Эфир Delfi с Михаилом Подоляком: крушение ИЛ-76, расследование, активы РФ, Джонсон и Трамп, Надеждин

Summary

The transcript covers various global news topics including Putin's surprise visit to Kaliningrad, the crash of a Russian military transport plane allegedly carrying Ukrainian POWs, EU plans to transfer funds from frozen Russian assets to Ukraine, and protests erupting in Russian republics like Bashkortostan and Yakutia. The guests discuss Russia's return to aggressive rhetoric, the pragmatism driving leaders like Orban and Fico, whether frozen Russian assets should help rebuild Ukraine's economy, and predictions that Russia is unlikely to start a war with NATO next year despite growing risks.

Takeaways

• 👨‍💼 Putin secretly visited Kaliningrad, near Lithuania, but denies geopolitical intentions behind the trip.
• 💥 A Russian military transport plane crashed in Belgorod, with Ukraine demanding an international investigation.
• 🇺🇦 Ukraine wants to establish facts about the plane crash and the fate of Ukrainian POWs reportedly on board.
• 🚜 Farmers are protesting in Vilnius, Lithuania, demanding the authorities meet their commitments.
• 🌎 Slovakia's and Hungary's pragmatic stances stem from perceived benefits of cooperating with the EU and Ukraine.
• ⛔ Dialogue is futile with countries openly disregarding international law, like Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
• 💰 The EU may use frozen Russian assets worth billions to support Ukraine's reconstruction on the war anniversary.
• 🤝 Despite opposing views, dialogues with EU members Hungary and Slovakia are essential for mutual understanding.
• 💥 Ukraine sees Russia's irresponsible actions behind the plane crash as a deliberate threat to captive lives.
• 👥 NATO allies are preparing citizen armies, not relying on small professional militaries, to deter Russian threats.

Q & A

What was the purpose of Putin's visit to Kaliningrad?

The Kremlin spokesperson said it was part of Putin's regular domestic work schedule and not meant to send any message to NATO countries. However, some publications suggested Kaliningrad could serve as a foothold for attacks on NATO.

What does Ukraine insist on regarding the downed Il-76 plane?

Ukraine insists on an international investigation of the plane crash in Russia's Belgorod region that was allegedly carrying Ukrainian POWs. President Zelenskyy has instructed the foreign minister to inform partners of any information Ukraine possesses about the circumstances.

What did the Chief of the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine confirm about the downed plane?

The intelligence chief confirmed that a POW exchange had been planned for that day. He also said Ukraine fulfilled all obligations regarding the safety of Russian POWs, but was not informed of the plan to transport Ukrainian POWs by plane to the exchange point.

How did the meeting between Slovak PM Heger and Ukrainian PM Shmyhal go?

The meeting organized by Shmyhal went well. Clear pragmatic points were made, beneficial cooperation programs for Slovakia regarding support for Ukraine were discussed.

What are Heger's and Orbán's stances driven by?

Pragmatism - they aim to secure benefits for their own countries from European programs and cooperation with Ukraine.

What is being done with Russia's frozen assets abroad?

The process of unfreezing Russia's sovereign assets worth $280 billion and private assets worth $58 billion has begun. The goal is to direct funds to help compensate Ukraine's budget deficit and rebuilding efforts.

Why should Russia's frozen assets be used to help Ukraine?

Because Russia has effectively nullified its participation in international law by invading Ukraine. It has relinquished rights to protection of its interests and should pay immediately for the damage it has caused.

What was the goal of Russia's large-scale destruction of Ukraine's infrastructure?

It seems to have been a deliberate strategy to cause a sharp budget deficit for Ukraine by destroying economic infrastructure on a massive scale.

What needs to be done to Russia in addition to unfreezing its foreign assets?

Russia needs to face total international isolation, including through sanctions that cut it off from the global economic system.

Can negotiations with Russia resolve anything constructively?

No, Russia exploits any dialogue to increase pressure and domination. It violates any agreements when it sees fit, so talks are futile.