Putin’s Escalation — Migration Concerns in the Western Balkans — Food Security Update – POLITICO

In this episode, POLITICO’s Suzanne Lynch breaks down the reaction to Russia’s recent escalation in Ukraine with an update from NATO headquarters. We also dive into growing concerns about irregular migration to the European Union and get an update on the global food crisis.

Vladimir Putin’s recent nuclear threats and the bombing of civilian targets in Ukraine are forcing Western leaders to prepare for a grueling new phase of the war. POLITICO’s Lili Bayer tells us about NATO’s reaction to a meeting of defense ministers in Brussels.

Next, POLITICO’s Suzanne and Jacopo Barigazzi dive into the new challenges of the EU refugee flow. European Commission Vice-President Margaritis Schinas tells us about the worrying number of irregular migrants heading to the EU via the Western Balkans. And EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson talks to POLITICO’s Matthew Karnitschnig about security concerns surrounding Russians entering the bloc.

And finally, we come back to global food security and how the war in Ukraine continues to impact supply chains and drive up prices, adding to existing global struggles against change. climate and energy issues. POLITICO’s Eddy Wax speaks with Matthew Hollingworth, country director of the World Food Program in Ukraine.