Economist Podcasts On the brinkmanship: a special episode on Ukraine and Russia
Feb 18, 2022
Ludwig Sigela, European business editor for The Economist, shares insights on the stark realities shaping Ukraine and Russia's interactions. He discusses the ramifications of President Putin's actions, emphasizing Russia's self-isolation and its quest for a home-grown tech ecosystem. The episode also features a personal account from a Ukrainian woman, illustrating the human cost of the conflict and her resilient hopes for the future. Digital sovereignty, cyber strategies, and Ukraine's evolving identity in this crisis are key highlights.
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Putin's Choice
- Remember that Putin chose to initiate the troop buildup, creating this crisis.
- Don't lose sight of this fact amidst the complexities of potential war.
Escalating Tensions
- Recent shelling in Eastern Ukraine is more serious than usual.
- Russia's rhetoric, including false claims of genocide, is creating a pretext for intervention.
Putin's Gains and Losses
- Putin has gained attention by placing himself at the center of European diplomacy and reinforcing his image at home.
- However, he has galvanized NATO and incurred substantial costs in the process.