Russia has confirmed what western powers had long predicted and invaded Ukraine. On the eve of war, Gideon spoke to Sabine Fischer of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, a Russian specialist recently back from Moscow, and to Polina Ivanova, FT correspondent in Kyiv, about the mood in the two capitals.

Clips: RT, The White House

Want to read more?

EU hits Putin’s defence minister and chief of staff with sanctions

Putin’s denial of Ukrainian statehood carries dark historical echoes

Ukraine prepares to impose state of emergency and calls up reserve troops

Putin’s made-for-TV security debate gives him answers he wants to hear on Ukraine

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Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Fiona Symon. Sound design by Breen Turner.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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