Putin’s bloody gamble: will the tyrannical tsar survive his lethal game?

Simon Sebag Montefiore (c), Mark Galeotti, Mikhail Zygar and Jonathan Haslam discuss Russia’s brutal imperialist war

[@AcidOllie]

Superb. Would have liked it to have gone on for a few more hours but I think Simon had to get home for his tea.

[@oliviaschnepf2994]

Thank you so very much. Interessting and insightful.

[@janlang8605]

Excellent talks!

[@richard9480]

Fascinating. One of the best 59 minutes I have spent in a long while.

[@happyhappynuts]

How about this? When he was higher up than presented, his "cover" was that he was lowly ranked. To get to the top and become president you best believe he was highly ranked(1), smart (2), and had a good network (3) which came from the first 2 points

[@hhKJgf1M8a0rzt8hP]

Brilliant panel. Thank you

[@hughmitfordraymond7460]

Excellent. Many thanks

[@hmmcinerney]

Regarding religion, I think Putin made a deal with Kirill that if the church supported and and kept the faithful in line, Putin would attack the LGBT community, on which he’s quite vocal. He may in fact hate that group but his vehemence is quite strong.

[@F1fan56]

Yes Obama's foreign policy was foolish and naive, but no non-Russian politician could have predicted what a malignant force Putin would become.

[@shaun906]

the after affects of Iraq and Afghanistan wars, he promised no more interventions and his mandate was to concentrate on home. so I sort of get why most Americans felt this way. there was a very similar sentiment in the uk, as voted not to intervene in Syria!

[@h.e.hazelhorst9838]

Yes, Obama didn’t handle the Arab spring correctly, especially in Syria. There was this excellent BBC documentary on Assad, who basically is a ruthless mafia boss., much like Putin is. But do not forget the terrible presidency of George W. Bush…

[@karlikuris]

Heh.....Estoniand have said since the 90s that russia has not lost its imperial ambitious which is growing, but in Europe this talk has always fallen to deaf ears. Even finnish president 15 years ago said that we are suffering "posttraumatic stress" and russia is a good partner.

[@anothersucker-Youcantfixstupid]

Despite the warning I bet there's a moron at the end making a statement instead of asking a question (I'm just starting to watch).

[@anothersucker-Youcantfixstupid]

yep 51.14

[@madistamela5975]

One guy ruins it with his accent

[@h.e.hazelhorst9838]

I think the west should offer Russia a clear perspective: if they get rid of Putin and his entourage, and leave Ukraine, the west should help Russia get on its feet again.

[@happyhappynuts]

Problem is, they can't. The experience in China and "new Russia" has been if you help too much with no strings attach, you raise an antagonistic rival. West could not have opened door more to China, look at the result

[@mustafakhan6935]

Love to see when Puttinn bBarbecuii all the bullies😁😁😁😁😋😋😋

[@mustafakhan6935]

😁😀Puttinn will lLive for another 30 years 😭Deal with reality😆😆😂😆

[@shaun906]

possibly, but in Syria not running Russia! you need to overthrow him and come back to the west!

[@philipmarwood9327]

I doubt it mustafa kan. He might be just a twat like a lot other crazies.

[@mustafakhan6935]

😁😁😀Puttinnn will live for another 30 years 😭Deal with reality😆😆😂😅😀