Amanpour

A historic surprise visit: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is in the US today, on his first trip outside his homeland since Russia’s invasion nearly 10 months ago. He’s meeting with President Biden and addressing Congress as lawmakers prepare to vote on a spending bill that includes billions for Ukraine and NATO allies. Biden is also announcing another $1.8 billion in military aid, including the Patriot air defense system, a long-standing request from Kyiv as Moscow continues to pound Ukrainian cities. Democratic Senator Chris Coons recently met with President Zelensky in Kyiv as part of a bipartisan congressional delegation and joins the show from DC. 

Also on today's show: Yesterday the Taliban suspended university education for all female students. Yalda Kohi runs an educational center in Kabul that's been forced to close, and he joins the show to react to the news.

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The decision by the January 6 committee to refer former President Trump to the Department of Justice on four criminal charges is a dramatic and historic one. Following the final hearing, Trump – the only declared Republican contender for the 2024 presidential election – offered a defiant response, claiming “These folks don’t get it that when they come after me, people who love freedom rally around me. It strengthens me. What doesn’t kill me makes me stronger.” So how did the committee reach its decision? And what are the consequences for the former president? Correspondent Paula Reid walks us through this unprecedented moment in American politics. 

Also on today's show: Amy Davidson Sorkin, staff writer, The New Yorker; Rory Stewart, President, GiveDirectly Aisha Harris & Stephen Thompson, Co-hosts, NPR’s “Pop Culture Happy Hour”

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There is no new episode of the Amanpour showcast. If you haven’t already, please check out CNN’s other podcasts and showcasts at cnn.com/audio. 

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Ukraine awoke to another round of strikes this morning, putting its power and water supplies under even more pressure just as winter plunges the country into sub-zero temperatures. The worsening infrastructure crisis prompted the International Rescue Committee to add Ukraine to its Top 10 watchlist for 2023. Joining the show to discuss is IRC President David Miliband. 

Also on today's show: CNN reporter Donie O’Sullivan, who's among the journalists whose Twitter accounts were just suspended by Elon Musk; Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter Matt Richtel; Cher (interview from December 2020).

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What's ahead for 2023? Will Russia regroup? Can Moscow make up ground freed by Kyiv's forces? Christiane puts those questions to Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. Next, Ukrainian and Russian authors reflect on how both nations have changed since the invasion. Plus, a look back at some of our reporting on how Ukrainian citizens have endured the onslaught and do what they can to help those on the front lines.

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After more than a year of investigating, the January 6th committee is near the finish line. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was a prime target that dark day and is the subject of a new documentary, Pelosi in the House. The woman behind the camera is Pelosi's daughter Alexandra Pelosi, an Emmy-nominated filmmaker. The documentary shows her mother's fight to preserve democracy in the face of danger. It also tracks her stunning rise from homemaker to House Speaker, the first -- and only -- woman to hold that office.  

Also on today's show: Brian Greene, professor of physics and mathematics, Columbia University; Elizabeth Williamson, author of Sandy Hook: An American Tragedy and the Battle for Truth.

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Two events in Washington today tell a story about American global priorities. First, President Biden hosts a summit with African leaders to recognize what the administration calls the continent's "enormous potential and promise." The second has the President host a signing ceremony for the Respect for Marriage Act, the bipartisan bill that requires the federal government to recognize same-sex marriages across the country. In Africa, homosexuality is outlawed in many countries, like Ghana. While the President of Ghana visits the White House, a draconian new bill being debated at home would criminalize not just same-sex "conduct," but any support of LGBTQ rights. Correspondent Nima Elbagir reveals how US and western donors, who pledged to support LGBTQ+ rights, have also funded supporters of the controversial bill. 

Also joining today's show: LGBTQ activist Phyll Opoku-Gyimah; actor Sharon Horgan; singer/songwriter Judy Collins.

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Iran has executed a second protester related to the anti-government demonstrations gripping the nation. But even in the face of brutal punishments and possibly even a death sentence, the protests have continued. The regime vows to continue its crackdown. Christiane's first guest says that executions are a tactic of repression from an outdated playbook. Hadi Ghaemi is the Executive Director of the Centre for Human Rights in Iran. 

Next, we hear from Princeton professor Seyed Hossein Mousavian, a former Iranian diplomat and chief nuclear negotiator. 

Also on today's show: Lizzie Gottlieb, director of Turn Every Page, which reveals the extraordinary, 50-year relationship between her father, editor Robert Gottlieb, and Robert Caro, one of America's most widely read political biographers.

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Basketball star Brittney Griner is back home in the US after a prisoner swap with Russia. Her release after nearly ten months in detention is being celebrated as a major win for the Biden administration, but the president is facing criticism for not securing the freedom of another American locked up in Russia, Paul Whelan. The US government is also facing questions about the man who they swapped for Griner, notorious arms dealer Viktor Bout. The Pentagon says there's still some concern that Bout could return to the illicit international arms trade. Kylie Atwood breaks down the story to Sara Sidner. 

Also on today's show: Historian Peter Frankopan; China analyst Frank Tsai; author David Daley; comedian Trevor Noah.

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Moldova is Ukraine's most fragile neighbor -- the poorest country in Europe, wracked by almost 30% inflation, dealing with energy shortages, and even stray missile incursions. But Moldova is not about to be pushed around: the country is holding the line against what leaders call a 'hybrid war' by Russia who are targeting their political system and their economy. Moldovan President Maia Sandu is in Washington this week, meeting Vice-President Kamala Harris and other senior officials and receiving a Madeleine Albright award for her tireless efforts to promote democracy. Christiane spoke to her about protecting democracy, and Moldova's sheer survival living in Putin's shadow. 

Also on today's show: New York Times journalists Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey, whose dogged investigative reporting on Harvey Weinstein earned them a Pulitzer prize; national security expert Juliette Kayyem.

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