow-walked, constrained military aid and excessive fear of Putin's nuclear threats. ----------

Artem Moroz is a Ukrainian defense innovation and investment ecosystem specialist best known publicly for his leadership work inside BRAVE1, Ukraine's state-backed defence-tech cluster. He is BRAVE1's head of investor relations and a senior figure working on partnerships and international cooperation. Moroz has been a visible spokesperson for BRAVE1's international outreach — most notably Ukraine's “Test in Ukraine” initiative (a framework for foreign manufacturers to trial systems with Ukrainian forces and receive operational feedback). BRAVE1 is Ukraine's defence-tech coordination platform created under the umbrella of the country's wartime innovation push. It was launched under Ukraine's Ministry of Digital Transformation in April 2023, to coordinate officials, military users, industry, investors, and donors to accelerate the loop from prototype to approval and deployment. BRAVE1's objectives include: 1) Accelerate battlefield innovation cycles2) Direct funding to priority capabilities3) Align developers with real military demand4) Build an investable defence-tech ecosystem5) Increase domestic production independence (components and scale)6) International cooperation and “Test in Ukraine”----------LINKS:https://www.linkedin.com/in/artemmoroz/https://www.linkedin.com/company/brave1ukraine/posts/https://brave1.gov.ua/en/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brave1https://digitalstate.gov.ua/projects/tech/brave1https://x.com/BRAVE1ua?lang=en----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformation----------A REQUEST FOR HELP!I'm heading back to Kyiv this week, to film, do research and conduct interviews. The logistics and need for equipment and clothing are a little higher than for my previous trips. It will be cold, and may be dark also. If you can, please assist to ensure I can make this trip a success. My commitment to the audience of the channel, will be to bring back compelling interviews conducted in Ukraine, and to use the experience to improve the quality of the channel, it's insights and impact. Let Ukraine and democracy prevail! https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrashttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformationNONE OF THIS CAN HAPPEN WITHOUT YOU!So what's next? We're going to Kyiv in January 2026 to film on the ground, and will record interviews with some huge guests. We'll be creating opportunities for new interviews, and to connect you with the reality of a European city under escalating winter attack, from an imperialist, genocidal power. PLEASE HELP ME ME TO GROW SILICON CURTAINWe are planning our events for 2026, and to do more and have a greater impact. After achieving more than 12 events in 2025, we will aim to double that! 24 events and interviews on the ground in Ukraine, to push back against weaponized information, toxic propaganda and corrosive disinformation. Please help us make it happen!----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - 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/kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyślhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/----------

Kelsi Sheren critically examines Canada's military, economic, and social policies, highlighting the disparity between foreign aid and domestic support. She questions government priorities, emphasizing the need for accountability and focus on Canadian citizens' well-being. - - - - - - - - - - - -One Time Donation! - Paypal - https://paypal.me/brassandunityBuy me a coffee! - https://buymeacoffee.com/kelsisherenLet's connect!Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@thekelsisherenperspectiveInstagram -  https://www.instagram.com/thekelsisherenperspective?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw%3D%3DX: https://x.com/KelsiBurnsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelsie_sheren/Substack:  https://substack.com/@kelsisherenSUPPORT OUR PEOPLE - - - - - - - - - - - -MasterPeace - 10% off with code KELSI - https://www.MasterPeace.Health/KelsiKetone IQ- 30% off with code KELSI - https://ketone.com/KELSIGood Livin - 20% off with code KELSI - https://www.itsgoodlivin.com/?ref=KELSIBrass & Unity - 20% off with code UNITY  - http://brassandunity.com- - - - - - - - - - - - -CHARITYHeroic Hearts Project - https://www.heroicheartsproject.orgDefenders of Freedom - https://www.defendersoffreedom.usBoot Campaign - https://bootcampaign.org

President Donald Trump will deliver his first State of the Union address since returning to office on Tuesday night, outlining his agenda on the economy, immigration, and national security. Among the president's invited guests are Angel Families impacted by crimes by illegal border crossers. Meanwhile, some 70 Democrats plan to skip the speech. Most of them will attend counter-programming events in Washington, D.C.Trump's new 10 percent global tariffs under Section 122 of a trade law went into effect on Tuesday, despite the Supreme Court's recent decision to strike down his reciprocal tariffs under a different statute. Countries are responding—some assessing the potential trade fallout from the ruling, while others are more confident. Meanwhile, Democrats have begun calling for the federal government to issue refunds.Tuesday also marks four years since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war. Residents in Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, held a minute of silence on Feb. 24, commemorating the four-year anniversary. Leaders from the European Union traveled to Kyiv, joining Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his wife in honoring fallen soldiers.

It's four years this week since Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine. And by this summer the conflict will have gone on for longer than the First World War. Casualties run into the hundreds of thousands. Peace talks brokered by the US have been off and on for the past few months, with President Putin demanding that Ukraine gives Russia full control of the eastern Donbas region, including the part it does not occupy. President Zelensky refuses. Meanwhile, Ukraine has experiened one of its harshest winters as its cities and energy infrastructure have been pounded by Russian drones and missiles. Still both sides fight on in a war which has become dominated by advanced drone technology. David Aaronovitch asks his guests whether anyone is winning and when and how this war might end. Guests:Mark Galeotti, head of Mayak Intelligence and author of "Forged in War: a military history of Russia from its beginnings to today." Dr Jack Watling, Senior Research Fellow for Land Warfare at the Royal United Services Institute and author of "The Arms of the Future: Technology and Close Combat in the Twenty First Century." Rebecca Lissner, Senior fellow for U.S. foreign policy at the Council on Foreign Relations and lecturer at the Jackson School of Global Affairs, Yale University. Christopher Miller, Chief Ukraine Correspondent, The Financial Times and author of "The war came to us: life and death in Ukraine."Presenter: David Aaronovitch Producers: Caroline Bayley and Kirsteen Knight Production Co-ordinator: Maria Ogundele Sound engineer: Neil Churchill Editor: Richard Vadon

Quatre ans après le début de l'offensive russe en Ukraine, la guerre déclenchée par Vladimir Poutine s'éternise, malgré les pressions de l'Europe et des États-Unis pour y mettre fin.Les combats ont fait des centaines de milliers de morts et les civils ukrainiens vivent dans la peur des bombardements russes. Des frappes régulières qui blessent, mutilent et tuent.Robin Korda, reporter au service international du Parisien, s'est rendu en Ukraine mi-février. Il raconte aujourd'hui ses reportages, parfois difficiles à écouter, dans cet épisode de Code source. Écoutez Code source sur toutes les plates-formes audio : Apple Podcast (iPhone, iPad), Amazon Music, Podcast Addict ou Castbox, Deezer, Spotify.Crédits. Direction de la rédaction : Pierre Chausse - Rédacteur en chef : Jules Lavie - Reporter : Barbara Gouy - Production : Clara Garnier-Amouroux, Anaïs Godard et Barbara Gouy - Réalisation et mixage : Pierre Chaffanjon - Musiques : François Clos, Audio Network - Archives : Parlement européen - Photo : Olivier Corsan. Hébergé par Acast. Visitez acast.com/privacy pour plus d'informations.

When a former CIA officer and the ex-Chief of MI6 agree something is coming — pay attention. This week, Sir Richard Dearlove, former Chief of MI6, and guest co-host Baroness Ayesha Hazarika are joined by Mike Baker, a former CIA covert operations officer with nearly two decades running intelligence operations in the world's most hostile environments. Together, they give an unvarnished assessment of the three crises dominating global affairs right now: whether US military action against Iran is imminent and what it would actually target; why Putin has little incentive to end the war in Ukraine and what could change his calculus; and why Cuba, just 90 miles from Florida, may be closer to collapse than anyone is reporting. Hosted by Sir Richard Dearlove (former MI6 Chief) and guest co-host Baroness Ayesha Hazarika (House of Lords). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is Tony Gonzales going to step down—or get pushed out? Joe Pags says the pressure is building, and the path forward may be narrowing fast. Then, four years into the war in Ukraine, is there finally an off-ramp? Some leaders are hinting at movement. Pags lays out what's actually happening and what could come next. War with Iran—real possibility or overheated rhetoric? After comments from John Thune raise eyebrows, Pags digs into whether Washington is drifting toward another conflict. Then former Congressman and Judge Ted Poe joins the show. He reacts to what he saw at the SOTU, weighs in on the political theatrics, and gives a direct take on whether America is truly heading toward confrontation with Iran. Straight answers. No fluff. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on America in the MorningState Of The Union Day After The day after President Trump's State of the Union, administration officials and Republican allies hit the cable news networks to stump for the President's policies while Democrat lawmakers took to the airwaves to slam Trump's speech.  John Stolnis has the latest from Washington.   Cuba Fires On US Craft   A serious escalation between the United States and Cuba, as the Cuban military shot four people dead in a speedboat just off Cuba's coast, an incident that the Cuban government claims were armed Cubans living in America attempting to infiltrate the island on a mission of terrorism.  America in the Morning's Jeff McKay has details.   LA's School Chief Raided Federal agents in Los Angeles armed with a warrant raided the home and office of the head of the nation's second largest school district.  Correspondent Jennifer King reports a home in Miami was also searched linked to this case.   Snowball Trouble There's new trouble for the mayor of New York City.  Correspondent Julie Walker reports Zohran Mamdani's relationship with the NYPD starts to get icy after officers were pelted in a snowball fight, and suspects now are being sought.   Contentious Hearing A contentious at times confirmation hearing was held Wednesday for President Trump's Surgeon General nominee.  Correspondent Clayton Neville reports.    Ukraine Talks Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy says his negotiators will meet with Trump envoys today, in the hopes that Russia will eventually join them for peace talks.  Washington correspondent Sagar Meghani reports this meeting is now 5 years and 2 days after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.   US-Iran Meeting U.S. and Iranian negotiators have returned to Geneva for their third round of indirect talks over Iran's nuclear program.  The meetings come as President Trump has upgraded his rhetoric towards Tehran, and the Islamic Republic has been pushing back.  More from correspondent Rich Johnson.   Agents Fired At least 10 FBI employees who worked on former Special Counsel Jack Smith's investigation into President Trump's retention of classified records after he left the White House in 2021 were fired on Wednesday.  Finally   Phil Collins, Shakira, and Billy Idol are some of this year's nominees for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  Entertainment reporter Kevin Carr has the list of all of the nominees. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For just under two hours, Trump in his State of the Union address lied about the state of the economy, the cost of living, his tariffs, and even his immigration policy—claiming that he favors legal immigration while his armed, masked goons grab and imprison people who followed the law. And if Americans didn't hear Trump discuss any real policy proposals in speech, it might be because he's a bit distracted with his quest to capture more media outlets, including his longtime nemesis, CNN. Trump's attempt to silence dissent has become the signature of his presidency. Plus, the paradoxes and conflicting signals on Iran, the sellout of bipartisan support for Ukraine, Vance finally has a job as VP, and POTUS only allows robotically remixed, Fox fever dream women in his Cabinet.Susan Glasser joins Tim Miller.show notes Susan's column on the SOTU Susan on Trump's attacks on free speech Josh Barro's new pod, "Central Air" Tickets are now on sale for our LIVE shows in Dallas on March 18 and in Austin on March 19. TheBulwark.com/Events.

February 24. 2026; With President Trump's first State of the Union of his second term slated tonight, Nicolle Wallace sets the stage: Plunging approval ratings among independents. Trump's worst numbers on the issues yet. And new developments suggesting an Epstein cover-up from our own Department of Justice. We unpack it with Claire McCaskill, John Heilemann, Jaime Raskin and family members of Epstein survivor Virgina Guiffre, Sky and Amanda Roberts. Also in the hour, the latest out of Ukraine with Michael McFaul, Anne Applebaum and Dr. Irwin Redlener. For more, follow us on Instagram @deadlinewh For more from Nicolle, follow and download her podcast, “The Best People with Nicolle Wallace,” wherever you get your podcasts.To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The targeting of “El Mencho”, the leader of one of the country's two biggest gangs, has resulted in a predictable spate of violence—more of which is virtually assured. We take a rare look inside Russia to see how four years of war has changed the country. And some surprising advice on how to get your best marathon time.Guests and host:Sarah Birke, Mexico City bureau chiefArkady Ostrovsky, Russia editorTim Cross, senior science writerAinslie Johnstone, data journalistJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Mexico, cartels, gang violenceRussia, economy, Ukraine warRunning, training, marathonsGet a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1896 PERSIAElizabeth Peak, columnist for The Hill and Fox News, discusses Wall Street's AI "doom" narrative, the disruption of white-collar professions, and market anxieties regarding potential conflict with Iran and new trade tariffs. 1.Elizabeth Peak, columnist for The Hill and Fox News, criticizes Mayor Mamdani's inexperienced handling of a deadly NYC blizzard, specifically his initial refusal to compel homeless individuals to enter shelters during extreme cold. 2.Judy Dempsey of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and Thaddius McCotter of American Greatnessexamine the Ukraine war's stalemate, debating European unity, Putin's untrustworthiness, and the difficult search for a viable diplomatic peace offramp. 3.Judy Dempsey of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and Thaddius McCotter of American Greatnessdiscuss the upcoming State of the Union, critiquing Trump's economic messaging while highlighting concerns over AI-driven job losses and the growing divide regarding national prosperity. 4.Mary Kissel, Executive Vice President at Stevens Incorporated, analyzes the US naval buildup near Iran, exploring potential regime change and the interconnected nature of global authoritarian threats from Russia to Beijing. 5.Mary Kissel, Executive Vice President at Stevens Incorporated, explains how unpredictable tariff policies create business uncertainty, hindering capital investment despite potential strategic benefits in managing trade relations with aggressive regimes like Beijing. 6.Jonathan Schanzer, Executive Director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, discusses the massive USarmada near Iran and whether military pressure or internal protests can force the regime to negotiate on missiles and proxies. 7.Jonathan Schanzer, Executive Director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, analyzes Hezbollah's remaining missile arsenal, Israeli deterrence strategies, and the security vacuum in Syria following the escape of ISISrelatives from detention camps. 8.David Livingston of The Space Show and Kishalay De of Columbia University discuss a star collapsing into a black hole without a supernova, challenging established theories about the minimum mass required for such cosmic events. 9.David Livingston of The Space Show and Kishalay De of Columbia University outline future astronomical surveys using advanced telescopes to identify more "disappearing" stars, aiming to create a comprehensive population road map for black hole formation. 10.Michael Toth, Research Director of the Civitas Institute, compares the thriving US equity markets with Europe's "eurosclerosis," attributing American growth to deregulation and dynamism while critiquing Europe's failure to produce new unicorns. 11.Michael Toth, Research Director of the Civitas Institute, defends financialization against critics, arguing that expanded market participation through 401ks and deregulation drives median income growth and American productivity compared to Europe. 12.Gregory Copley reports that amid a military buildup and failing talks, President Trump is considering kinetic action against Iran's clerical leadership, while the Iranian people remain largely anti-regime. 13.Gregory Copley reports that Prime Minister Starmer is blocking US use of British bases in Cyprus and Diego Garciafor Iran strikes, causing a terminal rift with President Donald Trump. 14.Gregory Copley reports that President Zelensky warns Putin is untrustworthy as the war reaches four years, while Copley suggests the conflict persists primarily because of continued external Western funding and arms. 15.Gregory Copley reports that King Charles is navigating a crisis involving Prince Andrew's arrest and Prime Minister Starmer's appointment of Ambassador Mendelson, both linked to the widening Jeffrey Epstein scandal. 16.

Preview for later today: Michael Bernstam reports that Europe has found new energy sources, ending its dependency on Russian gas, leaving Russia facing lost markets and resorting to flaring gas as its economic future grows increasingly dim.1890 Ukraine

Preview for later today: Steve Yates outlines China's efforts to undermine US interests globally, including its involvement in the Ukraine war, Middle East tensions, and influence across the Americas.

Stefan Molyneux looks at how mysticism, philosophy, and communication overlap, in response to a listener's question about higher powers, emphasizing the use of reason and precise definitions to cut through vagueness in talks about belief. The discussion covers ideas like consciousness, love, and attachment, with him arguing that genuine moral love goes beyond basic instincts. He points out the problems vague terms create in society and pushes for common definitions to improve how people communicate. On dreams, Molyneux sees them as straightforward experiences from life, not as sources of mystical insight. He wraps up by noting the role of clear thinking and rational talk in dealing with complicated aspects of life, and encourages people to express their thoughts with care.Emails:Hello Stefan,Following your most recent, as of today, FDR podcast.(6292). I wanted to hopefully offer you some perspective that may or may not be helpful. As before, I understand that your time is valuable. I do think though that my perspective, linked to IQ and seeing things very differently to you, might be of aid. The reason I have added this onto an existing email is just for familiarity because I will mildly use this backdrop for additional thoughts. I did talk to you briefly on podcast 6147. But I wanted to offer you my thought process here because it might offer you some insight into your value in a way you had not considered. Firstly, what I believe is important background as to my perspective on this entire mysticism thing. I do believe in the existence of something higher and more powerful and that has communicated with us. Certainly, a little through the bible. But mostly not through the bible. There is channeling, including the human design chart, to back this up. So I do believe the new age at its core has some good concepts. BUT, I also believe that there is a huge, and incredibly powerful toxic element of the new age. There is a mix of non complete understandings and such. For this reason, I do think that your perspective and that of many who have similar perspectives is valuable. In that keeping things to objective reality. To challenge said toxicity. There is more to this understanding. But I think that explains the core of my thoughts. People that are truly inclined to the spiritual stuff I look at will find it. But people that don't really commit and use the bare minimum of it to justify madness. It is good that that is challenged. it is similar in some ways, if you imagine a society that has innovators and Socrates following philosophers. The innovators want to do innovating and the Socrates people want nothing to exist or be real or whatever. Even though philosophy as a discipilne is extremely useful and powerful. Some of those innovators might be best served in dismissing it as the ravings of lunatics and just getting on with Innovating. So I want to describe the dream I had that stopped me talking further about mysticism. I fully acknowledge none of this makes sense since I have no following. But it still might offer an interesting perspective. It is of course not likely that if I offered a genuine challenge to your view on that that evildoers would pick it up and run with it. But apparently the dreams thought it was a suitable fear to highlight. So I went with it. My argument on mysticism would be as follows. This is not something I am committed to or care about but it was what I was thinking. It is now the story in something else I want to express. Firstly, your original statement is that mysticism is the gateway to mental illness. Firstly of course, I wrote to you on the definition of mysticism. Which I would use my own after having defined it due to the problems with yours that I highlighted. I would further refine that now by defining a primary and secondary faith. But anyway, per your argument, I would say, if mysticism is a gateway to mental illness. Then that would assume it would not in general, be used to solve mental illness. I would further refine the use of symbolic things to reach understandings. Such as tarot cards. By asking why do we dream. Why does our subconscious communicate in such a way? I would answer this by saying what is the alternative? The alternative being that without the subtlety and indirectness. The subconscious would communicate more like a dictator. Even giving the information without veil would have this effect. Since once we know the right thing to do we have more responsibility and consequences than before we know that. So what does this sound like? This sounds like schizophrenia! I would then talk about how a possible theory for it, is that if the problem gets too serious. If the subconscious mind is screaming too loudly. It busts through the conscious/ subconscious barrier too loudly, and that's where this comes from. (This is roughly what I think happened with my schizophrenic break, some of my ideas come indirectly from the psychologist Elinor Greenberg who talks about how dreams help low level schizophrenics)This would then correlate schizophrenia, and that kind of non objective, symbolic understandings. More with the symptom of other problems than with it being the cause. I would also define mainstream faith based Christianity as mysticism. As per my earlier example. And show times when this has been used to help people. Such as when the Ukraine war used to go a bit crazy women on Gab used to put loads of Christian sayings out. Women cannot biologically deal with war, but they still have fear, so a tool like mysticism to reduce the fear is perhaps highly positive. So now I get to the point. Like I said and strongly believe. It is unlikely evildoers would take such a reasoning as this and run with it to dent your power. But the dreams still responded like this was the case. The dream I had, (I do not like to tell others my dreams I prefer to interpret but I am making an exception here). I was about to make a few youtube videos on this. But I had a dream with Pearl Davis being aggressively tortured. She has mentioned a few times over the years how she has been sued and things. It was a pretty shocking dream. It felt kind of real. But what I think it could mean, is that your platform and output in this kind of social war, was significantly impacting people like Pearl by pushing back on intensely female and active toxicity we are currently witnessing (Taking us back to the point on mysticism and the Socrates philosophers analogy).I realise you might not interpret it the same way. Like, you might believe that all individuals in our dreams are parts of ourselves along a Family Systems therapy line. But I just wanted to provide that feedback in case it does provide some perspective or help in some way. Best Wishes,Joe ---It has been some years since I listened to your last podcast, 'Why animals can't love.' At that point, I quit Molyneaux. It has occurred and re occurred to me that you continued to make consciousness or choice the mandatory when it comes to capacity to love.This thinking backs exactly into a contradiction. We know that infants have neither consciousness nor choice, yet, any parent knows the infant loves. Toddlers are compelled to love, but they love nonetheless. Teenagers, etc. Not only compelled to love, but can be. Of course, Molyneaux would say, 'But that's no real love.' But some of it is. The child still wants to love the parent even when virtue (lack) seeks to negate. Some part of that child does still love. I always believed that your false philosophy on animals and love conditions backed directly into the right, even obligation, to abort children. The threadline of your 'philosophy' justified abortion. Since the infant has no choice or consciousness. He is more animal, less human. The right to kill seems elementary. That's always deeply concerned me that something is off center in your work. Mean spirited. Resentful. Death-loving. A hint of Crowley, even though 98% of your takes are good. I know you made your cash on bitcoin. Congratulations. Make an atheist like yourself proud. Your constant promise that you'd go down as a philosopher great, today and/or in 400 years from now, shows no evidence.GET FREEDOMAIN MERCH! https://shop.freedomain.com/SUBSCRIBE TO ME ON X! https://x.com/StefanMolyneuxFollow me on Youtube! https://www.youtube.com/@freedomain1GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND THE FULL AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Subscribers get 12 HOURS on the "Truth About the French Revolution," multiple interactive multi-lingual philosophy AIs trained on thousands of hours of my material - as well as AIs for Real-Time Relationships, Bitcoin, Peaceful Parenting, and Call-In Shows!You also receive private livestreams, HUNDREDS of exclusive premium shows, early release podcasts, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2025

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: Iran Nears Deal For Supersonic “Ship-Killer” Missile — Tehran is reportedly closing in on an agreement with China to acquire a supersonic anti-ship cruise missile capable of threatening even advanced U.S. naval vessels operating in the Persian Gulf. We break down what the CM-302 can do and how it could change the strategic calculus at sea. Xi's Military Purge May Be Hurting China's Readiness — A new defense study suggests that Xi Jinping's sweeping anti-corruption purge inside the People's Liberation Army is creating command gaps and potentially undermining the very force he has spent years modernizing. Russian Troops Allege Executions Inside Their Own Ranks — A BBC documentary reveals disturbing claims from Russian soldiers who say senior officers ordered brutal punishments — including executions — for troops refusing near-suicidal assault missions in Ukraine. Back of the Brief: Mexico Travel Concerns After El Mencho's Death — With cartel violence flaring following the killing of CJNG boss El Mencho, we take a closer look at travel advisories and what the latest unrest could mean for thousands of Americans planning Spring Break trips to Mexico. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting https://PDBPremium.com. Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief. YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief DeleteMe: Get 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you go to https://joindeleteme.com/PDB and use promocode PDB at checkout. Ultra Pouches: Don't sleep on @ultrapouches. New customers get 15% Off with code PDB at https://takeultra.com! #UltraPouches #ad Cardiff: Get fast business funding without bank delays—apply in minutes with Cardiff and access up to $500,000 in same‑day funding at https://Cardiff.co/PDB Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices