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Putin and the Presidents: Marie Yovanovitch (interview) | FRONTLINE

FRONTLINE PBS | Official・52 minutes read

President Joe Biden is briefed about Russia's plans to attack Ukraine or Syria, leading to a full-scale invasion. The invasion of Ukraine by Russia, without provocation, impacts the international order since World War II, prompting the Biden Administration to respond with allies, sanctions, and military assistance.

Insights

  • President Putin's long-term goal is to re-establish the former Russian Empire, viewing the collapse of the Soviet Union as a tragedy and seeing the US as a strategic threat, leading to his confrontational stance against the West and desire to regain influence in the "near abroad."
  • The invasion of Ukraine by Russia in 2022, without provocation, is a significant breach of international order since World War II, prompting the Biden Administration to unite allies, plan sanctions, and provide military assistance, highlighting the necessity of a united front to support Ukraine against Russian aggression to prevent dire consequences.

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Recent questions

  • Why is Russia's invasion of Ukraine significant?

    It is significant due to the invasion of a sovereign country without provocation, impacting the international order since World War II.

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Summary

00:00

Russia's Invasion of Ukraine: Biden's Response

  • President Joe Biden is briefed at the end of 2021 about Russia's plans to attack Ukraine or Syria for a full-scale invasion.
  • The invasion of Ukraine by Russia is significant due to the invasion of a sovereign country without provocation, impacting the international order since World War II.
  • The Biden Administration responds by uniting allies, planning sanctions, and military assistance leading up to the war.
  • Russia's President Putin believes he can easily take over Ukraine due to its small military and the belief that Western unity would not hold.
  • Putin announces the war in February 2022, focusing on the United States and the West in his speech.
  • Putin's long-term goal is to re-establish the former Russian Empire, waiting for the West to lose interest in Ukraine.
  • Putin views the collapse of the Soviet Union as a tragedy, leading to his desire to regain influence in the "near abroad."
  • Putin sees the US as a strategic threat due to the humiliation of Russia accepting assistance in the early 90s.
  • Putin's rise to power involves benefiting from the transition period economically and politically, leading to the dominance of the security agencies.
  • Initially, there was hope for a partnership with Russia in the 1990s, but Putin's leadership shifted towards a more confrontational stance against the West.

16:04

"Putin's Power Play: Challenges and Consequences"

  • The leader consolidated power by targeting oligarchs and the press.
  • Foreign policy requires hope and constructive work to achieve goals.
  • Offering an outstretched hand to Russia was met with resistance by Putin.
  • Putin viewed colored revolutions in Georgia and Kyrgyzstan as threats to Russia's influence.
  • Putin saw democracy in neighboring countries as a threat to his power in Russia.
  • The West's focus on terrorism post-9/11 led to neglect of relations with Russia.
  • The invasion of Georgia under Bush's administration was not met with significant consequences.
  • The Obama administration pursued a reset with Russia despite reservations.
  • Putin's actions in Georgia and Ukraine showed his willingness to weather Western criticism.
  • The decision to provide javelins to Ukraine was debated between Obama and Biden, with Obama ultimately deciding against it.

31:42

Ukraine's Security Concerns Amid Political Upheaval

  • Javelins, anti-tank missiles, were considered crucial for Ukraine during a tank battle in 2014-2015.
  • President Poroshenko highlighted the significant casualties caused by snipers during the conflict in Ukraine.
  • Vice President Biden played a pivotal role in coordinating policy efforts towards Ukraine during the Obama Administration.
  • Russia aimed to create instability in Ukraine through cyber attacks, disinformation, and targeted assassinations.
  • President Trump's election raised concerns in Ukraine due to his comments on Crimea and foreign assistance.
  • Trump's criticisms of NATO and public support for Putin were shocking and disruptive to Ukraine's security efforts.
  • Trump's view of Ukraine as corrupt created uncertainty and nervousness in Ukraine regarding U.S. support.
  • Trump's willingness to withhold security assistance to Ukraine for personal gain undermined U.S. foreign policy and national security interests.
  • Putin's negative view of the U.S. was reinforced by Trump's actions, emboldening Russia's stance against American values.
  • The ambassador's physical reaction upon reading her name in the controversial phone call transcript was one of shock and disbelief.

48:23

"Russia-Ukraine Crisis: Urgent International Intervention Needed"

  • The removal of an Ambassador without a smear campaign indicated an underlying issue, leading to concerns about what else was planned.
  • During Trump's presidency, Putin escalated tensions by firing on Ukrainian vessels in international waters, with the U.S. failing to respond promptly.
  • Putin's completion of a bridge connecting Crimea to Russia and the lack of U.S. action during the naval incident under Trump's watch raised concerns about Putin's unchecked behavior.
  • Biden's initial approach to Putin focused on a workman-like meeting in June 2021, aiming for a constructive path forward but faced challenges as Putin began building up forces near Ukraine.
  • Putin's long tenure in office and recent actions, coupled with global shifts like the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, led to a miscalculation that Biden wouldn't garner international support for Ukraine.
  • The current situation with Russia's threats and Ukraine's resistance poses a significant danger, requiring careful international intervention to prevent further escalation.
  • The need for a united front to support Ukraine against Russian aggression is crucial, as failure to act could lead to dire consequences, emphasizing the complexity and urgency of the situation.
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