International Relations
What is the European Union's latest response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine?
The European Union has agreed on its 16th round of fresh sanctions against Russia. These new sanctions will be finalized at a special meeting of EU foreign ministers scheduled for Monday, which coincides with the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This timing is significant as it demonstrates the EU's continued commitment to pressuring Russia over its military actions in Ukraine, even three years into the conflict.
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WION
02:26 - 02:39
How was Mark Fogel released from Russian detention and welcomed back to the United States?
Mark Fogel, an American schoolteacher detained in Russia for over three years on drug charges, was released through diplomatic efforts orchestrated by Trump's envoy Steve Woodkoff during a three-and-a-half hour meeting with Putin in Moscow. Upon his return to the United States, Fogel was personally welcomed by President Trump at the White House, where he was invited to stay in the prestigious Lincoln Bedroom. The emotional homecoming included Fogel kissing American ground and expressing his love for the country. Trump had previously promised Fogel's 95-year-old mother at a rally that he would secure her son's release, a commitment he fulfilled 'pretty quickly.'
Watch clip answer (01:26m)
Ben Shapiro
42:12 - 43:38
What is Trump's evolving strategy regarding Ukraine's conflict?
Trump's administration is quickly moving to thaw relations with Russia in preparation for a potential deal over Ukraine. The strategy involves asking European allies to take on more responsibility while signaling to Ukraine that they likely won't regain control of Donbass and Crimea due to limited military prospects for reclaiming these territories. This represents a significant shift in U.S. policy toward a negotiated peace solution rather than supporting Ukraine's territorial integrity at all costs. The administration's swift action to secure Fogle's release is viewed as part of this broader diplomatic effort to reset relations with Russia ahead of potential peace negotiations.
Watch clip answer (00:22m)
Ben Shapiro
07:27 - 07:50
What is the problem with Biden's approach to supporting Ukraine in the war against Russia?
Biden's approach lacked clearly articulated war goals, making it problematic for both strategic and political reasons. While Biden repeatedly stated the U.S. would support Ukraine 'as long as it takes' until they 'reach their goals,' he never specifically defined what those goals were. This vagueness created difficulties for Ukraine's President Zelensky, who now faces the challenge of explaining to his people why Ukraine isn't winning back all its territory. Shapiro argues that an effective war strategy requires specific objectives and clear off-ramps, something the previous administration failed to provide despite years of conflict.
Watch clip answer (01:14m)Ben Shapiro
08:11 - 09:25
What was the Biden administration's conflicting strategy regarding the war in Ukraine?
The Biden administration maintained a paradoxical approach: they promised to provide endless aid until 'victory' was achieved, yet refused to either define what victory meant or provide sufficient weaponry to achieve full-scale victory. This created mutually exclusive tactics - they couldn't win a war without defining victory parameters. They were caught between pursuing total territorial reclamation (which would require F16s and additional weaponry) or accepting a more limited definition of success. As battle lines solidified over two and a half years, this lack of clear objectives prevented an effective resolution, despite opportunities for peace negotiations proposed by figures like Henry Kissinger back in May 2022.
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Ben Shapiro
02:09 - 03:55
Why does Donald Trump believe returning to Ukraine's pre-2014 borders is unrealistic?
Trump believes returning to Ukraine's pre-2014 borders is unrealistic because Ukraine simply cannot militarily retake this territory. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth affirmed this position, stating that attempting to reclaim Donbass and Crimea is not feasible and pursuing this illusion only prolongs suffering. Trump advocates for a pragmatic approach that acknowledges battlefield realities rather than chasing unattainable goals. He has initiated diplomatic discussions with President Zelensky and is working toward establishing peace negotiations, recognizing that ending the conflict requires accepting current territorial situations while still supporting a sovereign Ukraine.
Watch clip answer (01:22m)
Ben Shapiro
12:36 - 13:58