The President's Daily Brief — Afternoon Bulletin Episode: December 9, 2025 Host: Mike Baker (The First TV)

Overview

This episode delivers a focused analysis on two major issues:

1. Russia’s expanded espionage operations in Mexico—right on the U.S. southern border—with Mexican authorities allegedly doing little to stop it.
2. Ukraine’s new peace plan for Washington—President Zelensky’s diplomatic marathon and his refusal to concede Ukrainian territory despite U.S. pressure for a negotiated settlement.

Mike Baker, a former CIA Operations Officer, guides listeners through these urgent, nuanced developments with his signature direct, informed style.

1. Russia's Spy Network in Mexico

Key Points & Insights

• Historical Context ([00:35–01:14])

  • The Soviet Union’s KGB once used Mexico City as a Cold War intelligence hub. Now, “what’s old is new again,” as Russia rebuilds its intelligence footprint in the region.

• Current Russian Activity ([01:14–02:24])

  • Russia is “deliberately expanding its influence in the Western Hemisphere.”
  • The CIA identified more than two dozen Russian spies operating in Mexico, posing as diplomats. The U.S. provided this intelligence to senior Mexican officials.

• Mexican Inaction ([02:15–03:16])

  • Mexican authorities “essentially…did nothing.” “No expulsions, no public acknowledgment.”
  • Quote from Mike Baker:
    “The list was either ignored, denied, or, quote, lost somewhere inside the Mexican bureaucracy.” ([02:43])

• Political Context

  • In 2022, Mexican President AMLO (Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador) denied Russian spies’ existence in Mexico, “even after being briefed directly.”
  • Baker:
    “AMLO always has had a soft spot for Communists.” ([03:11])

• Strategic Importance ([03:22–04:02])

  • Russia’s proximity to the U.S. allows for convenient, low-visibility operations.
  • Weak Mexican counterintelligence due to cartel and internal security pressures has opened the door for Russian spy activities.
  • Gen. Glenn VanHerck (U.S. Northern Command, 2022 testimony):
    “The largest portion of GRU members in the world is in Mexico right now.” ([04:25])
    • Russia’s military intelligence concentration on America’s doorstep is presented as a major concern.

• Disinformation Campaigns

  • Russia is targeting Mexico with anti-U.S. disinformation.
  • U.S. Embassy established a “Russia Watcher” role; France followed with a disinformation officer.

• Diplomatic Implications under President Sheinbaum ([04:53–05:30])

  • Mexico’s new president has maintained “neutrality”—no Russian expulsions and refusal to impose sanctions.
  • Former CIA officer cited:
    “If you’re going to handle and recruit spies, proximity is key, and that’s what Mexico offers.”

2. Ukraine’s Revised Peace Plan and U.S./European Pressure

Key Points & Insights

• The Negotiation Cycle ([09:26–10:02])

  • Mike Baker describes a “familiar cycle”: Kyiv rushes out revised peace plans to block territorial concessions as the U.S. pushes for an end to the war.
  • President Trump is described as seeking “a path to end the war…that lately has looked a lot like appeasement to Kyiv and EU allies.”

• Stalled Peace Talks ([10:04–10:40])

  • Over the weekend, talks “stretched late but still couldn’t produce a version that Kyiv was willing to sign.”
  • Ukrainian President Zelensky is gathering European support before any breakthrough that “could give the advantage to the Kremlin.”

• Diplomatic Sprint ([10:40–11:23])

  • Zelensky tours London, Brussels, and Rome, meeting British PM Keir Starmer, French President Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
  • Zelensky:
    “Some issues can only be discussed in person.” ([10:53])
    • Interpreted by Baker as Europe trying to coordinate before Washington acts.

• U.S. and Russian Positions

  • Trump reportedly claims Russia is “fine with the U.S.-brokered peace plan”—a plan Baker calls “leaned heavily in their favor.”

  • Trump expresses disappointment that Zelensky “hasn’t read it” ([11:02]).

  • Baker’s commentary:
    “Of course, [Putin] would naturally be fine with a proposal that gives him a large portion of eastern Ukraine. You can get a peace deal if you give in to Putin's demands. That's, that’s pretty straightforward.” ([11:30])

• European Divisions and Security Guarantees ([12:07–12:48])

  • The EU remains split: London/Paris have floated sending troops; Germany/Italy are skeptical.
  • Ukrainian statement:
    “Russia is insisting that we give up territories, but we don’t want to cede anything. We have no legal right to do so under Ukrainian law, our constitution, and international law.” ([13:12])

• Evolving Peace Proposal ([13:20–13:40])

  • The U.S.-drafted peace plan has moved from 28 points, to 19, now to 20 following Kyiv’s edits.
  • Zelensky insists “no pro-Ukrainian elements have been removed from the deal,” but Baker doubts the Kremlin will agree to the new terms.

• Putin’s Preparations

  • Baker:
    “Putin hasn’t budged…he’s instructed the Russian military to prepare for winter warfare. That doesn’t sound like the words of someone seeking peace.” ([13:55])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Mexican Inaction Against Spies

  • “The list was either ignored, denied, or, quote, lost somewhere inside the Mexican bureaucracy.” — Mike Baker ([02:43])

• On Proximity and Espionage

  • “If you’re going to handle and recruit spies, proximity is key, and that’s what Mexico offers.” — Former CIA officer ([05:30])

• On the Peace Plan’s Flaws

  • “Of course, [Putin] would naturally be fine with a proposal that gives him a large portion of eastern Ukraine. You can get a peace deal if you give in to Putin’s demands.” — Mike Baker ([11:30])

• On Ukraine’s Refusal to Surrender Territory

  • “Russia is insisting that we give up territories, but we don’t want to cede anything. We have no legal right to do so under Ukrainian law, our constitution, and international law.” — President Zelensky (quoted by Mike Baker, [13:12])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Opening & Russia’s Espionage in Mexico: 00:35–07:56
• Ukraine Peace Plan Segment: 09:26–14:17

Tone & Style

Mike Baker’s tone is analytical, slightly skeptical, and infused with ex-intelligence-officer pragmatism. He challenges official narratives, highlights the strategic context, and peppers commentary with dry, pointed humor—e.g. “AMLO always has had a soft spot for Communists.”

Summary

• Moscow’s spy surge in Mexico represents a clear strategic threat, enabled by Mexican government inaction and stretched resources.
• U.S. and European alliances face stress over how to pursue peace in Ukraine—Zelensky is holding firm against concessions, but pressure mounts amidst ongoing Russian aggression and diplomatic disagreements.
• The episode underscores the importance for listeners to understand not only what’s happening, but why—arming them with deeper insights into critical global security issues.