Susan Glasser has been one of the most prominent journalists covering Washington's political dramas in the Obama, Trump and Biden years. But earlier in her career, as an American reporter stationed in Moscow, she witnessed the rise of a man who has had just as much influence on world affairs over the years: Vladimir Putin.

On this episode of Haaretz Weekend, Glasser joins hosts Allison Kaplan Sommer and Amir Tibon to discuss Putin's evolution from "an obscure KGB officer" to a murderous autocrat who is challenging the entire world order. Sharing an incredible story from her first ever meeting with Putin, she explains why many in the West misread him for a reformer before realizing who they were truly dealing with. 

She also comments on Biden's response to the war, Trump's embrace of Russian talking points, and the anger in Washington over Israel's hesitant approach since the start of the fighting.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.