The Al Franken Podcast 213: War Correspondent Tim Mak on Russia and Ukraine
31 snips
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.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Arrival in Kyiv
- Tim Mak arrived in Kyiv on one of the last commercial flights before the full-scale Russian invasion.
- He's been reporting from Ukraine for over three years, covering the war from its outset.
Ukrainian Unpreparedness
- Ukrainians received warnings but weren't fully prepared for the invasion's scale, expecting limited eastern conflict.
- Many, including Zelensky, dismissed the possibility of a full-scale attack due to close ties with Russia.
Zelensky's Visit and Trump's Extortion
- Zelensky's upcoming Washington visit stems from Trump's attempt to extract Ukrainian resources amid the ongoing war.
- The deal's details are unclear, possibly involving resource concessions for security guarantees.