Among the actions taken by the West to punish Moscow for the invasion of Ukraine is the blacklisting of the incredibly rich and politically connected Russian businessmen known as oligarchs.But how could sanctions on Russia’s superwealthy increase the pressure on President Vladimir V. Putin to end the war?Guest: Matt Apuzzo, a reporter for The New York Times, based in Brussels.Have you lost a loved one during the pandemic? The Daily is working on a special episode memorializing those we have lost to the coronavirus. If you would like to share their name on the episode, please RECORD A VOICE MEMO and send it to us at thedaily@nytimes.com. You can find more information and specific instructions here.Background reading: For nearly a decade, sanctions have been little more than names on a list for wealthy Russians. Now, amid the war in Ukraine, governments are working to give them bite.Western investment, law and lobbying firms have previously helped enmesh oligarchs into financial and legal systems.Want more from The Daily? For one big idea on the news each week from our team, subscribe to our newsletter. For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.  Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

At the end of January, long before the world understood that seemingly healthy people could spread the coronavirus, a doctor in Germany tried to sound the alarm. Today, we look at why that warning was unwelcome.Guests: Matt Apuzzo, an investigative reporter for The New York Times based in Brussels.Dr. Camilla Rothe, an infectious disease specialist at Munich University Hospital.For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily Background reading: At the end of March, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned that as many as 25 percent of those infected by the coronavirus may not show symptoms.Some scientists have criticized the World Health Organization over its handling of the coronavirus pandemic, saying its statements and advice sometimes lag behind research. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Investigative reporter Matt Apuzzo discusses the vulnerability of the European farm subsidy system to corruption, highlighting a 'new kind of feudalism' in Eastern Europe. Topics include abuse of EU farm funds in Sicily and Hungary, corruption in subsidy allocation, challenges in subsidy allocation, and the need for transparency in revealing subsidy beneficiaries.

Learn about the profiles of the new special counsel and Senate Republicans investigating Russia's role in the 2016 election. The appointment of Robert Mueller, tips for an easier moving process, and the important role of Republicans in the Senate Intelligence Committee investigation. Accessing sensitive intelligence data, concerns about the Trump White House's ties to Russia, and the proposal for a secret communication channel.

Renowned journalists Maggie Haberman and Matt Apuzzo discuss President Trump's comments about James Comey, the impact of recent revelations on his first trip abroad, the connection between breaking news and Comey's firing, and the lack of acceptance of legal consequences in real life.