Amanpour

Summer is officially underway, but in Russian-occupied Crimea, residents are facing fuel shortages, rolling blackouts and cancelled summer camps. It's all part of a new phase in Russia's war, as Ukraine expands its campaign into the invader's heartland. Now the Wall Street Journal reports the Kremlin is pressuring Belarus to open another front as Russia struggles on the battlefield. Joining the show to discuss this is WSJ chief European political correspondent Bojan Pancevski, whose  new book, "The Nord Stream Conspiracy," reveals the inside story about one of the most consequential acts of sabotage in recent history, and the secret team most likely behind it. 

Also on today's show: Wafa Mustafa & Waad Al-Kateab, co-directors, "Maybe Tomorrow"; Cal Newport, Professor of Computer Science, Georgetown University / Host, "Deep Questions" podcast 

 
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It's a race against time in Venezuela, where rescue teams are frantically searching for survivors after two back-to-back earthquakes, some of the strongest ever recorded in the country. At least 164 people have been killed, according to acting President Delcy Rodriguez, but that number is expected to rise as crews reach hard-hit areas and the full scale of the devastation becomes clear. The heaviest damage appears to be centred in and around the capital Caracas, where people have been heard calling for help, as Mary Triny Mena reports.  

Also on today's show: former US Secretary of State John Kerry; Beeban Kidron, author, "Users"; Michael Scherer, staff writer, The Atlantic 

 
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Secretary of State Marco Rubio is on a lightning tour of Persian Gulf allies, trying to shore up support for the US-Iran agreement. But as the negotiations plough on, there are differences about the MOU being expressed publicly by both the Iranian lead negotiators and President Trump. Where will this all settle, and how do the Persian Gulf states view this? Georgetown professor Mehran Kamrava joins Christiane from Doha in Qatar, and Daniel Silverberg, former US National Security Advisor to the House Majority Leader, joins from Washington DC.  

Also on today's show: Alon-Lee Green & Rula Daood, Co-Chairs, A Place for Us All; Michael Auslin, author, “National Treasure” 

 
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Mass firings are said to be underway at the ODNI, the US intelligence agency created to prevent another 9/11. Donald Trump's temporary pick to head it, Bill Pulte, has no intelligence or security experience. Slimming down the DNI office has been a bipartisan issue, but top Democrats are concerned this week's job slashing could pose a national security risk. White House reporter Kevin Liptak joins the show with details. 

Also on today's show: Daniel Pacheco, Deputy Editor in Chief, La Silla Vacía; Jonathan Freedland, Columnist, The Guardian & Gillian Tett, Columnist, The Financial Times; Yoni Appelbaum, Deputy Executive Editor, The Atlantic 

 
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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced today that he is resigning as the least-popular UK leader on record. Former Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, fresh off a resounding win in a crucial parliamentary election, seems poised to succeed Starmer. But as the UK faces stagnant wages, high energy bills, and serious questions over the state of its armed forces, can Burnham hope to turn it all around? New Stateman Editor in Chief Tom McTague joins the show from London to discuss.  

Also on today's show: Josh Fox, Director, "The Welcome Table"; Reshma Saujani, Subject and Executive Producer, "No Country for Mothers"; French artist JR 

 
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