High Stakes with HRC: Trump, Putin, and Washington’s Corruption Crisis: On with Kara Swisher & Hillary Clinton

21 October 2026

Welcome back to High Stakes, a limited series from Kara Swisher and cohost Hillary Clinton. Ten years after Hillary called Trump Putin’s “puppet” on the debate stage, the label is back, and so is the fight over Russia. Corruption is now one of voters’ top concerns. If Dems take the midterms, Kara and the Secretary break down what a Democratic Congress should investigate first. Plus: Hillary looks back on her time as a young lawyer during the Nixon impeachment inquiry, and the two weigh in on Trump’s push to rename New Mexico. Everything you need to prep for midterms, right here. Chapters: 02:17 TRUMP AND RUSSIA SANCTIONS 11:54 MCCONAUGHEY’S PITCH TO INDEPENDENTS 21:42 JD VANCE’S FRAUD PLEDGE 23:17 HOW CORRUPTION AFFECTS VOTERS 40:34 HOW TO GET ACCOUNTABILITY 54:46 FOCUS GROUP 57:13 MIDTERM OUTLOOK

Why is Trump making so many concessions to Russia now? I think it's three things. #HighStakes https://t.co/51tJ1CpMFC

— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) October 23, 2026

#Politics #Trump #Putin - Christiane Amanpour and Alastair Campbell debate Trump envoy calling Putin a "humanitarian": BBC Politics

22 October 2026

President Trump's special envoy calls Vladimir Putin a "humanitarian." Whose side is the US on? Newsnight asks a panel including Alastair Campbell, Christiane Amanpour, ex-UK National Security Advisor Mark Lyall Grant, ex-Conservative Cabinet Minister Thérèse Coffey and ex-US Deputy National Security Advisor K.T McFarland. With Paddy O'Connell. #Politics #Trump #Putin #russia #uspolitics #alastaircampbell #bbc #bbcnews #newsnight

Russia launched three waves of intense missile strikes on the Ukrainian capital just hours after Donald Trump’s top diplomat lavished praise on Vladimir Putin as a “humanitarian.” https://t.co/thqpMzhxxn

— The Daily Beast (@thedailybeast) October 22, 2026

#trump #elonmusk #putin - Trump and Elon Musk turn on each other as Starlink blame game ERUPTS | The Trump Report and Scott Lucas Worldview

22 October 2026

Professor Scott Lucas joins Maddie Hale to discuss Trump's handling of Putin's war, the growing Starlink controversy involving Elon Musk, and JD Vance's defence of Trump's growing wealth. Welcome to the Trump Report, join this channel to get access to perks -    / @presidenttrumpreport  

While voters still have broad confidence in U.S. election systems ahead of the midterms, a new Pew Research poll shows President Donald Trump’s efforts to falsely allege fraud are having an impact. Read more: https://t.co/osaTw2emnb 📸: Kent Nishimura/AFP via Getty Images https://t.co/2agjXPuwN6

— Forbes (@Forbes) October 21, 2026

The top Democratic lawmakers on the congressional intelligence committees said they received an intelligence briefing that Russia has been waging a misinformation campaign against Democrats running in next month's midterm elections https://t.co/2hfnchukoB

— Reuters (@Reuters) October 22, 2026

Trump's DESPERATE Deal with RUSSIA EXPOSED as Democrats DEMAND PROBE: Legal AF

17 October 2026

Sidney Blumenthal and Sean Wilentz interview Michael McFaul, former U.S. ambassador to Russia and author of “Autocrats vs.

Democrats,” about Trump’ s diesel deal with Putin, the secret agreements that Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are making with the Russians that are a reason Trump is pressuring Ukraine’s Zelensky to surrender, Putin’s strategy of divide and conquer being achieved through Trump, and what a new Democratic Congress could do to inform the public beginning with subpoenaing Kushner and Witkoff.

Court of History

🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦 Do you support Ukraine joining NATO?😉 https://t.co/uJptOh47yo

— WW3finalboss (@WW3finalboss) October 18, 2026

#iran #ukraine #russia - Trump Biggest Midterm Issue Is Iran, Not Ukraine: Times Radio

17 October 2026

“[The UK] need to make a case to say: 'Your primary issue here is Iran because [they] are blocking fossil fuel shipments from the Strait of Hormuz.'” Trump’s biggest issue ahead of the midterms is fuel prices, so the UK need Trump to move in the direction of deescalting the conflict in Iran in order to open up the Strait of Hormuz, rather than pressuring Zelensky to stop striking Russian oil refineries, says Labour MP, UK Trade Envoy to Ukraine, and Chair of the Ukraine All-Party Parliamentary Group Alex Sobel.

BREAKING: 🇷🇴 Romanian F-16 pilots have shot down two drones that entered Romanian airspace some minutes ago. According to Romania’s Ministry of National Defence, the drones were intercepted over the Black Sea at around 18:00 local time. https://t.co/f3JdROQFex

— GeoInsider (@InsiderGeo) October 17, 2026

#Ukraine #Russia #US - Gen. Hodges: Ukraine must stop trying to please Washington | Ukraine This Week: TVP WORLD

17 October 2026

In this episode of Ukraine This Week, host Don Arleth is joined by Gen. Ben Hodges (Ret.), former commander of U.S. Army Europe. They discuss the growing strain in relations between Washington and Kyiv, as well as Europe’s increasing responsibility for Ukraine’s defense. Hodges argues that Ukraine is fighting for its survival and shouldn't waste time trying to please the Trump administration. He urges European allies to increase their military and intelligence support. The discussion also addresses concerns about reduced U.S. intelligence sharing, the possibility of lifting sanctions on Russia, and Moscow’s intensifying hybrid attacks on European countries and Black Sea shipping. Hodges also discusses Ukraine’s battlefield adaptations, the impact of strikes on Russia’s oil and gas infrastructure, and the urgent need to strengthen air defense before winter. He concludes that, alongside Canada, Australia, Japan, and other allies, Europe must be prepared to fill the gaps in U.S. support and help ensure Ukraine’s success.

#Ukraine #Russia #US

Sir Richard Branson has accused Donald Trump of being “an appeaser to autocrats and dictators”. The outspoken Virgin Group founder criticised Trump on LinkedIn in response to reports that the US president had blocked Ukraine from the Pentagon’s Starshield system, a critical defensive and battlefield support system. 🔗 https://t.co/XwMrYzPu3T

— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) October 16, 2026

#artetvdocumentary #putin #russia - Oligarchs - Putin's Gang (3/3) The War Chest | ARTE.tv Documentary

15 October 2026

In Russia, a handful of businessmen control the oil and gas sector, serving Vladimir Putin's expansionist plans. Last episode: When Putin annexed Crimea in 2014, Europeans, dependent on Russian energy, were unable to follow the American sanctions. Even today Russian gas is shipped to Europe, the profits of which fund Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Oligarchs - Putin's Gang (3/3) The War Chest | ARTE.tv Documentary 📆 Available until: 15/11/2026 ARTE.tv Documentary 📺 is ARTE.tv's YouTube channel in English, where we share new videos every day, including in-depth documentaries and reports on geopolitics, economy, society, culture, science and the environment 🌎.

#artetvdocumentary #putin #russia

Putins Gang 1/3 

Putins Gang 1/2

Putin's Gang (3/3)

#Zelensky #UrsulaVonDerLeyen #AntónioCosta - ‘Not a Single Minute…’: Zelensky Looks On as Ursula Reveals What Putin Did to Trump’s Ceasefire: Hook Global

16 October 2026

European leaders are sending a firm message to Vladimir Putin as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky joins European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for crucial talks in Brussels. Von der Leyen delivers a pointed assessment of Russia’s response to the proposed energy ceasefire, declaring that Moscow did not respect it “not a single minute.” She argues that Russia’s escalation makes increased pressure essential, ruling out any lifting of sanctions until the war ends. Costa reinforces the EU’s position, insisting that Europe must strengthen its support for Ukraine rather than ease pressure on Moscow. Meanwhile, Zelensky warns that Russia has shown no sign of being ready to end the war and stresses Ukraine’s urgent need for energy assistance, air defence and funding ahead of winter. #Zelensky #UrsulaVonDerLeyen #AntónioCosta #Putin #UkraineWar

America has turned its back on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Do you still stand with him? https://t.co/UPmkJXtnZh

— WW3finalboss (@WW3finalboss) October 15, 2026

#Ukraine #Starlink #ElonMusk - Did Trump and Musk ‘betray’ Zelensky? (and NATO) | BBC News

15 October 2026

President Zelensky has said he feels "betrayed" by President Trump and the US. He believes access to Elon Musk's Starlink Starshield system, which is critical to Ukraine's fight against Russia, was limited. Ukraine said systems have now been restored. But - just how reliant Ukraine and others are on Elon Musk's technology? And are there any alternatives? In this video... 0:38 – What did Zelensky say 1:39 – What is Starlink 2:16 – What is Starshield 2:42 – What are they used for in Ukraine 3:13 – How important is US tech to Ukraine 4:27 – What has Elon Musk said 5:26 – Has the Pentagon responded 6:16 – Are there alternatives to Starlink 7:59 – Is Europe too reliant on US tech 9:11 – What is Trump’s Ukraine strategy #Ukraine #Starlink #ElonMusk #DonaldTrump #Zelensky #BBCNews

In a bizarre turn of events, Trump mega donor Eric Deters has released a video in which he says he has an explosive recorded telephone conversation that will 'bring the entire Trump administration, including Trump, Marco Rubio, Susie Wiles and JD Vance down.' "This might just bring down the entire Trump administration," says Deters. "It also may end the J.D. Vance–Marco Rubio ticket after you hear the phone call that I’m gonna play tomorrow. By the end of tomorrow, I am going to play for you a phone recording that is the most explosive, most devastating information about Kimberly Guilfoyle to date." https://t.co/bzbCOmg64A

— ThePatrioticBlonde™🇺🇸 (@ImBreckWorsham) October 15, 2026

 Who is Eric Deters? Trump donor sues Kimberly Guilfoyle, threatens to ‘bring down’ his administration in viral video

Read more at:
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/world/us/who-is-eric-deters-trump-donor-sues-kimberly-guilfoyle-threatens-to-bring-down-his-administration-in-viral-video/articleshow/134986901.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

🚨El primer ministro de la República Checa 🇨🇿, Andrej Babiš, acaba de afirmar que Donald Trump 🇺🇸 ha traicionado a Europa con Ucrania 🇺🇦: “Trump nos ha traicionado esencialmente al hacer ese negocio con Putin. Tenemos que hacer algo.” https://t.co/Jvns3uY6fE

— SergioLR🪖 (@CasetaBosque) October 16, 2026

#diesel #trump #putin - The U.S. Tried to Choke Russia’s Energy Market. Then It Made a Diesel Deal: New York Times Podcasts

14 October 2026

President Trump announced a deal to purchase Russian diesel fuel and temporarily suspended sanctions in an effort to lower domestic fuel prices amid rising costs from the war in Iran and in anticipation of the upcoming midterms. This abrupt foreign policy shift stunned European allies and drew sharp criticism from Ukraine, which viewed the move as a weakening of Western leverage against Russia. Today, Anton Troianovski, a global affairs correspondent for The New York Times, discusses what the deal reveals about the Trump administration’s strategy with Russia, and how much it could actually lower prices at the pump. Guest: Anton Troianovski (https://www.nytimes.com/by/anton-troi...) , a global affairs correspondent for The New York Times who writes about foreign policy, national security and America’s place in the world. Background reading: Trump faces a new crisis over Ukraine following the Russian diesel deal (https://www.nytimes.com/2026/10/12/wo...) . Photo: Igor Grussak/picture alliance via Getty Images

Il principe ereditario saudita, Mohammed bin Salam lancia un severo ultimatum a Vladimir Putin, dichiarando, che se non interromperà, le forniture di armi ai nemici regionali, il mercato verrà inondato da un volume tale di petrolio, da distruggere il bilancio del Cremlino, come avvenuto ai tempi dell'Unione Sovietica.

— Massimiliano Di Mario (@Massi_DiMario) October 14, 2026

#donaldtrump #putin #russia - 'Fearful Of Putin' As Suspicion Grows Of Russian Blackmail | Former CIA Director: The Trump Report

13 October 2026

"He knows that Putin is a rather, you know, a ruthless leader and a thug. Who knows what Putin might be able to use against Donald Trump." Donald Trump is resorting to "desperate moves" on the war in Ukraine because he "doesn't know what it takes to be a statesman" when dealing with Russia, says former CIA director John Brennan. John Brennan was speaking to Kate McCann and Stig Abell on Times Radio Breakfast. Listen live every Monday-Thursday from 6-10am.

#russia #putin - Evan Gershkovich On The Future Of Russia: ‘Putin Is In Power Until He’s No Longer Alive’: The Times

12 October 2026

“If he dies tomorrow…with global conflict the way it is and an authoritarian axis deepening, I don’t really see the next regime in Russia suddenly deciding ‘we’re going to liberalise.’” Evan Gershkovich, the Wall Street Journal reporter who was wrongly imprisoned by Russia for 16 months under false espionage charges, says a reformed Russia isn’t an impossibility, but isn’t likely in the near future. Evan Gershkovich was speaking to Hugo Rifkind on Times Radio. Listen live every Monday-Thursday, 6-10am.

#diesel #trump #putin - Russia and Ukraine have agreed 'energy ceasefire', says Trump: Sky News

11 October 2026

The US president announced the "energy ceasefire" in a social media post and warned: "Do not break it!" Meanwhile, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said in a new interview that he will organise Ukrainian elections – if Vladimir Putin agrees to a 60-day ceasefire. #diesel #trump #putin #russia #ukraine

The Trump/Putin deal gets worse. According to reports, the US was also offering $100 billion of frozen assets (that are in the custody of the EU) in exchange for a limited ceasefire. https://t.co/rtvs5FGHUr

— Sir William Browder KCMG (@Billbrowder) October 11, 2026

Western intelligence agencies have warned Europe’s defence bosses that Russia is stepping up efforts to assassinate them, prompting companies to increase personal security around their top executives https://t.co/cPCarAEBUs https://t.co/JuDSQNX4Do

— Financial Times (@FT) October 11, 2026

#diesel #putin #trump - Zelensky Defies Trump, Strikes Putin Where It Hurts Most: The Bulwark

10 October 2025

Sam Stein and Catherine Rampell give their takes on Trump’s decision to buy oil from Putin, just weeks after Trump signed Lindsey Graham’s Russia sanctions bill into law. Instead of increasing pressure on Russia, Trump is opening the door to Russian fuel exports that could help bankroll Putin’s war on Ukraine. Plus, they examine the bill’s loopholes, whether the deal will actually lower fuel prices, and why Trump is pressuring Ukraine to stop attacking Russian oil refineries. As Zelensky pushes back, Trump’s deal risks a major rupture in U.S.-Ukraine relations.

Bulwark Takes

💩 Russia is supplying Iran with missiles that Tehran could use to attack the US and its allies According to Bloomberg, Moscow has begun supplying missiles to Iran. Earlier reports also indicated that Russia was providing Tehran with intelligence to help target American forces in the Middle East. Despite months of US and Israeli bombardment, Iran has preserved some of its missile and drone production facilities and can rapidly replenish its arsenals. Now, let's get back to Trump's diesel deal with Putin: 1️⃣ Trump eases sanctions, allowing Russia to make money from fuel exports. 2️⃣ Moscow gains additional opportunities to replenish its budget, which also funds military production. 3️⃣ Russia supplies missiles to Iran. 4️⃣ And Iran retains the ability to strike US military facilities and American allies. Absolutely genius! 👏

— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) October 10, 2026

#russia #diesel #putin - Russian Diesel Deal Unlikely to Lower US Prices: Bloomberg Podcasts

10 October 2026

Bloomberg Economics Economic Statecraft Lead Chris Kennedy tells Bloomberg This Weekend that President Donald Trump's agreement to obtain Russian diesel is unlikely to significantly lower US fuel prices because the proposed November shipment amounts to roughly one day of American consumption.

Speaking with hosts David Gura and Christina Ruffini, Kennedy says damage to Russian refineries, logistical challenges and potential legal restrictions raise questions about whether Moscow can deliver the promised fuel, while the agreement could complicate Ukraine's campaign against Russian energy infrastructure.

Bloomberg This Weekend

2025–2026 Russian fuel crisis

Caspian Policy Center’s Live Map of Russian Refineries documents 61 attacks across 24 Russian refineries and the resulting level of damage since January 2024. Click on the refineries for more information.

#fox #foxbusiness #media - Gen Keith Kellogg says Russia’s Putin has underlying motives for diesel deal with the US: Fox Business

10 October 2025

Former U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine Ret. Gen. Keith Kellogg explains how Ukraine’s strikes on Russian oil refineries could be influencing Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision-making on ‘Kudlow.’ #fox #foxbusiness #media #breakingnews #us #usa #new #news #breaking #kudlow #larrykudlow #keithkellogg #kellogg #vladimirputin #putin #russia #ukraine #russiaukrainewar #ukrainewar #russianoil #oilrefineries #oilprices #diesel #dieseldeal #energy #energymarket #oilmarket #geopolitics #foreignpolicy #internationalrelations #worldnews #military #war #conflict #sanctions #economy #tradedeal #usrelations #diplomacy