Despite what the expertise predict about the war in Ukraine, in reality, Russia is expected to end the war with a huge failure. Some say Putin is holding onto the last bet, which continues to ask for help from China, Iran, and other close allies. Meanwhile, the current Russian economy is in turmoil, political chaos adds fuel to Putin's daily life, will this person "wake up" to the reality? Is China going to back off from the wrong partnership? How should we understand the relation between Russia and Iran?

Dr. Alexander Motyl joined the show to share his insights.