The World with Richard Engel and Yalda Hakim

Is Ukraine winning the spy war? In conversation with ex-CIA chief

Jun 11, 2025
John Brennan, the former CIA director from 2013 to 2017, joins Richard and Yalda to delve into the evolving landscape of intelligence operations in Ukraine. He shares why he believes Ukrainian spies have become some of the best globally. The trio discusses the recent surge in drone attacks, with Richard reporting live from Mykolaiv on its resilience amid conflict. They also critique Trump's naive peace proposals and explore the impact of ongoing protests in Los Angeles, linking them to broader geopolitical tensions.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
ANECDOTE

Life in War-Zone Mykolaiv

  • Mykolaiv, a city in southern Ukraine, has gradually returned to a lively state despite being an active war zone.
  • Restaurants, cafes, and bars are open, and daily life resumes, signaling resilience amidst conflict.
INSIGHT

Ukraine's Spy War Success

  • Operation Spider's Web showcased Ukraine's advanced intelligence and logistical capabilities.
  • The tightly controlled, successful drone attack indicates growing Ukrainian technological prowess.
INSIGHT

Ukraine's Military Evolution

  • Ukrainian forces have drastically improved over the last decade, now considered world-class.
  • Western intelligence support and security training helped transform Ukrainian military capabilities.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app