Vladimir Putin is threatening to erase the sovereignty, independence, and self-determination of Ukraine.

What caused this crisis?  What are the likely consequences not only for Russia and Ukraine but for the U.S., Europe, and NATO? How would a war between Russia and Ukraine turn out? What lessons are the rulers of China and Iran learning? How do Russian energy resources – and Europe’s need for them – factor in? What are Putin’s goals – short-, medium-, and long-term? What should be the goal of the U.S. and its allies?

James Brooke is a former New York Times foreign correspondent and Voice of America Moscow bureau chief who just days ago left Ukraine where he had lived for six years as editor-in-chief of Ukraine Business Journal.

Bradley Bowman is senior director of FDD's Center on Military and Political Power (CMPP). He previously served as a Senate national security advisor, U.S. Army officer, and assistant professor at West Point.

Brenda Shaffer is FDD’s Senior Advisor for Energy.

They join Foreign Podicy host Cliff May for a wide-ranging conversation.