In this episode, host Marc tries a new format by bringing on his wife Kateryna as a guest co-host to discuss the latest developments in the Russia-Ukraine war. The conversation covers renewed US-brokered peace negotiations, Russia's intensified bombing campaign against Ukrainian infrastructure, political turmoil in Ukraine, a previously secret Ukrainian counteroffensive north of Lyman, and growing Russian provocations against NATO members.
Key points:
* Witkoff finally visits Ukraine: It was his first trip there after about eight to Moscow. Kyiv got a break from bombing while he was in town.
* Russia escalates bombing: Strikes on civilian infrastructure and businesses have increased. The hosts point to Russia’s usual pattern of heavier bombing as winter approaches, a front line that isn’t moving, and Ukraine’s shortage of air defenses.
* Ukraine hits Russian energy: Ukraine’s strikes are causing fuel shortages and growing discontent inside Russia. The hosts push back on Trump blaming Ukraine for higher fuel prices.
* Does economic pressure work? The hosts think the record is mixed (Serbia, Cuba, Iran) and it’s unclear how much it affects Putin’s thinking.
* Turmoil in Ukraine: Fallout continues from the 2025 attempt to weaken the anti-corruption agencies NABU and SAPO. New investigations, including Operation Carthage, have reached senior officials. The hosts say it’s a good sign that these cases are coming to light.
* Operation Vivaldi: A secret Ukrainian counteroffensive north of Lyman, underway since around May, has pushed back a Russian threat to Sloviansk. Estimates of the territory retaken range from 10 to 200 square kilometers.
* Russia tests NATO: Drone and aircraft incursions into Baltic and Polish airspace are testing NATO’s limits. The hosts argue Europe should respond more firmly and warn that Russia’s real goal may be to weaken Article 5, NATO’s mutual-defense promise not necessarily gain more territory.
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