Escalation: A Podcast History of U.S.-Ukraine Relations Event
Published by The Lawfare Institute
in Cooperation With
February 24, 2025, marked three years of Ukraine’s fight against Russia’s full-scale invasion—three years of resilience, sacrifice, and a war that has reshaped global politics. As Ukraine faces mounting battlefield challenges and growing uncertainty over U.S. support, the war has reached a pivotal moment.
To coincide with this anniversary, Lawfare and Goat Rodeo are proud to present "Escalation," a gripping new narrative podcast that unpacks the complex and often surreal twists and turns in the U.S.-Ukraine relationship. Through exclusive interviews with over 50 diplomats, journalists, spies, and key decision-makers, Escalation tells the story of defining moments that shaped ties between the United States and Ukraine—from high-stakes diplomatic deals, impeachment and corruption scandals, and the largest land war in Europe since World War II.
"Escalation" co-hosts Anastasiia Lapatina and Tyler McBrien, and Benjamin Wittes spoke at the Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies at Harvard University for a timely and thought-provoking conversation at the intersection of journalism, diplomacy, and war. Together, they discussed the making of the podcast, shared behind-the-scenes insights, and explored what lies ahead for Ukraine.
