Putin’s advisors suggest freezing Ukraine's front line and 'declaring a triumph'

Putin’s advisors suggest freezing Ukraine's front line and 'declaring a triumph'

From The World by PRX

June 2, 2026 · 49 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the stalled Russian military progress in Ukraine, child abuse cases in Paris schools, Venezuelan political developments, and a unique proposal for a World Cup mascot.

Despite mass Russian assaults on Ukrainian cities, Moscow’s progress on the battlefield stalls. Also, police in Paris suspend dozens of school assistants in more than 100 schools, preschools and nurseries for abusing youngsters. And, Venezuela’s opposition leader María Corina Machado says she is planning to return to Venezuela “very soon” and expresses confidence that the country will emerge from authoritarian rule. Plus, a conversation about using the beloved axolotl as a World Cup mascot in Mexico as the real animal remains critically endangered. We are aiming to raise $30,000 by June 30. Help us reach our goal! Every donation will be matched. Donate today! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Topics covered

  • Russia-Ukraine conflict
  • Venezuela politics
  • child abuse
  • axolotl mascot
  • fundraising

Keywords

  • Putin
  • Ukraine
  • Venezuela
  • María Corina Machado
  • Paris
  • axolotl
  • fundraising

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Moscow

Places: Ukraine, Venezuela, Paris

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