Prof. Richard Sakwa: Ukraine, NATO, Russia & Is Europe Making a Historic Mistake? | EP 142

In Episode 142 of the Kianistan Podcast, Professor Richard Sakwa, one of Britain's leading scholars of Russian and European politics, returns to discuss the Russia–Ukraine war, NATO expansion, Britain's foreign policy, and the future of European security.If you enjoy the show, you can support it here: buymeacoffee.com/tafhimkianzProfessor Sakwa examines the United Kingdom's role in the Ukraine conflict, arguing that London has consistently taken one of the most hawkish positions among European powers while placing limited emphasis on diplomacy. We explore whether opportunities for negotiations were missed, the long-term consequences of NATO's strategy, and how the conflict is reshaping Europe's political and security architecture.The conversation also covers Russia's strategic objectives, President Vladimir Putin's calculations, the changing relationship between Europe and the United States, sanctions, military escalation, and the prospects for a negotiated settlement.Drawing on decades of research into Russian politics, European security, and international relations, Professor Sakwa provides historical context and strategic analysis on one of the defining geopolitical conflicts of our time.If you enjoy thoughtful conversations on geopolitics, diplomacy, history, and international relations, don't forget to subscribe and share this episode.WHAT YOU'LL DISCOVER IN THIS EPISODEWhy the UK adopted such a strong position on UkraineNATO's role in the Russia–Ukraine warCould diplomacy have prevented the conflict?Russia's strategic objectives and security concernsEurope's changing relationship with WashingtonSanctions and their long-term effectivenessIs the current Western strategy sustainable?The future of European securityCan negotiations still succeed?What the next phase of the conflict could look likeCHAPTERS : 00:00 – Welcome & Message to the Audience01:38 – Introducing Professor Richard Sakwa02:12 – Britain's Role in the Ukraine War07:08 – Why the UK Took a Hawkish Position12:45 – NATO Expansion & Europe's Security Dilemma18:50 – Missed Opportunities for Diplomacy24:35 – Russia's Strategic Objectives & Putin's Calculations31:15 – Ukraine's Military Situation & Western Support37:40 – Debates Inside Russia on the War44:48 – Iran, Ukraine & the Risk of a Wider Conflict51:40 – Professor Sakwa's Latest Book & Closing RemarksABOUT PROFESSOR RICHARD SAKWAProfessor Richard Sakwa is Professor of Russian and European Politics at the University of Kent and an Associate Fellow of the Russia and Eurasia Programme. He is internationally recognized for his research on Russia, European politics, international relations, and post-Cold War security, and is the author of numerous books on Russian politics and global affairs.CONNECT WITH PROFESSOR RICHARD SAKWAUniversity of Kent: https://www.kent.ac.uk/politics-international-relations/people/2273/sakwa-richardLinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/richard-sakwa-51479141Subscribe for conversations on geopolitics, international relations, diplomacy, history, economics, military strategy, and global affairs.Hashtags#RichardSakwa #Russia #Ukraine #NATO #UnitedKingdom #Europe #VladimirPutin #Geopolitics #InternationalRelations #EuropeanPolitics #RussiaUkraineWar #KianistanPodcastRichard Sakwa, Professor Richard Sakwa, Russia, Ukraine, Russia Ukraine War, NATO, United Kingdom, Europe, Vladimir Putin, European Politics, Russian Politics, International Relations, Geopolitics, UK Foreign Policy, NATO Expansion, European Security, Diplomacy, Sanctions, Military Strategy, World Politics, Global Affairs, Russia Europe Relations, University of Kent, Kianistan Podcast, Tafhim Kiani