Award-winning journalist and author Luke Harding joins Talk Eastern Europe to discuss his new book, Betrayal: Trump, Putin, and the New Age of Conquest and what it tells us about Russia’s war against Ukraine, Donald Trump’s relationship with Vladimir Putin, and the erosion of the post-war international order.

Speaking with Adam Reichardt, Harding reflects on the manyforms of “betrayal” at the heart of the book: the changing US approach towards Ukraine, the weakening of the transatlantic relationship, and the broader challenge to the idea that sovereignty, international law and borders still matter.

The conversation also examines Trump’s unusual relationship with Putin, the prospects for peace in Ukraine, Russia’s continued attacks on Ukrainian civilians, Ukraine’s growing long-range drone capabilities, and the expanding campaign of sabotage and political interference across Europe.

Harding argues that Europe needs to stop treating these threats as something short of war. He also considers whether Russia could eventually test NATO’s Article 5; and what might finally bring the Putin era to an end.

Luke Harding’s new book: Betrayal: Trump, Putin, and the New Age of Conquest. Order it online here: https://www.faber.co.uk/product/9781783353378-betrayal/

Read the review on New Eastern Europe: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2026/08/28/show-me-your-friend/

ABOUT THIS PODCAST

We publish twice weekly!
Every Tuesday: Expert Interviews featuring deep dives with leading analysts, journalists, and scholars
Every Friday: Weekly News Roundup with essential updates and commentary on the latest developments

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and all major platforms.

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Bimonthly publication with exclusive long-form analysis. https://neweasterneurope.eu/become-a-member-of-new-eastern-europe/

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Russia’s war against Ukraine intensified over the summer, with increasingly sustained drone and missile attacks raising new questions about what comes next and whether Moscow’s confrontation with the West could extend beyond Ukraine.

In this week’s Talk Eastern Europe News Roundup, Alexandra Karppi and Adam Reichardt discuss the latest wave of Russian attacks on Ukraine, CIA Director John Ratcliffe’s reported visit to Moscow and growing concerns about Russian operations against NATO countries. They also look at Germany’s accusations of Russian involvement in a suspected sabotage plot near Leipzig airport.

Turning to the Western Balkans, Alexandra and Adam discuss the death of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić and the troubling glorification of his legacy in parts of Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. They also look ahead to Serbia’s newly announced parliamentary elections, the challenge posed by the student-led opposition movement to Aleksandar Vučić’s ruling party, and a new effort in the US Congress that could pave the way for sanctions against Serbian officials.

Finally, they preview this week’s Deep Dive with Professor James Ker-Lindsay on Russia, European security, Serbia, Turkey and the changing geopolitical landscape.

In our extended version, for Patrons only, Adam and Alexandra reflect upon their summers in the United States and the overall mood there.

Become a patron of the podcast to listen to this and get other great benefits: https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope

Read more on the death of Ratko Mladić and its impact on the upcoming Serbian election: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2026/09/04/ratko-mladic-is-dead-his-nationalist-legacy-lives-on/

We are back after our August break! In this episode of the Talk Eastern Europe Deep Dive, Alexandra Karppi speaks with James Ker-Lindsay, professor and specialist on conflict, security and diplomacy, with particular expertise on the Western Balkans. They discuss the increasingly complicated geopolitical landscape across the Balkans and wider Eastern Europe.

The conversation covers the stalled political processes in Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro’s progress towards EU membership, and the growing divergence between Washington and Brussels over how to approach the region. They also examine the Trump administration’s hanging engagement with the Balkans and why US business interests appear to be playing a larger role in its regional policy.

Alexandra and James also look at Russia’s war against Ukraine, Moscow’s influence in the region and the possibility of increasingly aggressive hybrid operations against NATO members, particularly the Baltic states and Poland. Finally, they explore Turkey’s increasingly independent foreign policy, its relationship with Russia and the United States, and why Ankara – alongside Belgrade and Baku – has become an increasingly important player in the emerging geopolitical order.

Talk Eastern Europe is the podcast from New Eastern Europemagazine - your trusted source for in-depth analysis and expert perspectives on Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, and the post-Soviet space.

ABOUT THIS PODCAST

We publish twice weekly!
Every Tuesday: Expert Interviews featuring deep dives with leading analysts, journalists, and scholars
Every Friday: Weekly News Roundup with essential updates and commentary on the latest developments

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and all majorplatforms.

Read the New Eastern Europe Magazine

Bimonthly publication with exclusive long-form analysis.https://neweasterneurope.eu/become-a-member-of-new-eastern-europe/

Support us on Patreon

Join our community for bonus content, early access,behind-the-scenes insights, and access to our exclusive WhatsApp group where we discuss the news in real-time. https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope

Subscribe to the Brief Eastern Europe Newsletter

Weekly briefing sent out every Monday with news updates,expert commentary, and our editorial picks - free to your inbox: https://briefeasterneurope.eu/subscribe

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Russia’s war against Ukraine is being fought not only on thebattlefield, but also in the information space.

In this Talk Eastern Europe deep dive, Adam Reichardt speaks with Ukrainian media professional, researcher and YouTube creator Anna Danylchuk, better known as Anna from Ukraine. Since March 2022, Anna has provided daily English-language updates explaining how the Russian invasion affects ordinary Ukrainians—and challenging the myths and propaganda that continue to shape Western perceptions of the war.

Anna discusses why Russian disinformation remains effective,how the Kremlin exploits fear of escalation and nuclear war, and why outdated assumptions about Russian power can lead western governments towards the wrong policies.

She also explains how Ukrainian drones and missiles are bringing the consequences of the war inside Russia, why Russia’s military and economic weaknesses are becoming increasingly visible, and how Ukrainians continue to adapt to missile attacks, power cuts and another potentially difficult winter.

Is Ukraine gaining the upper hand? Why have negotiationsrepeatedly failed? And what does the West still misunderstand about Russia?

ABOUT THIS PODCAST

We publish twice weekly:

- Every Tuesday: Expert Interviews featuring deep dives withleading analysts, journalists, and scholars

- Every Friday: Weekly News Roundup with essential updatesand commentary on the latest developments

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and all majorplatforms.

 Read the New Eastern Europe Magazine

Bimonthly publication with exclusive long-form analysis.https://neweasterneurope.eu/become-a-member-of-new-eastern-europe/

Support us on Patreon

Join our community for bonus content, early access, behind-the-scenes insights, and access to our exclusive WhatsApp group where we discuss the news in real-time.

https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope

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In this week’s news roundup, Talk Eastern Europe co-hosts Adam Reichardt and Aleksandra Karppi provide the latest developments in the region.

Firstly, Ukraine has replaced its commander-in-chief in oneof the biggest wartime leadership changes since Russia's full scale invasion, sparking debate about military reform, democracy during wartime, and the future of Ukraine's defence strategy.

Meanwhile, reports of secret meetings between Russian andGerman representatives in Azerbaijan have raised fresh questions about Europe's approach to Russia and the future of the war.

We also head to the Balkans, where Kosovo remains trapped in political deadlock after coalition talks collapsed, while Serbia's student movement has overtaken President Aleksandar Vučić's party in the latest opinion polls—potentially reshaping the country's political future.

In our extended version of the podcast goes even deeper intopolitical developments in Serbia, available exclusively to the patrons of the podcast.

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With Andrej Babiš back in power, Czechia’s civil society is warning the country may follow Hungary and Slovakia down an authoritarian path.

In this Talk Eastern Europe Deep Dive, Nina Pániková speaks with Mikuláš Minář, founder and chairman of Million Moments for Democracy, at the UNLOCK Summit in Prague.

Minář recounts how a single moment before the 2017 Czech election transformed him from a philosophy student into one of the country’s most prominent civic activists. He explains how Million Moments for Democracy mobilized hundreds of thousands of people, helped strengthen democratic participation ahead of the 2021 election and became an inspiration for civic movements elsewhere in Europe.

The conversation examines Andrej Babiš’s return to power, threats to Czech public media and civil society, the role of opposition parties and the danger of the Czech Republic following the political trajectory of Viktor Orbán’s Hungary or Robert Fico’s Slovakia.

Minář also explains why protest alone is no longer enough, why civic movements must remain independent while still engaging with politicians, and how small everyday actions can generate the collective power needed to protect democracy.

Can grassroots activism once again change the direction of Czech politics?

Talk Eastern Europe is the podcast from New Eastern Europe magazine - your trusted source for in-depth analysis and expert perspectives on Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, and the post-Soviet space.

ABOUT THIS PODCAST

We publish twice weekly:

- Every Tuesday: Expert Interviews featuring deep dives with leading analysts, journalists, and scholars

- Every Friday: Weekly News Roundup with essential updates and commentary on the latest developments

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and all major platforms.

Read the New Eastern Europe Magazine 

Bimonthly publication with exclusive long-form analysis. https://neweasterneurope.eu/become-a-member-of-new-eastern-europe/

Support us on Patreon

Join our community for bonus content, early access, behind-the-scenes insights, and access to our exclusive WhatsApp group where we discuss the news in real-time.

https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope

Subscribe to the Brief Eastern Europe Newsletter

Weekly briefing sent out every Monday with news updates, expert commentary, and our editorial picks - free to your inbox: https://briefeasterneurope.eu/subscribe

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Hungary’s new government is rapidly dismantling Viktor Orbán’s political legacy, Ukraine is preparing another major government reshuffle, and the latest NATO summit has delivered potentially significant news for Kyiv.

In this episode of the Talk Eastern Europe Weekly News Roundup, Nina Panikova, Alexandra Karppi and Adam Reichardt discuss the political transformation underway in Hungary under Péter Magyar, including the removal of President Tamás Sulyok and efforts to reform institutions shaped by years of Fidesz rule.

The co-hosts also examine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s proposed government changes and what they could mean for Ukraine’s wartime management, economy and foreign policy. They assess the outcome of the NATO summit, including reports that Ukraine could receive access to technology needed to produce Patriot missiles.

The discussion then turns to deteriorating Polish-Ukrainian relations, growing anti-Ukrainian sentiment in Poland and the political consequences ahead of future elections.

Finally, the team looks at warnings of possible Russian provocations, cyberattacks and hybrid operations against Poland and the Baltic states and asks whether Moscow is preparing for a much longer confrontation with Europe.

Talk Eastern Europe is the podcast from New Eastern Europe magazine - your trusted source for in-depth analysis and expert perspectives on Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, and the post-Soviet space.

ABOUT THIS PODCAST

We publish twice weekly:

· Every Tuesday: Expert Interviews featuring deep dives with leading analysts, journalists, and scholars

· Every Friday: Weekly News Roundup with essential updates and commentary on the latest developments

Read the New Eastern Europe Magazine 

Bimonthly publication with exclusive long-form analysis. https://neweasterneurope.eu/become-a-member-of-new-eastern-europe/

Support us on Patreon

Join our community for bonus content, early access, behind-the-scenes insights, and access to our exclusive WhatsApp group where we discuss the news in real-time.

https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope

Subscribe to the Brief Eastern Europe Newsletter

Weekly briefing sent out every Monday with news updates, expert commentary, and our editorial picks - free toyour inbox: https://briefeasterneurope.eu/subscribe

FOLLOW US

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neweasterneuropemag/

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-eastern-europe/

Is Europe losing its competitive edge? Can the EuropeanUnion remain economically strong while protecting its social model, environmental ambitions and democratic values?

In this special episode of Talk Eastern Europe, recorded at the Connecting EU Seminar in Sofia, Bulgaria and organised by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), Adam Reichardt moderates a wide-ranging discussion on Europe's biggest economic and political challenges.

Joining the discussion are:

• Cillian Lohan – President, Civil Society Organisations Group (EESC)• Sandra Parthie – President, Employers' Group (EESC)• Philipp Lausberg – Senior Analyst, European Policy Centre• Florian Marin – Workers' Group (EESC)

Topics include:

As Europe faces growing geopolitical competition, economicfragmentation and rising security challenges, this conversation explores what the EU must do to remain prosperous—and united.

This episode was produced in partnership with the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC).Learn more about the event, including recordings from the discussions here: https://www.eesc.europa.eu/en/agenda/our-events/events/defence-european-values-power-civil-society

Talk Eastern Europe is the podcast from New Eastern Europemagazine - your trusted source for in-depth analysis and expert perspectives on Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, and the post-Soviet space.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and all majorplatforms.

Read the New Eastern Europe Magazine 

Bimonthly publication with exclusive long-form analysis. https://neweasterneurope.eu/become-a-member-of-new-eastern-europe/

Support us on Patreon

Join our community for bonus content, early access, behind-the-scenes insights, and access to our exclusive WhatsApp group where we discuss the news in real-time. https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope

Subscribe to the Brief Eastern Europe Newsletter

Weekly briefing sent out every Monday with news updates,expert commentary, and our editorial picks - free to your inbox: https://briefeasterneurope.eu/subscribe

FOLLOW US

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-eastern-europe/

Reports suggesting Russia may be planning a limited attack against Poland have sparked intense debate ahead of the NATO Summit. This week, Adam and Alexandra are in Sofia, Bulgaria, where they unpack the intelligence reports, discuss what they could mean for NATO deterrence, and examine thewider implications for European security.

They also look at the sudden collapse of Moldova's government, what it means for the country's EU ambitions, and the growing anti-government protests in Albania, where demonstrators are now openly demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama's resignation.

Finally, reporting from Sofia, Adam and Alexandra shareobservations from discussions on European security, disinformation, and the country's changing political landscape.

In this episode:

Reports of a possible Russian attack scenario involvingPoland

What to expect from the NATO Summit

Ukraine's air defence challenges

Moldova's political crisis and EU accession

Albania's growing anti-government protests

Bulgaria's political direction after joining the Eurozone

European security, public trust and disinformation

Talk Eastern Europe is the podcast from New Eastern Europemagazine - your trusted source for in-depth analysis and expert perspectives on Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, and the post-Soviet space.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and all majorplatforms.

Read the New Eastern Europe Magazine 

Bimonthly publication with exclusive long-form analysis. https://neweasterneurope.eu/become-a-member-of-new-eastern-europe/

Support us on Patreon

Join our community for bonus content, early access, behind-the-scenes insights, and access to our exclusive WhatsApp group where we discuss the news in real-time.

https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope

Subscribe to the Brief Eastern Europe Newsletter

Weekly briefing sent out every Monday with news updates,expert commentary, and our editorial picks - free to your inbox: https://briefeasterneurope.eu/subscribe

FOLLOW US

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-eastern-europe/

In this second part of our special two-part series on Serbia's protest movement, we speak with Mila Pajić, activist with STAV (Students Against Authoritarian Rule) and the Youth Initiative for Human Rights, about the movement that emerged after the deadly Novi Sad railway station canopy collapse.

Mila explains how a tragedy became a nationwide movement, why students became the driving force behind the protests, and how government pressure escalated from intimidation to criminal charges against activists.

After authorities accused her and several colleagues of attempting to overthrow the constitutional order, Mila fled Serbia and now remains in exile.

In this conversation we discuss:

- What happened after the Novi Sad tragedy

- Why the student movement became so powerful

- Government repression against activists

- Life in political exile

- The future of democracy in Serbia

- Whether snap elections can be free and fair

Talk Eastern Europe is the podcast from New Eastern Europe magazine - your trusted source for in-depth analysis and expert perspectives on Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, and the post-Soviet space.

ABOUT THIS PODCAST

We publish twice weekly:

- Every Tuesday: Expert Interviews featuring deep dives withleading analysts, journalists, and scholars

- Every Friday: Weekly News Roundup with essential updatesand commentary on the latest developments

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and all majorplatforms.

Read the New Eastern Europe Magazine

Bimonthly publication with exclusive long-form analysis.https://neweasterneurope.eu/become-a-member-of-new-eastern-europe/

Support us on Patreon

Join our community for bonus content, early access,behind-the-scenes insights, and access to our exclusive WhatsApp group where we discuss the news in real-time.

https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope

Subscribe to the Brief Eastern Europe Newsletter

Weekly briefing sent out every Monday with news updates,expert commentary, and our editorial picks - free to your inbox: https://briefeasterneurope.eu/subscribe

FOLLOW US

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neweasterneuropemag/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewEasternEurope/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-eastern-europe/