Zelensky confronts Orban ahead of crucial US visit | Ukraine: The Latest | Podcast

Day 654. Today, we bring you the latest news from Ukraine, discuss a packed round of international diplomacy as Volodymyr Zelensky confronts Victor Orban in Argentina and hear why rising egg prices heralds domestic problems in Russia.

Contributors:
David Knowles (Head of Audio Development). @DJKnowles22 on Twitter.
James Kilner (Editor, Central Asia & South Caucasus Bulletin). @JKJourno on Twitter.
Dom Nicholls (Associate Editor, Defence). @DomNicholls on Twitter.
Tony Diver (US Editor). @Tony_Diver on Twitter.

[hhKJgfMarzthP]

As a taxpayer of a EU country that contributes quite a lot to the EU budget I must say I'm very frustrated at the conduct of the Hungarian prime minister Orban. Beside the apparent security concerns, our money goes to the country that publicly opposes the fundamental rules and principles the Union is based on. Maybe it would be best if we let Hungarians go their own way and make room for some other nation that actually wants to be a part of our Union.

[ahr]

I LOVE that Zalenski got in Orbams face. I so desperately want to believe he told orban, "..when I'm done with putin, we're gonna have a long talk in a locked room...". 🤨
I wish he could run for our Presidency! A hard working leader with a backbone..what a concept.
Slava Ukraini
🇺🇲❤️🇺🇦

[zamdrist]

Listening in from across the pond here (US). The quality reporting coming out of this outfit is flat out impressive! It is sad things seem to being going rougher for the Ukrainians, very sad. As an American I very much support continuing the aid to Ukraine and is distresses me it might not continue! Frankly Israel can take of itself. Eastern Europe needs to remain the lion's share of focus.

[marymcfarlane]

As an American I fully support Ukraine at all cost. Putin is not our friend and would gladly join other dictators against the West.

[SeemoreDunkan]

Orban needs to get booted out of the EU and NATO or at least feel like it can happen.. We cannot have Russian actors inside the EU or NATO. Or.. change the rules: Majority rules 👍👍

[hrvojesvetec]

Ukraine should check with Sweden abt Combat Boat 90(stridsbåt 90)..its smaller fast boat:soeed 40knots
Crew 2-3
Passengers 18
Arm. 3 x 12, 7mm and 4 mines
Balistic protection
Sweden using them for moving troops and gear, special ops..most in the archipelago..belive these boats wouid be nice for Ukraine, down south..👍👍🇸🇪🇺🇦

[anneli]

Shame on Republican disruption. This is America first without any responsibility for common security.😡

[hrvojesvetec]

Those polish, slovak truckers, well not the truckers them self but the OWNERS of big firms are well connected with Far Right movements in Russia, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary..its not a secret, polish truckers witnes that FSB is paying for the blockade

[Brolli]

Hopefully all this controversy will make member nations of NATO and the EU re-evaluate the consequence of rogue member actions. This has highlighted the drawbacks of unanimous voting blocs and that once countries are in these treaty organizations then they can just do whatever they want. A number of proposed changes:

1) For the EU, in times of existential threat to the existence of the bloc they will forgo unanimous decision voting and instead vote on a 2/3rds majority for decisions regarding security.

2) Member nations of both organizations must undergo a third party audit every two years to ensure the democratic principles required for membership when they first joined are being maintained. If not, they are put in a two year probationary period in which they may vote but they may not veto. If the reforms are not put in place their membership privileges besides Article 5 will be suspended.

3) All countries MUST reach the 2% defense spending requirement or else they will also be put in a probationary status. They have two years to reach 2% or else their NATO privileges will be suspended except article 5. If they still do not reach the minimum in another two years they will be removed from the Alliance.

[oitzingerpeter]

The Ukrainian brigades in Avdiivka are taking absolutely horrible losses now, and many are refusing to fight.

[Michael.Freeman]

My god, it is so true 😮. Dont want this transition phase but knew it had to happen. 😢 . We need to focus on getting thru what needs to be done & get on the other side of this. Thanks for sending baby XOX

[antonycoghlan]

Massive respect to Ukraines president massively respect that man ❤❤❤❤❤

[briguylor]

Great to hear that Ivan is having a hard time funding his morning omelette! Well done the UK and Norway for providing naval resources to support Ukraine in the Black Sea. Finally Europe indeed, must step up it's support for Ukraine and it's own defence. A positive result of this would be to silence the US Maga cult's criticisms at least on this issue.

[bullerfnis]

Another thing about the countries who are so afraid of letting Ukraine getting into EU it is not gonna happen straight away. It is going to be a long procedure and can take 5 to 10 years if not more so at the moment, we should concentrate as European countries to help Ukraine, financial in their war effort to manage as a first priority.

[edwardbrowne]

~ 26 minutes, not particularly pacific (rather than specific), fun little Freudian slip and also very true.

[eleftherimarousis]

This guy is hilarious what a big liar where does he get his information

[blairmcian]

Orban seems to be like the other "strongmen, " understands only power/pressure. Jawboning him is useless unless it includes a carrot or even better a big stick.

[goldenoriolesilverbirch]

I understand that this podcast supports Ukraine & wants to 'keep spirits up, ' but the section near the beginning about recent military developments simply repeats Kiev's propoganda. A podcast has the time to challenge predictable narratives more thoroughly & insightfully. It would also increase the credibility of the podcast.

[LuciferMornStar]

With the government we have i find it funny as hell that corruption can be made a big issue!

[primalamusica]

Please could The Telegraph explain why Russian assets and frozen money in our countries are not used to pay for the damage Russia caused in Ukraine? The money is just sitting there! This seems so illogical