S9 Ep31: Espresso Martini | A Russian Spy Ring in the UK, Ukraine’s Ceasefire Gamble, and AI Warships on the Horizon

Another Russian spy ring in the UK is exposed—what were they up to, and what does it reveal about Moscow’s intelligence operations? Chris and Matt dive into the details of the case, including a botched plot to track Ukrainian soldiers and bizarre honey trap plans. Then, they break down the latest on the Ukraine ceasefire proposal. Will Putin play ball, or is this just a naive delay tactic? Plus, the US Navy’s new autonomous warship raises big questions about the future of naval warfare, and they analyze the claim that “Putin has won.” Has he really? All that and more in this week’s Espresso Martini.Subscribe and share to stay ahead in the world of intelligence, geopolitics, and current affairs.Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/L67zrQSP3NgArticles discussed in today’s episode"'The dumbest thing I’ve ever done': spy trial’s tales of scheming, bluster and a love triangle" by Dan Sabbagh | The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/07/spy-trial-scheming-bluster-tangled-relationships"Bulgarian trio convicted of conspiring to spy for Russia" | Crown Prosecution Service: https://www.cps.gov.uk/cps/news/bulgarian-trio-convicted-conspiring-spy-russia"Trump’s Ukraine ceasefire plan: What we know so far" by Tim Ross | Politico Europe: https://www.politico.eu/article/donald-trump-ceasefire-plan-ukraine-jeddah-saudi-arabia-russia-fighting/"Mysterious Naval Vessel Spotted In Washington State Is A New DARPA Drone Ship" by Joseph Trevithick | The War Zone: https://www.twz.com/sea/mysterious-naval-vessel-spotted-in-washington-state-is-a-new-darpa-drone-ship"Putin Won" by Franklin Foer | The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2025/03/putin-russia-won/681959/Support Secrets and SpiesBecome a “Friend of the Podcast” on Patreon for £3/$4: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesBuy merchandise from our Redbubble shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996Subscribe to our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dgFor more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.comConnect with us on social mediaBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.socialInstagram: https://instagram.com/secretsandspiesFacebook: https://facebook.com/secretsandspiesSpoutible: https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpiesFollow Chris and Matt on Bluesky:https://bsky.app/profile/fultonmatt.bsky.socialhttps://bsky.app/profile/chriscarrfilm.bsky.socialSecrets and Spies is produced by F & P LTD.Music by Andrew R. BirdSecrets and Spies sits at the intersection of intelligence, covert action, real-world espionage, and broader geopolitics in a way that is digestible but serious. Hosted by filmmaker Chris Carr and writer Matt Fulton, each episode unpacks global events through the lens of intelligence and geopolitics, featuring expert insights from former spies, authors, and analysts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.