Join Jim and Greg as Jim offers a fascinating recap of his recent return to Ukraine and describes what was different this time around. Plus, Jim’s recollection of a conversation with a former member of the Russian Duma who is now allied with Ukraine, and a very interesting look at the innovations happening right now to help Ukrainian soldiers.

First, Jim explains why he wanted to go back to Ukraine a little more than six months after his visit last summer. He also updates the war effort, the relentless Russian “meat waves,” the impact of U.S. aid  being on hold, and what conditions for an end to the war might be under consideration. They also discuss Ukraine’s policy of not holding elections while under martial law. Would it be better to demonstrate a commitment to democracy regardless of the circumstances or is it simply impossible to hold elections under the current circumstances?

Next, Jim recounts his meeting with Ilya Ponomarev, a former member of the Russian Duma who is now working with Ukraine against the Russians. His tactics are certainly fodder for debate but Jim explains why what Ponomarev is doing is quite courageous.

Finally, Jim describes his visit to a secret drone factory somewhere in Ukraine and shares as much as he can about the innovations happening to assist the war effort and the people working there. Jim may be the first western journalist to visit the plant.

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