Topics include the military defeat of Avdiivka, Republicans blocking aid to Ukraine, calls for accountability for Alexei Navalny's death, an American dual national arrested in Russia, Netanyahu's push to invade Rafah, and a scandal involving an Australian athlete wearing a mankini.
Israel's potential military assault on Rafa lacks a credible evacuation plan for civilians.
Yulia Navalny vows to continue her late husband's work, seeking justice and accountability.
Tucker Carlson's motives for Moscow visit with Putin are ambiguous, raising speculation.
The documentary '20 Days in Mariupol' showcases Ukrainian resilience amidst conflict, highlighting the need for international support.
Deep dives
Israeli threat of military assault on Rafa and the need for a credible plan to evacuate civilians
The Israeli government has been threatening a military assault on Rafa, but has yet to present a credible plan to evacuate civilians. The focus is on the city of Rafa, which has seen a significant increase in population due to the war. The Biden administration has urged Israel to avoid a Rafa operation without a proper plan to protect civilians. The situation remains tense as Israel continues to consider its options.
Navalny's widow vows to continue his work and seek justice for his murder
Yulia Navalny, the widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, has announced that she will continue his work and fight for justice. She has met with EU leaders and is determined to hold those responsible for her husband's murder accountable. Yulia Navalny's dedication to her late husband's cause is seen as a rallying point for supporters and could potentially galvanize international efforts to address the situation in Russia.
Debate over motives behind Tucker Carlson's visit to Moscow and interview with Putin
Tucker Carlson's recent visit to Moscow and interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin has raised questions about his motives. Some theorize that Carlson was seeking leverage for ceasefire negotiations in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Others suggest that his interview was simply a platform for promoting Russian propaganda. The true reasons behind Carlson's actions remain unclear.
Concerns and challenges in Gaza, including the potential for a military assault on Rafa
The situation in Gaza continues to be a cause for concern, with the possibility of a military assault on the city of Rafa looming. The Israeli government has been threatening such an assault, but concerns remain about the potential impact on civilians and the lack of a clear plan for their evacuation. The Biden administration has urged Israeli leaders to consider the consequences of such an operation and work towards a peaceful resolution.
The Impact of Reporting from Marupal
The documentary film 20 Days in Marupal, directed by Slob Chernoff, provides a harrowing account of the city's experience during the invasion. The film captures the intensity of the conflict, with footage showing the indiscriminate bombardment and the devastating impact on civilians, including children. Chernoff and his team were the only journalists in Marupal at the time, providing a crucial window into the events for the rest of the world. The film highlights the responsibility and the challenges faced by the journalists in documenting the horrors and countering Russian disinformation. The images and stories captured in the film have had a significant impact, not only in raising awareness of the situation in Ukraine, but also in dispelling false narratives propagated by Russia.
The Power of Resilience and Unity in Ukraine
Despite the ongoing conflict and the hardships faced by Ukrainians, the film portrays a strong sense of resilience and unity among the people. The residents of Marupal and other affected areas have adapted to the circumstances, finding ways to live as normally as possible amidst the constant threat of airstrikes. The film depicts the determination of doctors, firefighters, and civilians who continue to carry out their duties and support one another. While the situation grows more challenging and complicated, the support for President Zelensky and the government remains strong, as Ukrainians recognize the need for unity in the face of Russian aggression.
The Importance of International Support
The film also highlights the crucial need for international support for Ukraine. While Ukrainians will continue to fight regardless of external assistance, lack of support means more death and destruction for civilians. Ukrainians are grateful for the help that has been provided, but they are frustrated when their suffering becomes a political bargaining chip. Ukrainians emphasize that the conflict is not just a political question; it is a humanitarian issue that requires urgent attention. The film underscores the imperative for international unity and assistance in the face of Russian aggression.
Tommy and Ben discuss the two-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the military defeat of Avdiivka, panic at the Munich Security Conference over Republicans blocking more aid to Ukraine, and how Ukrainians have adapted to living in a state of war. Then they talk about calls for accountability for Alexei Navalny’s death and his wife Yulia’s promise to continue Alexei’s work, the arrest of an American dual national in Russia, Tucker Carlson’s Moscow metro propaganda videos, and an update on Russia’s space nukes. They also look at Netanyahu’s insistence on invading Rafah, a pro-Israel group’s attack on a Washington Post reporter, the Indonesian elections, why Jared Kushner is still a sniveling little prick, and a very Australian mankini scandal. Then Tommy talks with Mstyslav Chernov about his incredible documentary, 20 Days in Mariupol.
For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
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