Topic: Ukraine

Ukraine launched an unprecedented drone attack on St. Petersburg, targeting a weapons storage facility and an oil depot during a Russian economic forum. Ukrainian drone commanders claim that Russian air defenses in the region were largely ineffective. The BBC reported on the incident but lacked direct video evidence of the explosions.

Ukraine launched drone strikes against an oil terminal and naval base in St. Petersburg, timed to coincide with Vladimir Putin’s economic forum. President Zelensky claims these deep strikes are causing fuel shortages in Russia and will force diplomacy. Meanwhile, NATO chief Mark Rutte visited a bombed department store in Ukraine, advocating for the nation's inclusion in the military alliance.

A list of upcoming listener meetups is read, including events in Raleigh, Boise, and Franklin. Notably, a "clogs-on-the-ground" meetup is scheduled for Kiev, Ukraine. The hosts encourage listeners to attend and send in reports, emphasizing the community-building aspect of the show.

The hosts review upcoming No Agenda meetups in Charlotte, Los Angeles, New Jersey, and a notable international gathering in Ukraine. The importance of these meetups for building a network of "first responders" and personal connections is emphasized. Adam Curry encourages listeners to start their own local meetups if none are available in their area.

A series of producer notes includes a "boots on the ground" report from a farmer in Ukraine describing the impact of the war on agriculture and the local economy. Other donations come from a former Apple employee now selling Manuka honey and a resume-writing professional. The segment reinforces the diverse professional backgrounds of the show's "Producers" and their contributions of time, talent, and treasure.

George Galloway has raised questions regarding a trial at the Old Bailey involving three men—two Ukrainians and one Romanian—accused of conspiring to commit arson against properties linked to Prime Minister Keir Starmer. While the prosecution claims the motive was financial, Galloway suggests a more scandalous connection involving "rent boys" and unpaid debts.

Representative Thomas Massie appeared on Tucker Carlson's program to express his disappointment with Donald Trump's recent policy shifts. Massie cited concerns over FISA warrants, the lack of progress on the "Maha" health initiative, and the failure to release the Epstein files or fully withdraw from the Ukraine conflict.

Ukraine reported shooting down over 33,000 Russian attack drones in March, marking a significant escalation in aerial warfare. In response, Poland announced a partnership with Ukraine to manufacture a "drone armada" to defend against future incursions. Russia's defense minister warned that the expansion of drone support from European nations could have unpredictable consequences for the continent.

Reports allege that a Paul Cézanne painting, "A Cup and Plate of Cherries," which was stolen from an Italian museum in March, appeared in the background of a video featuring President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The video was reportedly removed from the official Ukrainian presidential website after the painting was identified. Art recovery experts note that stolen masterpieces often surface in regions where the rule of law is perceived to be weak.

Despite ongoing sanctions related to the war in Ukraine, Russian LNG exports to the European Union hit a record high in March 2026. The U.S. and UK are navigating a complex landscape where they must seize "shadow fleet" tankers for safety reasons while simultaneously asking Ukraine to avoid attacking Russian energy infrastructure to maintain global supply.

President Donald Trump criticized NATO allies for failing to support the United States in the Iran conflict despite receiving trillions in American protection over the years. Trump asserted his authority to withdraw from NATO without Congressional approval, though he stated he has no current plans to do so. He further criticized the Biden administration for providing hundreds of billions of dollars in equipment to Ukraine.

A Russian tanker carrying liquid petroleum gas was reportedly hit by Ukrainian drones off the coast of Italy, leading to a massive fire. Meanwhile, Israel allegedly struck the South Pars gas field, the world's largest natural gas field shared by Iran and Qatar. Qatar accused Israel of irresponsible escalation that threatens global energy security.

Hungarian authorities seized a Ukrainian state bank convoy traveling from Austria, suspecting a money laundering operation involving a former intelligence official. While the Ukrainian nationals were released, Hungary retained the assets, which included millions in cash and nine kilograms of gold. The legal basis for holding the assets remains unclear as Ukraine claims the transport was a standard banking procedure.

A proposal for the "AI Podcast Awards" is developed, featuring categories like "Best Fake Voice" and "Best Prompt Jockey." The discussion is prompted by Ukraine's introduction of Victoria Shi, an AI-generated digital spokesperson for consular affairs.

Donald Trump's State of the Union address saw a 10-point post-speech approval bump according to CNN. A key moment involved the President honoring the mother of Irina Zyrucka, a Ukrainian refugee murdered in North Carolina. The hosts highlight the hypocrisy of Democratic lawmakers who wore Ukraine flags but refused to stand for the victim's family.

European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Germany's Friedrich Merz, expressed concerns at Munich about Russia's aggression in Ukraine. Marco Rubio stated that it remains unclear if Russia is serious about a meaningful settlement, as they continue to strike Ukraine's energy grid. The discussion highlights the European desire for the U.S. to remain a reliable partner despite shifting domestic politics.

In a sit-down interview following his speech, Marco Rubio offered an assessment of the war in Ukraine, stating that the issues have been narrowed down to the "hardest questions to answer." He noted that while the U.S. prefers to work with European allies, it is prepared to act alone if necessary. The hosts interpret this as a continuation of the "America First" doctrine in a more diplomatic package.

An analysis of NPR's coverage of NATO suggests the network is using "mathematical tricks" and slanted reporting to bolster support for the alliance. The report featured interviews with citizens in Pennsylvania and California to gauge opinions on military spending for Ukraine. Critics argue that NPR's presentation intentionally minimizes Republican opposition to continued foreign defense subsidies.

The Kremlin has extended an invitation to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to meet with Vladimir Putin in Moscow to discuss ending the war. Zelensky has praised ongoing post-war recovery plans developed with the U.S., while President Trump has expressed optimism regarding peace negotiations. Despite the diplomatic overtures, heavy fighting continues in cities like Odessa and Kyiv, and observers warn Zelensky against the safety risks of traveling to Russia by train.

High-level delegations from Russia and Ukraine met in Abu Dhabi for trilateral talks aimed at ending the four-year-long war. Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized European leaders at Davos for their continued reliance on Russian oil and ghost ships. Zelensky's remarks followed a private meeting with Donald Trump, leading to speculation that the messaging was coordinated with the U.S. president-elect.