Dmitri Trenin, a seasoned expert on Russian foreign policy and international relations, joins the conversation to analyze the escalating tensions in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He warns that Western misinterpretations of Putin's silence could lead to catastrophic miscalculations. The discussion highlights the potential for nuclear escalation, examining how military strategies could unexpectedly collide. Trenin also reflects on Russia's national identity in this crisis and the psychological effects on its people, emphasizing the critical need for nuanced dialogue.