Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy is calling for president Biden to visit Ukraine, but the U.S. is planning to send a high-ranking official in Biden’s place. Meanwhile, Russia is ramping up attacks in eastern Ukraine and preparing to seize the city of Mariupol. Former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine and Vice President of Russia and Europe at the U.S. Institute of Peace, William Taylor, joined American Voices with guest host Julián Castro to discuss.

Global Policy

Conflict Analysis & Prevention

"This is a crazy policy at the worst possible time," said William Byrd, senior Afghanistan expert at the U.S. Institute of Peace, in response to a VOA question at an event on Wednesday.

Environment;  Economics

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has inspired his citizens by staying in Kyiv to lead the fight against Russia's invasion, captivating much of the world with impassioned speeches. VOA's Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine looks at how he has evolved into a wartime president.

Fmr. U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bill Taylor discusses the attack on Russian flagship Moskva and the strong Ukrainian resistance on MTP Daily.

Conflict Analysis & Prevention

Today, we're privileged to have Ambassador Bill Taylor with us. He served two stints as the U.S.'s top ambassador to Ukraine, and he's currently vice president of Russia and Europe at the U.S. Peace Institute.

Conflict Analysis & Prevention

Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bill Taylor says Putin needs to be defeated in order to stop the atrocities in Ukraine.

Conflict Analysis & Prevention;  Human Rights;  Justice, Security & Rule of Law

Meanwhile, this last-minute reversal of the decision on girls’ schools is seen as further proof of a rising ideological rift within the Taliban leadership. Andrew Watkins of the US Institute of Peace, noted, “This last-minute change appears to be driven by ideological differences in the movement… about how girls returning to school will be perceived by their followers.”