Vladimir Putin
When 'shoe salesman' Vladimir Putin visited New Zealand
In 2000, Sir Bob Harvey was handed an envelope containing 10 pages of gallery proofs of a yet-to-be-published book about future Russian president Vladimir Putin's undercover visits here in the 1980s… Audio
'Russia has greatly underestimated the Ukrainian people'
Oxana Shevel is an associate professor of political science at Tufts University who specialises in the study of former Soviet states. She says the Russian army has proven not to be the mighty force… Audio
The Weekend Panel with Bernard Hickey and Ruth Money
Joining us on the Panel this morning are Bernard Hickey and Ruth Money. Among other issues, they discuss the situation in Ukraine, National moving ahead of Labour in the polls, and the rising price of… Audio
Journalist reporting from Ukraine in six different languages
You mightn't instantly recognise the name Philip Crowther, but you might have seen the incredible clip of him reporting from Ukraine in six different languages (English, French, Spanish, German… Audio
The Weekend Panel with Linda Clark and Mike Williams
Joining us on the Panel this morning are Linda Clark and former Labour Party leader Mike Williams. Among other issues, they discuss the war in Ukraine and the likely findings of the review into the… Audio
'This could be the worst refugee crisis since WW2'
Veteran war correspondent Mike Eckel talked to us from the original front lines in Donbas, last week from Kiev as the Russians attacked, and now he's back in Prague. He's with us for an update on the… Audio
Professor Al Gillespie on the situation in Ukraine
The world is rightly horrified by the situation in Ukraine, but there's also the ongoing claim that the West has been partly to blame in this conflict. Waikato University's International Law Professor… Audio
Ukraine cross with Mike Eckel in Kyiv
Russian president Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine has drawn comparisons to Adolf Hitler and Saddam Hussain. Radio Free Europe's Mike Eckel joins the show from an undisclosed location in Kyiv for… Audio
Macron secures agreement in principle for Biden-Putin meeting
The French President Emmanuel Macron says he has secured an agreement in principle for a summit meeting between Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin.
But the White House says it will only take place provided… Audio
The Kiwi photographer on Ukraine's frontline
New Zealand photojournalist Amos Chapple has just returned from a stint on the frontlines of the conflict in Eastern Ukraine. Chapple, who is now back at his Prague base, reflects on his time on the… Audio, Gallery
Pandora Papers lead reporter: 'It's tax haven Whac-A-Mole'
The Pandora Papers have exposed how some of the most powerful and influential people in the world -- including heads of state, billionaires and celebrities -- use offshore companies to hide their… Audio
Russia's ruling pro-Putin party wins majority after crackdown but loses some ground
Russia's ruling United Russia party, which supports President Vladimir Putin, retained its majority in parliament after a three-day election and a sweeping crackdown on its critics, despite losing…
Alexei Navalny vs Vladimir Putin
Alexei Navalny has been outspoken in his criticism of the Russian government for years. The former real estate lawyer became a shareholder activist and anti-corruption campaigner before running for… Audio
Anger over EU vaccine rollout, anti-Putin protests gather pace
Europe correspondent Seamus Kearney joins Kathryn to look at Europe's reaction to the inauguration of Joe Biden, the growing anger and threats of legal action over delays to the Covid-19 vaccines and… Audio
New book highlights Beatles' sadness and tragedy
Craig Brown's new book, 1, 2, 3, 4: The Beatles In Time is not your bog-standard Beatles' bio. Brown has come up with a fresh take on the Fab Four - and a unearthed a few previously unknown gems… Video, Audio
The beginning and the end of Trumpism
Rutgers University history professor James Goodman explains why Donald Trump is the only person who could have done what he has done -- and got away with it -- as US president. Audio
Donald Trump's gift to ISIS
In handing over the ISIS fight in Syria to Turkey, there are fears that US President Donald Trump has helped launch a platform for the Islamic State to make its comeback. Journalist and author Mike… Audio
China's Xi vows transparency over Belt and Road amid debt worries
Chinese President Xi Jinping is promising to set high standards for Beijing's sweeping infrastructure-building initiative amid concerns it leaves some developing countries with too much debt.
Former US marine arrested on spying charges in Russia
The US wants to know why Russia has arrested a former marine on espionage charges in Moscow.
Russia ready to deploy new hypersonic nuclear missile - Putin
President Vladimir Putin says Russia now has a new type of strategic weapon, announcing it will deploy its first regiment of hypersonic nuclear-capable missiles next year.