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Alexander Mikaberidze is joined by Charles Esdaile and special guest Simon Sebag Montefiore for the second in our 'Ukraine Quarterly' occasional series of panel discussions. As the conflict in Ukraine enters its second year their discussion about the war and its historical antecedents offers insights into the way the fighting is playing out today. What are the strengths and (mostly) weaknesses of Russia's autocracy? Why does Ukraine need to continue grappling with its own past? Why does Potemkin matter so much to Putin? 

The Financial Times article Alex mentions at the beginning can be read here (although to note it's behind a paywall): 

https://www.ft.com/content/80002564-33e8-48fb-b734-44810afb7a49

Simon Sebag Montefiore's website featuring all of his books can be reached here:

http://www.simonsebagmontefiore.com/