Amazing guest, Jonathan! People like Jessica Berlin are extremely needed to promote Ukrainian cause. Thank you both 💙💛👍♥️

I wrote to Biden about the need for strong moral leadership and got a speech back from Dr Wallander (indirectly) about not encouraging Ukraine 🇺🇦 to strike ‘so called civilian targets,’ as in oil refineries in Russia, which are clearly military or at least dual use targets. That made me so angry when I see Russia’s war crimes so blatantly every single day.

I agree 100% with her statement that many of our Western leaders don't understand the mentality of a bully. I learned in elementary school that bullies don't pick on the big guys, & will also leave alone the smaller guys that fight back. I think this is so because many of our leaders grew up in financially well off families that likely lived sheltered lives, including going to private schools. I could be wrong, but having to deal with bullies from elementary through high school in public schools teaches you a lot about human nature.

Jessica is spot on. Thank you for providing the opportunity to see Jessica speak. I hope political leaders are listening.

Another acknowledgement that leaders from Baltics, and others in East Europe, have been sounding the alarm for years, yet were ignored or seen as hysterical. Now Finland and Sweden are in NATO there's a galvanizing of the Nordics and Baltics working together, and living in the reality of close proximity to Russia. Greetings from Estonia.

Jessica says at 18:40 that those in the chancellory and White House seem to have never stood up to a bully on the playground. I wrote the White House months ago the same view, though I added at any age in any setting. Their fear while in leadership roles is pathetic and infuriating. There is proof Russia would not resort to the nuclear option, their only escalatory option left, because Ukraine has multiple times in multiple instances crossed the red lines that are, in Russian law, triggers for a nuclear response.

So great to hear from her again. Jessica Berlin rocks!

There has been a common thread in Russian history towards the West. First demanding western help (as if it is owed) and then biting off the hand that tried to feed them. It happened repeatedly under the Czars, under Stalin after WW2 and under Putin after 2000. The Russian also seem to prefer running a negative sum game. As in "If I can't have it, then neither can you. And I'll also try my best to make it even worse."

Best channel to hear committed supporters of Ukraine. ❤ from Germany

Thank you for inviting Jessica Berlin! We need to AMPLIFY her voice in a viral way. Common sense is far too uncommon with the politicians calling the shots. Please people...heed Jessica's wisdom.

Russian global strategy includes increasing its control of global commodities and their prices. An example would be Venezuela recently. Russia, in part through its own lack of capabilities, essentially has reduced Venezuelan oil output from 3 million barrels a day to less than one million, just enough to prop up its client regime. African regimes appear to be accepting the model, seeing as it will work for themselves. Their people in general will be like Russians in general, with little recourse and a poor standard of living compared to what they could have. We should really hold up Cuba and Venezuela and Nicaragua as poster children for these African populations.

Thanks you Jessica! You are a voice of reason for the Free World and true friend to Ukraine!

"We have weak leaders surrounded by weak advisors!" Well said!

Wow. Just wow. One of your best interviews and interviewee yet. Thanks.

Jessica Berlin makes the problems we face very clearly understood with her well delivered and eloquent arguments about our only choice, complete victory over the brutal invader. The reality and consequences of defeat are also brought home very starkly. Our battle is not just with Russia, it is also with our own businesses whose actions are only concerned with monetary gain. They are blind to the wider picture and must be controlled and forced out of their one sided stupor.

What a wonderfully smart, eloquent and well-informed lady. More of Jessica Berlin!

Amazing, give our thanks to Jessica

Absolutely one of THE best interviews!! Thanks to both of you!

Part of the problem, and this is not a new problem in the US. It dates back to the Kennedy as I situation, really & it goes back to the way we run the State Department. There are a lot of dedicated career diplomats and foreign policy experts at State. The problem is that the people who call the shots and make most of the decisions are political appointees who rarely last longer than the length of whatever administration is in charge at the moment. Some of them are well-meaning but inexperienced wonks and academics, others are straight-up hacks. Nearly all of them are amateurs, however, and that’s a problem. People like Jake Sullivan may mean well, but putting them in charge is like putting a rookie cop in charge of the NYPD.

Kudos to Jessica! One of the most sensible voices on Russias war on Ukraine and on the behaviour of the west in relation to this conflict! 👍

Thank you Jonathan and Jessica. People like you makes it possible to believe in a future for mankind.

She is so right that there has to be disincentivization for aggressors to see that this is not the way forward. Plugging gaps is an old way of thinking.

Jessica is great!

Utmost respect for Jessica. Intelligent, smart, articulated and clear logic. Good natural vibe. Love her talking.👍 Aside that too me she is a real stunner. 😊

The truth is we need put our money and our mouth where our morals are" As an American citizen i dont believe i could have said it better

Great guest, great work! ❤

The most honest and accurate analysis together with Timothy Snyder's on the Western mistakes . Hear hear 👏👏

I cannot fault anything this woman says. She has a deep and clear understanding of the current situation and the weakness of the Wests leaders. Excellent interview. I only wish there were more people listening to her and, for that matter, the podcasts on Silicon Curtain.

I agree. We need a defined strategic policy with a defined end result. No more ambiguous statements coming from Western leaders. This is not what is needed for the situation.

The young lady expresses a lot of wisdom. Particularly @12:13 . The Ukrainians are exhibiting no less bravery & sacrifice than our own American (and Allied) forces that defeated NAZI's & Japanese forces in WW2. The future is NOW.

Jessica Berlin is the best. Such a good interview.

Superb - great guest, highly articulate and morally sound too

Formidable host👏

Agreed, so many mistakes made and so many Ukrainian lives lost. Disgraceful.

One of the best conversations so far. Jessica is very impressive.

Jessica is an extremely eloquent speaker. That was a wonderful interview.

Jessica is so on target and brilliant in her discussion of the necessity to defeat russsia Thank you for this clip

So glad you had her on the show. Big Jessica Berlin fan.

Thank you Jessica and Jonathan! This was a very interesting interview. Slava Ukraini! Heroiam slava! Razom, do peremohi! Greetings from Sweden

Great to see Ms. Berlin here. I always tune in when she's on roundtables on DW. Outstanding expert and professional. I was very pleased with her advocation for building on *effective* politics instead of the yelling-and screaming kind.

Always enjoy interviews given by Jessica Berlin.

Jessica is absolutely right. Thanks Jonathan and Jessica.

Absolutely brilliant bitter pill. Loud and clear. Thank you and your guest.

Great interview with Jessica she is so right.Thanks Jonathan

I got so frustrated by a recent article in the Guardian by US 'strategist' Emma Ashford espousing this 'escalation management' attitude, even suggesting Ukraine was wrong not to agree to terms in early 2022. I wrote a response to the Guardian, but I could not limit my criticisms to 300 words as their website requests. I post it here in any case: I find many of the arguments made in Emma Ashford's article highly questionable. They remind me very much of John Mearsheimer's 'realist' stance about Ukraine and geopolitics, which essentially ignores the rights of smaller nations amongst larger spheres of influence. My strongest criticism is directed towards the notion that Ukraine could and perhaps should have agreed to 'compromise' in 2022, and that it would still be sensible to consider this option going forward. In my view, this would represent a far greater 'roll of the dice' than continuing to resist. I study the importance of discourse in historical narratives as a key part of my History PhD, and perhaps the word 'appeasement' carries far greater connotations here in the UK than in the US, shaping my perspective. But even if one were to ignore other historical precedents, and only to consider the last few decades, how could Ukraine possibly trust negotiated terms with a criminal authoritarian power which repeatedly violates the sovereignty of its neighbours, denies Ukraine's right to exist, and reneges on its past agreements? In my view then, given we are dealing with a highly duplicitous adversary, the conduct of early peace talks fundamentally does not 'disprove' the idea that Russia will never be satisfied until it is victorious. I am fully aware of different modes of remembering; antagonistic, cosmopolitan and agonistic. A generous reading would suggest an agonistic perspective seems to be the understandable aim of Ashford, whilst my view (although it may seem antagonistic) can most closely be linked to cosmopolitanism, and the view that democracy is a positive force and totalitarianism an evil one. Agonism stresses attention to the nature of a conflict and its social circumstances, context and agency. It suggests we should learn from the perspectives of both victims and perpetrators. However in my view, sometimes 'absolutist narratives' are necessary to stimulate political action and, crucially, are ultimately broadly correct. Indeed, the ways Ashford seeks to 'undermine' some of the narratives about Ukraine mirrors many Kremlin propaganda pieces which attempt to distort the issue of responsibility for their own actions, especially in stating '[m]any of Ukraine’s strongest supporters in Washington and in eastern Europe have repeatedly argued that Nato expansion and the issue of Ukraine’s potential accession to the alliance had nothing to do with Russia’s choice to invade, which they typically attribute to cultural chauvinism or imperial delusions.' Perhaps it was not the author's intention, but this wording seems to present NATO expansion as a legitimate Russian concern, depicting the growing alliance as aggressive rather than defensive in nature, and seemingly dismisses the fact that Russian imperialism is clearly present in a plethora of cultural examples (see Maria Shuvalova's work for example which has featured on Silicon Curtain) as well as in the actions (and not just the 'extreme statements') of its leadership and elites. Moreover, Ashford's perspective further ignores the fact that without NATO membership, the Baltic and Scandinavian countries would currently be far more vulnerable themselves to invasion. To be clear, in my view, there can be negotiation in future, but only to ensure ultimately once Ukraine is fully liberated that its sovereignty and economic future are secured.

"It is a good thing for imperial powers to lose wars." Absolutely goddamn right, we have been civilized by our defeats. Sending military aid to allow Ukraine to defend itself might not be helping russia, but it is most certainly helping the russians.

Excellent discussion, thank you both so much! The last question in particular is something we all need to consider.

An accurate and a no holds barred commentary on the policy of the western leaders. It’s been too little too late to protect a new burgeoning eastern Democracy.

Self deterrence has been pretty upsetting to watch. Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦

Excellent interview thank you, Jessica and Johnathon.

Share this with Western leaders!

Thank you, Jonathan, for your conversation with Jessica Berlin. Thank you, Jessica Berlin, you are brilliant. 🇺🇦 Перемоги і миру всім українцям! 🇺🇦

She's has the broadest understanding of this conflict.

Awesome guest. Exceptionally clear message and call to action.

What a great job she's doing with her journalism. Thanks for the chat.

Agreed! I support Biden but Jake Sullivan needs to go! He’s at the center of this timid policy in the administration.

Jessica is one of the most intelligent and lucid communicators on Earth

Regarding Africa - The reason the west isn't getting anywhere in Africa is because the taking of bribes by officials is completely engrained into African culture. I agree with everything she says in the interview!!!

thx for having Jessica on. and now after the aid package is through where is the aid package to say "I'm sorry for the 6 month delay"?

This lady is amazing! So knowledgeable and clear.

Wow! Fantastic episode as always and such a great and informed guest. Thank you so much for the wonderful coverage of this War.

Jessica for President 🎉❤

One of the best interviews I've seen on this channel I think. Concise, powerfully argued. Spot on with her assessments. Politicians must start to listen!

I like this lass, she's hella sharp.

Terrific guest. No pulling punches for her. Western leaders could learn a lot from her.

Loved the pic of a Ukrainian drone labelled by the nickname "Escalation Manager".

The best thing the west can do is give Ukraine enough to win now, (it is also the cheapest). At the moment we have begun to give them almost enough to win forever. The most expensive outcome will be to allow Russia to defeat Ukraine. It will mean the need for Europe to carry out a massive increase in military spending to contain Russia for the next 40 years and America will have to decide whether it still wants to be the leader of the free world, no other country is likely to stand up for freedom like America has. Most European countries are not as committed to freedom as America is.

Intelligence (with a good heart) is so hard to find...

Excellent video! I’m grateful for the summary and point of view that Jessica Berlin has shared with us today. I’ll be watching more of her videos and I’ll be looking forward to seeing other people interviewed on this channel.

Thank you. This was a fantastically insightful discussion that needs a much wider audience. Will also add, it's enormously frustrating how the vast majority of our democracies' voters can't distinguish between a politician and an actual leader.

Eloquently and intelligently explained.......♥

Greetings from Germany/Gruß aus Deutschland. Slava Ukraine! 🇺🇦🇩🇪

Jessica Berlin is a joy to listen to. Brilliant, sharp as a knife and empahtetic in her analysis of the threat of autocracy. Love it!

Amongst one of the most consistent and informative ongoing discussions regarding the war in Ukraine. Part of my weekly consumption, thanks for producing it John

Oh.... still listening to Juzzie. Yet jessica Berlin can't miss that one.😊 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦✌🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦

A great video. African skepticism towards Western influence and politics is of course fully understandable in a historical context. The great irony, however, is that the alternatives are so much worse and utterly tragic for Africans. China puts them in bottomless debt to achieve political goals and the Russians give a damn about everyone but themselves. However, I am unsure whether increased trade with the Africans is realistic. As a rule, this develops more or less by itself if the basis for profit is there and there is political stability at the same time. There are several examples of large Western companies that have had production in Africa, but have withdrawn in favor of Asia. There are also examples of large international funds that have investments in Africa, but keep this at a relatively low level to reduce the risk. Unfortunately for the Africans, the global economy also means that investment follows profit where it is most readily available and fairly protected against unforeseen political and economic events. In this context, it will be a long time before international businesses again dare to invest in Russia.

Thx great work!🙏🇺🇦👏

An amazing guest, I agree.

Very incredible lucid analysis

Great Channel, great Interview. Thanks a lot and kind regards

Thanks Jonathan. Another very interesting discussion.

Great Guest! Sometimes education beats experience which can create a delayed response for fear of the known!!!

Call Jessica talks about earlier, about leaders needing to step up and admit mistakes, remind me of all Australian Prime Minister, giving a speech to the American people. It’s probably one of the best speeches by an Australian p.m. right when the Japanese were smashing through across Asia. Some people would call it the “we are fighting mad” speech, but he sets up in the beginning, exactly what she says. He talks about how western world drop the ball on the rise of the Japanese., without casting a particular blame on anyone, but to highlight that “ thanks are stern things.” Today we need a leader who will step up and say exactly that, facts are stern things

Another great interview,. Great insight. Remarkable.

brilliant understanding. May all Americans and westerners in general wake up to that.

Thank you, Jonathan. Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦

An expert worth hearing, thank you.

On one hand, she says that the fear of escalation is a systemic issue, beyond any one person. This is likely correct. However, she also brings up Jake Sullivan’s name unbidden. There is a saying: personnel is policy. The President has so many decisions to make that they have to delegate most of the decision making, and advisors can shape their views by virtue of what information they present. So, if somehow Sullivan were to be reassigned, it’s possible someone could shape policy more aggressively.

Questioning escalation management strategies is essential. There is a missing point in these discussions. Democratically elected politicians cannot get too far ahead of constituents. Roosevelt held back for years on Churchill. The public was not there in sufficient numbers. I could raise other examples. Democratic leadership is a balancing act sometimes.

✨Merci!✨ 💙💛

Wonderful interview and insights. I totally agree with her about the failures of escalation management. With every hesitation to send weapons, particularly long-range missiles and aircraft, with every hesitation to allow Ukraine into Nato, with every statement that 'Putin has already lost' (Blinken), Putin only escalates. He's done this time and time again and has rendered Nato into irrelevance. And that is their game plan; Medvedev has stated this openly. It's beyond to see this pattern play out, again, and again and again. In fact, it's insane. Putin even appears to have bought off the Maga wing, so there is no viable alternative in the US to Biden's appeasement. Where is the Churchill of the Republican Party? Now would be a good time to state your case.

Hard truth by Jessica Berlin about the guilt of our politicians for the situation with war in Ukraine.

Fantastic interview and unbelievably insightful and articulate guest! Wow! Thank you very much.

Jessica Berlin is such a joy to listen to, I have been following her works for many years, truly an inspiring and intrepid woman, especially with her having (to some extend I believe) German roots, germany certainly could use and would urgently need more people of her quality and stature!

I first saw Jessica Berlin for over a year ago in a German television discussion. I was very impressed by her clear logic in the discussions.

Escalation management may have hurt Ukraine in the short term, but in the long run, it might be what’s best for Ukraine. The reason is because it has cause Putin to continue this senseless war until Russia has completely depleted its resources. By the time this is over, Russia will have nothing left of the massive stockpiles that they inherited from the Soviet Union, and Putin will have depleted all of Russia’s savings.

Thank you for this great episode ❤

I am very worried that Europe is going to look at this aid package from the US as a chance to kick a real decision about Ukraine and Russia into the long grass. Again.

I think the reality is that by avoiding 'escalation', the problem has been allowed to draw out for too long, causing more long-term deaths than there would have been in the short term, if the world had put its foot down. This has led to thousands and thousands of deaths and injuries on both sides that could have been avoided with a more decisive response. It's like if a family member has a severe mental illness; sometimes the kinder choice is to get help, rather than string it along until it goes critical.

Even my small dog is smarter than most politicians