Putin Said He'd Restore Russia. He Destroyed It Instead | Sarah Paine

Putin wanted to restore Russia’s power. Instead he is destroying it from within. In this compilation, historian Sarah Paine joins Pyotr Kurzin to explain the “pivotal error” behind Russia’s invasion of Ukraine: a decision that leaves no route back to the opportunities Moscow once had. We examine why Putin keeps doubling down, how Beijing benefits from Russia’s growing weakness, and why Ukraine’s fight for survival makes it such a difficult adversary to defeat. We also discuss what could follow Putin’s death, why Europe needs to prepare for a succession struggle, and whether Russia risks becoming another North Korea. Plus: Europe’s support for Ukraine, frozen Russian assets, Trump’s approach to Moscow, and the difference between winning battles and pursuing a workable strategy. Subscribe to The Global Gambit for more conversations on geopolitics, international security and economic statecraft. Join as a channel member for exclusive content:    / @pkurzin   the ChannelOne-time support: https://buymeacoffee.com/theglobalgambit Patreon:   / pyotrskurzin.substack.comconnectx:     / pkurzinbluesky:   https://bsky.app/profile/pyotrkurzin.... https://www.instagram.com/pyotrsfootp... #putin #ukraine #usa #geopolitics #nato 0:00 The Perilous Reality for Putin's Inner Circle0:53 Germany's Strategic Reversal in Europe2:54 The Strategic Impact of Frozen Assets6:09 The Concept of the Useful Idiot9:16 Russia's Growing Reliance on China25:46 Limited Versus Unlimited Objectives in War