Podcast Summary
Russian journalist as trade bait: Russian govt jails American journalist, Evan Gerskovich, for potential use in negotiations with US; Trump downplays Russia's actions, proposed solutions to Russia-Ukraine conflict unclear; Critics call charges against Gerskovich politically motivated, raising concerns for press freedom
The Russian government, under the leadership of Vladimir Putin, has jailed an American journalist, Evan Gerskovich, who was working for the Wall Street Journal in Moscow. The trial and conviction were reportedly expedited in order for Putin to use Gerskovich as potential trade bait in negotiations with the United States. This comes as Donald Trump, who has publicly expressed admiration for Putin, continues to downplay Russia's actions against American citizens and interference in foreign elections. Despite Trump's campaign promises to solve the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the details of his proposed solutions remain a mystery. The alleged espionage charges against Gerskovich have been criticized as politically motivated, raising concerns about freedom of the press and diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Trump's inaction on detained Americans in Russia: Trump's failure to address the detainment of American citizens in Russia as potential bargaining chips for Putin was criticized, leading to a larger number of Americans illegally detained during his presidency.
During his presidency, Donald Trump was criticized for not speaking out against Russia's detainment and potential use as political trade bait for American citizens, including Paul Whelan, Mark Vogel, Michael Leake, and others. These individuals were not involved in major crimes but were being held in Russian penal colonies as potential bargaining chips for Putin in prisoner exchanges. The Biden administration has also engaged in diplomatic negotiations for prisoner releases, but the large number of American citizens being illegally detained in Russia is due to Putin's efforts to build a pool of potential trade prisoners with the Trump administration. Trump's lack of action on the issue was seen as him being used as a pawn by Putin. Additionally, Trump's handling of the Russia-Ukraine conflict was criticized for lacking a clear plan to end the war and decapitate the country, making it morally questionable that he did not reveal his plans to the public.
Mitopure benefits, political tension: Mitopure, a cellular energy booster, significantly improves muscle strength and endurance after two months. It's a doctor-recommended supplement, nearly impossible to obtain through diet, and available in berry powder or soft gel form. Simultaneously, political tensions escalate between Ukraine and Russia, with President Trump using aid as leverage to influence Ukraine's decisions.
Timeline's Mitopure supplement, a precise dose of Euro-Lithin-A, can significantly improve cellular energy, muscle strength, and endurance after two months of use. This powerful post-biotic is nearly impossible to obtain through diet alone and is the number one doctor-recommended supplement that is NSF and clean label project certified. Timeline offers Mitopure in two forms: berry powder for easy addition to breakfasts or smoothies, and soft gels for convenience. Meanwhile, in political news, there's ongoing tension between Ukraine and Russia, with President Putin pressuring Ukraine to give up historically Russian territories in exchange for US aid. This isn't the first time President Trump has attempted to use aid as leverage to influence a leader's decisions. The newly elected Ukrainian President Zelensky had previously pleaded for $450 million in US aid, which Trump withheld until Zelensky agreed to his demands.
Ukraine-Trump Impeachment: Trump pressured Zelensky for concessions in exchange for military aid and a Biden investigation, while Putin used Gershkovich's conviction as leverage against Trump, who showed no concern for the American citizen's detainment.
The ongoing impeachment inquiry into Donald Trump's dealings with Ukraine in 2018 and 2019 reveals a pattern of Trump attempting to pressure Ukrainian President Zelensky by withholding military aid and offering to set up a special prosecutor to investigate the Bidens, in exchange for concessions on Ukrainian territory and a prisoner exchange with Russia. The recent sentencing of American citizen Evan Gershkovich to 16 years in a Russian prison is seen as a power play by Putin, providing leverage and negotiating strength against Trump, who has been accused of being a Russian asset and has shown admiration for right-wing dictators around the world. The lack of response from the Trump campaign regarding Gershkovich's conviction underscores the disregard for American citizens wrongfully detained in Russia, and highlights Trump's willingness to be manipulated by Putin.
Trump's pressure on Zelensky: Michael Popok on Midas Touch Network warns listeners about Trump's attempts to pressure Zelensky into submitting to Putin's demands, urging them to stay informed and support the network for uncensored analysis
According to Michael Popok on the Midas Touch Network, Donald Trump's plan is to pressure Zelensky into submitting to Putin's demands. Popok urges his audience to stay informed about this issue and others at the intersection of law and politics, which they can do by tuning in to the Midas Touch Network on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. Eastern time. The show offers unfiltered, uncensored analysis of the top stories in this area. To support the network's goal of raising $3 million, listeners are encouraged to subscribe and follow Popok on social media. The Legal AF segment of the show provides in-depth analysis of legal concepts related to current events, available exclusively to patrons for the price of a few cups of coffee.