Ep. 55 - NATO Tensions, Russia’s Weaknesses & Ukraine War Insights w/Charlie Hancock

Ep. 60 - Russia’s Abducted Children: The 20,000 Teddy Bear Protest w/Julian Hayda & Katya Pavlevych

How do you make people truly understand the scale of Russia’s abduction of Ukrainian children? In this episode of Peace and Power Ukraine, host Gary Marx is joined by Julian Hayda, Associate Director of Public Engagement at Razom for Ukraine [https://www.razomforukraine.org?utm_source=chatgpt.com], and Katya Pavlevych, Advisor on Children’s Issues at Razom for Ukraine and policy advisor with the American Coalition for Ukraine [https://americancoalitionforukraine.org?utm_source=chatgpt.com], for a powerful discussion about Russia’s forced deportation and indoctrination of Ukrainian children.  The conversation centers around Razom’s massive National Mall installation featuring 20,000 teddy bears — each representing a Ukrainian child abducted by Russia since the full-scale invasion began. The guests explain how the exhibit was designed, assembled, and displayed directly in the shadow of the U.S. Capitol to force public attention back onto the issue. Major topics include: * The 20,000 teddy bear installation on the National Mall * Russia’s abduction and indoctrination of Ukrainian children * Why the issue became central to Putin’s war crimes accusations * The challenges of documenting abducted children safely * Melania Trump’s involvement in advocating for returned children * Congressional attention and new U.S. funding initiatives * Rehabilitation efforts for returned children * Historical parallels between past and present Russian policies * Why the guests believe the war cannot truly end until the children return The episode also explores the emotional and psychological dimension of the issue, including how volunteers spent hundreds of hours assembling the installation and why the campaign resonated so deeply with both Ukrainian-Americans and broader American audiences. Hayda and Pavlevych discuss the difficulty of communicating a crime that is often invisible to the public eye, especially when many children’s identities must remain protected to avoid jeopardizing rescue operations. The conversation closes with a broader reflection on freedom, self-determination, family, and why both guests believe the issue of abducted children sits at the moral center of Russia’s war against Ukraine. 00:00 — “The war is not over until the kids come home” 00:19 — Intro + the abducted children crisis 01:10 — Meet Julian Hayda and Katya Pavlevych 02:09 — The 20,000 teddy bear installation explained 03:42 — Why Razom created the display 06:07 — Media coverage and public reaction 07:13 — The message behind the installation 08:22 — Putin, war crimes, and abducted children 10:09 — Why the issue faded from public attention 12:28 — Melania Trump’s involvement in the issue 15:29 — Children reunited with families after years 17:27 — Stories of abducted Ukrainian children 20:02 — Why the guests call it cultural annihilation 21:14 — Plans to take the installation nationwide 23:29 — Volunteers and assembling 20,000 teddy bears 25:00 — U.S. funding for abducted children programs 28:36 — Why Julian Hayda joined the fight 31:27 — Katya Pavlevych’s personal story 34:11 — Final thoughts + “How can you not be involved?” Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@PeacePower_FNW

Ep. 59 - Faith Under Fire & Ukraine’s Spiritual Resistance w/Rev. Ivan Kunderenko

What happens to faith communities when war deliberately targets churches, pastors, and places of worship? In this episode of Peace and Power Ukraine, host Gary Marx is joined by Ivan Kunderenko, pastor, educator, and member of the American Ukrainian Christian Alliance, for a powerful discussion on religious freedom, spiritual resilience, and the deliberate targeting of churches during Russia’s war against Ukraine. Kunderenko shares firsthand insight into Ukraine’s growing prayer breakfast movement, interfaith cooperation, and the role churches continue to play in supporting communities under the pressures of war. A major focus of the episode is the recent precision-guided bomb strike on a Baptist church in Zaporizhzhia — an attack Kunderenko argues was deliberate, not accidental. The discussion covers: • Ukraine’s growing interfaith prayer breakfast movement • “Spiritual diplomacy” and faith-based advocacy • The deliberate strike on a Baptist church in Zaporizhzhia • Russia’s broader repression of religious communities • Rebuilding churches and communities during wartime • What spiritual resilience actually looks like in Ukraine • Putin’s propaganda, historical narratives, and the war’s moral dimension The episode also explores the emotional and spiritual realities of life during wartime, including trauma, grief, perseverance, and the role churches continue to play in preserving community and hope. A major takeaway from the conversation is that Ukraine’s religious communities are not simply surviving — they are actively rebuilding, organizing, and strengthening civil society even amid ongoing attacks. The episode closes with a reflection on why many Ukrainians view the defense of their country not only as a national struggle, but as a moral and spiritual responsibility tied to freedom, dignity, and the ability to worship openly. 00:00 — Intro + Ivan Kunderenko joins 01:33 — Ukraine’s nationwide prayer breakfast movement 04:08 — Interfaith cooperation during wartime 05:47 — Experiencing missile alerts in Kyiv 07:32 — Ukraine’s next National Prayer Breakfast 09:44 — “Spiritual diplomacy” explained 11:15 — The church strike in Zaporizhzhia 13:07 — Why the attack appeared deliberate 15:41 — Russia’s repression of churches in occupied areas 19:15 — Rebuilding the destroyed church 21:25 — Ukrainian resilience and rebuilding communities 22:27 — What “spiritual strength” really means 25:25 — Putin, propaganda, and Victory Day narratives 30:08 — Why Ukraine chose to fight back 32:01 — Closing thoughts Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@PeacePower_FNW

Ep. 58 - Drone Warfare, Kherson & Ukraine’s Frontline Reality w/Denver Riggleman

What does modern warfare actually look like on the front lines in Ukraine? In this episode of Peace and Power Ukraine, host Gary Marx is joined by former Congressman, Air Force intelligence officer, and filmmaker Denver Riggleman to discuss his new documentary Drone Hunters of Kherson — a firsthand look at the brutal reality of drone warfare in southern Ukraine. Riggleman shares what he witnessed while traveling through Kherson, Mykolaiv, and Odessa alongside Ukrainian drone-hunting teams tasked with defending civilians and soldiers from constant Russian drone attacks. The conversation explores how the war in Ukraine has evolved into a terrifying hybrid of trench warfare and advanced technological combat — where small drone teams armed with rifles, machine guns, electronic warfare tools, and soon potentially lasers are reshaping the battlefield. The discussion covers: • The making of Drone Hunters of Kherson • How Ukrainian teams shoot down Russian drones in real time • Why modern drone warfare looks like “Terminator meets World War I” • Fiber optic drones and why traditional jamming no longer works • Why Ukraine has become the global leader in drone warfare • How quickly battlefield technology is evolving • The future of laser and directed-energy weapons • Why the U.S. military risks falling behind in drone combat • The strategic importance of Kherson and southern Ukraine • Agriculture, mines, and protecting Ukraine’s food supply • What life looks like for civilians near the front lines • The psychological reality of constant drone attacks The episode also explores the broader geopolitical picture surrounding the war, including recent U.S. military aid, Russia’s ongoing offensives, and the long-term importance of supporting Ukraine. Additional topics include: • The latest U.S. aid package for Ukraine • Chernobyl and repairing damage caused by Russian attacks • Why Riggleman believes stronger U.S. support was needed earlier • The similarities between the Ukraine war and America’s Civil War • The human side of Ukrainians fighting relatives and former friends across the border A major takeaway from the conversation is that Ukrainians are not fighting out of hatred — but out of necessity. Riggleman recounts a moment in Mykolaiv where a Ukrainian told him: “We don’t hate Russians. We just want them to leave us alone.” The episode highlights both the human cost of the war and the rapid transformation of warfare itself — lessons that will shape military strategy for decades to come. 00:00 — Intro + Denver Riggleman joins 03:55 — Military background and why Ukraine matters 05:56 — Drone Hunters of Kherson documentary 08:21 — Frontline drone teams and combat reality 09:14 — Fiber optic drones and evolving tactics 11:20 — Why Ukraine leads the world in drone warfare 12:07 — Kherson battlefield update and trench warfare 13:56 — Where to watch the documentary 15:11 — Learning to shoot down drones 16:47 — Future laser weapons and directed-energy warfare 20:06 — Why Kherson matters strategically 22:25 — U.S. aid and support for Ukraine 24:06 — Chernobyl, Russia, and nuclear risks 27:13 — Personal reflections from Ukraine 29:16 — Ukraine, Russia, and Civil War comparisons 31:01 — Closing thoughts Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@PeacePower_FNW

Ep. 57 - Drone War, Russia’s Weakness & Ukraine’s Path to Victory w/Oleksii Reznikov

Who is really winning the war in Ukraine — and how has the battlefield changed in ways few predicted? In this episode of Peace and Power Ukraine, host Gary Marx is joined by Oleksii Reznikov, former Minister of Defense of Ukraine (2021–2023), for a strategic deep dive into the current state of the war and what comes next. Reznikov offers a firsthand assessment of a conflict that has fundamentally transformed modern warfare — where traditional assumptions about manpower, territory, and military strength no longer apply. A major theme of the conversation is the shift from industrial-era warfare to technology-driven combat, where drones, precision strikes, and scalable systems now define success on the battlefield. The discussion covers: • Why the war has stabilized — and what that actually means • Russia’s “crawling offensive” and limitations on the battlefield • How drones and unmanned systems created a massive “gray zone” • Why large-scale troop movements are no longer effective • The shift from manpower advantage to technological competition • How Ukraine turned the war onto Russian territory • Why Russia struggles to defend against low-cost drone attacks • The growing importance of deep-strike capabilities • Why Ukraine has become a “laboratory” for modern warfare • The failure of early predictions that Kyiv would fall in days • How Ukraine mobilized civilians into a modern fighting force The conversation also explores the broader geopolitical picture, including Russia’s weakening alliances, NATO’s evolving role, and Ukraine’s increasing importance as a global security partner. Additional topics include: • How Ukraine’s battlefield experience is shaping NATO strategy • Why Europe may now need Ukraine more than Ukraine needs NATO • Russia’s economic strain and long-term sustainability challenges • The impact of global conflicts, including Iran, on the war • Ukraine’s growing role in international security and defense Reznikov also shares his perspective on potential pathways to ending the war, suggesting that a ceasefire or “freeze” scenario could emerge — even if a full peace agreement remains unlikely in the near term. The episode underscores a key takeaway: this is no longer a conventional war — and understanding its outcome requires rethinking how modern conflicts are fought, sustained, and ultimately resolved. 00:00 — Intro + Oleksii Reznikov joins 00:54 — Battlefield update: stabilization and “crawling offensive” 04:14 — Drone warfare and the new “gray zone” 08:20 — Why technology is replacing manpower 11:22 — Ukraine’s mobilization and shifting the battlefield 13:01 — Who is winning the war? 16:25 — NATO, alliances, and Ukraine’s global role 19:58 — Can peace talks happen? 2026 outlook 22:44 — Russia’s economy and weakening position 23:56 — Europe, NATO, and future security risks 26:02 — Key battlefield innovations (artillery + drones) 28:09 — Leadership and Ukraine’s long-term strategy 30:00 — Closing Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@PeacePower_FNW

Ep. 56 - NATO Strains, Iran War Fallout & Ukraine’s Fight w/Gerlinde Groitl

As global crises collide — from Ukraine to Iran — how resilient is the transatlantic alliance, and what does it mean for the future of the war? In this episode of Peace and Power Ukraine, host Gary Marx speaks with Gerlinde Groitl, political scientist and founder of the ISS Institute, for a wide-ranging discussion on NATO tensions, European policy divisions, and the broader geopolitical consequences of the Iran conflict. Groitl explains how the Iran war exposed deep fractures within the transatlantic alliance, with European leaders divided on how to respond and frustrated by a lack of coordination with the United States. She argues that these divisions come at a critical moment — when unity is essential to sustaining support for Ukraine and countering Russia’s long-term strategy. A major focus of the conversation is how the Iran conflict has reshaped the strategic landscape for Ukraine. While both Ukraine and Russia have seen short-term effects, Groitl makes the case that Russia has benefited more — particularly through increased energy revenues and by exploiting political divisions within NATO. The discussion also covers: • How the Iran conflict strained U.S.–Europe relations • Why NATO unity is critical to Ukraine’s success • How Russia exploits divisions within the West • The short-term vs long-term outlook for Russia’s economy • Why Russia’s strategy is opportunistic rather than coherent • Ukraine’s growing ability to strike targets deep inside Russia • How Ukraine is shifting from aid recipient to security partner • What NATO is learning — and mislearning — from the war • Germany’s defense buildup and the “Zeitenwende” shift • Why European defense spending is rapidly increasing • The political challenges of financing long-term support for Ukraine • EU funding debates and the limits of joint debt solutions • Hungary’s role in blocking aid and internal EU divisions • Ukraine’s outreach to the Middle East and strategic partnerships • Why the war ultimately comes down to a “contest of wills” Groitl also emphasizes that while Russia faces long-term structural decline, its ability to exploit short-term Western divisions remains a serious threat to Ukraine’s position. The episode closes with a broader reflection on the future of the transatlantic alliance: despite current tensions, Groitl argues that the United States and Europe remain each other’s most important partners — and that preserving unity will be essential in an increasingly unstable global environment. 00:00 — Intro + Gerlinde Groitl joins 00:33 — Background and ISS Institute overview 02:13 — Translating U.S.–Europe policy perspectives 04:55 — Iran conflict and transatlantic tensions 06:23 — Germany’s shifting position on Iran 07:44 — NATO unity under pressure 08:50 — Policy missteps and alliance friction 09:06 — Iran war impact on Ukraine 11:13 — Why Russia benefits from Western divisions 13:14 — Energy markets and Russia’s short-term gains 14:17 — Long-term outlook for Russia’s economy 16:25 — Russia’s opportunistic war strategy 17:41 — Ukraine’s growing military innovation 19:15 — Western support and “contest of wills” 21:26 — Ukraine as a future security partner 23:15 — Lessons (and limits) from Ukraine’s battlefield 24:46 — Germany’s military rebuild and defense spending 27:01 — NATO spending increases and long-term shift 27:49 — EU funding challenges and Ukraine aid 29:31 — Joint debt debate and political friction 31:15 — Hungary, EU divisions, and aid obstacles 32:12 — Ukraine’s Middle East outreach and partnerships 33:40 — Final thoughts: future of the transatlantic alliance 35:15 — Closing Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@PeacePower_FNW