Economist Podcasts Check in Kyiv: prospects for peace?
15 snips
Feb 12, 2026 
Oliver Carroll, Ukraine correspondent who reports on the war and negotiations. Claire McQue, Latin America reporter who rode along on coca-lab raids in the Amazon. Sonny Loughran, Britain writer who studies crime trends in London. They discuss prospects for a Ukraine ceasefire, raids on cocaine labs versus persistent supply, and whether London’s crime panic matches falling violent-crime data.
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Fragile Momentum In Peace Talks
- Negotiations show glimmers of progress with Russia appearing more constructive for the first time, but core issues remain unresolved.
- Security guarantees and territorial lines are the main sticking points shaping any possible ceasefire.
Territory Is The Core Sticking Point
- Territory and demilitarized-zone proposals are central to compromise discussions between Ukraine and Russia.
- Ukraine prefers the current front line while Russia demands withdrawal from fortified Donbass positions.
Outline ≠ Agreement Or Implementation
- Even if an outline plan appears soon, many constitutional, political and societal hoops could still derail it.
- Both sides understand hurdles exist, so any pause would face complex ratification challenges.