Post Reports

Elahe Izadi, Media reporter for The Washington Post, dives into the dire state of journalism in Russia following strict government censorship on reporting about the Ukraine war. She discusses the repressive laws driving journalists into exile and the critical challenges for independent media. Izadi highlights how this censorship creates a dangerous 'truth vacuum' for Russians and complicates how the world understands the situation. The conversation also touches on social media platforms' struggle to navigate this increasingly politicized environment.

Keith Alexander, a seasoned crime and courts reporter at the Washington Post, delves into the shocking financial impact of police misconduct on taxpayers. He reveals that over $1.5 billion was spent to settle misconduct claims from 2010 to 2020, often without the public's knowledge. The conversation highlights individual stories of wrongful arrests and the systemic issues that protect negligent officers. Alexander also discusses alarming racial disparities in these cases, particularly affecting communities of color, and touches on new measures aimed at increasing police accountability.

Nonfiction book critic Carlos Lozada explores Vladimir Putin's writings to uncover his motivations behind the invasion of Ukraine. He reveals how Putin's obsession with the Soviet past influences his desires for Russia's future. Through personal accounts from civilians enduring the chaos, Lozada discusses the psychological aspects driving Putin's actions and his disdain for NATO. He argues that Putin's ambitions are less about reunification and more about challenging Western powers, showcasing a leader who grapples with ambition and insecurity.

How Ukrainians are documenting the destruction of their country. And, why the international community may struggle to hold Russian officials accountable for alleged war crimes.Read more:As Russia continues its artillery assault of major population centers in Ukraine, Western officials have begun accusing Russian military officials of committing war crimes. “We've seen these really gruesome images of civilian casualties, of the shelling and the complete destruction of Ukrainian cities,” says foreign affairs reporter Claire Parker. “And mounting evidence of the use of weapons that have triggered serious alarm among international observers and raised allegations that Russia could be committing war crimes.”On today’s Post Reports, Sudursan Raghavan reports from the rubble of a village near Kyiv, where a team was collecting evidence of possible war crimes. Then, Parker walks us through the accusations against the Russian military and why it may be difficult for the International Criminal Court to hold anyone accountable.

Roger Stone, a longtime political advisor to Donald Trump, shares insights from the Danish filmmakers' documentary chronicling his role in the 2020 election fallout. He discusses his conflicting emotions on January 6 and frantic preparations amid the chaos at the Capitol. Stone reveals his lobbying for a pardon from Trump and how he coordinated with far-right leaders in the 'Stop the Steal' movement. The conversation uncovers the complexities of his relationship with Trump and the aftermath of the insurrection on his political future.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, once a comedian and TV star, discusses his extraordinary transition to wartime leader amidst the Russian invasion. His heartfelt pleas for American support and the resonant unity among Ukrainians faced with aggression reveal his impactful leadership. Sadarsan Raghavan, a reporter from Kyiv, adds his insights into Zelensky's evolving role and the political dynamics at play. The conversation also touches on the enduring spirit of resistance that has inspired the nation during this crisis.

Today on Post Reports, how the U.S. is imposing sanctions on Russia’s elite. Plus, why Major League Baseball is canceling games. Read more:On Thursday, the White House announced new sanctions against more Russian elites and their family members. Reporter Jeff Stein explains the strategy behind seizing yachts, jets and luxury apartments.  This week, Major League Baseball announced that roughly 90 games would be canceled amid a labor dispute between the players union and team owners. Baseball reporter Chelsea Janes explains why the two parties can’t come to an agreement and why the lockout is so aggravating to fans. 

In this compelling discussion, Loveday Morris, the Foreign correspondent and Berlin bureau chief for The Washington Post, shares her on-the-ground insights from the Ukraine-Poland border. She reveals the staggering exodus of nearly 900,000 refugees, many of whom are women and children fleeing the ravages of war. Morris recounts harrowing personal stories, including that of Katya, who faced a treacherous journey. The podcast also highlights the troubling discrimination faced by some refugees at border crossings, underscoring a growing humanitarian crisis.

Today on Post Reports, we bring you the latest from the war in Ukraine. How sanctions from the West are tanking Russia’s currency. Plus, a dire new climate report from the United Nations.Read more:Six days into the invasion of Ukraine, fierce fighting continued in Kharkiv as Russian forces closed in on the second-largest Ukrainian city. A convoy seemed to be stalled outside Kyiv on Tuesday afternoon. Follow the latest on the war from our reporters on the ground. The United States and Europe have responded to Russia’s aggression with historic sanctions. But are they working? Paul Sonne reports on the impact on Russia’s economy and how much this changes things for ordinary Russians. Meanwhile, on Monday a newly released report from the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change said that the window is closing to prevent catastrophic climate change. “Frankly, I don't think that I've ever seen a report so dire,” says climate reporter Sarah Kaplan. “The language is just incredibly bleak.”There is, however, a glimmer of hope: Humanity still has time to shift Earth's warming trajectory, scientists say. But averting the world’s worst-case scenarios will require nothing less than transformational change on a global scale.

In this insightful discussion, Sarah Kreps, a Professor of government, law, and public policy, shares her expertise on NATO and global security. She delves into NATO's historical evolution and its current relevance amidst the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Kreps explains Ukraine's aspirations for NATO membership and Russia's opposition, emphasizing the implications for global security norms. The conversation also highlights the complexities of U.S. military commitments, the challenges of collective defense, and the rising concerns over nuclear threats in the region.