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Chain Reaction

Report in Short | Russian Strategic Culture and the War in Ukraine

Jan 31, 2025
Lieutenant Colonel Denys Yurchenko is a Ukrainian officer specializing in international military cooperation. He shares insights from his FPRI report on Russian strategic culture during the war in Ukraine. Yurchenko discusses how understanding Russia's historical mindset can inform new strategies to counter its aggression. He analyzes the miscalculations behind Russia's invasion and highlights Ukraine's urgent need for military support, advocating for stronger ties with NATO to secure lasting peace in Europe.
31:18

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Understanding Russian strategic culture, rooted in historical notions of empire, is crucial for developing effective policies to combat ongoing conflicts.
  • Ukraine's sovereignty and military support from Western allies are vital for ensuring regional stability and defending against Russian aggression.

Deep dives

Understanding Russian Strategic Culture

Russian strategic culture is characterized by a historical continuity that has persisted for centuries, rooted in notions of empire and conquest. This culture emphasizes a perceived need for buffer zones against the West, which has historically oscillated between being seen as an ally or an enemy. The belief in Russian superiority and the desire to maintain influence over former Soviet territories remain central tenets of this culture. The impact of this mindset becomes evident in Russia's recent military actions, where it does not shy away from using force to resolve territorial disputes, as seen in conflicts in Georgia and Ukraine.

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