Russo-Ukrainian War

Did Assad's ouster from Syria reveal the weakness of Putin and Russia? How will Putin react to the humiliation - and are Russians growing weary of him yet? Is the Trump-Putin strategic bromance on the rocks? Julia Davis, creator of Russian Media Monitor, joined Rick, Joe, and Stuart for a fascinating discussion of all that and much more. Catch up now!

In this episode of “The Elephant in the Room,” Rick Wilson discusses the recent media portrayal of Joe Biden as frail and incapable, contrasting it with Biden’s strong performance at the NATO summit press conference. Rick emphasizes the divergence between media expectations and reality, highlighting Biden’s command over foreign and domestic policies. He also delves into the relentless efforts of the Lincoln Project to combat Donald Trump’s influence and potential return to power. The episode critiques the media’s role in shaping public perception and underscores the ongoing political battle against Trump

Understanding the new world order is a moving target. In this episode Rick engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Ian Bremmer, president and founder of the Eurasia Group. Bremmer, a prominent political scientist and author, delves into the complexities of the shifting global power dynamics and the rise of a multipolar world. The discussion touches on the implications of Russia's aggression, China's economic ascent, and the transformative power of technology, particularly AI, on international relations and democracy. Bremmer also provides insights on the challenges facing Western democracies and offers valuable advice to the younger generation on navigating this evolving geopolitical landscape.

Trump doesn't hide his admiration for Putin and it's transformed the MAGA GOP's alliance with pro-democracy nations. Sarah Ashton-Cirillo and Lisa Senecal dive into the damage that realignment is doing in real time in the US and Ukraine - and the threat it poses for other European nations. They pull back the curtain on Putin's facade of military dominance and the many proof points of his weakness from silencing dissent to his strategist military ineptitude.

Despite baseless accusations of espionage and foreign influence, Kyle Parker, a dedicated civil servant involved in Ukraine's fight against Russian aggression, remains steadfast in his support. As Sarah Ashton-Cirillo highlights, those who sacrifice and contribute to Ukraine's cause often face scrutiny, yet their heroic actions cannot be overshadowed by the J.D Vances of the world.

This week on ZeroLine from Ukraine, Sarah passionately calls for focus and solidarity in the face of misinformation and political intrigue, underscoring the global implications of Ukraine's struggle for democracy. Joined as always by Resolute Square executive editor Lisa Senecal, they give a critical update on the state of the conflict.

Romeo Kokriatski writes from Ukraine: "So many of our countrymen have lost everything. If we allow our morale to flag, if we allow ourselves to consider any answer other than “liberation,” then we consign ourselves to lose everything too, to lose that which makes us fundamentally Ukrainian – our freedom."

Sarah Ashton-Cirillo writes: "The operation ended with a US Senator accusing me of being an American intelligence officer embedded in Ukraine, a presentation of our work as a case study to NATO, and Russia financially sanctioning me and naming me to their terrorists and extremists list."

Returning special guest Oleksandr Musiienko, head of the Kiev-based Center for Military and Legal Studies, joins Sarah Ashton-Cirillo and Lisa Senecal to dive deep into Ukraine's defense strategy, European support, and the outcomes of the Munich Security Conference. Oleksandr shares expert insights on the critical role of timely military aid, the strategic importance of specific weapons systems, and the impact of European solidarity with Ukraine. Additionally, they explore the challenges and successes of Ukraine's military leadership, the morale of its forces, and strategic decisions on the battlefield, including maritime operations against the Russian Black Sea Fleet.

Special guest Romeo Kokriatski, Managing Editor of New Voice Ukraine, joins Sarah Ashton-Cirillo and Lisa Senecal to discuss the underrepresentation of Ukrainian voices in Western media's coverage of the war. Romeo highlights the critical importance of authentic Ukrainian perspectives in understanding the ongoing conflict and its global implications for democracy. The conversation addresses the challenges faced by Ukrainian journalists, critiques Western media's narrative shortcomings, and underscores the resilience of the Ukrainian people.

This week, Lisa Senecal speaks with host Sarah Ashton-Cirillo, who joins us from Washington D.C. where she continues to push for funding for Ukraine. They talk latest developments in the conflict, including Ukraine's Black Sea successes. They also dig into the US politics and the GOP's obstruction on Ukraine, Trump's influence over House Speaker Johnson, and how the right is benefitting to Putin’s genocidal ambitions.

On this episode of The ZeroLine, Sarah Ashton-Cirillio connects with executive editor of Resolute Square, Lisa Senecal to discuss the use of soft propaganda by Russia and its influence war on the West and democracy.

On this episode of The ZeroLine, Sarah Ashton-Cirillio connects with executive editor of Resolute Square, Lisa Senecal. This week, the focus is on global authoritarianism and the complexities of international migration, focusing on Russia's involvement in weaponizing migration, particularly in Darien Province, Panama, and the broader implications for international politics and security.

On this episode of The ZeroLine, Sarah Ashton-Cirillio connects with executive editor of Resolute Square, Lisa Senecal. This week, the discussion focuses on the critical role of journalism across the globe. Drawing parallels between Ukraine and the United States, they emphasize the essential role of a free press in a functioning democracy, distinguish between journalism and propaganda, and explore the challenges faced by journalists worldwide.

This week on ZeroLine, Sarah Ashton-Cirillio, member of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and executive editor of Resolute Square, Lisa Senecal go back in time to share a bit of Sarah's journey as a journalist who traveled to Ukraine to cover the war and ended up enlisting in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as her recent visits to Washington D.C. and New York.

Major General Anatoliy Barhylyevich, Commander of Ukraine's Territorial Defense, provides an exclusive analysis for Resolute Square on the state of Ukraine's fight for victory.

On this episode ZeroLine, S. Ashton-Cirillio connects with Resolute Square's Lisa Senecal. Joining us while representing Ukraine in D.C., this week, Sarah reflects on her time serving on the zeroline in the country's Territorial Defense Force and how the experiences have left an indelible mark on her, as they do on all serving. That perspective helped prepare her for her new military assignment - working to ensure those serving in Ukraine have the mental health support they need now and to prepare them for life post-victory.

On this episode of The ZeroLine, Sarah Ashton-Cirillio connects with Resolute Square's Lisa Senecal. With Sarah reporting from Odessa, they begin with a detailed description of the recent drone attacks by Russia on the region the previous night. Sarah was on the ground and able to capture video footage of kamikaze drones indiscriminately hitting targets or being shot down by Ukrainian air defense forces. They discuss the horrific war crimes that took place in Bucha at the outset of the invasion, which leads to a substantive dialogue of the unprecedented attacks by Hamas against Israeli citizens and the crystallization of an axis of evil formed between Russia, Iran, and Hamas.

Ukrainian civilians are under constant threat and attack from Putin's Russia - through both physical weapons and the weapon of propaganda. Through it all, says ZeroLine's Sarah Ashton-Cirillio, civilians are defiant. But the propaganda doesn't end at Ukraine's borders - Sarah talks with Resolute Square executive editor Lisa Senecal about the extremists in the GOP who are carrying Putin's water and endanger democracy at home and abroad.

Former Slovakian PM Peter Pellegrini is a strong friend to Ukraine and democracy, and is seeking a return to the country's most powerful position. But Putin-Orban-ally, Robert Fico who is also a Former Slovakian PM is fighting to reclaim the seat creating a threat not only to Ukraine but international stability and support for democracy.