Joanna Kakissis

Michelle Kellerman, an NPR correspondent in Jerusalem, shares insights on Trump's push for Hamas disarmament after his meeting with Israel's prime minister, raising concerns about Iran's nuclear program. Joanna Kakis, stationed in Kyiv, discusses Ukraine's plea for U.S. security guarantees amid ongoing peace talks with Russia, revealing the complexities of the situation. Stephen Fowler reviews the first year of the DOGE initiative, highlighting unexpected outcomes such as rising federal spending and ongoing data access issues despite a supposed push for government efficiency.

Kat Lonsdorf, an NPR reporter focused on local responses to federal immigration actions, discusses the DOJ investigation into Minnesota's Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. Joanna Kakissis, reporting from Kyiv, highlights the brutal winter conditions facing Ukrainians due to energy strikes, revealing the impact on civilian life. Corey Turner shares insights from a Brookings study on the dangers of generative AI, warning it can hinder children's critical thinking and social-emotional development, emphasizing a need for better regulations.

Deirdre Walsh, NPR's congressional correspondent, discusses the urgency of upcoming votes on health care subsidies and the Epstein files. Willem Marks, based in London, weighs in on Trump's threat to sue the BBC over their treatment of his January 6 speech. Meanwhile, Joanna Kakissis, reporting from Kyiv, shares insights on the dire situation in Ukraine, highlighting recent Russian attacks and an explosive corruption investigation involving the energy sector. Tensions are high as these issues unfold, impacting both politics and national security.

Joanna Kakissis, NPR's correspondent in Ukraine, shares her firsthand experiences from the war-torn country. She highlights the resilient spirit of Ukrainians balancing daily life with the threat of nightly attacks. The emotional toll of constant danger is palpable, with a shift from panic to grim acceptance among residents. The podcast also explores the innovative use of drones in combat and personal stories from the Harkia Brigade, showcasing the unique blend of traditional warfare and modern technology amidst ongoing conflict.

Joanna Kakissis, NPR reporter who covered Kyiv’s winter blackouts and resilience, and Rob Schmitz, NPR international correspondent who investigated a Polish rail sabotage, discuss Russia’s stepped-up hybrid attacks. They describe infrastructure probes, drone disruptions, covert sabotage tactics, and how communities cope and push back in cold, risky conditions.

A panel of clerics in Iran are meeting to decide on the next leader of the fundamentalist regime after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in recent airstrikes. After nearly 40 years of his rule, the choice could either cement hardline continuity under his son or usher in a fundamentally transformed regime. We hear about likely candidates.And as Iranians are attacking American bases in the Middle East with drones, the government of Ukraine is offering its expertise. They say more than 57 thousand of the same type of drones have been used against them in the last four years.To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Joanna Kakissis, a dedicated journalist reporting on Ukraine's current turmoil, sheds light on the intense situation surrounding draft evasion. The podcast reveals the harrowing experiences of Ukrainians fleeing an unpopular conscription amid ongoing conflict. Kakissis narrates the challenging balance border guards face—caught between duty and empathy towards those desperately trying to escape. Personal stories illustrate the struggle of individuals like Vasil, highlighting the moral complexities embedded in a nation at war.

Ada Peralta, NPR reporter in Mexico covering cartel drone smuggling and local reaction. Emmanuel Akinwotu, NPR reporter on West and Central Africa detailing drone strikes and humanitarian costs in Sudan. Joanna Kakissis, NPR correspondent in Ukraine reporting on air, sea and ground drone innovations. They discuss how drones are reshaping warfare, countermeasures, civilian harm, and criminal uses.

Joanna Kakissis, NPR Kyiv correspondent covering battlefield realities and civilian life. Charles Maines, NPR Moscow correspondent tracking Kremlin messaging and public mood. They compare battlefield shifts, how each side frames the conflict, human costs and displacement, stalled peace talks and political pressure, and daily life under war and propaganda.

Dmitry Veselov, a former business analyst turned Ukrainian drone operator, describes frontline drone tactics. Toma Istomina, deputy chief editor at The Kyiv Independent, discusses public mood, negotiations, and how Ukraine has held the line. Joanna Kakissis, an NPR correspondent, shares firsthand reporting on civilian hardship, winter attacks on infrastructure, and human stories from Kyiv and the front.