Russian Roulette

Max and Maria were joined by Andrian Prokip and Tim McDonnell to discuss the relentless Russian bombardment of Ukraine's energy infrastructure, and what this means for average Ukrainians trying to survive the winter months. Be sure to explore Tim McDonnell’s newsletter, Semafor Energy.

Max and Maria delve into the complicated dynamics of Ukrainian resistance under Russian occupation with Jade McGlynn. They discuss the shift towards riskier, private forms of resistance and the heavy toll on civilians amid surveillance. Jade highlights the strategic methods of occupation like forced passporting and demographic changes. The conversation also touches on the ineffectiveness of visible nonviolent actions and the broader mood of exhaustion and fear among Ukrainians as they navigate their struggle. It's a gripping look at resilience in the face of adversity.

Max and Maria spoke with Adam Entous of The New York Times on his in-depth investigation exploring the Trump Administration's policies towards Ukraine in 2025. This conversation was recorded on January 7, 2026. "The Separation: Inside the Unraveling U.S.-Ukraine Partnership" by Adam Entous (The New York Times, December 2025).

Max and Maria spoke with Sergey Radchenko about the state of affairs in peace negotiations over Ukraine as we come to the close of 2025. They discuss the different parties' goals and positions, and how this current round of negotiations compares to the talks in Istanbul at the start of the full-scale invasion back in 2022. This conversation was recorded on December 12, 2025. "America's Magical Thinking About Ukraine: A Bad Deal Is Worse Than No Deal," by Sergey Radchenko (Foreign Affairs, December 2025). "The Talks That Could Have Ended the War in Ukraine: A Hidden History of Diplomacy That Came Up Short — but Holds Lessons for Future Negotiations," by Samuel Charap and Sergey Radchenko (Foreign Affairs, April 2024).

Max speaks with Michael Kimmage about his immediate reactions to the new 28-point peace plan for Ukraine, and the rapid-fire diplomacy taking place in response to its release. This conversation was recorded on November 24, 2025.

Nikolay Petrov, a senior research fellow focused on Russia's elite dynamics, and Mikhail Troitskiy, a scholar on Russian politics, delve into the repressive climate facing Russia's ruling class. They discuss the historical continuity of elites, comparing transitions from the Soviet era to now. The duo also examines the dual-track signaling that reassured globalized elites pre-invasion and highlights how recent purges serve purposes of governance and populism. Petrov outlines the evolving landscape of repression and the implications for future power dynamics.

Max and Maria had a livestreamed conversation in the CSIS Brack Studio with Dara Massicot and Kateryna Bondar to discuss Russian and Ukrainian battlefield adaptations and technological innovations. This conversation took place on November 5, 2025. A video recording is available at CSIS.org. "How Russia Recovered: What the Kremlin Is Learning From the War in Ukraine" by Dara Massicot (Foreign Affairs, October 2025) "How and Why Ukraine's Military Is Going Digital" by Kateryna Bondar (CSIS.org, October 2025) "Russia's War in Ukraine: The Next Chapter" by Max Bergmann and Maria Snegovaya (CSIS.org, September 2025)  

Max and Maria spoke with Clayton Seigle about how new sanctions from the Trump administration could potentially impact Russian energy revenues. Additionally, they discussed the effects of Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian refineries. This conversation was recorded on October 23, 2025.

Max and Maria spoke with Leah Kieff and Vlad Lupan about the outcomes of the recent Moldovan parliamentary elections at the end of September, and why they're significant for both Moldova, and the broader region. This conversation was recorded on October 14, 2025.

Tina Dolbaia and Vasabjit Banerjee bring their expertise on Russian foreign policy and South Asian security to the discussion, focusing on their insightful paper on Russia-India relations. They explore the historical roots of their ties while dissecting the impact of the Ukraine invasion. Key topics include India's shift towards Western arms, the affordability and unique tech from Russia, and the complexities of India's oil purchases influenced by sanctions. They also debate strategic autonomy and the future of India's relationship with Russia amid U.S. pressures.