Sanchez Effect

‘This is the first time the Indian PM has gone to the airport to greet the Russian president’ – Kanwal Sibal

This is the first time the Indian PM has gone to the airport to greet the Russian president; it’s a conscious gesture with geopolitical intent – former Indian Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal.

In this episode of Sanchez Effect, Sibal explains that PM Modi’s gesture of meeting his friend Putin at the airport is a break from protocol that sends a strong message: India won’t be swayed by Western disapproval of Russia. Sibal discusses the ups and downs of the relations India and Russia have with countries like the US and others, arguing that the only partnership on the global stage that has remained positive over the years without fluctuations is the one between New Delhi and Moscow. He acknowledges the challenge of US pressure to reduce ties with Russia but insists that India doesn’t need to pick a side these days – it can pursue the best of both worlds. He also critiques the absurdity of the US trying to push India to stop buying Russian oil, noting that it previously advised New Delhi to keep buying to stabilize prices. Now they’re shifting their stance, which he says can only be described as bullying. How will India handle this, and what does the future hold for Russia-India relations? Find out, only on RT!

‘The American empire is dangerous because the religiosity of US exceptionalism intersects with vast money making’ – Matthew Hoh

‘The American empire is especially dangerous because the religiosity of US exceptionalism intersects with vast money making’ – Matthew Hoh, Senior fellow at Eisenhower media network.

In the latest episode of ‘Sanchez Effect’ Rick and Matthew take a stroll down memory lane, reflecting on the painful chapters of US involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan. Rick says that American society still grapples with the fallout from these colossal blunders, yet there’s an unspoken taboo against questioning these actions.

Matthew, a military veteran who resigned in protest at the Afghan war, sheds light on how arms manufacturers wield influence over American foreign policy. Their aim? Not to win wars, but to ensure they never end – because as long as conflict persists, the profits keep rolling in. In a landscape where legal bribery thrives, and there are more lobbyists than lawmakers – they effectively control the government, pushing for overseas wars to safeguard US hegemony.

It’s the same story in Ukraine: money takes precedence over human life. Rick shares his thoughts on Witkoff’s talks with Putin, suggesting they’re useful. Matthew Hoh is sure that these viewpoints won’t be seen in Western media because those in charge of the war also control the news. So, join us for a different perspective – only here on RT!

‘Trump wants to re-establish economic ties with Moscow. Period. So no dissonance in these talks’ – Lawrence Wilkerson

Witkoff is in Moscow, leaving Europe in a state of disbelief as it finds itself sidelined from a historic thaw between Washington and Moscow.

In our latest episode, we’re diving into the historic shift brewing behind the Kremlin walls –could peace be on the horizon? Rick and Lawrence Wilkerson, former chief of staff to US Secretary of State Colin Powell, discuss why European leaders are clinging to the war path: they find a straightforward answer – greed. Wilkerson points out that EU politicians are on borrowed time if they don’t wake up and represent the will of the people.

Wilkerson also highlights Trump’s unpredictability – an unsettling trait for the European leaders witnessing US influence wane, dragging Brussels down with it. Stay tuned for all the latest on the evolving peace talks – only on RT!

‘Trump gets it - this land is Russian. Give it back to them and let’s make a deal.’ - Michael Flanagan, former US Congressman

As the world waits with bated breath for a potential peace between Ukraine and Russia, Flanagan shares his take on Zelensky’s prolonged fight. In the latest episode of Sanchez Effect, he lays it out: it’s all about the money. Ukraine’s got weapons and ammo – some of which ends up on the black market, but every trip to Washington turns into a new fundraising event. A bit of corruption is to be expected, but in Zelensky’s government, it’s off the charts.

When it comes to elections, the former congressman questions why Zelensky hasn’t held them during the war. He says Lincoln and Roosevelt managed to, during tough times. Is Zelensky really the man to lead Kiev to victory? Perhaps Ukrainians could have answered that – had they been given the opportunity.

Flanagan believes Trump genuinely wants to stop the bloodbath before things get too grim for Kiev. Rick concurs, pointing to clues emerging from Washington. Curious for more insights? Catch the latest episode exclusively on RT!

‘Russia will not accept it. They have to re-write 80% of the deal to make it work’ – Pepe Escobar

In this episode of RT’s Sanchez Effect, Rick is joined by an independent geopolitical analyst, author and correspondent with 40 years of experience – Pepe Escobar, to discuss the peace deal proposed by Donald Trump. Despite the proposal being portrayed by the West as ‘pro-Russian’, Pepe trashed it point by point, saying the whole proposal is unacceptable to Moscow. Like for example, Russia rejoining the G8! Russia doesn’t care about the G8, Pepe argues, as it has BRICS, that now works to bypass all Western financial mechanisms. Escobar believes the Kremlin can no longer make any concessions, knowing that the US and the West can’t be trusted. Rick and Pepe also discussed the corruption scandal in Ukraine, along with the role of Brussels and Washington in it. The veteran correspondent has no doubt that EU elites have also been getting their hands on some of the money they have been sending to the Kiev regime. For more – go to RT International.

‘Proverbial sh*t is going to hit the fan because Trump’s facing reversals not just on Epstein’ - Radhika Desai

In this episode of RT’s ‘Sanchez Effect’ Rick examines the possible release of the Epstein files and Ukraine peace deal speculation. Radhika Desai, Professor at the University of Manitoba, joins the show and condemns Trump’s policy of empty bravado by making surprising announcements and then backtracking. The professor says that US voters are not easily fooled – and Donald Trump will have to pay for thinking so in the looming mid-term elections. She is also confident that Trump will not make any major changes to his policy when it comes to the wealth of the American people – as those decisions may hit his own interests. Desai also comments on the recent tensions in Latin America, saying that Trump is unlikely to invade Venezuela as the US army is not that good on the ground in the woods – but he will bomb the country as ‘he likes bombing’. Both Rick and Radhika agree that the outcome would be not good for Trump as he wants to push Latin America away from Russia and China, but bombs will likely do just the opposite. Watch this and more – on RT International.