Today, Explained

Delve into the debate over Ukraine's identity and sovereignty, sparked by claims from Vladimir Putin. Discover the historical struggles for Ukrainian independence post-Russian Empire collapse. The Chernobyl disaster emerges as a pivotal moment for Ukraine’s autonomy. Explore how Ukraine’s national identity has evolved since the Soviet era, along with linguistic uniqueness. Examine the ongoing conflict and Putin's motivations, highlighting the resilience of Ukrainian spirit amidst turmoil and myth-busting surrounding the nation’s complex history.

Kurii Vasyl and his niece Yulya try to make sense of Russia’s invasion of their country. And Kyiv Independent reporter Igor Kossov explains the latest from Ukraine’s capital.This episode was produced by Will Reid and Victoria Chamberlin, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Efim Shapiro, edited by Matt Collette and Sean Rameswaram, and hosted by Noel King.Transcript at vox.com/todayexplainedSupport Today, Explained by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jonathan Guyer, a world affairs reporter for Vox, provides keen insights into the Ukraine-Russia conflict. He discusses the profound economic and humanitarian impacts of the invasion, including how U.S. sanctions affect global markets. Guyer also explores NATO's evolving role amidst this crisis and highlights the shifting priorities in U.S. foreign policy. With an emphasis on empathy and diplomacy, he examines the implications of the conflict for international relations, contrasting current U.S. leadership with historical contexts like the Cold War.

Tom Goldman, NPR's sports reporter, dives into the intriguing complexities of the Winter Olympics amidst sweeping political issues and a global pandemic. He discusses Norway's impressive triumphs and the joy of sports, contrasting it with the unsettling doping scandals, particularly involving Kamila Valieva. The conversation reveals how human rights concerns were overshadowed, from the Uyghur community to Peng Shuai. Goldman highlights athletes' identity struggles and cultural commitments, showcasing the personal stakes behind the Olympic spectacle.

Nicholas Mulder, an assistant professor at Cornell and author of "The Economic Weapon," dives into the intriguing history of economic sanctions as instruments of warfare. He discusses the paradox of sanctions, revealing their limited success and unexpected consequences, especially in the wake of World War I and II. The talk also highlights the complexities of U.S. sanctions, particularly regarding Russia, and suggests that while these measures can weaken economies, diplomatic strategies might prove more effective in resolving conflicts.

Devlin Barrett, an FBI and Justice Department reporter for The Washington Post, dives into the jaw-dropping story of a tech investor and his rapper wife linked to a $4.5 billion Bitcoin heist. They struggled to spend the stolen fortune due to Bitcoin's traceability. Barrett discusses the historic seizure of $3.6 billion in cryptocurrency and the irony of their failed criminal scheme. The podcast also highlights law enforcement's innovative methods in tackling crypto crime and the absurdity of a heist that ended in bizarre decisions.

Dive into the intriguing push for Buckhead to secede from Atlanta, fueled by rising crime rates and a quest for autonomy. Personal stories reveal the deep community divides and the socio-political tensions at play. Explore how issues of race, safety, and educational needs intertwine in this heated debate. Key leaders and residents voice their frustrations, making it clear that the desire for independence is not just about location, but identity. This discussion opens a window into broader trends of community separation across the U.S.

In this discussion, Justin Ling, a Montreal-based freelance investigative journalist and host of "The Flamethrower's Podcast," dives into the explosive trucker convoy protests in Canada. He explores the origins of this movement, fueled by opposition to Covid-19 mandates, and its disruption of everyday life in Ottawa. Ling highlights the convoy's growth into a global phenomenon, linking it to larger themes of civil disobedience and conspiratorial movements. Listeners gain insight into the ramifications of such protests and their potential impact on future demonstrations.

Eric Wemple, media critic for The Washington Post, delves into the legal battle between Sarah Palin and The New York Times over a damaging editorial. They discuss the implications this trial has on media protections, especially amidst rising political violence and misinformation. Wemple emphasizes the challenges public figures face against media narratives and reflects on the landmark New York Times v. Sullivan case, which established vital press freedoms. Ultimately, the conversation raises questions about journalistic accountability and the future of media law.

Seth Wickersham, an ESPN writer and author of "It's Better to Be Feared," dives into the complex legacy of Tom Brady, the NFL's winningest quarterback. He explores the duality of Brady's fame—how he's both admired and reviled. The talk covers significant controversies like Spygate and Deflategate, as well as Brady's polarizing lifestyle brand, TB12. Wickersham also touches on the athlete's political associations and reflects on the mixed emotions surrounding a champion's retirement. It's a compelling look at the impact of an icon on the football landscape.