Welcome back fellow cynics as your co-hosts Thomas Brancato and Jorge Shaft continue our weekly roundup series, Cynical Talk. This week we take a look at developments in Russia's invasion of Ukraine, including the recent deal on grain shipments signed in Turkey, an overview of deals/laws/conventions in wartime, diplomacy and game theory, bilateral relations during war, the question of Russia's mobilisation and plausible explanations, the feasibility of de-escalation manoeuvres, energy security in Europe, and finally we summarise whether peace is more likely by this winter or not. Cynical Talk is a more light-hearted spin on the main M.I.Cynic series, with an impromptu and provocative take on contemporary topics. Every Friday, expect us to sound off on a variety of topics centred around current affairs and the news cycle. We hope you enjoy tuning in as much as we enjoy piecing these together! Drop us a comment anytime, anywhere.