Welcome to The Times of Israel’s newest podcast series, Friday Focus. Each Friday, join diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman and host deputy editor Amanda Borschel-Dan for a deep dive into what’s behind the news that spins the globe.

Ahead of the three-year mark of the ongoing Ukraine war, Berman assesses how the potential winding down of the conflict is stirring up all sorts of other battles on the international stage.

We discuss the origins of the current Russo-Ukraine war and the competing narratives surrounding it, even as Israel attempts to tread on semi-neutral ground.

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Finally, we hear how US President Donald Trump views the conflict that is occurring far from his borders, and his country’s “obligation” to fund it.

This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.