Much of the criticism against Russia's invasion of Ukraine has come from Western political analysts, US and EU government officials, and the Ukrainians at the center of the conflict. Yet, seldom is the public at liberty to hear from Russian insiders who can best speak to President Vladimir Putin's strategic thinking. On this episode of The Eastern Front, Giselle, Dalibor, and Iulia sit down with Andrei Kozyrev, Russia's first foreign minister from 1990-1996, to get his perspective on the war itself and the popular commentary surrounding it. Is Putin a pragmatic or irrational actor? Is the West's fear of Russian escalation misguided? How can the US best ensure that Russia doesn't resort to nuclear aggression? Is the growing Russia-China dynamic a long-term strategic alliance or just a temporary marriage of convenience? Kozyrev also shares anecdotes from his time as foreign minister that may serve as lessons for US policy towards Russia today.

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