Why Putin takes hostages
January 27, 2026
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14:55Now PlayingWhy Putin takes hostages
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as posted by the channelAnd how the US is fighting back.
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Hostage-taking is backâbut this time, itâs governments doing the kidnapping. This video explains how prisoner swaps have become a quiet weapon of modern geopolitics, and why trading hostages is shaping a new kind of Cold War.
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Search Party is led and produced by Sam Ellis, a journalist, director, editor, and animator based in New York City. For more than 6 years, Ellis produced the hugely popular video series, Vox Atlas, for which he earned an Emmy nomination. He specializes in breaking down the most complex new stories and presenting them with a refreshing, accessible, and engaging visual style.
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