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Shaun Walker

The Guardian’s central and eastern Europe correspondent, covering the war in Ukraine and offering expert analysis on geopolitical events.

Top 10 podcasts with Shaun Walker

Ranked by the Snipd community
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26 snips
Aug 12, 2025 • 24min

The Trump-Putin summit

Shaun Walker, The Guardian's correspondent in Central and Eastern Europe, covers the escalating conflict in Ukraine, while Laurie Bristow, former British ambassador to Russia, shares insights from his time in Moscow. They discuss the upcoming Trump-Putin summit in Alaska and the controversial idea of a ceasefire deal that sidelines Ukraine's leadership. Concerns about geopolitical implications arise, especially regarding Russia's history of breaking agreements and the need for Ukrainian voices in negotiations. The conversation sheds light on the complex dynamics of diplomacy and war.
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26 snips
Feb 18, 2025 • 25min

How Trump left Ukraine and Europe reeling

Shaun Walker, The Guardian’s central and eastern Europe correspondent, breaks down the recent turmoil in Ukraine and Europe due to U.S. foreign policy shifts. He discusses the implications of Trump's potential return on Kyiv's negotiations and security guarantees. The episode highlights how President Zelensky is navigating these challenges, as well as the rising concerns among European leaders about reliance on U.S. support. Walker also explores the complexities of Ukraine's future territorial negotiations and the broader impact on Western unity.
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25 snips
Apr 16, 2025 • 45min

The Real-Life Russian Spies Who Inspired 'The Americans'

Shaun Walker, an international correspondent for The Guardian and author of 'The Illegals', shares gripping tales from his decade in Moscow. He delves into the fascinating world of Russian spies like Andrei Bezrukov and Elena Vavilova, who lived undercover in the U.S. with their children unaware of their true identities. Walker discusses the rigorous training these operatives endure, the emotional toll of living a double life, and the complexity of loyalty after the fall of the Soviet Union. Plus, a tribute to jazz saxophonist Gene Ammons adds a cultural twist.
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23 snips
Aug 26, 2025 • 46min

The spy next door: Moscow's century-long plot to infiltrate the west

Shaun Walker, a journalist and author specializing in espionage, discusses the fascinating history of Russia's covert spy networks, particularly the 'illegals' living in the U.S. He reveals how these spies operated under assumed identities for decades, even deceiving their families. The conversation delves into the rigorous training they underwent and contrasts their glorification in modern Russia with the complexities of their lives. Walker also explores the evolution of Russian intelligence tactics, from the Cold War to contemporary disinformation strategies.
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17 snips
May 5, 2025 • 34min

Sabotage and secret identities: Russia’s spy network

Shaun Walker, The Guardian's former Moscow correspondent and author of 'The Illegals', dives into the gripping world of Russia's espionage tactics. He shares the dramatic story of undercover spies Anna and Artem Dulcev, revealing the emotional toll on their family. The discussion tracks the evolution of the 'illegals' program from the Bolshevik era to today, highlighting the rigorous training spies undergo. Walker also explores recent Russian sabotage incidents and the complex human side of espionage, uncovering the reality behind secret identities.
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15 snips
Aug 4, 2025 • 1h 6min

207. Russia's Sleeper Agents Infiltrating the West with Shaun Walker

Shaun Walker, Central and Eastern Europe correspondent for The Guardian and author, dives into the fascinating world of Russian sleeper agents. He discusses their intricate operations and psychological impacts, particularly on families. The history of the Bolsheviks' illegals program reveals the origins of espionage in the West, while personal stories highlight the sacrifices and dual lives of spies. Walker contrasts Soviet and Western intelligence tactics, exposing the covert struggles of agents amid Cold War tensions and the continued relevance of these operatives today.
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Aug 12, 2025 • 58min

The Great Illegals, Part One: The Whistler | NKVD

Shaun Walker, Central and Eastern Europe correspondent for The Guardian and author of 'The Illegals,' dives into the world of Russian espionage. He reveals the captivating story of Nikolai Khokhlov, a music-hall whistler turned deep-cover spy during World War II. The podcast explores Khokhlov's tense missions, the psychological strain of espionage, and a daring assassination plot against a Nazi governor in occupied Belarus. Walker's insights uncover the intricate balance of loyalty and deception, painting a vivid picture of spies navigating perilous times.
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Nov 2, 2023 • 29min

Sustainable open source with Oqtane's Shaun Walker

Shaun Walker, founder of DotNetNuke, reflects on two decades of .NET open-source, the power of community in sustaining projects, challenges in creating a sustainable business model, and the future of Oqtane framework including hybrid solutions and monetization struggles.
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Aug 19, 2025 • 51min

The Great Illegals, Part Two: The Ambassador | NKVD

Shaun Walker, a journalist specializing in Russian espionage and author of 'The Illegals,' dives into the thrilling world of Iosif Grigulevich, a cunning spy embedded in Italy's diplomatic circles. He discusses Grigulevich's rise amid Stalin's purges and the botched assassination of Trotsky, showcasing espionage's dark and dangerous twists. The tension between Tito and Stalin is examined through a lens of political maneuvering and identity transformation. Shaun reveals how espionage mirrors complexity in human relationships, leaving listeners on the edge of their seats.
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Apr 22, 2025 • 56min

Air raid inferno ends Easter 'truce' & Trump hopes to end war 'this week'

Shaun Walker, The Guardian's Central and Eastern Europe Correspondent and author of 'The Illegals', sheds light on the so-called Easter truce between Russia and Ukraine, questioning its real significance. He dives into current U.S. peace proposals, revealing the tough territorial concessions on the table. Shaun also explores historical spies' tactics through his book, drawing parallels to modern espionage challenges. The discussion offers a gripping look at identity and deceit in the shadow of the ongoing conflict.

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