
Making Sense with Sam Harris
#358 — The War in Ukraine
Mar 11, 2024
Yaroslav Trofimov, Chief foreign affairs correspondent for the Wall Street Journal and a Pulitzer Prize finalist, dives deep into the complexities of the War in Ukraine. He highlights the miscalculations of Russia and the remarkable transformation of the Ukrainian military. Discussions cover Russian propaganda, Zelensky's leadership, and the moral dilemmas surrounding the conflict. Trofimov also addresses the role of the Orthodox Church, the challenges posed by misinformation, and the implications of this war on global politics.
36:12
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Quick takeaways
- Ukrainian military's transformation and competence surprised Russia and the West, debunking initial doubts.
- Russian miscalculations and delusions about swift victory in Ukraine exposed deep-rooted incompetence.
Deep dives
The Transformation of Ukrainian Society and Military
The war in Ukraine revealed a transformed Ukrainian society and military that defied expectations. Ukrainian civilians and volunteer units played a crucial role in resisting the initial Russian invasion in 2014. The Ukrainian military underwent significant reforms and emerged as a competent fighting force by 2022, equipped with experienced service members ready to confront the Russian forces. This societal and military evolution went unnoticed in Moscow and the West, leading to misconceptions about Ukraine's ability to resist.
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