The West still doesn't know why war in Ukraine might happen, but it increasingly seems like it's happening. Kiev is trying to keep calm and rally support while being surrounded on three sides and being the recent victim of a cyberattack that feels like a dry run. Meanwhile, NATO countries are sending weapons and advisors while deploying fresh troops elsewhere in Eastern Europe. But that's small compared to the 100,000-plus forces amassed by Moscow.
Moreover, for citizens of most Alliance member states, Ukraine is far and away from their thoughts. So here's the question: how far is the West willing to go? We ask our guests about the leaders working the phones in these ongoing talks.
Several factors are at play. Europe is reliant on Russian gas to make it through the winter. Vladimir Putin, who can seem strong-handed, might be affected by the sanctions and it's anyone's guess how public opinion would react to that. More broadly, we ask our guests: what to do when both Cold War superpowers view the other as a giant with feet of clay?
Produced by Charles Wente, Sophie Pizzimenti and Léopoldine Iribarren.
