PUTIN'S PRESSURE COOKER: With Cormac Smith — Former British Diplomat to Ukraine

🎙️ Voices from the Front — Russia’s war against Ukraine is entering a critical phase, and Vladimir Putin is under immense strain at home and abroad. In this powerful interview, I sit down with Cormac Smith, a former British diplomat and expert on international affairs, to break down the forces shaping today’s conflict and where it might all lead. Cormac brings a rare insider perspective on diplomacy, disinformation, and how leaders across Europe and beyond are interpreting the war. Together, we tackle the big questions about Putin’s position, his desperate projection of strength, and the future of Ukraine. What We Discuss in This Episode: 🔹 Putin’s projection of strength – how the Kremlin’s image of control masks deep cracks: battlefield failures, a fractured economy, disillusioned elites, and open dissent from figures like Igor Girkin. 🔹 The pressure cooker effect – mounting strikes on Russian oil refineries, the crippling impact of Western sanctions, and how this feeds instability inside Russia. 🔹 Putin in Beijing – the significance of his visit to China, what it reveals about Russia’s dependency on Beijing, and whether this alliance can last. 🔹 Ukraine hitting back – from deep-strike drone attacks on refineries to Special Operations Forces dismantling S-400 systems, Ukraine is proving it can push Russia further onto the defensive. 🔹 Domestic pressures – how over a million casualties, conscription issues, and protests are forcing Putin to double down on repression while selling illusions of strength to his population. 🔹 The bigger picture – Igor Girkin’s prison letters, NATO’s evolving posture, Trump’s rhetoric, and whether appeasement by Western leaders risks giving Putin oxygen to continue his genocidal war. About Cormac Smith Cormac Smith is a former UK diplomat with extensive experience advising governments, including Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. His insights cut through political spin, offering a clear picture of what’s at stake not only for Ukraine but for the entire democratic world. Why This Matters Putin has failed to achieve his primary goals in Ukraine. Instead of peace, he has escalated the war, creating distractions and projecting false strength to maintain his grip on power. The world faces a choice: continue appeasement and watch aggression grow, or stand firmly with Ukraine to ensure justice, accountability, and security for Europe and beyond. This conversation with Cormac Smith is essential listening for anyone who wants to understand the forces shaping the next phase of this war. My Work & How You Can Support 📖 Read my book: Live. Fight. Survive: https://shaunpinner.com/ UK & International: https://amzn.to/3QdqTGy Ukraine: https://kniga.biz.ua/book/LiveFightSurvive 🎥 Watch more episodes: Believers, Killers & Runaways Captured 🙏 Support our work & help Ukrainian POWs Crowdfunder: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/help-ukrainian-pows Your contributions go directly toward legal representation, advocacy, and support for Ukrainian prisoners of war and their families. Every donation makes a difference. #Ukraine #StandWithUkraine #Putin #Russia #UkraineWar #Geopolitics #ShaunPinner #CormacSmith #PutinsPressureCooker #UkrainianPOWs #LiveFightSurvive #NATO #China #Sanctions #RussiaIsATerroristState This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shaunpinner.substack.com/subscribe