As Russia's war against Ukraine continues, questions are mounting about Europe's security, America's relationship with Moscow, and Ukraine's ability to withstand another winter of Russian attacks.
Yaroslav Trofimov, Chief Foreign-Affairs Correspondent at The Wall Street Journal and author of Our Enemies Will Vanish: The Russian Invasion and Ukraine's War of Independence, joins Gary Marx on Peace & Power to discuss the latest developments in the war, the changing relationship between the United States and Europe, and the challenges of reporting from the world's most dangerous conflict zones.
A Pulitzer Prize finalist for his reporting on Ukraine, Trofimov reflects on his experiences covering the first year and a half of Russia's full-scale invasion. He shares firsthand accounts of Ukraine's defense of Kyiv, the liberation of occupied territories, and how the growing use of drones has transformed the battlefield and made frontline journalism increasingly dangerous.
The conversation then turns to Europe's nuclear security and France's efforts to expand its nuclear deterrence cooperation with European allies. Trofimov explains how uncertainty surrounding America's nuclear commitments has encouraged European governments to reconsider their security arrangements and strengthen their defenses against Russian threats.
Gary and Yaroslav also examine growing criticism of President Donald Trump's approach to Vladimir Putin, including concerns about a reported U.S.–Russia diesel arrangement and the potential consequences for Ukraine. They discuss congressional opposition, the upcoming midterm elections, and whether Washington's evolving relationship with Moscow could weaken American leverage in future peace negotiations.
Trofimov addresses reported restrictions affecting Starshield satellite services used by Ukrainian forces, explaining how limitations on connectivity could disrupt drone operations and complicate Ukraine's military efforts.
The discussion also explores the Warsaw Security Forum, Europe's increasingly important role in supporting Ukraine, and the prospects for renewed negotiations involving Washington, Moscow, and Kyiv.
As Ukraine prepares for another winter of attacks against its energy infrastructure, Trofimov examines shortages of air-defense interceptors and the difficult choices facing Ukrainian military planners.
Finally, he reflects on his childhood, his path into international journalism, and how his reporting across Ukraine and the Middle East has shaped his understanding of the increasingly interconnected conflicts involving Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea.
From the front lines of Ukraine to the future of European security, this episode of Peace & Power offers a firsthand perspective on the geopolitical challenges shaping the war and the international order.
01:23 - Opening: Europe's Nuclear Deterrent
01:46 - Introducing Yaroslav Trofimov
02:56 - Our Enemies Will Vanish and Reporting from Ukraine
05:01 - Witnessing Ukraine's Resistance and Liberation
07:45 - France's Nuclear Deterrent and Europe's Security
12:34 - Trump, Putin and Congressional Opposition
15:32 - Starshield Restrictions and Ukrainian Drone Operations
17:26 - Warsaw Security Forum and the U.S.-Europe Alliance
20:22 - Europe's Role in Ukraine and the Prospects for Peace
24:42 - Ukraine's Winter Air Defense Crisis
27:07 - Life as a Foreign Correspondent in War Zones