The Putin Files: Celeste Wallander

Watch Celeste Wallander’s candid, full interview on Putin and allegations of Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election - all part of "The Putin Files", FRONTLINE's media transparency project. Explore Wallander's full interview and interactive transcript here: www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/in...
Explore the complete "Putin File" experience here: www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/int...

[@006pennylane]

Very interesting interview. Celeste Wallander is amazing: her knowledge and insight is stunning.

[@jacquelinehuggins6021]

Memorized propaganda. She's #5.

[@RR-et6zp]

Watch the 2008 documentary by bbc about Putin it’s the best one

[@oldricky]

grow up. She's been into the Mob so long she slings the bullshit in the very direction she wants it to hit the wall.

[@RichardMichelson-gl5zm]

Considering the volume of naive imbeciles in these comments, one major point must be understood: PBS is funded and licensed by the neocon Mob that runs foreign policy no matter who is president. As ex-Senator, one-time contender for the Presidency, Libertarian Ron Paul says, "voters don't elect Presidents or governments, donors do". The PBS scripts are written with the chosen participants. In other words, kids, it's a propaganda show for imbeciles to construct support for the Mob's foreign policy, which is nothing different from how the British Empire was built with wars and bullshit. None of these assholes are going to every tell you about one of their "Think Tanks", the Rand Corporation's "Extending Russia" that, originally, had their blueprint for creating this war but, since the Mob's proxy, the Ukraine Nazis, are getting their ass blown off, have modified that paper to dealing with impeding the inevitable collapse of Ukraine and the $124 billion stolen from the American taxpayers with another proposed $61 billion to disappear into the offshore bank accounts of your "Democratic and Freedom heroes" and shareholders of the military industries . In John Bolton's book, he admits Putin asked to join NATO. The Mob refused, as they couldn't build their empire with that, and responded by tearing up the ABM treaty. See Bolton's interview at 2.47 mins.

[@SuperTonyony]

Has appeasement ever worked out in the end?

[@Mark-ok8ss]

Here we are on 19th of March 2022, Russian troops into their fourth week of the invasion of Ukraine. Her insight on Putin from her position from 10 years ago is rather interesting, paints her advice as spot on..... We should learn from history

[@danielhutchinson6604]

History indicates that Russians have lived in the Ukraine Region for centuries. The Propaganda seems to be as thick in the USA, as it was in Germany when Goebbels was in charge?

[@MrWolfriver]

This whole series has been fascinating. Such an excellent interview!

[@danielhutchinson6604]

Selective presentation of facts that fit a narrative appear to ignore the fact that Russia provides a third of Nickle, Fertilizer and Grain. Uranium is another product they appear to have. The desire to appropriate those resources to enable profits for US Investors, was apparent in the early 1990's . The Stampede of Buyers who went to Moscow, returned with news that Russia was not allowing Majority Investor Status to outsiders. That News appeared to be the motivation for Victoria Nuland to declare War on Russia? Now that She appears to be leaving the US State Department, another liar will replace her ..... The Greed of US Investors is pretty apparent.

[@solo.solito]

I love this series of talks! The insight is so deep.

[@vinzholton]

Excellent!

[@nancyjay8519]

Lots of first hand information that you don’t have a chance to get from big media sources, more worried about ratings these days. We might not agreed to the entire facts, but I greatly appreciate PBS efforts to keep public updated in such a profound way.👏👏👏👏👏👍👍👍.

[@RR-et6zp]

Watch the 2008 documentary by bbc about Putin it’s the best one

[@enochbrown8178]

It is very reassuring to have people like Celeste Wallender advising our admiinistration. What an asset she is to the U.S.

[@RR-et6zp]

Watch the 2008 documentary by bbc about Putin it’s the best one

[@electro1622]

LOL.. yeah right... the US military has gone from the most powerful to the "woke" transgender impotent military which everyone now laughs at..

[@ailleananaithnid2566]

I think she’s right… Better weaponry to the Ukrainians when Putin invaded Crimea (or the Donbas) wouldn’t have stopped this. Unfortunately the options are limited when you’re dealing with a mad man with chemical & nuclear capability. The rumors of Syrians appearing to do the dirty work are very worrying.

[@RR-et6zp]

Watch the 2008 documentary by bbc about Putin it’s the best one

[@user-hu2ff8yd1u]

Показатель того, что Путина ненавидят... Говорит о том, что все правильно делает!!! Пьяный Ельцин играющий на барабанах... Потешался весь мир!! Вот он очень нравится!!! Наш умный, порядочный сильный президент никогда не будет стоять на задних лапках перед Америкой, как Макрон, Шольц!! Никогда!! Путин первый заявил --- ,, Не будет однопалярного мира! Когда одна страна диктует странам как жить, с кем дружить, с кем торговать! " Переживайте за свою страну! Не дерзайте тигра за усы... Или если вам угодно -- медведя ( Россию сравнивают с медведем) по берегите себя!!! Простите, что говорил Бисмарк о России!! Сегодня эти интервью наполнены ненавистью к России, к Путину, т. к. Это нравится слышать американцам и очень выгодно для политиков! Не знаете Россию, не знаете менталитета русских людей ! Мы гордимся нашим президентом!!! Завидуйте, что нам так наконец повезло с руководителем страны!!! Россия, Калининград.

[@asjong1]

Great interview

[@cripppton]

can you elaborate?

[@TampaDave]

Angele Sjong - how DARE you make a post and not provide LINKS for us to follow to prove you are correct! Just kidding, it's like someone paid to come to your review, and it was a bit too short and to the point for them. "Give me more critique, or give me my money back!" No one but a troll would say something like "elaborate" when you are clearly expressing a simple opinion, reinforcing the author/poster etc. World to troll/bot: If you need elaboration, there it is: 1 hour and 4 minutes, free of charge, all the elaboration you could POSSIBLY ask for, the ENTIRE interview. ONE CLICK away. You need a link for it....????? Who should have their money back for some of these trolls is Vilesonavitch Putin. IMO

[@visualcomms]

@@TampaDave Are you pretending to understand her tedious waffle? Not a single straight answer - all convoluted verbiage and vague generalities!

[@JaySmurkzTV]

PBS is one of the best American media organisations. About one of a few in the US beyond political divides etc. Much respect and may they continue bringing great content and documentaries.

[@planes3333]

totally, I agree! Frontline also has the best "low voiced" narrator, excellent programming!!. I wish they would do more on the whole conspiracy about covid.....

[@JaySmurkzTV]

@@planes3333 some things are beyond mainstream, for better or worse, on the one hand mainstream are held to certain standards and responsibility to accurately inform the public (especially a non partisan, respectable and public funded organisation such as PBS). To find some other truths you have to search beyond mainstream, or if you get very lucky (it happens to some).. uncommon/hidden truth finds you LOL. Nevertheless you should search for it!

[@RichardMichelson-gl5zm]

Considering the volume of naive imbeciles in these comments, one major point must be understood: PBS is funded and licensed by the neocon Mob that runs foreign policy no matter who is president. As ex-Senator, one-time contender for the Presidency, Libertarian Ron Paul says, "voters don't elect Presidents or governments, donors do". The PBS scripts are written with the chosen participants. In other words, kids, it's a propaganda show for imbeciles to construct support for the Mob's foreign policy, which is nothing different from how the British Empire was built with wars and bullshit. None of these assholes are going to every tell you about one of their "Think Tanks", the Rand Corporation's "Extending Russia" that, originally, had their blueprint for creating this war but, since the Mob's proxy, the Ukraine Nazis, are getting their ass blown off, have modified that paper to dealing with impeding the inevitable collapse of Ukraine and the $124 billion stolen from the American taxpayers with another proposed $61 billion to disappear into the offshore bank accounts of your "Democratic and Freedom heroes" and shareholders of the military industries . In John Bolton's book, he admits Putin asked to join NATO. The Mob refused, as they couldn't build their empire with that, and responded by tearing up the ABM treaty. See Bolton's interview at 2.47 mins.

[@peterh5165]

Good video! Interesting to hear her take about the issues at play at that time. She is very professional and knowledgeable (I have to believe she has given scores of briefings for her job). Looking back at this video five years later, obviously some of the is material is off.

[@garymingy8671]

Wow - something hit a bot nerve ! Dear Soviets get a cover story ! Remember your scenarios! Keep it consistent! Plz plz plz , !

[@user-hu2ff8yd1u]

Наверное не сумели реализоваться в жизни! Что то не сложилось,! Тяжёлое детство?! Ваше раздражение говорит о том что вас не до оценили, что то не сложилось в жизни! Берегите себя! Успешные, благополучные как правило добрые, снисходительные !

[@trajancanada]

Great insight.

[@williamsibree4286]

Clever, dispassionate and humble enough to admit mistakes. An extremely imressive woman.

[@terencewinters2154]

So what does she think of nordstream 1 and 2 since shes a german russia expert as per her book?

[@TampaDave]

So what does this question have to do with this video? Do you think she will answer your question as to what SHE THINKS here? Or that anyone else could/would, unless she speaks of it in the video? A more important question, did you WATCH the video at all? Where you might have found out if she said anything about your question? Or..... are you a troll? Never gets to WATCH videos, just junk up the comments -- of ones whose TITLES attract you, like blood attracts sharks? DISCLAIMER: No offense intended to sharks. Compared to TROLLS, they have my admiration. This disclaimer does not apply to any trained sharks that work for any imperial-minded dictator.

[@Prototheria]

24:11 Boy, she really nailed it back then.

[@ninjamac240]

Always quite sharp and eloquent. However, she is very careful not to mention US Elections candidates, which she reveals in a lot more detail in another documentary. She is way more relaxed and gives more crucial information in the very interesting documentary "Agent of Chaos" (Netflix) by the great Alex Gibney.

[@gc4847]

Fascinating

[@benedictcowell6547]

Not exclusively on account of these interviews, but in no small measure, as a result of them I feel under some obligation to offer the USA, and the Americans, a massive apology. Sadly, too late in the day, or almost, I have been weaned off my ideology and my latent anti-American attitudes. It is not only these interviews however but the candour of the interviews on the last days of Trump that , I came to the realisation that the world cannot afford to lose the USA, and how dangerous Trump was not only for USA Democracy but for the sake of sanity, Truth, and integrity. They are not always right, and some of the attitudes of the Old South leave a lot to be desired, as does Neo-Con and the hysterical confusion of Communism with any burgeoning movement of reform, but sane, democratic USA is something no person who believes in Liberty we cannot do without, and the best of the USA is very attractive.

[@RichardMichelson-gl5zm]

Considering the volume of naive imbeciles in these comments, one major point must be understood: PBS is funded and licensed by the neocon Mob that runs foreign policy no matter who is president. As ex-Senator, one-time contender for the Presidency, Libertarian Ron Paul says, "voters don't elect Presidents or governments, donors do". The PBS scripts are written with the chosen participants. In other words, kids, it's a propaganda show for imbeciles to construct support for the Mob's foreign policy, which is nothing different from how the British Empire was built with wars and bullshit. None of these assholes are going to every tell you about one of their "Think Tanks", the Rand Corporation's "Extending Russia" that, originally, had their blueprint for creating this war but, since the Mob's proxy, the Ukraine Nazis, are getting their ass blown off, have modified that paper to dealing with impeding the inevitable collapse of Ukraine and the $124 billion stolen from the American taxpayers with another proposed $61 billion to disappear into the offshore bank accounts of your "Democratic and Freedom heroes" and shareholders of the military industries . In John Bolton's book, he admits Putin asked to join NATO. The Mob refused, as they couldn't build their empire with that, and responded by tearing up the ABM treaty. See Bolton's interview at 2.47 mins.

[@christa4548]

Wow! 👏

[@johngalt0096]

Putin gave world his Mein Kampf… nobody listened; just kicked the can down the road. “Looked into his eyes & saw his soul”- now there’s a fool, but not the 1st time or last one.

[@janeclark6342]

Putin needed the warm water port for the Russian Navy in Crimea (which Russia had a long lease already in place) as there was no other port for the navy. Russian had to have that port simple as that.

[@zzip0]

And what is the use of such port, if the only access to the Ocean is through narrow easy to control straight? No, the port was just a side story for Russian unshaved boyarishnik drinkers, to make them feel good and strong. The main story is Russia wants Ukraine back. Russian imperial goals plain and simple. In fact the main goal Ukraine was a failure for Russia.

[@zzip0]

@Edmund Redding There are plenty other places where US fleet can dock in the black sea, so the added value for them is zero. They never intended to do it, this is pure Russian propaganda.

[@TUAMANFAN]

Good on Russia. If it's good for the US it's good for Russia

[@TampaDave]

zzip0 I think everything you just said is true, but there was not a claim that Western forces couldn't do without docking there. So, they could dock somewhere else, but Putin can't. It is reasonable to expect an Imperialist like Putin will reject any solution that does not involve him having at least a certain level of control over Ukraine/Odessa and Crimea. For strategic reasons, as earlier commenters stated. I personally do not think that a head of an intelligence agency is qualified to be a national leader, in the first place. I think we should bar CIA directors, for example, from ever becoming President again (making GHW Bush the only one ever). Having seen that many people are programmed to believe that if you are on tv you are important, I get it. People ask medical/law/plumbing questions of people who played those things on tv. They would let you operate on their bodies, estates, and pipes. Why not bolster your "brand" buy playing a rich, successful a--hole businessman (when only the a--hole part is "reality", in the way it was defined before "Reality" tv). No matter that financial and court records show that he has been a huge loser as a businessman, running scam after scam, always suing if anyone tries to hold him responsible, etc. Never was rich, since he LOST his 1/2 billion dollar inheritance too quickly for it to hit his IRS filings, apparently.

[@MrStringybark]

@Edmund Redding What's that Edmund. Couldn't hear you. Speak louder so everybody knows that you act like a drunken fool in the corner.

[@blairhakamies4132]

Celeste nailed it. Ukraine is crucial for EuroAsian Union' vision of the College that runs Russia. Congratulations 🌹

[@yvonnefarrell1029]

This is fascinating both because of the prescient nature of the narrative but how much the emphasis on economic so-called competitiveness sounds like the US.

[@ginaferreira9399]

Highly intelligent woman ! fascinating interview

[@RR-et6zp]

Read more… Watch the 2008 documentary by bbc about Putin it’s the best one

[@cydoman8014]

No one can look at the mansions, superyachts, car collections and high end real estate purchases Russian kleptocrats routinely add to their possessions (mostly to live and party outside Russia) and think Russia is not totally controlled as tightly and as corruptly now as it was under the Czarist years or the Soviet monopoly. It is not hard to understand why so many of the countries like the Baltics, Polish, Czeck, Slovak, Slovinia, Romanian, Bulgaria, Hungary and all the rest wanted to tie themselves to an EU trading agreement and a NATO mutual defense alliance. They picked up early that Russia is incapable of sustaining self rule by the people. Its history will not allow it and its governments cannot grow the necessary underpinnings of democracy because democracy requires citizens to wage war on those internal forces wishing to substitute dominance by a few over rule by the many. People who think democracy does not require commitment, hard work, constant vigilance over government and lots of time fighting the black arts of mind and narrative control by the favored elite are due a rude shock. Russia is ignored by the world because it will not allow its own people to be great. As long as the Russian people allow small greedy men to send armed thugs into civilian areas of neighboring nations and shoot, bomb and rape innocent citizens, Russia will continue to be a frozen "banana Republic", full of meaningless bluster, hated (and ostracized) by the rest of the world. The Russian people should exile the whole collection of kleptocrats to shacks on the frozen tundra, sell their palatial residences, yachts and cars and seize their stashed money and use it to restart their government with clear laws that ensure personal freedoms for eternity and spell out exactly how the powers of government are to be limited. A responsible government answerable to the governed never blames others when the authority and means to make the necessary corrections is there but they choose to not use it. The minute people in government choose to put their wellbeing above the wellbeing of the governed and try to convince the governed it is for their own good sit up, take notice and vow to kick the bums out.

[@barneypopkin5335]

She wouldn’t be necessarily criticize the Bush administration for misjudging Putin… how limp!

[@juliarichter6987]

This series about Putin is sooooooo good. Thanks!

[@billytheearthworm573]

Don't forget the Frogs?

[@mariodefreitas3094]

Sad...

[@tyeteames7192]

A very strong and noble woman.

[@terencewinters2154]

If the below is true this may have made putin more dangerous and paranoid .

[@miklmiklmtrcycl6009]

Let me guess: you're a whining baby of a euro/american nativist right wing nut or you're a SPG troll?

[@gausimaghostus2835]

Celeste, you have been on African time, so has Mohamed/Babukar. It is not yet the time to spend on past comments until relevancy is established.

[@planes3333]

I wonder if Putin is watching this whole series? Apparently he is seriously addicted to watching TV about himself.

[@user-hu2ff8yd1u]

Он слишком умен, чтобы смотреть такую чушь... И потом он очень занятой занимается своей страной! Умный, самодостаточный, сильный и порядочный! Россия гордится президентом! Нам наконец то повезло с руководителем страны! Займитесь своими проблемами не трогайте нас!! По берегите себя!!!

[@RikodiusRex]

The plausible deniability. The reasonable doubt. Get some prosecutors and treat them like a dirty criminal defense attorney. What would a DA do?

[@sueprator9314]

What are you talking about? Who are you talking about?

[@hmmcinerney]

Or in Putins case, implausible deniability.

[@peekaboostreetmaceri9844]

9

[@terencewinters2154]

Prima facist did he say?🙃

[@peekaboostreetmaceri9844]

2b

[@oldricky]

"Westerners, Americans and Europeans are reasonable people. We question our governments". hahahahahahahahahahaah...........@1.03 mins. Smearing the bullshit thicker than peanut butter.

[@anthonyheller9711]

If you want the Russian's to develop a European style western economy and democratic political culture you're going to have to start in the kindergartens.

[@nunyabiz6952]

Her eyes and the corners of her mouth don't match.

[@pjohnson3690]

America has lost it's way. It has become a sick country.

[@sueprator9314]

So are other greedy global gangsters on the PLANET. GIVE ME A BREAK. PUTIN WINS THE KILLED THE MOST OPPOSITION by one man globally.

[@pjohnson3690]

Susan Prator, I can remember the old cold war, but I've NEVER known the level of hatred, vitriol and paranoia that I see in the world today...and most of it comes directly from the United States. I can also see that the same tactics used to denigrate Russia are now starting to be used against China. It's not Russia or China that has to change, it's America.

[@TampaDave]

P Johnson we had such a great opportunity during the Gorbachev days, but instead let greed reign supreme in the area, as it does most everywhere else these days.

[@veritas6335]

And you are obviously a sock puppet troll. You think People can't tell?

[@veritas6335]

Your ignorance of history is astounding.

[@jacquelinehuggins6021]

Propaganda 301. Vote President Donald J. Trump 45-46-47 in 2024.

[@thomasw.5344]

Jacqueline He was actually #44, to be precise 🤓 And please don't vote for him, anybody else will be better

[@angelopugliese6034]

47? The 22nd amendment to the constitution allows someone to be elected President only twice. Not three times.

[@terencewinters2154]

How much of germanys foreign policy did she insert into us foreign policy ? Ie from a bmw quandt goebbels perspective ?

[@TampaDave]

Did you WATCH the video? Do you have anything to ADD to it or any questions about something in the video? Or... Are you a TROLL Poor little trolls, don't get to watch any videos, just like to verbally urinate on the comments section.

[@terencewinters2154]

@@TampaDave Sorry you are troubled by questions but I am not a troll . Teachers ask questions or your unfamiliar with Socrates .

[@terencewinters2154]

Putin served in germany for kgb and now they have nordstream together since shes this german russia expert what measures did she take to stop undermining nato with nordstream ? Or was she using the ukraine or was her brief too large covering eurasia and aware of goebbels like german hitler stalin pact ribbentrop molotov subset of former proposals in those old agreements.

[@TampaDave]

It is hard to imagine your point in asking these questions here, unless you are -- as seems virtually certain -- a troll who never came here to WATCH this video.

[@terencewinters2154]

@@TampaDave history does repeat itself and I've taught history and you aren't familiar with irredentism

[@veritas6335]

Your state sponsored trolling will be more successful when you learn how to use words and construct sentences instead of vomiting gibberish.

[@terencewinters2154]

@@veritas6335 state doesnt sponsor me but if you missed putins bear being fed oil euros you've not taken your defense in mind and have gone back nazi germanys doing the same under hitler and schacht

[@thatisabsolutelykooooge2211]

A lot of talking without saying anything.

[@davidbalme2883]

Wow ... I thought she was very articulate.

[@thatisabsolutelykooooge2211]

@@davidbalme2883 She was very articulate. You can be articulate without being informative or truthful. It's a lawyers trick so be careful.

[@noconspiracytheoriesplease.745]

@@thatisabsolutelykooooge2211 Much like your comment. Where would we be without your wisdom?

[@thatisabsolutelykooooge2211]

@@noconspiracytheoriesplease.745 hi bot.

[@terencewinters2154]

As of today ukraine is two rump states.

[@davidholt1250]

The Munich Statement was absolutely true. The Americans can't stand having the truth told about their activities

[@christianstough6337]

Russian bot

[@sueprator9314]

@@cripppton Nothing but jerks commenting here. Jews are Russian whether you like it or not.

[@TampaDave]

Sue Prator you replied to a bot.. maybe it costs Putin a little more in bonus money, but it is better to talk to people who may have actually WATCHED the video.

[@TampaDave]

If you WERE going to talk to this troll, you might say: Hey, there's no longer a President who is a White Supremacist who will support your Jew-baiting shyte. We can recognize a turd trying to swim upstream.

[@veritas6335]

You think we can't tell you're a troll? Get a life.

[@anthonyheller9711]

It seems like the world is over-thinking this guy.

[@andreb.6221]

Well, he has thousends of nukes at hand. Better overthink the guy.

[@MidnightRambler]

Bs 🚨

[@chrsdesy8370]

This is yet another Obamaite. Yuch.

[@yakojjy]

Not really. She has been talking about Russia since the early 90s.