Peace & Power with Gary Marx

Russia has abducted thousands of Ukrainian children, separating them from their families and attempting to erase their Ukrainian identities. What is being done to bring these children home, and why isn't the world paying more attention?

Sarah Makin, Visiting Fellow at Independent Women's Voice and former senior official in the Trump administration's National Security Council, joins Gary Marx on Peace & Power to discuss Russia's abduction of Ukrainian children, the fight to reunite families, and the latest developments in U.S. policy toward Russia and Ukraine.

Makin discusses her recent Newsmax op-ed, "A Year Later, 31 Children Are Not Enough, Mr. Putin," examining the efforts to secure the return of Ukrainian children and the role First Lady Melania Trump has played through quiet diplomacy. While acknowledging the importance of every child returned, she argues that far more must be done to reunite families and confront Russia's efforts to indoctrinate and assimilate abducted children.

The conversation highlights the work of Save Ukraine, an organization helping rescue children and provide the support they need after returning home. Makin also discusses her documentary project, A Faith Under Siege, including the short documentary Stolen Children, which follows efforts to bring Ukrainian children home.

Gary and Sarah then turn to recent developments involving President Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, including a reported diesel arrangement that they fear could generate additional revenue for Russia's war effort. They examine the potential consequences for Ukraine, questions surrounding sanctions enforcement, and the competing diplomatic considerations influencing U.S. policy.

Drawing on her experience in the White House, Makin discusses the challenges of presidential decision-making, the influence of competing advisers, and the importance of maintaining pressure on governments responsible for human rights abuses.

Finally, the conversation explores international religious freedom, President Volodymyr Zelensky's meeting with the Pope, and the role religious leaders can play in defending persecuted communities in Ukraine and around the world.

From the plight of abducted children to the difficult choices facing American policymakers, this episode examines the human consequences of Russia's war and the continuing struggle for peace, justice, and religious freedom.

00:00 - Introduction and Sarah Makin

01:49 - Russia's Abduction of Ukrainian Children

05:32 - Melania Trump's Efforts to Bring Children Home

09:27 - Save Ukraine and the Stolen Children Documentary

15:54 - Russia's Indoctrination of Ukrainian Children

17:55 - Trump's Russia Diesel Deal and Ukraine Sanctions

22:00 - White House Decision-Making and Diplomacy

26:21 - Religious Freedom and Zelensky's Meeting with the Pope

30:05 - Closing Thoughts

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In this special on-location edition of Peace and Power, host Gary Marx reports directly from Warsaw, Poland, bringing listeners firsthand coverage of the Warsaw Security Forum, one of Europe's prominent international security conferences.

Organized by the Casimir Pulaski Foundation, the Warsaw Security Forum brings together political leaders, military officials, policymakers, and security experts from across the transatlantic community to discuss NATO, European defense, Russia's war against Ukraine, and emerging threats to global security. Founded in 2014, the forum has grown into a major gathering for international security discussions, with approximately 3,000 participants representing 90 countries at this year's event.

Rather than a traditional studio interview, this special episode features a collection of short reports recorded by Gary throughout the conference.

Gary speaks with Josh Bergin of the forum's New Security Leaders program about the conference's growth, its mission, and the importance of building lasting relationships among the next generation of transatlantic leaders.

He also shares observations from sessions featuring prominent American and European officials, including former CIA Director General David Petraeus, General Keith Kellogg, U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker, former Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, former British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace, and Senator Roger Wicker.

Throughout the episode, Gary highlights discussions surrounding NATO's collective defense strategy, Russia's aggression against Ukraine, nuclear deterrence, emerging military technologies, intelligence sharing, and the growing security challenges posed by cooperation among Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea.

The special coverage also includes recognition of a Ukrainian frontline medic's courage and General Kellogg's contributions to American national security.

Join Gary Marx for this special Peace and Power report from Warsaw, featuring firsthand observations, international perspectives, and important conversations about the future of European and global security.

00:00 — Special Report from Warsaw Security Forum 

00:09 — Gary Marx Interviews Josh Burgin 

01:14 — The Forum's Growth & International Reach 

02:00 — The Origins of Warsaw Security Forum 

03:09 — Building the Next Generation of Security Leaders 

04:40 — Bipartisan Leadership & How to Get Involved 

06:14 — Gary's Report from Day One 

07:02 — Nuclear Deterrence, AI & Russian Threats 

07:52 — Senator Wicker & NATO's Defense Strategy 

09:42 — Day Two: Honoring Ukrainian Courage & Gen. Kellogg 

10:48 — Senator Wicker on Ukraine, Defense Spending & Global Threats 

12:18 — Closing & Social Media

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Charlie Hancock of The Moscow Times returns to Peace and Power for a wide-ranging conversation with host Gary Marx about Russia, the war in Ukraine, emerging military technology and the security challenges facing Europe.

Hancock discusses the challenges of reporting on Russia from exile, the Kremlin's treatment of independent journalism and concerns surrounding reports of pneumonic plague in Russia. The conversation also examines security threats surrounding American military aircraft stationed in Britain and the possibility of Iranian involvement.

Turning to Ukraine, Hancock explores Russian attacks on critical infrastructure, Ukraine's developing missile and drone capabilities, and the increasingly dangerous use of autonomous drones against civilians. She also examines Russian elections, the Kremlin's efforts to incorporate war veterans into politics and what these developments reveal about Moscow's domestic priorities.

Finally, Hancock and Marx discuss Kaliningrad's strategic importance to NATO, Russia's repeated nuclear threats and the risks of a broader confrontation between Russia and the West.

00:00 — Introduction to Charlie Hancock 

01:42 — Why The Moscow Times Left Russia 

03:58 — Russia's Plague Reports & Transparency 

09:06 — RAF Fairford & Security Threats in Britain 

13:07 — Iran's Potential Involvement 

18:56 — Russian Attacks on Ukraine 

20:47 — Ukraine's Missile & Drone Technology 

22:21 — Autonomous Drones & Civilian Safety 

23:36 — Russia's Elections & Putin's Control 

26:19 — Russian War Veterans in Politics 

30:17 — Kaliningrad & NATO Security 

32:25 — Russia's Nuclear Threats 

34:44 — London & British History 

38:01 — Closing Thoughts

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Pavlo Unguryan, President of the Faith and Freedom Center and former member of Ukraine’s parliament, returns to Peace and Power for a wide-ranging conversation with host Gary Marx about the war, Russia’s ambitions and Ukraine’s place in the broader security of Europe.

Unguryan discusses the strategic importance of Odesa and Ukraine’s Black Sea and Danube ports, the connection between Ukrainian agriculture and global food security, and the continuing threat Russian attacks pose to the region.

The conversation also examines Russia’s broader ambitions in Europe, the security of NATO countries, Ukraine’s evolving drone capabilities and efforts to increase economic pressure on Moscow. Unguryan reflects on his relationships with American lawmakers, and the role U.S. political and religious leaders have played in supporting Ukraine.

Finally, Unguryan discusses the launch of the new Faith and Freedom Center in Kyiv and its focus on national security, economic development, international partnerships and the values of faith, family and freedom.

00:00 — Russia's Ambitions & Introducing Pavlo Unguryan
01:21 — Ukraine, Odesa & Global Food Security
05:18 — Why Odesa's Ports Matter
06:15 — Russia's Attacks Near NATO Territory
09:28 — Has Europe Awakened to the Russian Threat?
11:43 — Russia's Imperial Ambitions
13:28 — Ukraine, Israel & the Wider Conflict
17:12 — U.S. Support & New Pressure on Russia
18:09 — Building Support for Ukraine in Washington
20:26 — Sanctions & U.S.-Ukraine Relations
22:10 — Pressure, Drones & "Peace Through Strength"
24:05 — Launching the Faith and Freedom Center
25:31 — Ukraine's National Prayer Breakfast
28:09 — Faith and Freedom's Mission
30:45 — Closing Thoughts

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Daniel Twining, President of the International Republican Institute, joins host Gary Marx for a wide-ranging conversation about Ukraine, Russia, China and the growing competition between democratic and authoritarian powers around the world.

Fresh off a trip to Ukraine, Twining describes what he witnessed during a visit to Kharkiv and near the front lines, including the rapidly changing nature of drone warfare and the continuing danger facing Ukrainian civilians.

The conversation also examines new sanctions targeting Russia and its trading partners, the role China plays in supporting Moscow, and what the war could mean for deterrence elsewhere—including a potential conflict over Taiwan.

Twining also discusses the International Republican Institute’s work supporting democratic institutions around the world, what future elections in Ukraine could look like, Russian influence in countries including Moldova, Armenia and Georgia, and whether NATO is prepared for continued Russian aggression.

Finally, Twining reflects on the resilience he witnessed firsthand in Ukraine and why he believes the outcome of the war will have consequences far beyond Ukraine’s borders.

00:00 — Russia, China & the Stakes for Ukraine
00:19 — Introducing Daniel Twining
01:49 — Twining Returns From Ukraine
03:13 — Russia Escalates Its Attacks
05:23 — Inside Kharkiv & the Drone War
08:11 — New Sanctions Against Russia
10:40 — Ukraine's Future Elections
15:11 — IRI's Democracy Work Beyond Ukraine
17:10 — Is NATO Ready for Russia?
20:41 — Deterrence, Ukraine & Taiwan
23:06 — Russian Influence & China
24:05 — Sanctions, China & Ending the War
26:00 — Twining's Message From Ukraine
28:00 — Closing

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The war in Ukraine is increasingly connected to conflicts and strategic competition far beyond Eastern Europe.

On this episode of Peace and Power Ukraine, host Gary Marx is joined by Ilan Berman, Senior Vice President of the American Foreign Policy Council, to examine the growing connections between Russia, China, Iran and North Korea—and what those relationships mean for Ukraine and U.S. foreign policy.

Berman discusses Ukraine’s expanding defense technology capabilities, the pressures created by competing demands for air defense and munitions, and the challenges facing U.S. efforts to negotiate with Vladimir Putin.

The conversation also examines sanctions against Russia, efforts to pressure Russia’s energy sector, Ukraine’s deep-strike campaign, and how Moscow has transformed its economy to sustain a prolonged war.

Finally, Berman explains why he believes Russia’s wartime economic model could have implications beyond Ukraine and argues that any strategy for isolating Moscow must account for the international partnerships helping Russia sustain its war effort.

00:00 — Introducing Ilan Berman
01:26 — Connecting Ukraine, Russia, Iran & China
04:19 — Ukraine's Defense Technology & the Middle East
06:30 — Air Defense, Patriots & Ukraine's Needs
07:54 — U.S. Negotiations With Russia
12:10 — New Sanctions Against Russia & Iran
17:47 — Economic Pressure & Russia's Reintegration
21:19 — Ukraine's Deep Strikes Inside Russia
24:04 — Russia's War Economy & the Risk Beyond Ukraine
26:00 — Battlefield Momentum & Prospects for Negotiations
29:23 — Isolating Russia and Its International Partners

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The conversation with Liz Schrayer and retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Dick Newton continues as host Gary Marx examines what the war in Ukraine means for the future of American leadership.

In Part Two, Newton draws on his military career to explain why American hard power must work alongside diplomacy, economic engagement, foreign assistance, and strong international partnerships. Schrayer discusses the coalition supporting Ukraine and makes the case for viewing Ukraine through the lens of U.S. national security, economic interests, and American values.

The conversation also explores Ukraine’s rapid development of drone warfare and what the United States can learn from its defense industrial base. Newton examines the accelerating role of autonomous systems and artificial intelligence on the battlefield, while Schrayer discusses critical minerals, economic cooperation, and the strategic challenge posed by the growing alignment among Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea.

Finally, Schrayer and Newton discuss NATO, the importance of continued American leadership, and what they believe the United States and its allies must do to help Ukraine achieve a lasting victory.

00:00 — Hard Power, Soft Power & American Leadership
05:01 — Building Support for Ukraine
09:21 — What America Can Learn from Ukraine’s Drone Revolution
13:29 — AI, Autonomous Drones & the Future of Warfare
15:25 — Russia, China, Iran & North Korea
16:26 — Critical Minerals & the U.S.-Ukraine Economic Partnership
18:29 — Why American Leadership Still Matters
19:50 — NATO’s Future & the U.S. Role
23:10 — Remembering a Friend & Advocate for Ukraine
27:44 — What Comes Next for Ukraine?
30:40 — American Values & the Case for Ukraine
32:32 — Closing Thoughts

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What does the war in Ukraine mean for America’s security—and what happens if the United States disengages from the world?

On this episode of Peace and Power Ukraine, host Gary Marx is joined by Liz Schrayer, President and CEO of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition, and retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Dick Newton, a member of USGLC’s National Security Advisory Council, for a wide-ranging discussion about Ukraine, American global leadership, and the growing cooperation among U.S. adversaries.

Newton examines how Ukraine has survived years of Russian attacks and transformed modern warfare through drones, emerging technology, and rapid battlefield innovation. The conversation then turns to North Korea’s support for Russia and what its involvement in Ukraine could mean for security far beyond Europe.

Schrayer discusses American public opinion toward Ukraine and argues that support for Kyiv should be understood not as charity, but as an investment in U.S. national security. She and Newton also examine diplomacy with Moscow, continued U.S. military support, sanctions, and the relationship between the war in Ukraine and the strategic challenge posed by China.

The conversation ultimately asks what “peace through strength” means in the modern world—and why military power, diplomacy, economic pressure, international assistance, and strong alliances must work together to achieve a lasting peace.

00:00 — Liz Schrayer & Lt. Gen. Dick Newton
03:06 — How Ukraine Defied Expectations
05:41 — CIA Diplomacy with Moscow
10:28 — North Korean Troops & Russia’s War
14:13 — The Growing Coalition of U.S. Adversaries
18:33 — Where Americans Stand on Ukraine
22:54 — Sanctions, NATO & the Battle of Wills
25:24 — U.S. Weapons & Ukraine’s Air Defense
29:03 — What “Peace Through Strength” Really Means
31:21 — Military, Economic & Diplomatic Power

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What is it like reporting from Kyiv as Ukraine marks 35 years of independence in the middle of war?

On this episode of Peace and Power Ukraine, host Gary Marx is joined by Shelby Wilder, Newsmax foreign correspondent, journalist, and documentary filmmaker, reporting from Kyiv on Ukraine’s Independence Day. Wilder describes a capital that remains defiant and proud even as Ukrainians face some of the most dangerous conditions since the early days of Russia’s full-scale invasion.

Wilder recounts how she first entered Ukraine as a freelance journalist in 2022 with little more than her protective gear and a seat aboard a humanitarian cargo flight—and how Ukraine eventually became a major focus of her career.

The conversation covers:

Wilder also reflects on interviewing Zelenskyy one-on-one, pressing him for answers about U.S. support, and why some of the most important stories of the war are not about military strategy or geopolitics, but ordinary Ukrainians trying to raise families, attend school, and live their lives under extraordinary circumstances.

00:00 — Ukraine’s 35th Independence Day

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What is everyday life really like for Ukrainians living within reach of Russian drones and missiles?

On this episode of Peace and Power Ukraine, host Gary Marx sits down with freelance writer Will Fleeson, who has spent more than nine months reporting from Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion, to discuss what he witnessed during his latest reporting trip near the front lines.

Fleeson describes traveling through areas covered by anti-drone netting, speeding down roads to reduce the risk of attack, and using a handheld device capable of detecting when a drone has a vehicle in its sights. He also shares the stories of Ukrainian civilians who continue working, worshiping, exercising, and raising families despite living under the constant threat of attack.

The conversation covers:

Fleeson also recounts visiting a church near the front that was badly damaged by a Russian strike shortly after he left—and how its congregation continued its work, including holding a baptism amid the destruction. The conversation offers a firsthand look at not only the dangers Ukrainians face, but their determination to continue living their lives in the middle of war.

00:00 — Life under Ukraine’s drone nets

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