Daniel Twining, President of the International Republican Institute, joins host Gary Marx for a wide-ranging conversation about Ukraine, Russia, China and the growing competition between democratic and authoritarian powers around the world.

Fresh off a trip to Ukraine, Twining describes what he witnessed during a visit to Kharkiv and near the front lines, including the rapidly changing nature of drone warfare and the continuing danger facing Ukrainian civilians.

The conversation also examines new sanctions targeting Russia and its trading partners, the role China plays in supporting Moscow, and what the war could mean for deterrence elsewhere—including a potential conflict over Taiwan.

Twining also discusses the International Republican Institute’s work supporting democratic institutions around the world, what future elections in Ukraine could look like, Russian influence in countries including Moldova, Armenia and Georgia, and whether NATO is prepared for continued Russian aggression.

Finally, Twining reflects on the resilience he witnessed firsthand in Ukraine and why he believes the outcome of the war will have consequences far beyond Ukraine’s borders.

00:00 — Russia, China & the Stakes for Ukraine
00:19 — Introducing Daniel Twining
01:49 — Twining Returns From Ukraine
03:13 — Russia Escalates Its Attacks
05:23 — Inside Kharkiv & the Drone War
08:11 — New Sanctions Against Russia
10:40 — Ukraine's Future Elections
15:11 — IRI's Democracy Work Beyond Ukraine
17:10 — Is NATO Ready for Russia?
20:41 — Deterrence, Ukraine & Taiwan
23:06 — Russian Influence & China
24:05 — Sanctions, China & Ending the War
26:00 — Twining's Message From Ukraine
28:00 — Closing

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The war in Ukraine is increasingly connected to conflicts and strategic competition far beyond Eastern Europe.

On this episode of Peace and Power Ukraine, host Gary Marx is joined by Ilan Berman, Senior Vice President of the American Foreign Policy Council, to examine the growing connections between Russia, China, Iran and North Korea—and what those relationships mean for Ukraine and U.S. foreign policy.

Berman discusses Ukraine’s expanding defense technology capabilities, the pressures created by competing demands for air defense and munitions, and the challenges facing U.S. efforts to negotiate with Vladimir Putin.

The conversation also examines sanctions against Russia, efforts to pressure Russia’s energy sector, Ukraine’s deep-strike campaign, and how Moscow has transformed its economy to sustain a prolonged war.

Finally, Berman explains why he believes Russia’s wartime economic model could have implications beyond Ukraine and argues that any strategy for isolating Moscow must account for the international partnerships helping Russia sustain its war effort.

00:00 — Introducing Ilan Berman
01:26 — Connecting Ukraine, Russia, Iran & China
04:19 — Ukraine's Defense Technology & the Middle East
06:30 — Air Defense, Patriots & Ukraine's Needs
07:54 — U.S. Negotiations With Russia
12:10 — New Sanctions Against Russia & Iran
17:47 — Economic Pressure & Russia's Reintegration
21:19 — Ukraine's Deep Strikes Inside Russia
24:04 — Russia's War Economy & the Risk Beyond Ukraine
26:00 — Battlefield Momentum & Prospects for Negotiations
29:23 — Isolating Russia and Its International Partners

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The conversation with Liz Schrayer and retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Dick Newton continues as host Gary Marx examines what the war in Ukraine means for the future of American leadership.

In Part Two, Newton draws on his military career to explain why American hard power must work alongside diplomacy, economic engagement, foreign assistance, and strong international partnerships. Schrayer discusses the coalition supporting Ukraine and makes the case for viewing Ukraine through the lens of U.S. national security, economic interests, and American values.

The conversation also explores Ukraine’s rapid development of drone warfare and what the United States can learn from its defense industrial base. Newton examines the accelerating role of autonomous systems and artificial intelligence on the battlefield, while Schrayer discusses critical minerals, economic cooperation, and the strategic challenge posed by the growing alignment among Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea.

Finally, Schrayer and Newton discuss NATO, the importance of continued American leadership, and what they believe the United States and its allies must do to help Ukraine achieve a lasting victory.

00:00 — Hard Power, Soft Power & American Leadership
05:01 — Building Support for Ukraine
09:21 — What America Can Learn from Ukraine’s Drone Revolution
13:29 — AI, Autonomous Drones & the Future of Warfare
15:25 — Russia, China, Iran & North Korea
16:26 — Critical Minerals & the U.S.-Ukraine Economic Partnership
18:29 — Why American Leadership Still Matters
19:50 — NATO’s Future & the U.S. Role
23:10 — Remembering a Friend & Advocate for Ukraine
27:44 — What Comes Next for Ukraine?
30:40 — American Values & the Case for Ukraine
32:32 — Closing Thoughts

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