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

Ukraine, China, NATO, & America’s Global Leadership w/Leon Panetta

What are the biggest threats facing democracy today—and what role should the United States play in confronting them? In this episode of Peace and Power Ukraine, host Gary Marx is joined by Leon Panetta, former Director of the CIA, former U.S. Secretary of Defense, former White House Chief of Staff, and longtime member of Congress, for a wide-ranging discussion on Ukraine, China, NATO, Iran, and the future of American leadership in an increasingly dangerous world. Drawing on more than five decades of public service, Panetta reflects on the global security challenges facing the United States and its allies, the lessons of history, and why democratic nations must remain united against authoritarian aggression. The conversation covers: • President Trump’s China summit and U.S.-China relations • Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, and authoritarian partnerships • Lessons from Ukraine’s resistance against Russia • Why Panetta believes Putin cannot be trusted • Taiwan and deterrence in the Indo-Pacific • The future of NATO and allied cooperation • U.S. support for Ukraine and bipartisan backing in Congress • Drone warfare and the lessons of modern conflict • Iran, nuclear negotiations, and the Strait of Hormuz • Chernobyl, nuclear security, and international cooperation Panetta also discusses the work of the Panetta Institute for Public Policy, his efforts to encourage young Americans to pursue public service, and why he believes compromise and effective governance remain essential to the health of American democracy. Throughout the discussion, he argues that the United States must continue leading from a position of strength, maintain strong alliances, and remain engaged in world affairs if it hopes to preserve stability and security in the decades ahead. The episode closes with a reflection on America’s 250th anniversary and why Panetta believes the nation’s greatest strength ultimately lies not in Washington, but in the resilience, character, and dedication of the American people. 00:00 — Leon Panetta on today’s global dangers 00:20 — Intro + Leon Panetta joins 04:42 — The Panetta Institute and public service 08:25 — Reflections on 50 years in government 09:57 — Trump’s China summit and Xi Jinping 12:45 — China, Russia, Iran, and global security threats 13:11 — Lessons from Ukraine’s resistance 16:25 — What the U.S. should learn from Ukraine 18:03 — Taiwan and deterrence in the Indo-Pacific 19:03 — Iran, nuclear negotiations, and the Strait of Hormuz 21:01 — U.S. aid to Ukraine and congressional support 22:07 — Drones and the future of warfare 24:04 — Chernobyl and nuclear security 25:59 — NATO’s future and allied cooperation 29:07 — America at 250 years: Panetta’s final message 30:31 — Closing thoughts Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@PeacePower_FNW Follow us on social media X: @PeaceAndPower_ Instagram: peaceandpower_ukraine LinkedIn: Peace & Power Podcast TikTok: peace.power.ukraine   Find more at Washington Signal Your source for policy, national security, and investigative journalism. https://washingtonsignal.com/

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 Follow us on social media X: @PeaceAndPower_ Instagram: peaceandpower_ukraine LinkedIn: Peace & Power Podcast TikTok: peace.power.ukraine   Find more at Washington Signal Your source for policy, national security, and investigative journalism. https://washingtonsignal.com/

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 Follow us on social media X: @PeaceAndPower_ Instagram: peaceandpower_ukraine LinkedIn: Peace & Power Podcast TikTok: peace.power.ukraine   Find more at Washington Signal Your source for policy, national security, and investigative journalism. https://washingtonsignal.com/

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 Follow us on social media X: @PeaceAndPower_ Instagram: peaceandpower_ukraine LinkedIn: Peace & Power Podcast TikTok: peace.power.ukraine   Find more at Washington Signal Your source for policy, national security, and investigative journalism. https://washingtonsignal.com/

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 Follow us on social media X: @PeaceAndPower_ Instagram: peaceandpower_ukraine LinkedIn: Peace & Power Podcast TikTok: peace.power.ukraine   Find more at Washington Signal Your source for policy, national security, and investigative journalism. https://washingtonsignal.com/