This week, our podcast focuses on the escalation at the Ukrainian and Russian border, diplomatic efforts to maintain peace in the region, and what Russia wants from Ukraine and the West.

To understand the situation as it unfolds, I spoke with EURACTIV’s Alexandra Brzozowski and Krassen Nikolov from EURACTIV Bulgaria.

We are also talking about the presidential race in Italy. Why does it matter, who are the most credible names, how does the voting system work, and how can the election of the President influence Italian politics?

To break it down for us, I was joined by EURACTIV’s Italians; more specifically, I spoke with reporter Eleonora Vasques, agrifood and health editor Gerardo Fortuna, and our digital editor Luca Bertuzzi.