This week on Rational Security, Alan, Quinta, and Scott were joined by their colleague and think-tank neighbor, Russia/Ukraine expert Eric Ciaramella, to talk over the week's big news, including:“Going All (Prigozh)in.” Yevgeny Prighozin, leader of the mercenary Wagner Group, went all in this past week, marching his troops into Russia and halfway to Moscow for the stated purpose of removing Russia’s military leadership, only to abruptly halt and accept exile in Belarus instead. What does this mean for the conflict in Ukraine—and future of the Putin regime?“Lost at Sea.” In a busy week of news, one story has gotten surprisingly little attention: the tragic sinking of an overcrowded smugglers’ boat off the coast of Greece that claimed the lives of hundreds of migrants. What does this incident tell us about the dynamics of the migrant crisis in the Mediterranean—and how the world views it?“Moore, Moore, Moore! (How do YOU like it?)” The Supreme Court issued decisions in three major cases this past week, including addressing the much-discussed Independent State Legislature Doctrine in Moore v. Harper. What did the Court decide, and what will these decisions mean?Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lawfare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This discussion features Eric Ciaramella, a national security expert, Anastasiia Lapatina, a Ukraine affairs fellow, and Francis Farrell, a Kyiv reporter. They explore the implications of Trump's potential return on U.S. support for Ukraine amid the ongoing war of attrition. The trio delves into military aid negotiations, changing political dynamics, and the possible reset of U.S.-Russia relations. They also reflect on Ukraine's resilience and the strategic future that could unfold by 2028.

Join Eric Ciaramella, an expert at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, and Anastasiia Lapatina, Lawfare's Ukraine Fellow, as they discuss the evolving conflict in Ukraine. Despite recent missile escalations, Ukrainian optimism shines through the uncertainty surrounding U.S. political changes. The duo analyzes the complexities of military strategies and the effects of foreign policy, including challenges in Kursk and Donetsk. They also explore the potential for strengthening Ukraine's defense production by drawing lessons from Israel’s military model.

Anastasiia Lapatina, a Lawfare Ukraine Fellow and expert on Ukrainian politics, joins Eric Ciaramella from the Carnegie Endowment to dissect Zelensky’s ambitious victory plan. They explore its five key components, including NATO membership and military aid, and dissect the mixed reactions from the U.S. and international allies. The conversation delves into the plan's perceived shortcomings, examining criticisms about its actionable steps and dependency on foreign support, alongside shifting sentiments in Ukraine regarding U.S. leadership.

Anastasiia Lapatina, an expert on Ukraine, and Eric Ciaramella from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace dive into the intense situation in Ukraine. They discuss the recent devastating bombings affecting major cities and the ongoing military strategies amid rising casualties. The complexity of Ukraine's military operations is highlighted, alongside political tensions and a recent cabinet reshuffle. They also explore international responses and Ukraine's territorial gains, offering a comprehensive view of the war's current dynamics.

Anastasiia Lapatina, a Ukraine Fellow at Lawfare, and Eric Ciaramella from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace dive into Ukraine's recent surprising incursion into Russian territory. They discuss the strategic implications of this bold military move, including its effects on ongoing fronts and U.S. support. The conversation also touches on morale among citizens, contrasting Ukrainian resilience and community spirit with Russian reactions, all while navigating the complexities of the political landscape in the conflict.

Anastasiia Lapatina and Eric Ciaramella discuss the recent events in Ukraine, including Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure, diplomatic maneuverings, challenges in resolving the conflict, internal struggles in Ukraine, and the analysis of the aid package.

Tyler McBrien and Eric Ciaramella discuss NATO's focus on Ukraine, left-wing victories in Europe, and Trump's denial of Project 2025. They analyze political trends in Europe, credible leadership's impact, and controversial documents depicting extremist ideas. The podcast also delves into James McBride's novel, DC influencer collaborations with NATO, and Finnish soldiers deploying saunas in arid locations.

International relations expert Eric Ciaramella and Ukrainian journalist Anastasiia Lapatina discuss recent Ukraine agreements, including the Ukraine peace summit, US-Ukraine security agreement, G7 funding for Ukraine assistance, and the fight against Russia.

Eric Ciaramella joins Quinta and Scott to discuss big wins for Ukraine at the G7, plans for government employee changes under a potential second Trump presidency, and the success of the Bureau of Intelligence and Research within the State Department. They also touch on the absurdity of conducting a virtual studio recording during a fire drill.