Putin’s escalation — Western Balkan migration concerns — Food security update

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 into the European Union and get an update on the global food crisis.

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

Then, Suzanne and POLITICO’s Jacopo Barigazzi dive into the EU’s fresh refugee flow challenges. We hear from European Commission Vice President Margaritis Schinas about the concerning number of irregular migrants making their way to the EU through the Western Balkans. And EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson speaks to POLITICO’s Matthew Karnitschnig about the security concerns regarding Russians coming into the bloc.

And finally, we return to global food security and how the war in Ukraine is still impacting supply chains and driving up prices — adding to existing global struggles with climate change and energy problems. POLITICO’s Eddy Wax sits down with Matthew Hollingworth, the World Food Programme’s country director in Ukraine.