PBS News Hour - Full Show December 28, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
Dec 28, 2025
Michael McFaul, a former U.S. ambassador to Russia, analyzes the recent meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy, exploring prospects for establishing peace in Ukraine amidst Russian resistance. Kara McCurdy, a campaign photographer, shares her experience documenting Zohran Mamdani's rise to mayoral candidacy, highlighting key moments that defined his campaign. Music critics Maura Johnston and Candice McDuffie discuss the best tracks of 2025, the impact of AI-generated music, and how politics intertwine with today’s music landscape.
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Ending The War Requires Pressure On Russia
- Michael McFaul warns Putin is likely to reject Ukraine's concessions and keep fighting.
- He says ending the war requires pressuring Russia with more weapons for Ukraine and more sanctions.
Ukraine's Proposal Includes Big Concessions
- McFaul says Ukraine's public 20-point plan contains extraordinary concessions compared with a year ago.
- He highlights Ukraine's willingness to discuss referendums and governance for parts of Donbass as major shifts.
Photographing Mamdani From The Start
- Kara McCurdy recalls photographing Zoran Mamdani from his first state assembly race through the mayoral campaign.
- She describes viral City Hall wedding photos that felt deeply human and widely relatable.