Friends of Ukraine Roundtable (005) w/ @anderspuck @ukraine_tbic @PhilipIttner

The Friends of Ukraine Round Table gathered three speakers to discuss the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Speakers included Andrew Spook-Nelson, a Danish naval officer and PhD candidate at the Danish Defense College who has been making YouTube videos about the conflict; Brandon, a veteran of Hospitalar Medical Battalion and present-day quartermaster for a Swedish NGO providing tactics medical supplies to Ukraine’s Armed Forces; and Phillips, a veteran broadcast journalist and war correspondent with approximately 30 years of experience in various combat zones.

Notable topics of discussion include the recent NATO Summit and the White House’s insistence on a “red line” restricting Ukraine’s capability to attack Russian territory deeper than 100 kilometers without permission. The speakers weigh in on the economic strain Russia is facing, whether it can sustain its growth, and the potential vulnerability of its middle class should sanctions continue to bite.

Andrew emphasizes the importance of convincing Russia that a peaceful resolution is necessary, pointing out that the big questions should focus on how Ukraine can be convinced to start peace talks, rather than how to force Ukraine. Brandon believes that Russia should be attacked economically, both through sanctions and by exposing its mafia-like state controls.