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David Filipov is Moscow Bureau Chief for the Washington Post.
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David Filipov
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FROM David Filipov
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
What the Russian oligarchs list means for US-Russia relations The Treasury Department has issued a list of high-powered Russians who have flourished under President Vladimir Putin. The idea was to name and shame those who might be benefiting from Putin's presidency. Releasing the list was required under a law Congress passed in August to punish Russia for interfering in the 2016 elections. But today, a Treasury spokesman said the list was just cribbed from a Forbes’ ranking of the “200 richest businessmen in Russia 2017.”
To the Point
Putin denies Russian involvement in hacking of US election In a reversal, Russian president Vladimir Putin conceded today in Moscow that Russian hackers might have meddled in the American election. Putin did not, however, admit any government involvement, referring instead to what he called "patriotically minded," private Russian hackers. "They are like artists," Putin said. David Filipov, Moscow bureau chief for the Washington Post , says Putin is positing himself as the reasonable minded counter to President Trump.
To the Point
Tillerson meets with Putin amid rising tensions over Syria In Moscow today, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson had a long, private meeting with Vladimir Putin. Later he met the press with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. David Filipov, Moscow bureau chief for the Washington Post , says that Tillerson’s public attitude has been positive, even though they disagree on several issues -- including Syria.
To the Point
Mixed messages from America's new hard line on Syria Last week, President Trump stunned the world by striking Syria with 59 Tomahawk missiles in retaliation for Bashar al-Assad's use of chemical weapons against his own people. Since then, American diplomats have made contradictory statements in the aftermath of the attack. Was it a "one-off" or is regime change the goal? And why has President Trump retaliated against Syria's use of chemical weapons — but not conventional weapons, which are just as deadly? America's G-7 allies are meeting in Italy to find a consensus for dealing with Syria -- and with Russia — the next stop for America's Secretary of State. Is it too soon for the "political solution" all sides claim to prefer, or will force be used in attempting to remove the Assad regime from power?
To the Point
Explosion on St. Petersburg subway kills estimated 10 people A shrapnel-filled explosive device blew a hole in a commuter train this afternoon in St. Petersburg, Russia’s second largest city. At least 11 people were killed, and a second device was discovered on another train — unexploded. David Filipov, Moscow Bureau Chief for the Washington Post , has an update on what investigators have described as a possible terrorist attack.
To the Point
Putin tells Russians he sees a "friend" in Trump In a speech to the nation today, Russian President Vladimir Putin called again for new relations with the United States. "We aren't and never have been looking for enemies," he said, "We need friends," adding that cooperation with the US meets the interests of the whole world. But David Filipov, Moscow Bureau Chief for the Washington Post , says that behind Putin's words it's not all sweetness and light.
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To the Point
Trump's new look at civil rights and global warming President Trump is reportedly ready to pull the US out of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. We look at the possible consequences. On the second half of the program, we hear about cuts in Obama-Era civil rights programs called for by the Trump Administration's first budget plan.
To the Point
Trump plays scolder-in-chief with NATO allies At the opening of NATO’s dramatic new headquarters in Brussels today, President Trump acknowledged that Article 5 — promising that “an attack on one nation is an attack on all” -- has only been invoked one time: in the aftermath of September 11. But the President failed to provide what 27 other Alliance members have been waiting for: a re-commitment by America’s new leader to Article 5. Instead, they got a scolding.
To the Point
The longest US war: Will Trump send more troops to Afghanistan? The Trump White House is divided over the Pentagon's request for more troops in Afghanistan—where the US has been fighting for the past 16 years. Is there a formula -- either for "victory" or a political settlement? Is there an end in sight for America's longest war?