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Shaun Walker

Central and Eastern Europe correspondent for The Guardian who provides analysis and reporting on Ukraine, its politics and the military situation.

Top 10 podcasts with Shaun Walker

Ranked by the Snipd community
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26 snips
Aug 12, 2025 • 24min

The Trump-Putin summit

Shaun Walker, The Guardian's correspondent in Central and Eastern Europe, covers the escalating conflict in Ukraine, while Laurie Bristow, former British ambassador to Russia, shares insights from his time in Moscow. They discuss the upcoming Trump-Putin summit in Alaska and the controversial idea of a ceasefire deal that sidelines Ukraine's leadership. Concerns about geopolitical implications arise, especially regarding Russia's history of breaking agreements and the need for Ukrainian voices in negotiations. The conversation sheds light on the complex dynamics of diplomacy and war.
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25 snips
Apr 16, 2025 • 45min

The Real-Life Russian Spies Who Inspired 'The Americans'

Shaun Walker, an international correspondent for The Guardian and author of 'The Illegals', shares gripping tales from his decade in Moscow. He delves into the fascinating world of Russian spies like Andrei Bezrukov and Elena Vavilova, who lived undercover in the U.S. with their children unaware of their true identities. Walker discusses the rigorous training these operatives endure, the emotional toll of living a double life, and the complexity of loyalty after the fall of the Soviet Union. Plus, a tribute to jazz saxophonist Gene Ammons adds a cultural twist.
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23 snips
Aug 26, 2025 • 46min

The spy next door: Moscow's century-long plot to infiltrate the west

Shaun Walker, a journalist and author specializing in espionage, discusses the fascinating history of Russia's covert spy networks, particularly the 'illegals' living in the U.S. He reveals how these spies operated under assumed identities for decades, even deceiving their families. The conversation delves into the rigorous training they underwent and contrasts their glorification in modern Russia with the complexities of their lives. Walker also explores the evolution of Russian intelligence tactics, from the Cold War to contemporary disinformation strategies.
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15 snips
Aug 4, 2025 • 1h 6min

207. Russia's Sleeper Agents Infiltrating the West with Shaun Walker

Shaun Walker, Central and Eastern Europe correspondent for The Guardian and author, dives into the fascinating world of Russian sleeper agents. He discusses their intricate operations and psychological impacts, particularly on families. The history of the Bolsheviks' illegals program reveals the origins of espionage in the West, while personal stories highlight the sacrifices and dual lives of spies. Walker contrasts Soviet and Western intelligence tactics, exposing the covert struggles of agents amid Cold War tensions and the continued relevance of these operatives today.
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Aug 12, 2025 • 58min

The Great Illegals, Part One: The Whistler | NKVD

Shaun Walker, Central and Eastern Europe correspondent for The Guardian and author of 'The Illegals,' dives into the world of Russian espionage. He reveals the captivating story of Nikolai Khokhlov, a music-hall whistler turned deep-cover spy during World War II. The podcast explores Khokhlov's tense missions, the psychological strain of espionage, and a daring assassination plot against a Nazi governor in occupied Belarus. Walker's insights uncover the intricate balance of loyalty and deception, painting a vivid picture of spies navigating perilous times.
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Nov 2, 2023 • 29min

Sustainable open source with Oqtane's Shaun Walker

Shaun Walker, founder of DotNetNuke, reflects on two decades of .NET open-source, the power of community in sustaining projects, challenges in creating a sustainable business model, and the future of Oqtane framework including hybrid solutions and monetization struggles.
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Feb 24, 2026 • 26min

Ukrainian men on how four years of war has changed them

Shaun Walker, The Guardian’s Central and Eastern Europe correspondent, gives political and military analysis. Tracey McVeigh, veteran conflict reporter, shares intimate interviews with Ukrainian men. They explore how young lives were upended, the strain on relationships and masculinity, brutal winters and frontline injuries, plus the wider strategic stalemate and what might come next.
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Feb 24, 2026 • 26min

Ukrainian men on how four years of war has changed them

Shaun Walker, Guardian correspondent on Ukraine and regional politics, offers analysis of the front lines and wider strategy. Tracey McVeigh, conflict reporter, shares on-the-ground accounts of wounded men and civilian impact. They explore how mobilization, military camaraderie, shifting masculinity, frontline stalemate, and the toll of winter and politics have reshaped men’s lives.
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Aug 19, 2025 • 51min

The Great Illegals, Part Two: The Ambassador | NKVD

Shaun Walker, a journalist specializing in Russian espionage and author of 'The Illegals,' dives into the thrilling world of Iosif Grigulevich, a cunning spy embedded in Italy's diplomatic circles. He discusses Grigulevich's rise amid Stalin's purges and the botched assassination of Trotsky, showcasing espionage's dark and dangerous twists. The tension between Tito and Stalin is examined through a lens of political maneuvering and identity transformation. Shaun reveals how espionage mirrors complexity in human relationships, leaving listeners on the edge of their seats.
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Apr 22, 2025 • 56min

Air raid inferno ends Easter 'truce' & Trump hopes to end war 'this week'

Shaun Walker, The Guardian's Central and Eastern Europe Correspondent and author of 'The Illegals', sheds light on the so-called Easter truce between Russia and Ukraine, questioning its real significance. He dives into current U.S. peace proposals, revealing the tough territorial concessions on the table. Shaun also explores historical spies' tactics through his book, drawing parallels to modern espionage challenges. The discussion offers a gripping look at identity and deceit in the shadow of the ongoing conflict.

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