At the start of the year, the weekly program offered an overview discussion on current events in Ukraine, Iran, Venezuela and Greenland. Host Peter Zalmayev interviewed journalist and commentator Vitaly Portnikov about changes in global politics, with a special focus on the roles of the US, EU and Russia.
The so-called peace process between Ukraine and Russia was discussed. According to Portnikov, Trump continues to deliver contradictory statements—at one point blaming Ukraine for blocking the agreement and at another, Russia. Portnikov highlights that Trump’s current statements often lack factual evidence and represent political maneuvering rather than grounded analysis.
The prospect of deploying Western peacekeeping forces to Ukraine was also covered, with France and the UK expressing conditional support depending on a ceasefire. However, the discussants noted this requirement limits the feasibility of the initiative, as Russia is unlikely to end hostilities on these terms.
Special attention was given to the situation in Moldova, where, despite leaders’ declarations about possible union with Romania, territorial and political challenges remain significant hurdles.
In the broader international context, the conversation touched on US influence in Venezuela and the theoretical “Venezuela for Ukraine” exchange, described as more of a symbolic idea than a real threat.
Regarding Iran, Portnikov emphasized the limits of external actors: only robust domestic protests or foreign military intervention could bring change, and the West currently is unwilling to engage in the latter.
Greenland was mentioned as an object of US and Trump’s strategic and resource interests, potentially affecting NATO’s unity.
Finally, the conversation turned to developments within the US, highlighting increasing polarization and distinctive political decisions during the Trump era.
