Peace & Power Ukraine

Gary Marx welcomes Steve Yates, Senior Research Fellow for China and National Security at the Heritage Foundation, former White House Deputy Assistant for National Security Affairs, ex-President of Radio Free Asia, and host of the China Desk Podcast on Federal Newswire.  Amid Iran conflict fallout, they discuss Ukraine’s global military relevance: Ukrainian know-how now aiding Middle East allies against Iranian drone/missile swarms. They explore how U.S. awareness of Putin supplying Iran with intelligence (targeting American/allied interests) could reshape Russia-Ukraine peace talks.  The conversation pivots to Russia-China dynamics: historical rivalries, ethnic/civilizational differences, long border anxieties, resource competition in Russia’s Far East, Chinese labor migration tensions, and the fragile “no-limits” partnership (mafia-like self-interest over true alliance). Steve shares China Desk’s origin (Xi-era policy shifts, Federal Newswire launch), growth to nearly 100 episodes, and his path into China studies (accidental language pivot from Spanish to Chinese, NSA entry).  He outlines his advisory role at Heritage: advancing conservative policies for human flourishing, Asian Studies focus, and media commentary on national security. Essential for grasping Ukraine’s strategic edge, authoritarian alliances’ limits, and interconnected global threats.  Subscribe on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify. Visit federalnewswire.com for archives. Follow @TheChinaDesk on X. 00:00:11 - Welcome to Peace and Power Ukraine 00:00:33 - Ukraine's Global Military Relevance Amid Iran Conflict 00:01:00 - Ukrainian Expertise vs. Iranian Drone/Missile Swarms 00:01:26 - Putin Supplying Intel to Iran: Impact on Russia-Ukraine Talks? 00:01:51 - Guest Intro: Steve Yates – Heritage, White House, China Desk 00:02:15 - Origin Story of China Desk Podcast 00:03:05 - New China Approach Under Xi & Policy Rethinking 00:03:49 - Podcast Growth & Federal Newswire Collaboration 00:04:04 - Where to Find China Desk Podcast 00:04:58 - Steve's Path to China Focus: From Spanish to Chinese 00:06:07 - Survival, Love & Language Mastery in Taiwan 00:07:10 - Entering Intelligence Community via NSA 00:08:03 - Big Picture: China-Russia Ties & Ukraine War 00:08:32 - Historical Echoes: Sino-Soviet Split & Geopolitics 00:09:00 - China's Role: Sanctions Evasion, Material Aid, UN Blocking 00:09:32 - Putin & Xi as Unique Leaders: Risks & Intelligence Gaps 00:10:14 - Viewing Regimes as Mafia Enterprises Over Nations 00:10:35 - China's Enabling of Russia's Ukraine Devastation 00:11:04 - Chinese Components in Russian/Iranian Weapons 00:11:56 - Supply Chains: Auto Analogy for Missiles/Drones 00:12:33 - Ukraine's Drone/Anti-Drone Stand & Tech Lessons 00:13:13 - Assessing Tech in Ukraine vs. Iran Conflicts 00:13:53 - Iran Conflict: Rational Lessons for Russia/China 00:14:42 - Puncturing BRICS/Decline Narratives 00:15:12 - Caveat: Rationality Gaps in Moscow/Beijing 00:15:33 - Axis of Aggression Weakening: Venezuela, Iran, Cuba Out 00:16:47 - Russia/China Isolation: Just Them + North Korea? 00:17:30 - India/Middle East Neighbors Rethinking Alliances 00:18:06 - Ukraine's View: Russia as Weak Partner for China 00:18:42 - China's Calculus: Bilateral World vs. West 00:19:01 - Chinese Views: No Gain in Distancing from Russia 00:19:55 - Post-Conflict: Don't Let China Profit from Reconstruction 00:20:59 - Axis Failures: No Aid to Syria/Venezuela/Iran 00:21:25 - Impact on Potential Partners' Trust 00:22:09 - Positive Shift: Abraham Accords, India Betting on West 00:22:51 - U.S. Energy Dominance & Sanctions Leverage 00:23:18 - Choke Points: U.S. Card Over China 00:23:42 - Rational China Cooling Jets on Regional Fights 00:24:03 - Russia/China History: Communist Splits & Marriages of Convenience 00:24:42 - Civilizational Distrust: Ethnic, Border, Resource Tensions 00:25:20 - Eurasian Divide: Russia European, China Asian 00:25:40 - Far East Labor Migration & Exploitation Concerns 00:26:04 - Historical Rivalries & Junior Partner Dynamics 00:26:47 - Steve at Heritage: Advisory Role & Policy Advocacy 00:27:47 - Heritage Focus: Conservative Human Flourishing 00:28:20 - Asian Studies, Media Commentary & National Security 00:28:44 - Where to Find Steve: heritage.org & @SteveYates on X 00:29:25 - One Key Takeaway: Cross-Fertilization of Themes 00:29:53 - Closing: Like, Subscribe, Share & Support Federal Newswire Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@PeacePower_FNW

What role do faith, family, and democratic values play in Ukraine’s fight against authoritarian aggression? In this episode of Peace and Power Ukraine, host Gary Marx is joined by Velentyna Pavsyukova and Yana Matviichuk, co-founders of the Research Institute of Saint Sophia, to discuss how Ukraine’s war with Russia is shaping the country’s identity, values, and future. Pavsyukova explains that one of the institute’s central goals is helping Americans better understand Ukraine as a country rooted in faith, family, and traditional values—something often misunderstood due to Russian propaganda and misinformation. The conversation explores how the war has strained Ukrainian society, separating families as millions of refugees fled the country while fathers remained behind to defend the nation. Pavsyukova shares how her humanitarian organization Chalice of Mercy has delivered hundreds of millions of dollars in medical supplies and aid to hospitals, soldiers, and civilians across Ukraine since the start of the war. Matviichuk also outlines the geopolitical stakes of the conflict, arguing that Ukraine’s war is part of a broader global struggle between democratic nations and authoritarian regimes. She explains that emotional appeals alone are no longer enough—Western leaders must understand the pragmatic strategic interests at stake if democracy is to prevail. The episode also examines how Ukraine’s battlefield experience—from drone warfare to medical logistics—has created new expertise that Ukraine can share with allies. As the war reshapes global security dynamics, Pavsyukova and Matviichuk argue that Ukraine is not merely seeking aid but offering partnership in defending the free world. 00:00 — Introduction and guest introductions 00:39 — Velentyna Pavsyukova and Yana Matviichuk join the podcast 01:30 — Founding the Research Institute of Saint Sophia 02:08 — Countering Russian propaganda about Ukraine 03:48 — Faith, family, and Ukrainian values 04:51 — The meaning of Saint Sophia in Ukrainian history 06:34 — Advocacy efforts during Ukraine Week in Washington 07:08 — Chalice of Mercy and defending the dignity of life 08:59 — Delivering humanitarian aid and medical supplies to Ukraine 10:21 — Ukraine’s battlefield experience and drone warfare 11:38 — Lobbying policymakers and explaining Ukraine’s strategy 18:41 — Why emotional arguments are no longer enough 19:17 — Ukraine’s war as a global struggle between democracy and authoritarianism 21:07 — The geopolitical impact of conflicts in Ukraine and Iran Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@PeacePower_FNW

Where does Ukraine support really stand on Capitol Hill right now? In this episode of Peace and Power Ukraine, Daniel Vaynshteyn — Associate Director of Government Relations at FDD Action and former Capitol Hill legislative director — breaks down the real state of U.S. support for Ukraine. From bipartisan sanctions efforts to partisan gridlock over tariff authority, Vaynshteyn gives a behind-the-scenes look at how Congress is navigating the war in its fifth year. He explains why support for stronger sanctions on Russia remains high across party lines, why legislation can stall even with overwhelming co-sponsors, and how must-pass vehicles like the National Defense Authorization Act are becoming key pathways for advancing Ukraine policy. The conversation also explores: The “axis of aggressors” — Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea Why sanctions packages with 80+ co-sponsors can still stall The role of NATO’s 5% defense spending push The Trump administration’s “peace through strength” approach Melania Trump’s efforts to return abducted Ukrainian children Why Ukraine is not a charity case — but a strategic military ally What the U.S. can learn from Ukraine’s battlefield innovation Vaynshteyn also reflects on his personal connection to Ukraine — his father emigrated from Kyiv in 1991 — and why the fight for Ukrainian sovereignty is both strategic and deeply personal. As Ukraine develops long-range missile capabilities and continues pushing back Russian forces, this episode asks a critical question: Can the United States help secure a durable peace — and what would it take to make it last? 00:00 — Season 2 opening and introduction 00:57 — Daniel Vaynshteyn’s background and FDD Action 03:20 — The “axis of aggressors” explained 05:15 — Where Ukraine support stands in Congress (6–7 out of 10) 07:29 — Why bipartisan sanctions bills stall 10:02 — NDAA and appropriations as vehicles for Ukraine support 14:32 — Election season and legislative slowdown 16:30 — State of the Union and NATO’s 5% defense push 18:22 — Air defenses and protecting Ukrainian civilians 22:32 — Ukraine’s 900-mile missile strike inside Russia 23:39 — Ukraine as strategic ally, not charity case 29:02 — Can Trump broker peace? 31:22 — Security guarantees and deterrence 33:12 — Personal connection to Ukraine and family roots #DanielVaynshteyn #PeaceAndPowerUkraine #UkraineWar #RussiaUkraineWar #CapitolHill #USCongress #SanctionsOnRussia #NDAA #NationalSecurity #ForeignPolicy #NATO #AxisOfAggressors #Geopolitics #TransatlanticAlliance #UkraineVictory #DefensePolicy #MilitaryInnovation #SupportUkraine #USUkraineRelations #PeaceThroughStrength   Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@PeacePower_FNW

Season 2 begins with a wide-ranging conversation on Ukraine’s resilience, Russia’s Soviet-era legacy, and what the West must do next. Host Gary Marx is joined by Eric Patterson—President & CEO of the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation—to reflect on a powerful moment in Kyiv in late 2024, when a Ukrainian military band played in a train station as civilians stopped to sing along, a reminder of Ukraine’s cultural identity and resolve in the face of relentless war. Patterson unpacks how Putin’s Russia still reflects authoritarian instincts shaped by communist-era tactics—control of information, intimidation of minorities, and aggression toward neighbors—while also exploring why Ukraine’s national identity and westward orientation remain such a threat to Moscow. The discussion then turns to the Munich Security Conference and Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s speech, including debates over Europe’s defense capacity, civilizational confidence, and the future of the transatlantic alliance. Finally, they assess the state of peace efforts, the absence of clear Russian concessions, and how Ukraine connects to a broader global competition stretching from Iran to Taiwan and beyond. 00:00 Season 2 launch + guest intro 02:25 Kyiv train-station moment: music + morale 05:27 Victims of Communism Museum + exhibit highlights 08:55 Putin, communism’s legacy, and authoritarian tactics 13:10 Munich + Rubio’s speech: alliance, identity, energy, defense 28:10 Peace talks + Russian concessions (or lack thereof) 31:16 The global “multi-level chessboard” framing Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@PeacePower_FNW

In this episode of Peace & Power Ukraine, host Gary Marx sits down with combat medic and defense-tech strategist Viktoria Honcharuk to discuss the evolving realities of the war in Ukraine — from frontline medical evacuations to the rise of drone warfare and the future of NATO strategy. Viktoria shares her journey from Wall Street banking to serving on the front lines, offering a rare perspective on how modern warfare is changing in real time. The conversation explores battlefield innovation, Ukraine’s layered air-defense strategies, the growing role of unmanned systems, and why Ukrainian military experience is reshaping global security thinking. Drawing on firsthand experience and policy analysis, this episode examines how technology, strategy, and resilience intersect in one of the most consequential conflicts of the modern era. Listeners will gain insight into evolving tactics, the challenges of evacuation under drone threat, and the broader geopolitical implications of Ukraine’s fight. If you’re interested in foreign policy, defense innovation, and the future of global security, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@PeacePower_FNW

In this episode of Peace and Power Ukraine, host Gary Marx speaks with policy expert Mykola Murskyj about the ongoing war in Ukraine, Russian strategic goals, and the realities behind current peace negotiations. Drawing from recent travel inside Ukraine, Murskyj discusses civilian resilience, energy infrastructure attacks, economic pressures driving the conflict, and debates around military aid, sanctions, and diplomacy.The conversation explores the historical roots of Russian imperial thinking, the role of international policy, and the human impact of war — including infrastructure damage, displacement, and the controversy surrounding Ukrainian children transferred into Russian systems. The discussion also touches on U.S. policy decisions, sanctions on Russian oil, intelligence sharing, and broader geopolitical implications.This interview offers a policy-focused perspective on the Ukraine-Russia conflict, examining how strategy, ideology, economics, and diplomacy intersect in one of the defining geopolitical struggles of the modern era. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@PeacePower_FNW

In this powerful episode of Peace and Power Ukraine, host Gary Marx welcomes back Diyana Gabyak—entrepreneur, spiritual leader, and key organizer of Ukrainian Week 2026 in Washington, DC. Together, they reflect on the brutal realities facing Ukrainians this winter, from energy shortages to missile attacks, and discuss the spiritual, moral, and geopolitical dimensions of the ongoing war. Diyana shares firsthand stories from her recent trip to Ukraine, previews major events during the upcoming Ukrainian Week, and offers a stirring call for American Christians to engage in advocacy rooted in dignity and faith. Tune in for a timely, emotional, and forward-looking conversation on justice, resilience, and unity. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@PeacePower_FNW

In this episode of Peace and Power: Ukraine, host Gary Marx is joined by Natalia Shapoval, President of the KSE Institute and visiting scholar at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, for a deep, policy-focused discussion on Ukraine’s economic survival amid war.The conversation explores the fallout from the World Economic Forum in Davos, including President Zelensky’s warnings to Europe, the growing importance of sanctions enforcement, and the strategic targeting of Russia’s shadow oil fleet. Shapoval explains why physical enforcement—not just paper sanctions—is essential to cutting off Russia’s war financing, and how new U.S. and European actions against Russian energy exports could mark a turning point.The episode also examines proposed secondary sanctions, including U.S. legislation that would penalize countries continuing to buy Russian oil, and how global actors like China, India, and Turkey factor into the economic calculus of the war. Beyond geopolitics, Shapoval shares firsthand insight into daily life in Kyiv during winter missile attacks, energy shortages, and how universities and communities are adapting to survive.Finally, the discussion turns to reconstruction, accountability, and human rights—why documenting war damage matters now, and why holding Russia responsible is essential to preventing future wars.This episode offers a grounded, unscripted look at the intersection of sanctions policy, energy security, and Ukraine’s long-term resilience. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@PeacePower_FNW

Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov joins Peace and Power Ukraine for a wide-ranging, firsthand discussion on the war with Russia, Western military aid, sanctions, and the realities of negotiating with an autocratic regime. Drawing on his experience leading Ukraine’s defense during the opening phase of the full-scale invasion, Reznikov explains how Ukraine secured advanced weapons systems once deemed “impossible,” why Russia only responds to strength, and how sanctions can force meaningful negotiations.The conversation explores Ukraine’s winter resilience amid attacks on energy infrastructure, the role of NATO allies and the Ramstein format, security guarantees for Europe, and why Ukraine will never concede occupied territory. Reznikov also reflects on leadership under pressure, civil-military control, faith and morale in wartime, and why this year represents a narrow but real window for peace—if the West acts decisively. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@PeacePower_FNW

In this on-the-ground interview from Kyiv, Ukrainian pastor and military chaplain Mark Serguyev shares how faith communities are growing during wartime, baptizing soldiers at the front, supporting veterans and families, and rebuilding church life after Russian missile attacks destroyed his home twice. The conversation explores religious unity, resilience under fire, and how churches are becoming centers of healing, worship, and community even as Ukraine faces daily drone strikes, power outages, and ongoing war with Russia. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@PeacePower_FNW

In this episode of Peace and Power: Ukraine, host Gary Marx sits down in Kyiv with Ukrainian youth delegates Yan Ruzhitskyi and Vitalina Shevchenko to discuss war, diplomacy, and the future of peace. From United Nations advocacy and confronting Russian aggression to humanitarian demining and the generational cost of war, these emerging leaders explain why Ukraine seeks not just peace, but lasting security with dignity. A firsthand conversation about resilience, sovereignty, and why Ukraine is not only a recipient of aid—but a global partner shaping the future of international diplomacy. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@PeacePower_FNW

In this episode of Peace and Power: Ukraine, host Gary Marx speaks with Larry Provost, a 26-year U.S. Army veteran, conservative columnist, and defense policy analyst, about the war in Ukraine, Russia’s weakening position, and why a Ukrainian victory makes moral, strategic, and economic sense. Drawing on personal family ties to Eastern Europe, Provost explains how Baltic states view the conflict, why “half-measures” peace deals fail, how Russia’s economy and propaganda machine are faltering, and why Reagan-era conservatism would firmly stand with Ukraine today. A grounded discussion on geopolitics, faith, deterrence, and what’s truly at stake for Western civilization. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@PeacePower_FNW

In this in-depth interview, Kyiv Independent editor Liliane Bivings breaks down the biggest issues shaping Ukraine right now — from the sweeping corruption scandal inside the state-run nuclear energy sector to the growing energy crisis, the political fallout from ministerial resignations, and the high-stakes 28-point peace proposal linked to the Trump administration. She explains how Ukrainians view these challenges, why dignity remains central to any peace deal, and how Europe and the U.S. are responding. A forward-looking, on-the-ground look at war, policy, and the future of Ukraine. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@PeacePower_FNW

A candid and powerful conversation with Tymofiy Mylovanov — president of the Kyiv School of Economics, former Minister of Economic Development, and one of Ukraine’s leading policy voices. In this interview, he breaks down KSE’s explosive growth during the war, the battle against corruption, why he resigned from key supervisory boards, and how Ukraine should interpret the controversial U.S.–Russia “peace plan.” A grounded look at leadership, accountability, and Ukraine’s path forward in the middle of history. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@PeacePower_FNW

In this exclusive conversation from Kyiv, Ukrainian parliamentary majority leader David Arakhamia breaks down the real state of the war—from Russia’s escalating drone attacks to the economic pressure Ukraine is placing deep inside Russian territory. Arakhamia discusses winter readiness, corruption crackdowns, U.S. security guarantees, the new 28-point peace plan, and why dignity—not surrender—defines Ukraine’s negotiating stance.This interview offers rare insight into how Ukraine views the shifting political landscape in Washington, the future of U.S.–Ukraine cooperation under a potential Trump return, and what it will take to force Vladimir Putin toward a real peace settlement. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@PeacePower_FNW

A riveting on-the-ground conversation with Steven Moore—founder of the Ukrainian Freedom Project—speaking live from Kyiv about why Russia is losing strategically, how Ukrainian forces are dismantling Putin’s military and oil infrastructure, and why the Kremlin is kidnapping Ukrainian children to solve its own population crisis. Moore breaks down the true state of the war, the failures of Russian propaganda in the West, the rising coordination between Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea, and what Americans need to understand about the stakes of this conflict. A clear, unfiltered look at a war reshaping the future of global security. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@PeacePower_FNW

In this powerful episode of Peace and Power Ukraine, former Miss Ukraine and global advocate Lika Roman shares an unfiltered look at Ukraine’s struggle for survival — from the 20,000+ children abducted by Russian forces to the persecution of pastors, the courage of frontline soldiers, and the quiet heroism happening in refugee camps across Europe. Roman discusses her meetings on Capitol Hill, the faith-driven movement pushing for action, miraculous stories from the earliest days of the invasion, and why Ukraine’s fight is about family, dignity, and the values that have defined free nations for generations. A compelling conversation for anyone seeking clarity, humanity, and hope in a brutal war. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@PeacePower_FNW

In this episode of Peace and Power Ukraine, host Gary Marx speaks with Meaghan Mobbs — combat veteran, psychologist, and president of the RT Weatherman Foundation — about her 27 trips to Ukraine and the vital humanitarian and military logistics efforts her team leads on the ground. From training medics and identifying fallen soldiers to challenging isolationism and defending moral clarity in global affairs, Mobbs argues that supporting Ukraine isn’t just strategic — it’s fundamentally American. Hear her insights on NATO’s evolving role, the failures of the UN, Trump’s foreign policy instincts, and why peace demands strength and faith in shared democratic values. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@PeacePower_FNW

In this episode of Peace and Power: Ukraine, host Gary Marx speaks with Diyana Gabyak—a Ukrainian-American entrepreneur, worship leader, and advocate—about her journey from Ukraine to the U.S., her deep faith, and her mission to unite both nations through Ukrainian Week 2026. Gabyak shares her powerful perspective on faith-driven leadership, Ukraine’s role as the “Bible Belt of Europe,” and why she believes Christian values must guide public life in America and abroad. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@PeacePower_FNW

Former Reagan advisor and founder of the Institute of World Politics, John Lenczowski, joins Peace and Power Ukraine to discuss how information warfare, moral clarity, and America’s founding principles can guide today’s fight for freedom. From Reagan-era active measures to modern psychological operations, he outlines how truth—not just missiles—can defeat authoritarian regimes. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@PeacePower_FNW