Hanno Pevkur

Hanno Pevkur, Estonia's Minister of Defense, discusses the ongoing Russian provocations aimed at dividing NATO and the importance of Western unity in support of Ukraine. Retired Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges provides operational insights on Ukraine's military needs and the strategic failures of Russia. Both guests emphasize the significance of NATO's coherence and share thoughts on addressing European defense funding and the necessary military assistance for Ukraine's success. Their insights reveal critical dynamics shaping Europe's security landscape in light of ongoing conflicts.

Joe Barnes, Brussels correspondent for The Telegraph, discusses the alarming mobilization of 50,000 Russian troops indicating an impending offensive. Hanno Pevkur, Estonia's Minister of Defence, addresses the challenges of Russian airspace violations and the complexities of navigating Moscow's shadow fleet. Roland Oliphant shares insights from Armenia about the geopolitical pressures faced by smaller former Soviet states, presenting a vivid picture of the changing dynamics in the region as tensions escalate.

In this discussion, Venetia Rainey, a geopolitical analyst, joins key military figures including Admiral Rob Bauer of NATO, and Estonian and Lithuanian Defence Ministers, Hanno Pevkur and Lawrynas Kasčiūnas. They dive into Ukraine's unprecedented drone strike on Moscow and its implications. The podcast also sheds light on NATO strategies, the shifting political landscape post-Trump, and the perspectives from the Baltic states regarding Russian threats. Insights on military readiness and conscription within a changing geopolitical framework enrich the conversation.