Owen Matthews

Harry Mount shares a legendary face-off story, Lara Prendergast gives male beauty tips, Owen Matthews reports on Ukrainians' resilience, Catriona Olding writes on choosing final days, and Jeremy Hildreth reveals Napoleon's coffee notes.

Owen Matthews, a seasoned Russia correspondent and author, dives deep into the complexities of the Ukraine war. He discusses the stark differences between Trump and Putin's strategies, emphasizing that Putin aims for regime change rather than territorial control. Matthews also explains why President Zelensky cannot afford to surrender key positions in Donetsk. He highlights the West's perennial misreading of Russian motives and the dangers of nuclear escalation, shedding light on the intricacies of diplomacy in this ongoing conflict.

Owen Matthews, a seasoned Russia correspondent and author, joins to dissect the complexities of the Ukraine conflict. He discusses the contrasting approaches of Trump and Putin, highlighting their differing priorities in peace negotiations. Matthews explains the challenges facing Ukraine's President Zelensky, especially regarding territorial concessions. The conversation delves into the limitations of Western strategies against Russia, the historical roots of Putin's motivations, and the potential consequences of military escalation, including nuclear risks.

Charlie Gammell, an author and Spectator contributor in Riyadh, shares insights on the alarmingly rapid deterioration of Israel-Iran relations. He discusses Netanyahu's push for regime change in Tehran and the implications for U.S. military involvement. Owen Matthews, a Russia correspondent in Rome, analyzes Russia's strategic role in the conflict, balancing relationships with both Iran and Israel. The conversation delves into Iran's expanding influence through proxies across continents and the looming threat of its nuclear ambitions, highlighting the complexities of global geopolitics.

Michael Weiss, Editor at The Insider, and Owen Matthews, a writer and historian specializing in Russia, dive into the unexpected collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime. They explore the implications for regional powers and the potential restoration of the Arab Spring spirit. The duo examines how this may reshape U.S. foreign policy and Iran's weakened influence amidst shifting alliances. The conversation also touches on the evolving landscape of jihadism, highlighting its shift from terrorism to a more nationalist approach.