Dara Massicot, an expert on the Russian military, discusses how Russia's treatment of its soldiers is affecting the war in Ukraine. The podcast covers topics such as Russia's perception of the conflict, their military objectives, potential missile launches, recruitment strategies, and understanding an adversary's military power.

Dara Massicot, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and a leading expert on the Russian military, joins Max and Maria to discuss the evolving battlefield in Ukraine. They examine the Biden administration's decision to supply weapons and the implications for U.S. military readiness. The conversation highlights the manpower challenges faced by Ukrainian forces, including the introduction of North Korean troops, and explores the complex interplay of Russian military operations across Ukraine and Syria. Massicot also dives into future strategies as the conflict approaches 2025.

Michael Kofman, an expert on Russian military affairs, and Dara Massicot from the Carnegie Endowment delve into Ukraine's recent incursion into Kursk. They assess Ukrainian territorial gains and the complexities of urban warfare dynamics. The discussion highlights logistical challenges and the implications of Russian POWs' unexpected surrender behaviors. They analyze how these factors could shift the conflict's landscape, emphasizing the evolving nature of military operations as objectives become more fluid.

Dara Massicot, a Russian military analyst at the RAND Corporation, shares her insights on Putin's recent annexation of four Ukrainian territories. She argues that this bold move leaves Putin with limited options and signals the onset of a perilous new phase in the conflict. The discussion touches on the implications of coerced referendums and the resulting chaos in the annexed regions. Massicot emphasizes the risk of backlash against Russian leadership and the complexities that arise in peace negotiations as the war continues to evolve.

In this insightful discussion, Dara Massicot, a Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Russia and Eurasia Program, delves into the shifting dynamics of U.S. military aid to Ukraine. She highlights the implications of the potential suspension of intelligence sharing and its effect on both Ukrainian and European security. The conversation also touches on Europe's urgent need for effective support amidst waning U.S. involvement, the complexities of modernizing Ukraine's military, and the risks surrounding easing sanctions on Russia's defense production.