Intelligence Squared Putin’s Long War: From Chechnya to Ukraine, with John Sweeney
Jul 27, 2022
Join award-winning investigative journalist John Sweeney, known for his compelling conflicts coverage, as he unpacks the psyche of Vladimir Putin in light of his tumultuous leadership. Sweeney shares gripping firsthand accounts from the Ukraine invasion and delves into how historical events shaped Putin’s character. Discover the harsh realities faced by journalists under his regime and the implications of NATO expansion on Russia. The discussion culminates with a reflection on energy dependency and its ties to national security.
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Reporting from Ukraine
- John Sweeney recounts his experiences reporting from Ukraine in 2022, including being arrested as a Russian spy.
- He describes witnessing war crimes in Bucha and Borodanka, highlighting the brutality of the conflict.
Putin's War, Not Russia's
- Sweeney challenges the view that Russia is inherently flawed, attributing the war to Putin.
- He suggests Russia needs a figure like Willy Brandt to acknowledge and atone for the war's atrocities.
Putin's Formative Experiences
- Putin's formative experiences, including his absence during key Soviet Union collapse events, shaped his worldview.
- His background in gangsterism and KGB work led to a hybrid state of intelligence service/secret police/mafia.
