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The Al Franken Podcast

War Correspondent Tim Mak on Russia and Ukraine

Mar 2, 2025
Tim Mak, a war correspondent and founder of The Counteroffensive, shares his gripping experiences from Kyiv since the war began. He discusses the heavy toll on Ukrainian civilians and unpacks Trump's controversial views on the conflict. The conversation reflects on President Zelensky's leadership and the psychological strain on those living under constant threat. Tim also stresses the importance of genuine international alliances and the complexities concerning negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, revealing the fragility of truth in political discourse.
50:00

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Tim Mak emphasizes the significant toll the war has taken on Ukrainians, highlighting their resilience amid ongoing hardship and challenges.
  • The podcast discusses fears regarding U.S. foreign policy under Trump, suggesting that his approach might jeopardize Ukraine's long-term security and sovereignty.

Deep dives

The Early Days of the War in Ukraine

The war in Ukraine began unexpectedly on February 24, 2022, catching many, including Ukrainian President Zelensky, off guard despite prior warnings from U.S. intelligence. As Russian forces launched a full-scale invasion, many Ukrainians harbored hope that war could be avoided, believing the situation was exaggerated. The immediate response included a rapid counterattack, demonstrating the resilience of the Ukrainian military, which was initially unprepared for the scale of the invasion. Reports highlight the significant casualties on both sides, with the hope that Ukraine could prevent the total collapse of its government and sovereignty.

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