Baiba Braže, the Latvian Foreign Minister, discusses the pressing security threats to the Baltics from Russia, including cyberattacks and hybrid warfare. She emphasizes the need for heightened defense spending amid rising instability. Dmitri Trenin, a former Russian colonel, offers a contrasting perspective, asserting that decisions about Ukraine should rest with Russia and the U.S., rather than Ukraine itself. Both guests highlight the evolving geopolitical landscape and the urgent need for diverse viewpoints in addressing security challenges in Europe.

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.