Talking Substance

What does it take to move from the frontlines of a street protest to the corridors of state power? In this episode of Off the Record, host Natalka Cmoc is joined by Mustafa Nayyem—the man whose single Facebook post in 2013 ignited the Euromaidan revolution.Since those historic days, Mustafa Nayem has served as a Member of Parliament, a leader in police reform, and most recently, the Head of the State Agency for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure. In this candid interview, we discuss:The Maidan Legacy: Looking back at the moment that changed Ukraine forever.The Infrastructure Battle: The logistical nightmare of rebuilding bridges, roads, and energy grids while they are still under fire.Ownership of the State: Why Ukrainians have shifted from being "colonized" to becoming the true owners of their future.Innovation out of Necessity: How drones and asymmetric technology are filling the gaps left by a lack of conventional ammunition.The Next Generation: A generation of 20-year-olds who have known only war, and the values they carry into the future.This is a deep analytical dive into the survival, grit, and long-term independence of the Ukrainian state.

Kyiv Post special correspondents, Chuck Pfarrer and Jason Smart, provide a critical analysis of the systemic failures in the Russian military that are pushing the invaders toward a total front line collapse in 2026. In recent days, Ukraine successfully reclaimed 300 square kilometers (186 sq miles) near Huliapole after effectively neutralizing two Russian regiments. These tactical gains highlight a broader crisis of attrition at Pokrovsk. Pfarrer, a former Navy SEAL Squadron Leader, reveals that Russian casualties in that vicinity have surpassed 250,000, representing nearly 20% of all Russian forces lost since the invasion began. This signals a terminal decline in the Kremlin’s operational capacity.The breakdown of these front lines is directly linked to the systemic rot and the total absence of a professional non-commissioned officer corps within the Russian ranks. Without this vital leadership layer, the army’s combat effectiveness has become nearly nonexistent as internal corruption and physical abuse of recruits outweigh tactical objectives. This lack of unit cohesion has driven morale to a historic low and leaves soldiers abandoned in hopeless frontal assaults without any operational support. As leadership fails on the field, the Russian state’s ability to even supply its troops is disintegrating under the weight of a national logistical crisis.Russia’s logistical failures are now accelerating its defeat as the national railway system staggers under a $52 billion debt. With over 20,000 transport vehicles destroyed, the Kremlin has been forced into the desperate measure of using donkeys to move landmines and heavy munitions to the front. Pfarrer tells Jason Jay Smart how such profound military disasters in Russia have historically served as the direct precursor to radical political transformation. This report explains why the current combination of logistical ruin and structural collapse suggests a mortal wound for the ongoing invasion.

In this episode of Off the Record, host Natalka Cmoc speaks with former Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk about the future of Ukraine, the war with Russia, and what victory truly means.Yatsenyuk reflects on:-12 years of Russian aggression against Ukraine- Why Ukraine must not only stop the war — but win it- NATO, EU accession, and real security guarantees- The role of the United States, Canada, and Europe- Sanctions, diplomacy, and the limits of negotiations with Russia- How reforms prepared Ukraine to survive full-scale invasion- Why Ukraine’s struggle is also about global securityFrom personal stories to hard geopolitical realities, this conversation explores how Ukraine’s resilience, innovation, and determination are reshaping modern warfare and international politics.“We don’t have Plan B. We have to fight — and we have to win.”

From battlefield drones to electronic warfare and fiber-optic strike systems, the Russia-Ukraine war has become a living laboratory for modern combat.Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, both sides have raced to innovate — developing new weapons and countermeasures in a relentless cycle of adaptation. Ukraine’s asymmetric tactics have forced Russia to strengthen its defenses, only for Kyiv to find new ways to penetrate them.In this episode of Kyiv Post’s Point of Impact, former SEAL Team Six Squadron Leader Chuck Pfarrer explores how drones, electronic warfare, air defense systems, and unconventional operations have reshaped the battlefield — and what this evolving cat-and-mouse game means for the future of warfare.From FPV drones and fiber-optic technology to anti-aircraft systems and Black Sea naval strikes, this deep dive shows how innovation, resilience, and rapid adaptation are redefining modern conflict.

In this episode of Off the Record, host Natalka Cmoc speaks with Luc Jacobs, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to Ukraine, about diplomacy during wartime and Belgium’s long-standing ties with Ukraine.Ambassador Jacobs reflects on his decision to return to Kyiv after the full-scale invasion, the resilience of Ukrainians during Russia’s attacks on critical infrastructure, and why staying in Ukraine now is a powerful symbol of solidarity.The conversation also explores unexpected cultural diplomacy — from Tintin and the Smurfs speaking Ukrainian to the deep historical roots of Belgian investment in Ukraine’s industry more than a century ago.They discuss frozen Russian assets, the importance of accountability for war crimes, and why a just peace — not simply a “deal” — is essential for Europe’s future security.This is a rare behind-the-scenes look at how diplomats think about war, culture, justice, and international responsibility.

Strategic shifts on the front lines have led to a critical depletion of modern armored reserves, forcing a reliance on hardware from the early 1960s that lacks essential electronic sensors and modern metallurgy. This transition reflects a broader failure in traditional maneuver warfare as large tactical elements are increasingly vulnerable to rapid detection and precision strikes. These operational challenges are compounded by a high burn rate of personnel and a lack of effective power projection across contested northern regions.The democratization of close air support has fundamentally altered land warfare through the use of low cost precision systems that neutralize high value armored assets. This technological evolution has effectively stymied large scale offensive movements and forced a shift toward smaller, less coordinated tactical maneuvers. Furthermore, the reliance on untrained foreign labor and unconventional recruitment highlights the severe strain on military infrastructure and the inability to maintain professional standards during sustained high intensity operations.International maritime operations have expanded to address hybrid warfare platforms operating within global shipping lanes, as these vessels often serve as bases for intelligence and technical specialists. These maritime tensions coincide with significant logistical failures in supply chains for critical components used in autonomous systems. As these various failures in technology, logistics, and human resources converge, the capacity to deliver military solutions to complex territorial disputes continues to evaporate at an accelerating rate.

The Russian winter offensive of 2026 has hit a catastrophic wall near Pokrovsk, with confirmed infantry casualty ratios reaching 15:1 against entrenched Ukrainian defenders. This tactical failure is compounded by a massive geopolitical shock: the successful capture of Nicolas Maduro by US special operations forces in Venezuela. The removal of a key Kremlin ally in the Western Hemisphere, combined with the teetering stability of the Iranian regime, threatens to permanently severance Vladimir Putin’s supply of Shahed drones and ballistic missiles and upset Hezbollah's reach globally. These simultaneous crises signal a potential strategic collapse for Moscow's war machine as logistics lines freeze and allies fall.In this urgent tactical debrief for the Kyiv Post, Special Correspondents Jason Smart and Chuck Pfarrer, a former SEAL Team 6 Squadron Leader, analyze the rapid deterioration of Russia's global standing. Breaking down the precision raid in Venezuela and the reality of the "meat wave" tactics failing in Ukraine. It is clear that the situation is becoming worse for Russia daily. Jason Jay Smart and Pfarrer explore how the loss of Tehran and Caracas could force the Kremlin into an impossible position before the spring thaw.

Russia’s war effort depends on oil — and Ukraine has found a way to strike at its financial lifeline.In this analytical explainer, former U.S. Navy SEAL Chuck Pfarrer breaks down Ukraine’s covert maritime campaign targeting Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” — a global network of tankers used to bypass sanctions and fund Moscow’s war.From the Baltic Sea to the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, Ukrainian naval special forces and sea drones are systematically disabling vessels that carry sanctioned Russian oil. These operations are precise, calculated, and designed to stop revenue flows without causing civilian casualties or environmental disasters.The video examines:– How Russia’s shadow fleet operates and why sanctions have failed– The role of maritime sabotage in modern hybrid warfare– Confirmed incidents involving explosions, limpet mines, and naval drones– The economic impact on Russia’s war machine– Why the true battlefield may no longer be land — but the seaAn in-depth look at how Ukraine is waging an asymmetric war far beyond its borders.For Kyiv Post, this is Point of Impact.

In this exclusive winter 2025 situation report, former SEAL Team 6 Squadron Leader Chuck Pfarrer exposes the catastrophic reality of the Russian offensive near Pokrovsk where invading forces are suffering horrific losses of 180 soldiers per square kilometer. The analysis reveals shocking evidence that Moscow’s logistics have completely collapsed, forcing frontline units to use camels, donkeys, and civilian cars to resupply after losing 50,000 military trucks.Kyiv Post Special Correspondent Jason Jay Smart guides the discussion through the tactical nightmare of 3D urban warfare where Ukrainian defenders hold a massive advantage and have turned the city into a kill box for Russian infantry. Pfarrer explains that despite Kremlin propaganda claiming victory, Russian troops are stalled and suffering from abysmal morale that has led to a spike in battlefield suicides.The conversation highlights how the Russian military has devolved from a mechanized army into a disjointed force capable only of human wave attacks. Later, Jason Smart questions the strategic cost of these operations, with Pfarrer concluding that the sheer scale of personnel and equipment destruction means Russia will be unable to launch significant offensives for years to come regardless of whether they eventually capture the ruins of the city.

Today on Off the Record, Ambassador Natalka Cmoc speaks with Robert Müller, Austria’s Ambassador to Ukraine, about shared history, accountability for war crimes, humanitarian support, returning abducted Ukrainian children, disinformation, energy security, and Austria’s role in Ukraine’s future reconstruction.Together, they discuss:• Austria’s deep historical and cultural ties with Ukraine• Why accountability and the ICC matter for victims of Russia’s war• How Austria helps return children illegally taken to Russia• Support for veterans, trauma recovery, and mental health• The growing challenge of Russian disinformation in Europe• Energy independence and shifting away from Russian gas• Austrian investment, reconstruction planning, and future cooperation• Ukraine’s cultural renaissance and strengthening identity• What Austria is learning from Ukraine during wartimeA candid diplomatic conversation about solidarity, resilience, and rebuilding.

In this episode of Off the Record, Natalka Cmoc speaks with Chrystia Freeland — Canada’s former Deputy Prime Minister and Special Representative on Ukraine’s Reconstruction — during her five-day mission in Kyiv.Freeland reflects on why the world must rethink its view of Ukraine: not only as a victim of Russia’s aggression, but as a fighter, a winner, and an innovator. She describes Ukraine as a “startup nation,” and explains why global investors should look at Ukraine as a place of resilience, creativity, and historic opportunity.Together, they discuss:– What Freeland’s reconstruction mission means in practice– Why Ukraine inspires the world with its determination to live– How underground schools, thriving theaters, and innovative businesses reflect national resilience– What investors should understand about Ukraine’s economic potential– How allies can better communicate Ukraine’s story to the worldA conversation about courage, innovation, and the future Ukraine is building even during war.

In this exclusive interview, Dr. Jason Smart speaks with Prof. Volodymyr Lugovskyy, Chair of Economics at Indiana University and a scholar published in the American Economic Review. Together they break down the hidden fractures inside Russia’s wartime economy: labor shortages, the accelerating brain drain, failing energy leverage, and the deeper statistical signals pointing toward collapse.Prof. Lugovskyy uses Game Theory to explain why sanctions are finally biting and why Russia’s current model cannot sustain a long war. This is the mathematical reality the Kremlin does not want exposed.Watch to understand why Russia’s system is approaching a breaking point, and what comes next.ABOUT THE GUEST: Prof. Volodymyr Lugovskyy is a Ukraine-born economist and the current Chair of the Economics Department at Indiana University. Holding a PhD from Purdue University, he is a globally recognized authority in International Economics and Game Theory. His research has been featured in top-tier academic journals, including the American Economic Review, European Economic Review, and the Journal of Financial Economics. Prof. Lugovskyy brings data, expertise, and a warning that Russia is playing with fire.

The situation in Pokrovsk is critical. As Russian forces advance into the city at a staggering cost, the strategic hinge of western Donetsk is becoming a meat grinder. In this Kyiv Post interview, former U.S. Navy SEAL Chuck Pfarrer gives Jason Smart his brutal assessment about this battle: Russia is gaining ground, but at what price? It is a price too high for Russia to bear.The discussion focuses on the unsustainable losses in Russian vehicles and personnel, and the hard choices Ukraine now faces. Pfarrer assesses why Russia, previously, was willing to pay in blood for Pokrovsk - its rail links, road hubs, and strategic value - and how Ukrainian drone warfare and counter-battery fire are exacting a massive toll for every street. Moreover, now that the city has been largely destroyed - what does Russia really gain?Pfarrer also examines the Russian tactics, the stress on Ukrainian air defense, and the operational tempo of these high-loss assaults. This is not a victory, but a brutal battle of attrition. Beyond the front, European enforcement on Russia’s shadow fleet and the tightening of financial channels raise friction and cost for the Kremlin’s war machine, aligning pressure at sea and on land. This analysis connects the tactical fight for Pokrovsk to the broader strategic and economic war. Viewers will get a clear-eyed read on the high-cost, low-gain nature of Russia's advance, how Ukrainian tactics are adapting under pressure, and the strategic implications of this fight for the rest of the Donbas. This is an evidence-driven briefing for those who want facts, not headlines, to get the truth of what is now transpiring in eastern Ukraine.

Are the red lines that are put on Ukraine, to prevent it from "provoking Russia," doing the job they are intended to do? Or do they give Putin an advantage in the war that he, without provocation, started? Chuck Pfarrer, one of America's most renowned and respected military authors and analysts, discusses with Kyiv Post's Jason Jay Smart why the current restrictions put on Kyiv, specifically, will change the outcome of the war. Pfarrer, having been a former Squadron Leader of SEAL Team 6, explains why the failure of Russia's attempted attack is indicative of larger, systematic problems within the Russian military. Russia, time and again, fails to make significant headway in Ukraine as it tries to face down not only Ukrainian soldiers, but its own Russian troops who are becoming increasingly unwilling to become cannon fodder. As the war progresses, Russian morale will only further fall, leading to larger organizational problems within their faltering military.

Chuck Pfarrer, one of America's most renowned and respected military authors and analysts, discusses with Kyiv Post's Jason Jay Smart why Russia is showing all of the signs of having fallen into a quagmire with no strategy or hope of being able to get out. Pfarrer, having been a former Squadron Leader of SEAL Team 6, explains why the failure of Russia's attempted attack is indicative of larger, systematic problems within the Russian military. Russia, time and again, fails to make significant headway in Ukraine as it tries to face down not only Ukrainian soldiers but its own Russian troops who are becoming increasingly unwilling to become cannon fodder. As the war progresses, Russian morale will only further fall, leading to larger organizational problems within their faltering military.  Pfarrer, who has advised numerous US national security agencies and is a leading figure in the analysis of the war in Ukraine, is a new special correspondent for the Kyiv Post. Here, he explains why Russia’s losses so far have been disastrous and why an abysmal summer awaits the Kremlin. Russia fundamentally lacks the soldier-scholar model of officer leadership that would allow it to process why it is losing and to devise solutions. Instead, Russia will continue to just bleed itself dry.

Gen. Ben Hodges says that Vladimir Putin "should be looking at the disaster he has on his hands in the Kursk Region of Russia and the total ineptitude of his military. It is so bad, says the experienced General, that he sees no way that a Russian military leader could seriously hope that they will conquer all of Ukraine.  In fact, Russia not being able to expel Ukraine from the Kursk Region of Russia is indicative of much larger problems within the Russian military that are compounding by the day, Gen. Hodges explains to Kyiv Post's Jason Jay Smart.

Estefania Melendez, who served as the interim (opposition to Maduro) government of Venezuela's Ambassador to Bulgaria, explains to Kyiv Post's Jason Smart why the Maduro-Putin alliance is so important, and what impact a revolution in Caracas could have on Ukraine' fight for freedom. Today, the regime of Nicolas Maduro, who has led Venezuela with an iron fist since taking power following the death of his predecessor-dictator Hugo Chavez, is on thin ice as protests have spread around the country due to election results that the international community has denounced as fabricated. Despite domestic and international pressure, Maduro has promised to grasp to the Office of the President while police have begun to abandon their equipment and uniforms, absconding to prevent being lynched by Venezuelan citizens who refuse to suffer further oppression by a regime that does not represent them. Maduro, himself a former bus driver and union activist, is currently wanted by the United States' Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on charges of "narco-terrorism, conspiracy to import cocaine, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices." According to the  FBI, Maduro racked up these charges while helping "manage, and ultimately, lead the Cartel of the Suns, a Venezuelan drug-trafficking organization comprised of high-ranking Venezuelan officials, as he gained power in Venezuela in a corrupt and violent narco-terrorism conspiracy with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization."

Jake Broe is well known, to those who follow Ukraine's war against Russian aggression, for his dynamic, interesting, and accurate analysis of what is transpiring in Russia's war against Ukraine. Through his battlefield map updates and articulate explanations, the war commentator has developed a strong following that regularly checks in to see what he thinks will happen next.  Broe explains what internal pressures Russia is now facing that could well lead the world's largest country to a brutal defeat.  Broe gives his candid analysis about what outcome the Kremlin is hoping to see, following this November's presidential election in the United States, and expresses why he is a strong supporter of Vice President Kamala Harris, despite the arguments that some Ukraine supporters, who back Trump, make to argue that the former President would do a better job of helping Ukraine to win. Formerly, Broe was a Nuclear and Missile Operations Officer in the United States Air Force for six years where he was in charge of the operations, maintenance, and security of the Minute Man III intercontinental ballistic missile system. 

In the new episode of Talking Substance, host Alina Hrytsenko discusses the future of Ukraine with Ukrainian lawmaker Oleksiy Honcharenko. Together, they delve into the pivotal outcomes of the recent NATO summit, the potential repercussions of the upcoming US elections, and the strategic approaches necessary for Ukraine to secure victory in the ongoing war. Join us for a profound and insightful conversation that navigates the complexities and aspirations shaping Ukraine's path forward.

In the new episode of Talking Substance host Alina Hrytsenko discusses the following with renowned Argentine journalist and TV-presenter Carolina Amoroso: How is the Russia-Ukraine war viewed in Latin America, and what are the different positions and narratives there? What is the impact of Russian propaganda? How is the battle for influence in Latin America progressing? Argentina's role? Tune in for an insightful discussion that unpacks the regional dynamics and the broader implications for global politics.

In this new episode of ”Talking Substance” host Alina Hrytsenko talks to Dr Hanna Shelest, ”Ukrainian Prism” expert, editor-in-Chief of UA: Ukraine Analytica. They discuss how Ukraine is adapting its diplomacy during war. Dr. Shelest provides insights into the challenges and strategies of Ukrainian diplomats as they navigate the complexities of international relations amid ongoing war. Join us for an engaging discussion on the evolving landscape of Ukrainian diplomacy and the pivotal role it plays in the country's fight for sovereignty and peace.

In this new episode of Talking Substance host Alina Hrytsenko talks to Lieutenant-Geneal (Ret) Ben Hodges, ex-commanding general United States Army Europe. The discussion is dedicated to assessing the current developments of the frontline, and future scenarios of the war and searches for an answer to the question: what if Russia wins?

In this new episode of Talking Substance host Alina Hrytsenko talks to Michael Bociurkiw, a global affairs analyst, prominent journalist, Atlantic Council senior fellow, who has an extensive experience of working in international organisations. They talk about current political developments in Europe which were mainly caused by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Starting with President Macron’s aspirations for “sovereign Europe” and Germany’s reform of Bundeswehr and why countries are arming to future peacebuiliding process in Ukraine.

In this new episode of Talking Substance host Alina Hrytsenko talks to Valeriy Yakovenko, co-founder of DroneUA, an international system integrator of unmanned solutions. It is one of the most innovative enterprises in Ukraine. Their discussion focuses on drones and robotics, and how new technology affects our lives, both as civilians and on the battlefield.

In this new episode of "Talking Substance" host Alina Hrytsenko and Dr Omar Ashour, Professor of Security & Military Studies at the Doha Institute, Director of Strategic Studies at the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies, delves into the intricate dynamics between the Middle East and the Russian-Ukrainian War. This episode sheds light on the multifaceted relationships, geopolitical implications, and regional reverberations resulting from the ongoing conflict.

In the new episode of Talking Substance, host Alina Hrytsenko discusses current developments in the Russo-Ukrainian war with our guest, Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Glen Grant, an ex-British Army officer, who worked as an advisor to Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense, as a member of its Reform Office, and in General Staff reform committees and working groups. He is currently a defense analyst at the Baltic Security Foundation. The discussants analyze the latest actions of the Ukrainian and Russian leadership, identifying problematic issues and reflecting on the potential direction of the war. What's going to happen next? Is Europe moving towards a full-scale war with Russia? Will Moscow use nuclear weapons? This and more in our latest episode.

In this new episode of Talking Substance, host Alina Hrytsenko talks to Iliya Kusa, an analyst at the Ukrainian Institute for the Future, and illustrious expert on Middle East affairs, about the latest developments in this volatile region. The discussion covers the roots of the Israel-Iran confrontation and possible outcomes. Why did Iran decide on a direct attack on Israel? What has Israel's position been? What next? What are the broader geopolitical implications? This and more in our new episode. More stories on our site: https://www.kyivpost.com

In this new episode of Talking Substance, host Alina Hrytsenko speaks with guest Jock Mendoza-Wilson, Joint Chairman of the British Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce (BUCC) and Director of International and Investor Relations at System Capital Management, about Ukraine’s trade issues with the EU, its energy infrastructure protection, and its future guarantees. Their broad-ranging discussion touches on the current tensions with Poland against the background of the farmers’ revolt in the EU, and the further development of Ukraine’s agricultural trade with its European counterparts. They also discuss potential investments and how Ukraine can raise and secure foreign capital during a full-scale war, Russia’s attacks on critical infrastructure, and how Ukraine can secure its energy system with renewables. Additionally, they explore further security guarantees for Ukraine’s economy and defense sectors and more. More stories on our site: https://www.kyivpost.com

Kyiv Post welcomes former Australian parliamentarian Michael Danby, who is now a Sky News Australian commentator, about how the international media sees Russia's war against Ukraine.

In the premiere episode of Talking Substance, filmed on the eve of the second-year anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, host Yulia Mel'nyk  @Yewleea  speaks with guest Peter Dickinson, a veteran British journalist based in Kyiv, Editor of the Atlantic Council's Ukraine Alert Service, Business Ukraine and Lviv Today magazines publisher, about what's transpired over the past two years, its significance, and on how it might shape Ukraine's and Europe's future. Their broad-ranging discussion touches on the role the United Kingdom is playing, Germany's evolving position, the effectiveness of the Russian propaganda machine on Ukrainians and Western audiences and how Russia has been fine-tuning its messaging, how foreign journalists have been covering Russia's invasion, the interface of Russian culture with imperialism, Ukraine's recent successes in taking out Russia's Black Sea despite not having a navy, whether the war has reached a stalemate, the role that technology and Western support will play in the Ukrainians' success or failure, and more.