Russia Must not be Allowed to Beat Ukraine - John Sipher - ex-CIA expert on the Threat from Russia.

There was great optimism about Russia in the 90s as it emerged from decades of authoritarian control. The collapse of communism led to the Russian economy becoming far more integrated into the world economy, and a reduction of proxy conflicts around the world. Europe became hooked on Russia energy and raw materials. In turn millions of Russians were able to travel to the west, something unimaginable for earlier generations. Many thousands from the elites invested in Western property, sent their children to private schools, and lived luxurious lifestyles in Western countries. This have all gone into reverse since 2014, and this messy geopolitical divorce is accelerating. I’m speaking today with John Sipher about how much worse this can get.

John is a Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council and Co-founder of Spycraft Entertainment a production firm providing content to the entertainment industry. Spycraft Entertainment connects the worlds of Hollywood and intelligence. John is also a foreign policy and intelligence expert and social media influencer. His articles have been published in the New York Times, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, Politico, Foreign Affairs, Newsweek, Slate, Lawfare, and Just Security, among others. He regularly appears on the PBS NewsHour, CNN, NPR, MSNBC, BBC and speaks to corporate, academic and governmental groups. John retired in 2014 after a 28-year career in the Central Intelligence Agency’s National Clandestine Service. At the time of his retirement, he was a member of the CIA’s Senior Intelligence Service, the leadership team that guides CIA activities globally. John served multiple overseas tours as Chief of Station and Deputy Chief of Station in Europe, Russia, Asia, and in high-threat environments. He has significant experience working with foreign and domestic partners to solve national security challenges. John also served as a lead instructor in the CIA’s clandestine training school and was a regular lecturer at the CIA’s leadership development program. He is the recipient of the Distinguished Career Intelligence Medal.