Russia
Why does Vladimir Zelensky want to continue the war in Ukraine according to Dr. Sergei Markov?
According to Dr. Sergei Markov, former Putin adviser, Vladimir Zelensky is a "maniac of the war" who deliberately tries to prolong the conflict as much as possible. This is driven by political self-preservation rather than national interest. Markov asserts that if Zelensky were to end the war, he would immediately lose his political power. This suggests that Zelensky's motivation for continuing the conflict is primarily to maintain his position as president, implying that peace would lead to his political downfall.
Watch clip answer (00:10m)
WION
07:21 - 07:32
Why was it difficult to achieve peace negotiations in the Ukraine-Russia conflict before Trump's administration?
According to Dr. Sergei Markov, former Putin adviser, peace negotiations were impossible because the United States and Western countries blocked diplomatic efforts after overthrowing Ukraine's democratically elected president in 2014. He claims these nations were the main aggressors who imposed an illegal regime on Ukrainian people and initiated war against Russia on Ukrainian territory. Markov's perspective suggests that Western powers deliberately obstructed peace initiatives, making diplomatic resolution unattainable until Donald Trump came to power. This represents the Russian viewpoint on why previous diplomatic channels failed.
Watch clip answer (00:28m)
WION
05:48 - 06:17
Who is Doctor Sergei Markov and what are his credentials?
Doctor Sergei Markov is a former adviser to President Putin and a former member of the Russian Parliament. He currently serves as the director of the Institute of Political Studies and is described as a Russian political scientist. His background in Russian politics and advisory role to Putin positions him as a notable figure with insight into Russian political perspectives. The clip introduces him as he joins a live interview from Moscow.
Watch clip answer (00:11m)
WION
00:00 - 00:11
Why is diplomacy essential for resolving the Ukraine conflict?
According to Dr. Sergei Markov, it is impossible to transition from war to peace without diplomacy. He argues that Western countries not only acted as aggressors by overthrowing Ukraine's democratically elected president in 2014 and imposing what he calls an illegal regime, but they have also blocked diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict. Markov claims this diplomatic blockade made peace negotiations impossible before Donald Trump's potential return to power. He presents diplomacy as the crucial missing element in resolving the Ukraine conflict, suggesting that genuine diplomatic engagement is necessary to move beyond the current state of war toward a peaceful resolution.
Watch clip answer (00:34m)WION
01:21 - 01:55
How might a potential US troop withdrawal from Europe impact NATO and European security?
A potential US troop withdrawal from Europe could severely weaken NATO and create significant security risks. Currently, about 100,000 American troops are stationed in Europe, including 5,000 in the Baltic states, along with approximately 100 B61 nuclear gravity bombs at six NATO bases across five European countries. The withdrawal would likely embolden Russia while creating deepening rifts within the European Union over appropriate responses. European officials view this possibility with alarm, as President Trump's willingness to consider withdrawing troops from Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania has already sent shockwaves across the continent. The implications are stark: a weaker NATO alliance, increased Russian aggression, and a divided Europe struggling to formulate a unified defense strategy.
Watch clip answer (01:18m)
WION
00:38 - 01:56
What concerns does Europe have regarding US troop presence in the Baltic states?
Europe is concerned that US President Donald Trump may scale back or entirely withdraw American troops from the region, particularly from the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, where over 5,000 US soldiers are currently stationed. This potential withdrawal has sent shockwaves across the continent as European officials view it as a major security risk. With the war in Ukraine raging, NATO faces its biggest test yet, and Europe stands at a crossroads. The possible abandonment of this security commitment by the US creates significant anxiety among European nations who see such withdrawals as potentially emboldening Russia and weakening the collective defense structure at a critical moment.
Watch clip answer (00:44m)
WION
00:38 - 01:22