Geopolitics

For four years, the war in Ukraine has escalated, entrenched, and become internationalized. Vladimir Putin, who has long displayed unwavering confidence, now appears to be in a race against time.

In recent weeks, Russia has shown signs of vulnerability: an immediate violation of the ceasefire in Ukraine, muted celebrations of May 9, 2026, unprecedented internal unrest, and an economy suffocated by sanctions but temporarily saved by soaring oil prices due to the war in Iran.

However, Moscow remains undeterred. It is playing on all fronts: indirectly supporting Tehran, shifting towards China, and attempting to maintain its influence in the Far East, a strategic region where Chinese presence is growing daily.

Is Russia losing the war in Ukraine? Is the pivot towards Asia a lifesaver or a trap? What do internal tensions and economic conditions tell us about the future of the Putin regime?

Guests:

– Francoise Thom, historian, distinguished professor at the Sorbonne. Her recent work “Vladimir Putin’s Total War,” published by East Brest-Litovsk Editions. – Galia Ackermann, historian and journalist, editor-in-chief of the online media outlet Desk Russie. Her recent work “The KGB and Chernobyl: An Unprecedented Dive into Ukrainian Archives,” published by Premier Parallèle Editions.