Andrey Kortunov

Andrey Kortunov, Director General of the Russian International Affairs Council, joins the discussion alongside Alexander Mercouris and Glenn Diesen. They explore the potential for a US-Russia grand bargain, touching on the complexities of current U.S. foreign policy and the resilience of Russia amid sanctions. The conversation highlights shifting alliances, the challenges facing NATO, and the evolving perceptions of Europe in this new geopolitical order. The speakers advocate for dialogue and confidence-building measures to foster collaboration despite ongoing tensions.

Franak Viacorka, a Belarusian opposition figure, sheds light on the implications of Trump easing sanctions and whether it grants legitimacy to Lukashenko. Mark Episkopos discusses the shift in U.S. policy towards pragmatic engagement and its potential to improve human rights dialogue. Andrey Kortunov explores how this move might provoke the Kremlin and its effects on negotiations regarding Ukraine. The guests also debate the humanitarian aspects of the decision, the sidelining of Europe, and what it means for future interactions with authoritarian regimes.