James Sherr - Russia’s Sovereignty is not Directly Threatened so Why is Putin Embracing Total War?

GUEST: James Sherr OBE - Senior fellow of the International Centre for Defence & Security, Tallinn.
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The international response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine is scaling up, with the expected provisions of ATACMS and F16s, but remains inadequate to the task of achieving a full victory and often lags dangerously behind requirements, which causes the war to be more protracted, resulting in a greater loss of life on the Ukrainian side. Russia poses a serious threat to the rules-based international order, but is the West’s response insufficiently robust in defence of the values it espouses? A recent Chatham House report rang alarm bells and recommended that Western military support to Kyiv should be redoubled before it is too late.
Chatham house paper: www.chathamhouse.org/2023/06/...
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SPEAKER:
James Sherr OBE has been a senior fellow of the International Centre for Defence & Security in Tallinn since 2019. He also is an associate fellow and former head of the Russia and Eurasia Programme at Chatham House (2008-11). He was a member of the Social Studies Faculty of Oxford University from 1993 to 2012; a fellow of the Conflict Studies Research Centre of the UK Ministry of Defence from 1995 to 2008; and director of studies of the Royal United Services Institute (1983-85). He has published extensively on Soviet and Russian military, security, and foreign policy, as well as energy security, the Black Sea region, and Ukraine’s efforts to deal with Russia, the West, and its own domestic problems. He was awarded an OBE in the 2020 New Year’s Honours List for his services to British interests overseas.
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BOOKS:
Soviet Power: The Continuing Challenge (RUSI Defence Studies) by James Sherr
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LINKS:
www.chathamhouse.org/about-us...
icds.ee/en/autor/james-sherr/
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SUMMARY:
Moscow’s war of reconquest against Ukraine has confirmed in the most brutal terms how Russia rejects the values underpinning European security - the same values agreed between Moscow and the West at the end of the Cold War. As a revisionist power, Russia has made itself the primary obstacle to peace and security in Europe and beyond. For stability to be restored and protected, it is essential that the outcome of the war in Ukraine leads to a situation in which - in addition to the expulsion of occupying forces - the exercise of Russian power is contained rather than encouraged. Over time, Russia’s leadership must also be persuaded to renounce its expansionist ambitions.
It’s now or never for Ukraine. A protracted or frozen conflict benefits Russia and hurts Ukraine, as does a ceasefire or negotiated settlement on Russia’s terms. If Ukraine is to avoid these outcomes and turn tenacious defence and incremental battlefield gains into outright victory, it needs far more ambitious international military assistance than it has received to date. This report presents the case for an immediate and decisive increase in such support, seeks to dispel overhyped concerns about provoking Russia, and counsels against accommodating Moscow’s demands.
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#jamessherr #chathamhouse #ukraine #ukrainewar #russia #zelensky #putin #propaganda
#war #disinformation #hybridwarfare #foreignpolicy #communism #sovietunion #postsoviet
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CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction
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PLATFORMS:
Twitter: / curtainsilicon
Instagram: / siliconcurtain
Podcast: open.spotify.com/show/4thRZj6...
Linkedin: / finkjonathan
Patreon: / siliconcurtain
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[@liberty_and_justice67]

An American here. My vote in any election I am part will go to the candidate most supportive of Ukraine’s victory over Russia. Looks like it may be Democrat straight down the ticket. So be it.

[@michelleisaacson6069]

American here as well, and I feel exactly the same!!!

[@michaelfried3123]

I was an R until Trump came along. Now I'm an Independent and I plan on doing the same (again). I'll be voting blue to keep democracy safe both here at home and in Ukraine. Sadly, it looks to me like the R party in America is kaputsky.

[@liberty_and_justice67]

@@michaelfried3123 I was an R until Trump as well. 35 years. Now sickened by the madness driving the GOP.

[@WayneTheSeine]

Same here. I am 75 and have voted Republican my entire life. I changed my party to Independent after seeing such a lack of wisdom and a totally contraian view on foreign policy in general. If a condidate is not 100% clear on his or her support for Ukraine....they can forget getting my vote.

[@WayneTheSeine]

@@michaelfried3123 Same here

[@niio111]

"People who say this must end in negotiation are neither watching nor listening." - Great statement!

[@SiliconCurtain]

👍

[@gerryhouska2859]

There must be negotiations - after Muscovite empire is defeated and all of Ukraine liberated. Then there will be negotiations about reparations, return of abductees etc.

[@artmcteagle]

Petr Tolstoy the deputy speaker of the Russian Parliament in a recent despicable interview about the war in Ukraine stated; "Whether there will be some kind of Ukraine, or it won't exist-I don't really care. We'll see, if it remains or not, but this is the highest price: their desire at first to be with Europe and Russia, then only with Europe and then to become the anti-Russia-for all of this trajectory they will have to pay a steep price." Biden, Macron and Scholz need to pay attention to what Russian politicians are actually saying and wake up!

[@CollectiveDefence]

@@gerryhouska2859 Well. An Ukrainian victory, as in pushing Russian troops out of Ukrainian territory would be the best option. Perhaps negotiations about Crimea, but that had to include boots-on-the-ground security gurantees from countries like Poland, Turkey, Great Britain, maybe even Germany. And am not a big supporter of the latter. The fundamental question is how Ukraine can win the peace. Because even if they win the war, they can loose the peace. I think any agreements, documents are pointless with the Putin regime, unless they threaten Russia with the use of force. And even then we can’t trust them completely. Quite frankly, i don’t think there will be any peace with the Putin regime, perhaps a Korean solution, at best. It’s a task for later generations to incentivize Russia to do something else than mischief. Not because they deserve it, or we like it, but because it makes sense geopolitically. And if any kind of settlement would take place (i don’t think it will) , you can write off reparations and war tribunal off the table. Thinking that the Russian leadership will hand themselves or their buddies into custody, is a fantastically naive idea. They will never do that. Now regarding deported Ukrainians, here there is more chance for a solution, although problematic. It’s a shit world, it’s gonna be a shit world for the foreseeble future.

[@jensramputh]

Nope, this is a fight to the death

[@janesoole703]

Chilling and superbly informative. I fear so much woolly Western thinking and its desire for compromise with a merciless destroyer. Jane Soole, Dorset, England

[@gmw3083]

FU weetawd

[@sparkcommunications2499]

Fantastic Episode...James Sherr's knowledge of Russia is almost as superb as his maroon Dog tie

[@ScienceTalkwithJimMassa]

Excellent discussion Jonathan. Professor Sherr's comments, this discussion must be seen by EVERY western leader, every politician in all the parliaments and congress as well as to the entire EU governing body. Very important comments made.

[@SiliconCurtain]

👍👍👍 I will be rereading the transcript to get every last insight out of it.

[@happydays4302]

Perhaps key bits could be emailed to our MPs with link to the full speech

[@spxram4793]

@@happydays4302 Any educated politician should know and respect Churchill. He had the same view on Russia during WW2 - himself experiencing and foreseeing the British Empire to fall apart, he understood most of this. In 1945, he proposed to rearm the German soldiers with the allied weaponry abundantly available in Europe, and send them to Russia to finally destruct the russian state - as it represented what has been described here in the interview.

[@puraLusa]

​@@spxram4793more war at that point in time wasn't the best option.

[@spxram4793]

@@puraLusayes, I agree. Unfortunately. Russian society was not able to develop themselves - their thinking is 150-200 years lagging behind Europe.

[@GMT_400]

I simply don’t understand why we keep doing things the Russia clearly sees as weakness. The delayed weapons, 10’ish tanks split between multiple countries and the indecision, talking about windmills at Chernobyl in the middle of war when we all know what’s happening with Russian LNG which will make the parts of the windmills. I don’t care what anyone says, that statement at Vilnius was a concrete decisions by NATO not to engage Russia in Ukraine. It’s really sad. I am all for being morally correct and righteous, but righteous policies without a plan are dangerous.

[@SiliconCurtain]

Yes. Wry true. We have signalled weakness and vacillation since 2014.

[@junahn1907]

I have often responded directly to Meersheimer that his insistence of treating Russia, a country with an economy the size of Spain's and a military budget smaller than India's, as a "great power" endowed with special privileges is not "realism". It's nostalgia. Moreover, it is nostalgia for genocidal autocracy, which makes him a shit human being.

[@ashcarrier6606]

Russia trying to maintain a military sizeable enough to be a Great Power is as ridiculous as Texas trying to be a Great Power with its GDP.

[@ashcarrier6606]

Oh, you left out Russia's aging, declining population and non-replacement fertility rate. I guess we could throw the "brain drain" and emigration into that mix too. I notice that all the scientists and engineers who are heads of their design/research fields that have been recently arrested or "died suddenly" were all guys well past mandatory retirement age anywhere else. And sending 200k+ men off to die doesn't exactly improve those birth rates. Russia will be largely irrelevant within one more generation.

[@g0679]

If he has been married for many years, he has likely heard that description of himself numerous times.

[@SirAntoniousBlock]

And a rotten traitor to Western values.

[@davidpnewton]

There are differences which mean Russia does have to be treated differently. 1. Permanent UN Security Council seat. 2. Nukes. It is the second which makes the biggest difference. It is the second which means Russia cannot be directly destroyed. Just as with those who clamour for negotiations are fools who ignore facts and reality, those who clamour to do things that amount to an attack on Russia directly are fools who ignore facts and reality. A good example of fools in the second category are those who advocated for a NATO no-fly zone over Ukraine. It didn't seem to enter their minds how this would inevitably lead to confrontations between Russian jets or air defences on one side and US, UK or French jets on the other. Direct confrontation between nuclear powers is almost never a good idea. Certainly not a good idea in that case. So Russia must be destroyed by proxy. Massive economic sanctions and providing military aid to those they have attacked to allow those who have been attacked to fight back in a very lethal and effective way. The Russians can stop this at any point. They have the choice. Surrender. Pull out of all Ukraininan territory. Pay reparations. Hand Putin and all other war criminals for trial and in his and many other senior people's cases execution. Not an easy thing for Russia to do psychologically. Nevertheless they can do it. The alternative is that their economy is strangled on an ongoing basis and their military age male population killed at a notable rate and their military equipment and infrastructure is destroyed. Russia had total military age (18-35) manpower of 15.7 million men. A substantial fraction of them have already fled the country. Far from all of them will be physically fit for military service. A further fraction of them have already been killed or permanently disabled fighting in this war. It's the first category that is the biggest loss both numerically and effectively. That first category is certainly over a million strong and it also contains disproportionate numbers of Russia's brightest and best. Russia as a country is literally statistically more stupid as a result. Taking deaths, permanent disablement and fleeing the country together we're already into the millions of military casualties for Russia. Even excluding those who have fled we're well into the hundreds of thousands. Something will give in Russia. It may be the economy. It may be a result of all the dead. The country will collapse. Then we all get an exciting rollercoaster ride when we find out where the WMD ends up. That's a bad situation. The problem is that the alternatives are worse. A civil war in Russia with the various factions tossing nukes at each other is preferable to a general strategic nuclear exchange. Not good but preferable.

[@mrbogardmusic]

It matters not if Russia agrees "we must create realities in which Russia is obliged to accept." BINGO PERFECT!! 👊🏼

[@uschurch]

Truly. I don't understand why Europe's leaders are fine with being bullied by Russia for decades now.

[@vonravik2012]

It was precisely this approach that served as the catalyst for the conflict. For those who are eager to forge new "realities," I extend a warm welcome in Bahmut.

[@Nik-jq4tx]

Your reality is a electronic concentration camp.

[@martingisser273]

Another intimidating guest I'd love to see with you is Timothy Snyder.

[@SiliconCurtain]

Oh yes - one day!

[@tenareze32]

Yes he replicates the arguments of Timothy Snyder at about a third the speed. The idea of regime change in Russia is a distraction. It is up to Russia to sort out their own problems, they must just be deterred from invading their neighbours and committing genocide in Ukraine.

[@fredriktimren2242]

Good and honest interview. Thank you!

[@amossimon3438]

I do believe Russia will be the first wave to go at U.S. and nato.Them North Korea second wave.Them China the third wave.This will bring some staggering results.This point there should be some weakening on eitherside or other.That is going bring some resolution.

[@shoppingcritic1861]

Outstanding. Hugely so. Thank you.

[@LA-kc7ev]

American here. A probing, thoughtful and insightful interview that so thoroughly explained and put in its place the 'realist' position. All support for a Ukrainian victory on their terms, which are the only terms that can bring a settled peace to the West.

[@russvet]

Yep, you should pay Ukraine. Give money and shut down.

[@seejaybee]

One of the most realistic (without being 'Realist') description of the conflict I have ever heard

[@richardhouser508]

I would like to add that the conversation with James Sherr is a very informative pleasure. Thanks to both of you gentlemen!

[@SiliconCurtain]

👍👍👍 you’re so kind.

[@gloriahoulihan8717]

James Sherr is an impressive man and obviously extremely knowledgeable. Thank you for such an interesting informative interview. I have been listening closely to every word and agree with his opinions.

[@SiliconCurtain]

👍👍👍

[@elliotlambert3817]

Are you his Mum

[@AntioneAngele-cy8yb]

Bullshit online thing i hear!

[@Tim58167]

Excellent interview with James Sherr One of the best contributors I have listened to, He certainly knows his subject. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

[@mikelanglow-bi2sv]

❤ what a privledge for me to see and listen to Mr. Sherr. The depth and quality of his experienced wisdom had me concentrated to the end. ❤

[@SiliconCurtain]

👍👍👍

[@surelyyoujokemeinfailure7531]

@@SiliconCurtain Wow can that guy speak clearly and deeply.

[@paulbrouyere1735]

As a European I don’t want my government to restart any cooperation with Russia, as long as they don’t change. I would welcome Ukraine with my heart wherever I meet them in Europe.

[@Smytjf11]

Can you tell me what Chatham House is? It sounds important, and I'd prefer to get a person's opinion rather than the internet's

[@marcusparkus682]

Chatham House is an International Think Tank on International Affairs

[@paulbrouyere1735]

@@geocam2 Keep on dreaming, Ukrainians will not surrender. Even if they have to use bricks and sticks against their abusers

[@MikeRyzhikov]

@@geocam2 Desantis is pandering to MAGA. He pushed to increase funding in 2018-2019. He will ignore the MAGA once voted into office and proceed with expanding military capabilities of Ukraine.

[@MikeRyzhikov]

As a Russian-American, don't count on any future cooperation. Russia is inherently brutal internally and externally. Even as a 1st generation US citizen (2009), I treat betrayal with calculated brutal retribution and often view people smiling at me with suspicion.

[@newshound64]

This is the deepest and most meaningful discussion you have offered, since I have been listening. I, for one, had not seen how determined Putin is to own Ukraine, even if that involves sacrificing every other objective and accomplishment.

[@SiliconCurtain]

👍👍👍 this discussion really provoked a lot of thought for me too.

[@DARDA360]

@@SiliconCurtain Something for Russian language students: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJ6vYmmirrVmraM - a former kick-box champion's memoirs of Russian captivity. Female nurses would come to enjoy watching all the tortures, rapes and 'easy' beatings. And there were humane ones. He was not supposed to survive...

[@elliotlambert3817]

The reason you had not seen what Putin wanted was because it did not exist until Ukraine bombed the people of the Donbas.

[@Mosisli]

​@@SiliconCurtain As an insight into the world view of Mr. Sherr and what he represents this was... enlightening. Mr. Sherr was quite brazen in his assertion of what kind of victory he believed possible. What would have been riveting and more convincing would have been at least a single concrete scenario which exemplified such a victory. Something along these lines: Western nations decides to triple, quadruple their arms shipments, whatever it takes to deliver at least twice the firepower to Ukraine that Russia would be willing and able to commit in conventional terms. It would be expensive of course but that would only make this, one would expect plausible scenario more interesting. Then Ukraine defeats Russia and evicts their forces from all contested territory. Russia accepts this. They don't even use nuclear weapons do defend Crimea. "No big deal, bummer but we don't really care. We can live with it." Russia then pays massive war reparations which are used to rebuild Ukraine as a heavily militarized Nato frontline bastion. Russia then accepts responsibility for the Nord Stream sabotage. "Yes, it's true. It was us all along." Russia also then delivers various leading officials and officers to be tried at the Hague for war crimes, including their despicable destruction of the Nord Stream pipeline. Western nations then says they might reconsider the economic sanctions if Russia pays compensation to western companies for their lost assets in Russia. "This is acceptable" says Russia and pays up. Western nations then does not use this moment of utter Russian humiliation and weakness to smash the Russian Federation into tiny pieces. But suppose for a second we entertain this wild notion that the West might actually divide Russia to create a number of weaker nations willing to accept their fates as subservient guardians of US hegemony along the northern border of China. Totally outlandish of course and China would never entertain such a bizarre notion. And even if China believed such an outcome to be possible they'd absolutely not prefer to supply Russia with weapons rather than watch Russia bend the knee to the West and fall apart. Hence we see how a Russian defeat would seem eminently plausible. No doubt Mr. Sherr could give us a clear and very rewarding view as to how the outcome he suggests could come about. "Russia’s Sovereignty is not Directly Threatened so Why is Putin Embracing Total War?" Yes, why indeed.

[@aachoocrony5754]

What else did Putin sacrifice? 🤭 Name one. Rule of thumb:99% of geopolitical and political commentary done w a British accent is 💩. It's quite uncanny. It seems they think they're being rewarded but evidence shows the contrary.

[@kathleentrinity7367]

Excellent discussion. The elements of the Ukrainian situation are drawn out with clarity. How refreshing to listen to someone who does not accept the "realist" position. In my view too, why should a bully be entitled to move into an independent nation, deport its people, and wreck the country? Not to respond is to go against our principles of civil society, especially those of democracy.

[@nylai36]

3q8

[@borovik8714]

24:19 - very importand part about no go to the compromise with the values, due to some kind of "realism". Unfortunately Ukraine honors Bandera and dishonorable UPA members who murdered hundreds of thousands of Polish civilians during the Genocide of Wołyń and Eestern Lesser Poland, in the most savage wayes, starting with children. No other civilized European country honors 20th-century criminals who carried out ethnic cleansing through genocide. "Ukraine must be ethnically pure like a glass of water," wrote Stepan Bandera, the Ukrainian counterpart to Nuremberg-executed Alfred Rosenberg's, author "Final Solution." However, when Ukraine reconciles with its Nazi past, destroys all UPA monuments (sic! There are really monuments of Bandera supporters in Ukraine! Could you imagine that???), then, but not before, it should have a chance to join NATO and the EU.

[@stephenhill545]

@@borovik8714 those that honor Bandera do it mostly because he fought against Stalin. If you know about the death famine, you would understand that. Ukrainians did join in the Holocaust, and so did poles, Hungarians, belorussians, Russians, Frenchmen, Dutchmen etc.

[@borovik8714]

@@stephenhill545 of course - typical - „poles” without capital letter. After all the help so much disrespect. What tortured 3 year old girl, torn apart, was guild for Holodomor??? Hmm??? SS Totenkopf also were fighting, fierlesly, becouse of Red Army’s cruelty. You expect now from Jews or Poles to tolerate it as well? And what Ukrainian fans had on their banners on Euro 2016, while playing against Poles? „We will make anather Wolynian Genocyde!”. So they know and they like it. Bandera written „Ukraina has to be ethnically pure like a glass of water”. Do you want to argue with it? UPA was killing EVERYBODY. „Od maleho do stareho” (from a baby to the eldery). Despite all of it Poles helped Ukrainians, when Ukraine was at risk. You see comparison? And Ukrainians still worship nazi Bandera. And what did Ukrainian gov or president, to ban this ban this sick cult? To educate Ukrainians? NOTHING. Only „poles” . This is how you thank us. Go to hell.

[@borovik8714]

And Poles were victims of the Third Reich not less than Jews. Do you know a numbers? There were no „Polish concentation camps”. Poles helped Jews - see Polanski’s „Pianista”. And what about Żegota? If do not know it, if you do know Jan Karski, and role of Armia Krajowa in defending Jews, you should not discuss, since you do not have basic knowlage. Poles do help. Now - Ukrainians, earlier - Jews. Only in Poland Germans where not able to form gov or SS natonal formation. Basic knowladge. Learn, boy/girl, learn, before you write smth so, so stupid.

[@kgblankinship]

Sherr's viewpoint is impressive. The news media should tap into him more, with his clear, realistic perspective.

[@artmcteagle]

Great interview with a very knowledgeable and highly intellectual guest, a must see interview for anyone concerned about the war in Ukraine and the state of Democracy in the West. I hope you will have James Sherr on again Johnathan.

[@laurie9557]

Intellectual, but also empirical.

[@johntait491]

First class analysis and commentary. Thank you both, gentlemen. 👍

[@SiliconCurtain]

👍👍👍

[@tamarasidlartchouk3138]

Fantastic and truthful analysis! 💙💛💙💛

[@freespirit5680]

Gosh, what a brilliant conversation. Great thanks to both gentlemen, in particular James Sherr for his knowledge and insight.

[@felixfedre518]

Sounded like a lot of nonsense to me. Where did they drag this NATO shill from?

[@marinakralik1977]

so brilliant talk, full of wisdom and accurate analysis. I'm listening it for second time.

[@helengrunow5094]

It is such a pleasure to watch real journalism! Slava Ukraini!🇺🇦

[@Walnut777]

😂😂😂… yeah, good one mate

[@clarettanijhuis8345]

One of the best interviews yet. Wonderful insight. Thank you Mr. Fink and Mr. Sherr 🙏

[@chozumi]

This discussion with James Sherr is excellent. What an opportunity! He said "Russia creates cynics, the West creates hypocrites". Well stated. The "however long it takes," and "we did our best " tossed around by top officials have become the hollow words and vagaries of hypocrites. Rather, as James Sherr states, we need clarity and forthright action to defend the principals of democracy. Otherwise "the west is dead". Slava Ukraine, Slava Democracy!

[@GuruBobBreen]

Couldn’t agree more. Those were superb points.

[@herptek]

One of the biggest causes of cynicism is establishment of blunt hypocrisy.

[@jensramputh]

The west is dead. Accept it.

[@MrThartofwar]

Lies, the current Ukrainian government overthrew the democratic elected one in 2014 when this war started, a pro Russian Ukrainian democracy, why the hypocrisy, why is nato supporting the enemy of democracy, you’s are all just hypocrites! Hail Russia leader of the free world and defender of the democratic rights of Ukrainian Russians!

[@MrThartofwar]

Your not fighting for democracy, your suppressing the democratic rights of Ukrainian Russians! Your supporting the enemy of democracy! While Putin is standing up for there rights and defending them, Russia will also hold’s the moral high ground in this war! I for one am glad Russia is winning and will continue to win against nato aggression and blatant escalation!

[@cobbrjo]

Congratulations on an excellent discussion. It's a pleasure to hear the counter arguments to realist explanations of why Russia went to war presented with such clarity.

[@logicalconceptofficial]

You guys sound as ridiculous as him, directly denouncing rational thinking and realism that says war is a net loss for humanity. It’s quite moronic - clearly people justifying their own warmongering and greedy political designs that ignore the unity of things (humanity, consciousness, existence, coherence, etc.). Reason and truly rational thinking is always right. The irrational will be ensnared by their own irrationality, if they cannot and will not heed the warnings.

[@logicalconceptofficial]

His explanation did not refute genuine realism or rationality, and his statements contradicted themselves (saying no one’s view is objective one moment, then declaring the people he disagrees with aren’t true realists the next, arguing against realism altogether the next). The Logos (Universal Logic - True God) holds the explanation for all things as the Source of Existence and Rationality (what is real and sensible and existing) and makes it clear that the war is happening because of nationalist logics and flawed logics that are not True Logic (Logos). Many have incoherent logics devoted to their nations, money, themselves, etc (“false gods” - concepts not worthy of our devotion before/over Reason) and they abandon Reason (God - Logos - YHVH). The people who do so, especially if they are smart, can be very good at justifying that (objective) mistake, but it does not change the fact it’s a mistake. That is also why you need intellectual honesty (good faith) not just intellect in order to know the Real Logic/God/Truth/Reality/Universe.

[@ipodman1910]

@illlogicalbullcrap… Blah blah blah… Russian nazis attack other countries because they are russian nazis and want to enslave and exploit their neighbors. Fixed it for you, you ignorant.

[@lmandrakepoe]

A wonderful discussion if not so terrible. Thank you. As an American I will continue to support the Ukrainian cause through Zelensky's conditions.

[@milosbhat6920]

Unparalleled assessment in all western hemisphere!

[@Jeremy101Jeremiah]

That was seriously great content.

[@tractorpoodle]

Perfect and clear. Can we have a Part 2?

[@yarotic]

Outstanding guest……I’ve shared this interview with many Russian friends & westerners who know Russia well.

[@SiliconCurtain]

👍👍👍

[@star-gs9kh]

This is a nonsense analysis with hypocrisy

[@robert5018]

I agree with James Sherr completely.....

[@Leo-Crespi]

This guy is amazing, great interview.

[@stephenbethell7548]

Great guest and a really accomplished man . I “enjoyed “ the interview very much .

[@inkipinki8468]

Professor Sherr gave amazing analysis of the context and history of this War. He is right. Russia needs to be defeated!

[@rashabelgrade]

Well, it's simple, you pick up a rifle and head for Ukraine. And don't use any means of transport because they mostly use fossil fuels and don't eat meat because cows pollute the environment.

[@elvisjoseph8632]

Thoroughly enlightening. Thank you.

[@idanceforpennies281]

Unless the political/governmental system in Ukraine collapses (and there's no sign of that), Russia can't occupy Ukraine. It will just be another Afghanistan. Russian forces getting attacked on a constant basis, bleeding them white. The initial gambit failed after about 4 days, so I don't see what the Russians can now achieve.

[@SiliconCurtain]

This is one potential outcome of course.

[@k9killer221]

Zelenskiyy is more popular now than before 22 February. And is now famous in the West too. That wasn't the Russian plan at all.

[@karlp8484]

Dredging through history, it reminds me a bit of the early WWII Italian invasion of Greece. On paper the Italians should have smashed them , but the Greeks handed them their head.

[@mebsrea]

Afghanistan’s terrain played a major role in the USSR’s defeat, as did the fact that the Soviet Union was supposedly intervening to assist a fellow socialist country, meaning that despite Soviet brutality, it couldn’t simply depopulate entire regions and carry out a genocide. It would likely have no such compunctions in Ukraine, to judge from the openly genocidal rhetoric broadcast nightly on Russian state television.

[@deanejoyce5393]

@@bamspam23 Don’t be so sure about that. Russians have proven to be the most incompetent army on the face of the earth. Maybe they are learning but the few competent fighters they do have are being used up and burnt out, rather than training lessons learned to new recruits. As Napoleon said “ Don’t interrupt the enemy when he is busy making a mistake “

[@pault.3524]

What would we be without internet. Seeing mr Sherr think before he answers is a joy. Hearing the answer is ever better. Thank you both for the time and effort. Good quesions (tailored to your guest) and answers that make me realise that there is a hell of a lot experience and knowlegde needed to analyse Russian thinking. Mr. Sherr has both.

[@Tommykey07]

Because it's not about Russia's security but Putin's regime security.

[@thomassparrevohn8577]

That’s possibly the best and most considered analysis I have heard great insight

[@KevinK-ey5uu]

Excellent conversation. James made many remarks that really made me think on the "realities" of interacting with Russia. Despite his annoyance with the term of "realistic" expectations of Russian interactions. Thanks for the interview.

[@jensramputh]

American sovereignty is also not threatened . Its all about power and money

[@MichaelHarrisIreland]

yes, I listened to this BS just to hear the other side.

[@ricardosmythe2548]

European security is key to the US's national interest. Its key to Nato security interests. The west cannot afford to sit on its hands while a dictator uses warfare to steal another nations territory on European soil. If they had Putin would of taken Ukraine, Russia would be much stronger for it and would be an even greater threat to other European countries. As things stand Russia is likley to gain nothing from this conflict apart from spare storage space in its weapons warehouses and an increased level of demographic problems within its nation. A strong win for European security.

[@CollectiveDefence]

Fantastic interview, as always. Liking this guest especially, he seems very ”balanced” in his viewpoints.

[@liberty_and_justice67]

Excellent interview!

[@pinpointmediadesign]

This is the best piece on the Ukraine fallacy that I have listened to.

[@dessmith7658]

Ukraine is a sunk cost fallacy

[@VajrahahaShunyata]

Ukraine is finally getting free of moscovite exploitation. Russia is a genocidal fascist imperialist terrorist state.

[@jamesewanchook2276]

Good interview. Send them all the heavy ordnance needed. Slava Ukraini! 🇨🇦🇺🇦

[@jensramputh]

What happens when Ukraine runs out of men. ?

[@scottmagnacca4768]

James this was one of the best interviews I have seen in years. I hope senior leaders are listening to you

[@CarolynAcosta-mw2dl]

Excellent interview, and as you said Johnathan, what a terrifying end!

[@nattuglaHK]

Thank you for this enlightening episode 😊

[@willg3717]

Absolutely fantastic guest!

[@TKMcClone]

There has to be a context were Russian leadership realizes that they need to negotiate with Ukraine as an independent and equal nation. As long as 'The West' is seen as the primary and key decision maker the war will never end. Ukraine 's position needs to be strong enough to force Putin to see them as an equal. Remove the hope that the west will save him from the war he created. This whole series of guests have been excellent! 💙💛

[@TKMcClone]

@@enriquelaroche5370 Cool a Vatnick! You guys are the subject of the funniest memes. I heard that one of your submarines sunk while it was on land? That's so weird. Keep up the good work or you'll end up at the front! 💙💛

[@stephenhill545]

​you should listen more carefully. The guest is very insightful.

[@TKMcClone]

What did I miss?@@stephenhill545

[@TKMcClone]

​ @enriquelaroche5370 You mad Bro? I live in one of those countries sending billions of dollars worth of aid to Ukraine. You see we don't see it as begging, we see it as the moral choice. We're wealthy and it makes us feel good to help someone(s) in need. We'll be there when Ukraine is at peace and rebuilding the damage caused by your 'Russkiy mir' delusions. They'll be welcomed into the EU and eventually NATO. Do you seriously think that Western corporations and arms manufactures are going to give up on Ukraine? Good luck begging for drones from Iran and shells from little rocket man, megalomaniacs gotta stick together. Good luck dealing with the band of mafia thugs running your 'federation of loosely connected regions'. Good luck holding it together if those poor morons you're conscripting ever figure out the it's not the 'motherland' it's Muscovite elites they're fighting for. Are you one of those Moscow sheep hiding away happy that it's your peasant class and convicts doing the dying?

[@rustyshaklford9557]

Presumably the context would be one in which Ukraine is actually winning, so I wouldn't hold my breath.

[@danielschaeffer1294]

I get something out of all these discussions. In this case, I was intrigued by the information that Catherine the Great took it on herself to simply erase Ukraine’s historical memory of itself. The Orwellian nature of Russia was baked into its DNA, it seems.

[@helenlozinski3072]

Catherine the Great failed to erase Ukraine's memory of itself. Ukrainians developed an oral culture that preserved their identity.

[@HepCatJack]

Little Cathy failed in this regard.

[@vonravik2012]

Perhaps it's worth first establishing whether Ukraine, Ukrainians, and Ukrainian historical memory even existed during Catherine's time.

[@Nik-jq4tx]

During Catherine II no Ukraine existed.

[@helenlozinski3072]

@@Nik-jq4tx True. No Ukraine existed but the indigenous Ukrainian ethnicity existed and resisted Russian domination. That is why Catherine II destroyed the Hetmanate in Zaporizhia, burned down the allied settlements and deported the population. She repopulated the eastern and southern territories with Russians, and renamed the newly annexed territory Novorossyia. Besides, European nation states were a creation of the 19th century so many of today's European nations also did not exist. A glance at historical maps of the 18th and 19th century maps reveals the transition from empires to nation states.

[@stevenjohns-savage7024]

Go hard Ukraine. You can do it for a better future 😊. They got no respect for any thing 😊

[@juliechristianson8009]

Such a distinguished guest. Why haven’t we heard from him before?

[@SiliconCurtain]

Experts on Russia, especially academics will be very familiar with Mr Sherr. I’ve been keen to get him on the channel for a year- sometimes it takes that long to arrange these big guests!

[@samathman3937]

Fascinating and insightful.

[@grbradsk]

Such a dark, enlightening conversation.

[@androidrebel]

Clear and deep analysis, outstanding quality talk! My greatest compliments!

[@Aussie-Mocha]

“Terrifying & Important to hear” But we don’t have to take it as gospel. I felt his takes had the potential to lean towards the idea that Russia can not and shouldn’t be defeated. It’s this doubt that gives Russia strength to keep fighting. 🤔 Russia wants to see western powers dismantled , why can’t we have the same ambition? Thank you Jonathan for another insightful piece.

[@roboldx9171]

Excellent presentation. This man makes complete sense. Accept that nothing is written in stone.

[@JM-The_Curious]

Possibly the best and most thorough analysis I've heard so far. I am very concerned lately reading opinion articles on Sky News website that for the West the desired outcome is simply a greatly weakened Russia. I had stupidly thought our aim was a free, independent and viable Ukraine and that Russia needs to respect the sovereignty and borders of other countries, even those who used to be part of the USSR. This video confirms my feelings that Russia must not walk away from this war, a true 'invasion' of another country, with any gains. I also think now that for Ukraine to be viable and 'secure for the near-term that the Sevastopol base cannot be in Russian ownership.

[@jfrmfrjm]

As long as Crimea is in Russia's hands, Ukraine cannot rest - nor sleep. Furthermore, the peninsula - that is actually an island - can only be sustained from Ukraine, so it's a part of Ukraine by nature.

[@madeleinesuzette]

Another excellent interview!! Thank you Johnathon and James

[@veex48]

Erudite brilliant interview. Thanks for this. 🇨🇦

[@kenadams5504]

Russia are done .They have no business in that Country .They must leave .

[@nildex34]

One of the most insightful discussion on the Ukraine crisis.

[@gerryhouska2859]

As far as I know, RuSSia has honoured the Molotov - Ribbentrop treaty; I can think of no other.

[@hobbiesofstefs7085]

No they didnt they invaded russia only a few years later.

[@Diossvk]

"People who say this must end in negotiation are neither watching nor listening." Spot on.

[@user-dl9uz3np6r]

Very astute analysis. Much appreciated.

[@richardhouser508]

Great powers have to learn, at some point, that attempting to conquer land from their neighbors is not a winning proposition, at least in the modern world. Japan and Germany have seemingly learned this lesson. Civilization has some force in the world today, due in part to communication and the media. Russia is in the process of learning now. Slava Ukraine! UA!

[@retorenfer8702]

I totally agree with you.

[@ennediend2865]

Russia must be disovietized !!

[@SueFerreira75]

Don't hold your breath. Mankind hasn't learned this in thousands of years. Love your optimism though.

[@allansmith3837]

When will America learn that the biggest warmongering nation on planet earth. A nation that jumped into the shoes off the British Empire. The day the USA falls will be a great day for the world.

[@Alex-zr1wt]

Azerbaijan just recaptured land from Armenia in a military operation , everybody is silent. So we’re is a point?

[@toby9999]

Excellent guest.

[@Burmych]

Very clear-eyed view! Wish many western leaders heed to this analysis.

[@davidndahura7437]

Very good lessons. Thanks .

[@weije093]

This was one of the best interviews. I mean, not just on Silicon. A bit shocking as well.

[@SiliconCurtain]

👍👍👍

[@smillner771]

The best interview i have watched regarding this war...& i have watched quite a few. Great to hear Sherr debunk the "realists" and also give a lot more insight into how Putin will still feel he can win. I disagree on a couple of points but overall, yes; Ukraine / the west has to be firm on identifying the achievable objectives and Russia will have to accept these.

[@ljubosvetijeljiski7023]

Fantastic interview.

[@yanglui3760]

Let me summarize this man in a very respectful way. He has more knowledge of Russia than I probably ever will have or interested in obtaining. But like many eastern Europeans that I've spent thousands of hours talking to, their understanding of the rest of the world, even US, is so terribly lacking, that what is about to happen will shock him profoundedly. I call it a russian tunnel vision symptom.

[@niio111]

"As long as it takes... what takes? What is your definition of victory? I know what Putin's is, we have discussed it. I know what Zelinsky's is, we have referred to it. What is Joe Biden's definition of victory? Have you heard one? I haven't." - THIS!

[@ricardosmythe2548]

Surley that should be obvious. As long as it takes for Ukraine to reclaim its territory that's currently occupied by Russia. If that's mainland Ukraine or includes Crimea is for Ukraine to decide and we should continue to support them indirectly until there goals are achieved either way.

[@karegrnbk7490]

Simply a splendid interview

[@pavelevtushenko9006]

Most excellent!

[@markb8468]

Great guest as always Jonathan. Thank you.

[@ikiruyamamoto1050]

I appreciate this thoughtful interview very much. As an American, I'm very worried that partisan politics will derail our support for the freedom fighters of Ukraine. The recent generation of hyper-partisanship seem to have left us in a post-truth world. Instead of pursuing the right and the good, large numbers of low information voters merely want to be loyal to their "team"...like teams in English Football. It is quite shocking to see substantial parts of Ronald Reagan's party desiring to give in to Russian aggression and genocide. On top of this we have an aged President who has completely failed to make the case why the defense of Ukraine is fundamental to the national interest. A shocking lack of leadership. But, it isn't just America that can wobbly. With the exception of the former soviet republics, NATO members look like they could go wobbly at the first substantial shock. It's as if they learned nothing from WWII. But, perhaps that risk of cracking is an inevitable byproduct of the West having dozens of leaders & constituencies, whereas Russia has just one.

[@bamspam23]

Awesome (hate that word, its overused) discussion. Much to ponder. Thanks guys

[@bertiballermann5812]

I fully agree with James Sherr's view that the "real" realist view should be that a formidable fighting force like the Ukrainians were better to be integrated into NATO rather sooner than later.

[@lmao-xw3yj]

Excellent guest. As usual. Thank you so much!

[@drreaganeliedithphd6526]

Ukraine est parte de ouest et Europe

[@henriikkak2091]

Heard this on Spotify yesterday and came here to give a thumbs up.

[@SiliconCurtain]

👍👍👍

[@sujac664]

👏🏼 Thank you! Excellent interview , excellent Guest, vital content -as always Jonathan. Thank you again🫡

[@user-tj5sh1tp5y]

Greetings from Boston from Russian Immigrants since forever, 1992 to be exact! We fully support Mother Russia 🇷🇺☦️ as much as needed, as long as it takes against Ukraine, against NATO and against the United States

[@gerryryan3562]

England spent more than seven hundred years bullying Ireland and pursued genocidal policies against the native Irish at several points throughout these many centuries of bullying and domination. So England should examine its own history of colonialism and bullying and genocide.

[@stephenhill545]

And we Scots. Good Ulstermen all.

[@SiliconCurtain]

It’s because of this experience, and in fact the experience of my own Irish family that I’m so critical of blatant Russian imperialism.

[@davidbrancaleone3039]

@gerryryan3562 whataboutism is OFF POINT. You either support Russian invasion which is happening today, not 700 years ago or you support Ukraine. Cop on!

[@colinbatey7876]

And now what, last time I checked there are more people of Irish descent in England and the rest of UK than in Ireland. My ancestors were treated badly and they were English, get over it.

[@drreaganeliedithphd6526]

Je soutiens Ukraine 🇺🇦 jusqu’à toutes les territoires sont Ukraine et tous les enfants reviennent à Ukraine 🇺🇦

[@mfrodyma1480]

I look at what Russia did in Syria and now in Africa. Russia has been causing most of the refugees issues for Europe as a whole and France.

[@colinbatey7876]

​@@mfrodyma1480The speaker just spoke of Lenin's talk of defeating a superior power by division. We in the UK have experienced that since the end of WW2 by Russia's use of various means to get support. Espionage, blackmail, intimidation, subversion, political pressure, infiltration, did I miss any?

[@nigelmorley5414]

@@mfrodyma1480 Deliberately, all part of putins "masterplan" to destroy the west and democracy. he must NOT succeed

[@mfrodyma1480]

@@colinbatey7876 agree, I am 1/2 Polish. with a father who was a scientist, but spent WWII before D Day in England in Army Intel. He had me totally clued in on the Russians at a young age. This by they wayt by a man who through tears finally told me the story about opening up Dachau. We American easily can excuse why we should be involved. "Not my problem.": I have been in the internet business for years. I have had friends on this program. We know what the Russians have done to involve themselves in our politics and business in general. Their blood money is all over the place in the USA. Trump's businesses have "washed" a lot of it. Trump's idiot sons have admitted it. Oligarchs used Ukraine as a tunnel to transit money in the past. CB, I am onboard with you.

[@deadwest3492]

​@@colinbatey7876probably still got yourself brainwashed by (interior) designers

[@brentoncrowhurst8338]

Mr. Sherr is an excellent guest. Fascinating interview. Great questions. Thank you for thos.

[@MrVodka66]

telling it as it really is,

[@GuruBobBreen]

What an excellent speaker. Superb.

[@SiliconCurtain]

👍

[@0013dancer]

Wonderful underrated channel! Only found it recently myself. 😊😊

[@ennediend2865]

STOP THE BULLY💀💀💀 Freedom for sovereign Ukraine 🇺🇦✌

[@conaccento]

A beautiful mind, thank you for this interview.

[@ldhorricks]

I would love to witness a debate between Mr. Sherr and Mearsheimer.

[@karsten11553]

Oh God, yes!! Mr. Sherr would eat him for breakfast.