Ep. 55 - NATO Tensions, Russia’s Weaknesses & Ukraine War Insights w/Charlie Hancock

As global tensions rise — from Ukraine to the Middle East — how is Russia really holding up, and what does the future of the war look like?

In this episode of Peace and Power Ukraine, host Gary Marx is joined by Charlie Hancock, Opinion Editor at The Moscow Times, for a wide-ranging conversation on NATO tensions, Russian strategy, and the evolving realities of the war in Ukraine.

Hancock brings a unique perspective shaped by her work covering European security, NATO meetings, and the Munich Security Conference — as well as her experience reporting on Russia from outside the country after The Moscow Times was forced to relocate following the full-scale invasion.

A major focus of the conversation is how Russia benefits from divisions within NATO and the unpredictability of U.S. policy, even as deeper structural weaknesses continue to strain the Russian economy, military, and political system.

The discussion also explores:
• The fallout from the Munich Security Conference and transatlantic tensions
• How Russian alliances — from Hungary to Syria — impact the war
• Why divisions within NATO benefit the Kremlin
• The role and mission of The Moscow Times as an independent outlet
• What it’s like reporting on Russia from outside the country
• Why Western support for Ukraine varies across Europe
• The UK’s role in training Ukrainian forces and supporting Kyiv
• How Russia views the UK as a “special enemy”
• Undersea cable threats and hybrid warfare below the surface
• Why security threats often feel distant to Western populations
• The evolving role of airpower in the Ukraine war
• How drones and air defenses are reshaping modern warfare
• The reality of Russia’s economic resilience — and its hidden cracks
• Why Russia’s economy is under long-term structural strain

Hancock also explains why headlines about Russia’s economic strength can be misleading, pointing to growing deficits, rising military spending, and mounting internal pressure that could shape the trajectory of the war in the years ahead.

The episode highlights a key takeaway: while Russia may appear stable on the surface, underlying vulnerabilities — combined with geopolitical shifts — will play a critical role in determining the long-term outcome of the conflict.

00:00 — Intro + Charlie Hancock joins the show
00:32 — Munich Security Conference and NATO tensions
02:18 — U.S. messaging, Europe, and political reactions
03:35 — Hungary election and Russia’s shifting alliances
05:12 — Why Hungary matters for NATO and the EU
07:12 — Russia’s strategic relationships and influence
09:46 — Inside The Moscow Times and independent journalism
12:44 — Why the outlet left Russia after the invasion
15:08 — Reporting under censorship and propaganda pressure
17:00 — NATO divisions and impact on Ukraine
18:54 — Why unpredictability benefits the Kremlin
19:58 — UK support for Ukraine and military training
21:09 — UK vs Russia: a “special enemy” relationship
23:40 — Are we already in a form of conflict with Russia?
24:19 — Undersea cables and hybrid warfare threats
26:16 — Why Western publics overlook security risks
28:08 — Public support for Ukraine in the UK
30:00 — Russian airpower and battlefield evolution
32:19 — How drones and air defenses shape warfare
33:02 — Russia’s economy: headlines vs reality
34:01 — Structural weaknesses and long-term pressure
35:03 — Closing thoughts + where to follow Charlie

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