Fighting the Information War - a Ukrainian in the USA

Fighting the Information War - a Ukrainian in the USA

Author: Mark McNamee January 1, 2026 Duration: 30:36
There's an information war going on related to the War in Ukraine, and unfortunately Russia has been very successful in spreading its propaganda into the West and influencing popular perceptions and also policy-makers themselves.  I thought it would be informative to have on the show a Ukrainian who recently moved to the US and what she has seen on the ground related to Americans' perspectives on the war and what has been alarming to her.  In our discussion we touched upon the war itself, what Americans believe and understand, views on the Russian opposition and Navalny himself, as well as issues like language and religion in Ukraine.  Please listen in to better understand and expose this information war.  About the Guest Olga Usenko, Strategic Communications and Legal Market Analyst with nearly 20 years of experience leading high-impact research and media projects in Ukraine’s legal sector. Olga holda a PhD in International Economics and is currently a Fellow at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University, focusing on strategic communications and global partnerships for Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction and investment growth. To learn more, visit: https://ubn.network/ Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/Mark-McNamee/

We are living through events that will define our century, and History in the Making: The War in Ukraine is an attempt to make sense of them as they unfold. Host Mark McNamee brings his deep knowledge of Eastern Europe to the fore, not just to recount headlines, but to untangle the complex historical, cultural, and political threads that led to this moment. This isn't a dry recitation of facts; it's a grounded exploration of how a conflict reshapes a nation's identity and the global order. Each episode moves between the sweeping strategic picture and the intimate, human stories of those living through the war, highlighting a profound resilience. You'll hear analysis that connects past empires to present-day battles, and conversations that reveal the personal cost and extraordinary fortitude within Ukraine. The goal of this podcast is to provide context and clarity, offering a nuanced perspective that goes beyond the news cycle. By focusing on the people, the history, and the on-the-ground reality, Mark creates a vital record of a world changing in real time. Tune in for a thoughtful, comprehensive guide to understanding not just what is happening, but why it matters for all of us.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 79

History in the Making: The War in Ukraine
Podcast Episodes
Alaska and DC summits - what does it mean for Ukraine? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:23
A very eventful past few days - historic summits in Alaska and DC - and felt the need to give my brief analysis of what it means and where things stand. In short, not bad and could have been alot worse. Not to mention a…
Trump's trade wars and how they help Ukraine [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:42
How will Trump's trade wars impact the War in Ukraine? What does the trade deal between the US and Europe mean for Ukraine? What about US-China trade relations and potential US secondary sanctions? And what happens to th…
The Russian Orthodox Church and its hybrid war against Ukraine [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:08
Did you know the head of the Russian Orthodox Church is a former KGB agent and multimillionaire who made his money in smuggling? Or that its priests routinely bless the missiles, drones, and weapons used against innocent…