Today in Focus

Piotr Sauer, a Russian affairs reporter for The Guardian, dives into the complex landscape of ongoing peace negotiations in Ukraine. He discusses three competing peace proposals and the contrasting moods in Kyiv and Moscow. Sauer reveals the contentious demands from Russia, including troop caps and amnesty, while detailing Ukraine's priorities for any deal. He examines the impact of public sentiment on both sides, the challenges of diplomacy led by unconventional figures, and the pressing need for a resolution amid war fatigue.

Luke Harding, Senior foreign correspondent at The Guardian, dives into the shocking case of Nathan Gill, a former MEP jailed for accepting bribes linked to pro-Russian propaganda. Harding reveals Gill’s rise alongside Nigel Farage and his alarming connections to Kremlin-aligned figures. He discusses Gill's recruitment tactics and the wider implications of foreign influence on Brexit-era politics. From Kyiv, Harding emphasizes the need for a reckoning on such foreign interference, branding Gill's actions as traitorous amidst ongoing conflicts.

Corey Doctorow, a renowned tech critic and activist, dives into the troubling concept of 'enshittification' of the internet, explaining how platforms like Amazon and Google have shifted from user-friendly to profit-driven models. He illustrates the three stages of this decline, emphasizing the negative impacts on local businesses and the search experience. Doctorow argues that individual choices aren't enough to combat these issues and stresses the importance of collective action and policy reforms to reclaim a more democratic internet.

In this eye-opening discussion, Daniel Boffey, a chief reporter at The Guardian, investigates claims about Nigel Farage’s troubling conduct during his time at Dulwich College. He reveals allegations of racist and anti-Semitic behavior, including chants of fascist slogans. Former pupil Peter Ategi shares his personal experiences of being targeted, highlighting the emotional scars left behind. Together, they examine the implications of Farage's past on his current political stance and the importance of confronting uncomfortable truths.

Estefanía Vela Barba, a feminist activist from the NGO Intersecta, and Ann Deslandes, a journalist specializing in Mexican politics, discuss the alarming state of women's safety in Mexico. They dive into reactions to the recent assault on President Sheinbaum, exploring the broader implications for gender rights. The duo highlights the grim realities of femicides and everyday harassment, while examining the failures of law enforcement and grassroots efforts for change. They also debate the complex relationship between militarization and women's freedom in an evolving political landscape.

Jessica Elgot, Deputy Political Editor at The Guardian, dives into the radical asylum reforms proposed by Shabana Mahmood. She discusses why these changes are necessary and outlines key measures, including a controversial 20-year path to settlement. Elgot examines tightening family reunion policies and the implications of asset seizures on refugees. The conversation also highlights public perceptions influencing tougher immigration laws and whether Mahmood can balance compassion with stricter rules for asylum seekers.

Jonathan Freedland, a seasoned political journalist and presenter of Politics Weekly America, dives into Donald Trump's complicated ties to the Epstein files. He discusses how Trump's reluctance to release documents has become a political hotbed. Freedland reveals the contents of emails linking Trump to Epstein and highlights the extensive connections Epstein had with elite figures. He also examines the push by some Republicans for transparency and how this scandal resonates with Trump’s base, suggesting that his recent U-turn might only offer temporary relief.

Nilas Heinskou, a political editor at Politiken with insights from his Brussels correspondence, joins Agob Yacoub, a Syrian refugee who escaped conflict and navigated Denmark’s complex immigration landscape. They delve into Denmark's strict immigration measures and how these have shaped public opinion. Agob shares his personal challenges acclimating to Danish society amidst tough rhetoric. The duo debates whether Denmark's model can be effectively mirrored in the UK, highlighting the delicate balance between policy success and social impact.

Aditya Chakrabortty, a Guardian columnist specializing in political and economic analysis, unveils the surprising truths about Reform voters from a groundbreaking survey. He identifies five distinct voter tribes, explaining their diverse motivations—from economic worries to social issues. Aditya highlights unexpected concerns about the environment among the Squeezed Stewards and examines how perceptions of immigration differ across groups. He also discusses Reform's internal contradictions and how mainstream parties might win back these persuadable voters.

Andrew Roth, Global affairs correspondent at The Guardian, and Tom Phillips, their Latin America correspondent, dive into the complexities of U.S. military posture towards Venezuela. They discuss the intentions behind Trump’s military buildup, including questionable justifications related to drug trafficking. Phillips highlights Venezuela's corruption and economic collapse, while Roth speculates on the political maneuvering within the White House pushing for action. The conversation reveals fears of regional backlash and concerns about forced military interventions.