Charles Kupchan, former European affairs specialist in Obama’s White House joins us to discuss whether a viable security agreement could be brokered that meets Ukraine’s needs without granting them everything they want. Kupchan isn’t entirely pessimistic—but he’s also not holding his breath.

Plus, Trump’s address to Congress was filled with signature moments: a ripped-up protest sign, a joke about annexing Greenland, and a reading of what he deemed an appropriately deferential letter from Zelensky. But in The Spiel, we break down a different highlight—the section where Trump rattled off supposed cost-saving measures, taking aim at everything from Burmese scholarships to circumcision programs in Mozambique.

Produced by Corey Wara

Email us at thegist@mikepesca.com

To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/TheGist

Subscribe to The Gist: https://subscribe.mikepesca.com/

Subscribe to The Gist Youtube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4_bh0wHgk2YfpKf4rg40_g

Subscribe to The Gist Instagram Page: GIST INSTAGRAM

Follow Mikes Substack at: Pesca Profundities | Mike Pesca | Substack

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices