NPR's Michel Martin talks to Russian historian Sergey Radchenko about what happens to Russia's sphere of influence in the Middle East with Assad gone.

NPR's Michel Martin talks to Russian historian Sergey Radchenko about what happens to Russia's sphere of influence in the Middle East with Assad gone. Listen • 5:22 ...

MICHEL MARTIN, HOST: Ukrainians will be experiencing yet another Christmas dealing with Russia's all-out assault. And this time of year is especially difficult for children. YURIY BOYECHKO ...

How do European leaders view Russia's new nuclear policy and a potential shift in Ukraine policy under Trump? NPR's Michel Martin asks Jovita Neliupšiene, the EU's ambassador to the U.S.

Good morning, professor. SERGEY RADCHENKO: Morning. MARTIN: So I'm going to ask you to remind us how or maybe why Syria and Russia became close allies to begin with. RADCHENKO: So that's a long story.