Russia is intended to fall, alongside Chinese, Iran and North Korea and others siding Russian actions on Ukrainian. A clear hatred to Joseph, Jacob second to last born.
We are at a point where saving face is an issue and no one seems to be addressing that. I wish unrealisticly that "We could all get along". Russia is so huge, so beautiful as is every country on Earth and if I were able, I would love to visit them all. I was a truck driver here in the U.S. and Canada and EVERY place I traveled to had it's own beauty and local pride, it would be nice to have good relationships the world over!
@@mrj8940 - If those ethnic Russians wanted to live in Russia then they can move a few miles to the east and do so, they don’t get to decide a nations borders, that’s not how it’s done and they formed militias and fought for independence - of course the Ukraine military fought them, it was a war what did you expect? How about all those ethnic Russians who were killing Ukrainians & stealing their property and land, no sympathy for them?
EXACTLY! This war is not really about Russia and Ukraine, it's all about The United States and Russia. Ukraine is just the middle part of the Battleground between the two countries. That's why the United States, keeps spending money on its war games to win while its people are also suffering along the whole world.
@@Hank520Tubestorming a building with weapons & body armour, resulting in the death of police is not "candid", it's a crime in any language. And if you want to claim the election was rigged nobody is going to stop you. You'll be full of 💩, but you won't be found dead under a broken window for expressing your opinion, no matter how asinine it makes you sound
What a beautiful work of professionals, it's a pleasure to see a neutral position of intervier who is willing to hear out the guest no matter what kind of ideas he has himself, without emotions and any kind of narrative to push! Bravo 👏
A well spoken, informed guest who clearly has a solid understanding of the problems at hand. I found him to be objective and can only lament that more dialogues of this nature don't take place. Thanks to Steve and his channel.
Without proper logistics, it won't matter hiw many soldiers that Russia is willing to throw into the battle, they won't be able to support them... it seems, indeed, that they can't support the soldiers in place, now.
What will be the collateral to have new weapons that worth billions of dollars are you saying they are just given free by the west. They just gave and gave without taking. Do you believe there are no risks on it. If the war ends in Ukraine wins. How much money they needed to pay.
What l don’t understand why USA is forcing other countries like India , Türkiye to be an enemy of Russia in order to be friends of USA ? It’s none sense . Western hypocrisy is killing the west
Very interesting that he said that the young, educated, wealthy middle class lives in Moscow (and St. Petersburg) and is a minority in the country. This means that in Russia the middle class is a very small minority and that the country is made up mostly of poor people which is realistic since the Oligarchs have stolen trillions of dollars from the people.
I was in Moscow around 2010 when all the talk was about not wanting Putin back. I could not find a single person under 60 that wanted Putin back, he was despised with a passion by everyone but the very old. Moscow is a really beautiful city, cant recommend it highly enough. Travel 30 miles outside Moscow and you will see some real poverty and awful living conditions though. Old people in rags selling god knows what in large jars just to survive, I saw some really desperate people that have been robbed blind by their own government that now wants to conscript people to fight and die for it? Madness!
@@neilrusling3438 It's totally crazy. I guess rats born in captivity don't question their circumstances. The people are brainwashed in every way possible. I don't know if there is any hope when the only intelligent people are fleeing the country and those left behind have already accepted "what will be will be."
Russia's demographic situation was already far from desirable; between the losses on the battlefields in UKR and the numbers of young people who have left Russia since the 2022 invasion began (let alone since the mobilization started) they are speeding up their own extinction. The can't forcibly deport enough Ukrainians to make up these losses, but that won't stop them from trying.
On the other hand, according to what I've read most of the young Russians pulled into the war seem to be from everywhere BUT "central" Russia, where Putin draws his powerbase from. Pulling a lot of young, combat-capable men from minorities and places that might form an organized threat to him in his own backyard, and making sure that only the young men FROM the cities like Moscow, St. Petersburg etc remain behind to fill in the gaps... well, it WILL probably lessen the cohesian of the Russian empire and hasten it's collapse, but hey- that's at LEAST five-ten years away from now, so that's a problem for tomorrow's Putin :) You know, now that I actually look at the other hand it still doesn't look very good for him...
Untrained, unwilling, poorly equipped walking targets will eat up Russian food, shoot up Russian ammo, and then surrender or run away at the first fight.
Excellent example of Russia's demographics issues: as the interviewee stated: "the middle class are a minority" This is a maaaajor problem for any country. He basically confirms that the majority of people are too poor to go shopping. That's tragic. It could really have been so different.
For the most part very true but when he stated that the West has considered Russia its enemy going way back he's not being honest. I'm old enough to remember when we truly thought after Yeltsin was in office that Rush was finally ready to join the world by easing into freedom for their own people and a little more in the way of democracy. Putin came on the scene and shrieked and screamed about how evil America was at the point in time we were ready to open the doors and work with them. So honestly the animosity towards Russia as it stands now is solely because of Putin and nothing else and does not qualify as long-term animosity
only watched the 1st 8 mins. But what an intelligent, articulate and honest russian analyst. Unfortunately he obviously has no political power or influence over the russian government or people!
How so? What parts? I'm honestly curious. Please refrain from using nothing answers like the entire thing. I didn't see it but perhaps you saw something I didn't.
Not sure I will go as far as saying it was Russian propaganda, but in the summary it was stated that Russia invaded to ensure its security. There are several other justifications coming out of Russia, with the one of protecting itself only coming after the west supported Ukrainian resistance. And by only mentioning this, it gives legitimacy to Russia, so sort of propaganda.
@@AR-rn8ok Very dispassionate and logical. Without hysteria and useless emotion. Very balanced, thoughtful and fair comments Russian. Good interviewer.
Good day Andrey Russia doesn't need think tank as long as you there. You are very realistic, all you said is perfectly true. Elegantly chosen words and carefully spoken, you are the right person representing the facts many others don't see. Please let your voice to be heard.
Who says they are badly trained and equipped soldiers, these are reservists who already had basic military training unlike the Ukrainians, for many of them it's not their first war
@@dannyjanssens8985 many of them have never had any military training at all. The conscription system in Russia is very haphazard versus what is was during the soviet Union and regions are given quotas of men required for conscription and anyone caught in the system will be sent forward. Russian minority peoples are targeted more and not every man goes through conscription, the mobilization has targeted people that are not conscriptits or take into account fitness/health standards.
@@dannyjanssens8985 Ukraine had problems for months after it declared mobilization. They have had half a year to fix their problems and still have more volunteers than they are capable of absorbing. Russia has already used up its volunteers and is force conscription people. So comparatively the new conscripts are closer to the Dpr troops than professional troops.
Putin was very pro-West when he became the president of Russia, did not show too much interest in China. So, the West must ask yourself what makes Putin to change, to convert completely Eastward/Southward? Please answer it to yourself with complete honesty.
@@markfoth1226 Watching RT is akin to watching CNN - they both have obvious agendas and are propaganda by all measures. What about this interview was not to your liking? I don't support Putin in this campaign, but I don't have any major disputes with anything he said here. Do you? That said, I have seen Andrey Kurtanov in other forums - usually pitted against Western military analysts or "commentators" - and he's been a little more aggressive, let's say. But we all behave differently depending on the situation, and I understood why he was frustrated by the people in those panels. This seemed honest and measured enough, imho. Take heed, would be my advice - it's a far more honest analysis than you're likely to see anytime soon
Do you really think that any number of self equipped, poorly trained, poorly motivated Russian 'soldiers' will confer any great tactical advantage on the Ukraine front? Particularly when strategy and logistics will no doubt remain unchanged.
Every Russian who has spoken has been careful with his/her choice of words and considerate of other perpectives (Putin, Lavrov, Zakharova, Peskov). It seems to be an admirable national characteristic. What a contrast with the double speak, evasion and outright lies we accept as normal in the west.
@@kubhlaikhan2015 so...calling people scums on live TV, cursing at Zelensky in the UN meeting, saying that Ukraine bombed their own hospital and blamed Russia, threatening nuclear attack on London and then complaining about not being invite to the Queen's funeral, claiming they are fighting for God/Orthodoxy, "everything is going according to plan, Russia has lost nothing", looting, raping, torturing, mass murdering, land grabbing and then calling it liberation...and many other examples...so those are not double speak, evasion, or outright lies? What news have you been watching? TASS? RT? Here is my reply to you, with very careful consideration of words: "F*** OFF."
Andrey Kortunov has a very sharp grasp on what is shaping this conflict into the tragedy it has become. There are many differences in this octagon of conflicting opinions. However, I believe there is one underlying problem that is the biggest of them all. As Ukraine stepped towards its own style of democracy in self-government it diverged from Russia's style of totalitarian government. As the gap widened between the two countries, Putin could not allow that to continue. For then the Russian people could just look at the border and see and wish it for themselves. That is a forbidden sight and a threat to Putin's regime. The sight of Freedom.
Good interview! I think it's likely the Ukrainian Government knew that their NATO application would be met with mixed reactions across the Alliance. In my opinion, it was to draw the line in the sand that Ukraine fundamentally rejects Russia on a military, political and societal level.
@@ronevans6958 And Putin can't have a functioning democratic society next door, free of corruption. How would he be able to continue his power over his own people if they caught a glimpse of what real freedom looked like?
Yes a line is definitely being drawn in the sand between Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. If Russia loses, which looks more likely and I hope it does, Belarus (Which may go Westward if Russia's grip slackens) better watch its back as Ukraine will have a rather large and capable Army on its doorstep!?!
@@thomasherrin6798 See what happens in the near future, it's began already it's impossible for Ukraine to win on there own if NATO declare war on Russia this will bring about a global war which will see NATO defeated unless it turns nuclear then every one will be defeated .
That's an excellent journalism. I miss as a German something like the approach of a neutral point of view in my western media today very much. Thank You, Al Jazeera and keep on your good working.
For the first time I see a Russian talks objectively, with a little hesitation of course because Putin is watching! But geez I take this guy to be a foreign minister over constantly lying Larov any day!
LAVROV IS A $TUPID LYING PETTY DEPENDANT PUTINECIUM IN A PETRI DISH --- on a good day 😋 --- HE KNOWS HIS HEAD IS IN THE TARIQ AZIZ NOOSE --- TOO LATE. --- in for a penny in for a pound
BOLLOCKS...ITS NOT A SPECIAL MILITARY OPERATION ANYMORE. FULL MOBILIZATION NOW OF 300,000 TROOPS..CAN BE INCREASED TO 1 MILLION. PUTIN HAD TO GO THRU STAGES AND PROCEDURES IN ORDER TO UPGRADE TO FULL MOBILIZATION . I AM SURE WE WILL SEE SHOCK AND AWE NOW...ALSO 2 ND TIER WEAPONS WERE BEING USED IN UKRAINE BEFORE. AS IT IS A WAR WITH NATO/WEST NOW ,RUSSIA WILL USE THE MOST ADVANCED WEAPONRY NOW WHICH IS DECADES AHEAD OF THE WEST. ODESSA WILL BE TAKEN TOO NOW TURNING UKRAINE INTO A LANDLOCKED COUNTRY . CIVILIAN INFRASTRUCTURE AND GOVERNMENT (ZELENSKY) WILL BE TARGETS NOW. TACTICAL NUKES MIGHT ALSO BE USED ON THE CAPITAL KIEV. USA/BIDDEN HAVE CROSSED THE RED LINE BY SABOTAGING NORD STREAM 1 AND 2. GAS PIPELINES AND DESTROYING GERMANY.
But the.way this man freely and openly expresses his views all of the rehortic of western tv channels about Russia being an authoritative state under a dictator seems to be hollow and without any substance.
@@rdsc.455 Oh really? Go speak with any of the Russians who protested against this war on whether Putin is a dictator, or whether Russia is an authoritarian state. That is, if their prison guards will allow you to speak with any of them, since they each are now serving a 10-year sentence - just for speaking out against Putin's invasion of Ukraine - or for using the word "war" rather than "special military operation." How naive can you possibly be?
@@hiturbine Same is the situation in Ukraine since last few years,main opposition leader under detention, opposition parties sides tv channels under ban, no man of age from 17-55 leave the country, hundreds arrested on Moldovan,Romanian and other borders while escaping by paying amount equivalent to 7-10 thousands dollars to smugglers, all criminals ready to take part in war released and armed.Situations are same on both side of border as culture is one and same, difference is their projection in different way by all of the western tv channels and media.
A very insightful interview. It's too bad Russia doesn't have people like Andre in leadership because if they did this conflict might not happened at all. The most revelatory observation he makes is that Russian society doesn't even recognize the legitimacy of Ukraine to exist. For them this is a conflict between NATO and Russia rather than a war of aggression launched by one man against a weaker neighbor. They see Ukraine as a puppet state of the West. It never even dawns on them that Moscow's aggression is what drove all these former Soviet republics into the arms of NATO in the first place. Call me old fashioned but I feel that if you want your neighbors to be neighborly you don't threaten them with annihilation!
But you ignore the fact the NATO has been creeping close to Moscow with the aim of clipping the wings of Russia. When Russia tried to put arms in Cuba, did America fold its hands? So why should Russia fold its hands when it’s Neighbours join NATO?
@@edwinmagoga7807 "It never even dawns on them that Moscow's aggression is what drove all these former Soviet republics into the arms of NATO in the first place. " NATO membership is not imposed on anyone. Countries "choose" to apply for membership. Russia is not entitled to be surrounded by weaker satellite states that it can threaten and coerce. Russia alone is to blame for the expansion of NATO. Just like Russia alone is to blame for the strengthening of the alliance. All the choices made by Vladimir Putin over the last 20 years have lead us to the point right now.
@@caseroj6020 I will encourage you to revisit the 1991 agreement between NATO and Russia at the end of the Cold War. They agreed that NATO was not going to extend by just 1 inch into the Eastern Europe formerly under the Soviet Union, but over the years NATO has been unfaithful to that agreement. How do you fail to see that, honestly?
"probably this is not the end of the world" . Way more likely not to be the end of the world would be if the Russian army admits their invasion of Ukraine is failed and go back to Russia.
,RUSSIA WILL USE THE MOST ADVANCED WEAPONRY NOW WHICH IS DECADES AHEAD OF THE WEST. ODESSA WILL BE TAKEN TOO NOW TURNING UKRAINE INTO A LANDLOCKED COUNTRY
Mobilization take peoples from jobs and disturb the economy. On the other hand compacting more soldiers in a small area will increase number of casualties.
Very sober assessment. Last point made is the important point. The world is moving towards a more integrated state, despite our obvious differences. We have to come to terms with our differences and learn to live together. Nature operates this way, but it doesn’t seem like to us humans. Nature accepts it naturally, humans have to work towards it consciously. 😢
Nature is violent, "red in tooth and claw" as the saying goes. Everything eats something else until you get down to photosynthesis or up to apex predators. Nature, therefore, may be said to be "in balance," eat too much of your food supply and prosper briefly, but then starve. Apex predators are kept in check by the availability of food as well as territorial conflict when food becomes scarce. Humans fight over stupid things (pride, prejudice and principle). Animals fight just to live.
All the West wants from Russia is a switch to a focus on economic development and a fervent respect for the boundaries of sovereign nations. This was the best interview I have seen this year from a Russian official. Much respect.
If the west wants that then the Russian type of governance needs to change. Too much power in the hands of upper echelon at present. If we go back to what they had before results will be the same
It's funny Americans talking about respecting the territorial boundaries of other nations. I mean you should try stand-up! really! In 1962 you put the missiles in Turkey they put theirs in Cuba. Bullies slap but never expect to be slapped back. Make sure you buy some Iodine tovarisch
Thank you so very much Al Jazeera and mr. Kortunov for such a excellent interview. By far the most objective analysis I have heard since this crisis started. We need more people like mr. Kortunov on both sides.
the not mixed message is this. russia made an agreement in 1991 . russia broke its word and invaded ukraine. its all the world sees .blaming the west for a tyrant allowed in russia is sad.
Kortunov really put his finger on it at the end. The real decision is not siding with the east or west but whether Russia wants international isolation or inclusion. Well said.
Same in every country you say…? Yes - media is biased as every other human being- but where I live - at least - journalists isn’t killed. Guess this is utopia then.
@@waitwhat-qg9bc Assange allowed data dumps of secret information. Good or bad is irrelevant, but he did break the law. And if he wasn't so high profile, he wouldn't have had WikiLeaks to begin with. In the USA, people don't fly out of a window for criticizing the government, otherwise the streets would be plastered with bodies.
Who is winning the war in Ukraine ?? : PLEASE RESPOND : My answer is USA ( like many other wars ) who started this war long, long time ago and as a fact we have this war today.
Could we not also say like Ukraine Russia is also on life support, not (obviously) from the west but on life support from their abundant natural resources? If you remove its oil and gas supplies from the equation (as in they did not exist in Russia in the first place), then it is highly unlikely that Russia would have invaded Ukraine in the first place too.
The one positive aspect of this disaster. It forces everyone to take the green energy transition really serious and take action. This largely makes oil and gas irrelevant for delivering energy, thereby making a lot of autocrats less relevant to the world.
I am increasingly impressed by the honesty and candidness of the Russians and their openness to peace talks as against the belicose saber rattling and outlandish claims of the West.
They want peace talks, but only with Ukraine agreeing to give up part of their country. They do not want peace talks which include Russia withdrawing from Ukraine.
@@okeydokey3120 Peace will only be acheived by seceding the four regions that are overwhelmingly in favor of joining Russia - since the betrayal of the 2014 Maidan coup instigated by the US and its corporate interests, the eastern regions have been under attack and it is , by all means and purposes, the Ukraine army that is the occupying force - occupiers can never suppress the will of the people forever.
I AGREE..ITS NOT A SPECIAL MILITARY OPERATION ANYMORE. FULL MOBILIZATION NOW OF 300,000 TROOPS..CAN BE INCREASED TO 1 MILLION. PUTIN HAD TO GO THRU STAGES AND PROCEDURES IN ORDER TO UPGRADE TO FULL MOBILIZATION . I AM SURE WE WILL SEE SHOCK AND AWE NOW...ALSO 2 ND TIER WEAPONS WERE BEING USED IN UKRAINE BEFORE. AS IT IS A WAR WITH NATO/WEST NOW ,RUSSIA WILL USE THE MOST ADVANCED WEAPONRY NOW WHICH IS DECADES AHEAD OF THE WEST. ODESSA WILL BE TAKEN TOO NOW TURNING UKRAINE INTO A LANDLOCKED COUNTRY . CIVILIAN INFRASTRUCTURE AND GOVERNMENT (ZELENSKY) WILL BE TARGETS NOW. TACTICAL NUKES MIGHT ALSO BE USED ON THE CAPITAL KIEV. USA/BIDDEN HAVE CROSSED THE RED LINE BY SABOTAGING NORD STREAM 1 AND 2. GAS PIPELINES AND DESTROYING GERMANY.
@@allydea with you...I think he spoke his mind. freely, eloquently, and In a second language... im " slava ukraine" to the core...but i think its his truth. Only a fool would dismiss such a voice. .
Yeah, he had to be very careful in answering questions. Failure to do so would likely cause him to take a flying leap from a 6-storey window, visa vie the string of oil and gas oligarchs who have died recently.
The interviewer did an excellent job by not interrupting the interviewee.
Totally agree!
Russia is intended to fall, alongside Chinese, Iran and North Korea and others siding Russian actions on Ukrainian. A clear hatred to Joseph, Jacob second to last born.
I think the enterviewee is very careful to answered questions because of fear for his own life. Good he's wise because I won't do better.
Also agree , nice change to see and interview without constant interruptions.
One of the main reasons I quit watching TV... next is 30 seconds max answers before... cutting in with time constraints comments
Superb and insightful interview. Thank you Andrey Kortunov and Steve Clemons.
We are at a point where saving face is an issue and no one seems to be addressing that. I wish unrealisticly that "We could all get along". Russia is so huge, so beautiful as is every country on Earth and if I were able, I would love to visit them all. I was a truck driver here in the U.S. and Canada and EVERY place I traveled to had it's own beauty and local pride, it would be nice to have good relationships the world over!
Your take is beautiful, sensible. For that reason, it will not succeed. Because greed and self-interest are number one.
Wise words
This war wrong but ..
Ukraine was treating ethnic Russians bad earlier
@@emanuelgaldes3515 No. I don't agree, although your comment made me smile. Remember, Truth always triumphs. Ancient Sanskrit wisdom: Satyamev Jayati.
@@mrj8940 - If those ethnic Russians wanted to live in Russia then they can move a few miles to the east and do so, they don’t get to decide a nations borders, that’s not how it’s done and they formed militias and fought for independence - of course the Ukraine military fought them, it was a war what did you expect? How about all those ethnic Russians who were killing Ukrainians & stealing their property and land, no sympathy for them?
EXACTLY!
This war is not really about Russia and Ukraine, it's all about The United States and Russia. Ukraine is just the middle part of the Battleground between the two countries. That's why the United States, keeps spending money on its war games to win while its people are also suffering along the whole world.
@TheKerrycoolmisic The citizens have nothing to do with this war
@TheKerrycoolmisic S'all good
Pathfinder , it’s bc Putin smelled weakness in Biden; if this was Trump admin , there would had been no war ,!Ukraine is the victim ..,
That was one of the best conversations I've heard yet throughout this war. A real expert from the Russian side. I hope they don't kill him for it.
America, home of slavery and cowardice!!!
That is the dilemma of interviewing someone who is still in Russia. More insight but less freedom to be candid.
@@goodgame3374 Yah, just look at the USA Jan 6th "insurectionists" - another example of "freedom to be candid"????
@@Hank520Tubestorming a building with weapons & body armour, resulting in the death of police is not "candid", it's a crime in any language.
And if you want to claim the election was rigged nobody is going to stop you. You'll be full of 💩, but you won't be found dead under a broken window for expressing your opinion, no matter how asinine it makes you sound
@@Hank520Tube it wasn't an "insurrection"...it was an insurrection...
The best answer and analysis so far.
Very well done 👍
Just because a country is weaker does not mean it needs to be over run by its neighbor.
You mean like the way Iraqi Afghanistan, Libya, etc were over ran!
Like Hawaii 👍
@@timetraveller885 no lol
Absolutely, u me and the rest of the world can all agree on that
The people of Iraq and Afghanistan agree.
This guy is so sincere and accurate, thanks for your analysis
This summarized everything in such a neat way. I have more understanding of wth is going on over there. Great interview. Geopolitics is a trip
What a beautiful work of professionals, it's a pleasure to see a neutral position of intervier who is willing to hear out the guest no matter what kind of ideas he has himself, without emotions and any kind of narrative to push! Bravo 👏
+1
A well spoken, informed guest who clearly has a solid understanding of the problems at hand. I found him to be objective and can only lament that more dialogues of this nature don't take place. Thanks to Steve and his channel.
Douglas MacGregor is one of the finest no doubt.
Without proper logistics, it won't matter hiw many soldiers that Russia is willing to throw into the battle, they won't be able to support them... it seems, indeed, that they can't support the soldiers in place, now.
Logistics? LOL. And what about ---> weapons X'D
@@VFella 🤡 Weapons and ammunition resupply are a part of logistics.
On what factual basis do you make these claims.
What will be the collateral to have new weapons that worth billions of dollars are you saying they are just given free by the west. They just gave and gave without taking. Do you believe there are no risks on it. If the war ends in Ukraine wins. How much money they needed to pay.
Winter will not be their friend!
An excellent discussion. The topics discussed were first rate and the guest spoke eloquently .
What l don’t understand why USA is forcing other countries like India , Türkiye to be an enemy of Russia in order to be friends of USA ? It’s none sense . Western hypocrisy is killing the west
Ask yourself, Why no country in the West has called for a cease fire or peace of any kind.
Very interesting that he said that the young, educated, wealthy middle class lives in Moscow (and St. Petersburg) and is a minority in the country. This means that in Russia the middle class is a very small minority and that the country is made up mostly of poor people which is realistic since the Oligarchs have stolen trillions of dollars from the people.
I was in Moscow around 2010 when all the talk was about not wanting Putin back. I could not find a single person under 60 that wanted Putin back, he was despised with a passion by everyone but the very old.
Moscow is a really beautiful city, cant recommend it highly enough. Travel 30 miles outside Moscow and you will see some real poverty and awful living conditions though. Old people in rags selling god knows what in large jars just to survive, I saw some really desperate people that have been robbed blind by their own government that now wants to conscript people to fight and die for it? Madness!
@@neilrusling3438 It's totally crazy. I guess rats born in captivity don't question their circumstances. The people are brainwashed in every way possible. I don't know if there is any hope when the only intelligent people are fleeing the country and those left behind have already accepted "what will be will be."
Sounds more like a statement about America!!!
Most governments oddly do the same thing 🤔
@@neilrusling3438 I've seen some abject poverty in the US as well. What is your point?
Never saw Steve Clemons before. New fan!
This is exactly what I wanted to see/hear! It's very interesting and important to hear
Russia's demographic situation was already far from desirable; between the losses on the battlefields in UKR and the numbers of young people who have left Russia since the 2022 invasion began (let alone since the mobilization started) they are speeding up their own extinction. The can't forcibly deport enough Ukrainians to make up these losses, but that won't stop them from trying.
On the other hand, according to what I've read most of the young Russians pulled into the war seem to be from everywhere BUT "central" Russia, where Putin draws his powerbase from. Pulling a lot of young, combat-capable men from minorities and places that might form an organized threat to him in his own backyard, and making sure that only the young men FROM the cities like Moscow, St. Petersburg etc remain behind to fill in the gaps... well, it WILL probably lessen the cohesian of the Russian empire and hasten it's collapse, but hey- that's at LEAST five-ten years away from now, so that's a problem for tomorrow's Putin :)
You know, now that I actually look at the other hand it still doesn't look very good for him...
Untrained, unwilling, poorly equipped walking targets will eat up Russian food, shoot up Russian ammo, and then surrender or run away at the first fight.
@@KaiserS0ZE You wish...lol
@@007furious sorry facts hurt you in the vag
Excellent example of Russia's demographics issues: as the interviewee stated: "the middle class are a minority"
This is a maaaajor problem for any country. He basically confirms that the majority of people are too poor to go shopping. That's tragic. It could really have been so different.
This was a refreshing and mature minded interview.
Phenomenal reporting. Honest, direct, no spin. Steve is the master. Sláva Ukrayín
Slava
ua is the most cruel country in the world Hutu are babies compared to ua
The analysis of your guest is on point and not tainted with bias. Balanced view to me .
For the most part very true but when he stated that the West has considered Russia its enemy going way back he's not being honest. I'm old enough to remember when we truly thought after Yeltsin was in office that Rush was finally ready to join the world by easing into freedom for their own people and a little more in the way of democracy. Putin came on the scene and shrieked and screamed about how evil America was at the point in time we were ready to open the doors and work with them. So honestly the animosity towards Russia as it stands now is solely because of Putin and nothing else and does not qualify as long-term animosity
@@apathyguy8338 Yes, the west really liked Yeltsin the alcoholic. And the term " bringing Democracy to a country" is like "We come in peace"
@@apathyguy8338 of course why wouldn't the west love Yeltsin. You love Russia when it's in she's in pain
only watched the 1st 8 mins. But what an intelligent, articulate and honest russian analyst. Unfortunately he obviously has no political power or influence over the russian government or people!
Excellent interview especially the end. Congratulations
Civilian Bridges blown up... so now the violence widens, the retaliation will grow worse, and the fight will soon spread into Poland, Germany, USA.
This is what we need!! More objective discussions with BOTH points of view.
Great job everyone. 👏
This was horrible reporting. It sounds like all Russian propaganda.
They never ysed the words war or invasion. He calls it operation. That’s a complete lie.
How so? What parts? I'm honestly curious. Please refrain from using nothing answers like the entire thing. I didn't see it but perhaps you saw something I didn't.
Not sure I will go as far as saying it was Russian propaganda, but in the summary it was stated that Russia invaded to ensure its security. There are several other justifications coming out of Russia, with the one of protecting itself only coming after the west supported Ukrainian resistance. And by only mentioning this, it gives legitimacy to Russia, so sort of propaganda.
@@AR-rn8ok Very dispassionate and logical. Without hysteria and useless emotion. Very balanced, thoughtful and fair comments Russian. Good interviewer.
Good day Andrey
Russia doesn't need think tank as long as you there. You are very realistic, all you said is perfectly true.
Elegantly chosen words and carefully spoken, you are the right person representing the facts many others don't see. Please let your voice to be heard.
Saying that poorly trained badly equipped soldiers thrown into a meat grinder of a war will make a difference is magical thinking
Who says they are badly trained and equipped soldiers, these are reservists who already had basic military training unlike the Ukrainians, for many of them it's not their first war
@@dannyjanssens8985 many of them have never had any military training at all.
The conscription system in Russia is very haphazard versus what is was during the soviet Union and regions are given quotas of men required for conscription and anyone caught in the system will be sent forward.
Russian minority peoples are targeted more and not every man goes through conscription, the mobilization has targeted people that are not conscriptits or take into account fitness/health standards.
@@dannyjanssens8985 Ukraine had problems for months after it declared mobilization. They have had half a year to fix their problems and still have more volunteers than they are capable of absorbing.
Russia has already used up its volunteers and is force conscription people.
So comparatively the new conscripts are closer to the Dpr troops than professional troops.
@@arcticwulf5796 not conscripts reservists so people who served already in the army
Western woke media feeding this kinda information 😆
Putin was very pro-West when he became the president of Russia, did not show too much interest in China. So, the West must ask yourself what makes Putin to change, to convert completely Eastward/Southward? Please answer it to yourself with complete honesty.
This guy definitely speaks in a articulate manner,
almost like skipping a rock over the Russian mandate.
Very good interview
is the guest joining in from a sauna ??
🤣🤣🤣🤣
🤣
😄
😂 or a dacha ( country house)
No. He was in a barber shop and the barber left him unfinished.
Excellent interview. We need more intelligent 360 degree perspectives and dialogue such as this.
Ukraina always number one
Would you go to a prison to get the side of a proven serial killer? Do think the killers feelings should be taken into account?
Fantastic interview! Well done AJ! This is what's missing on the mainstream media. Civil discussion with reasonable people on the 'other side'.
Watch RT TV and see the reasonable people in full force.
@@markfoth1226 na that's propaganda
@@markfoth1226 Watching RT is akin to watching CNN - they both have obvious agendas and are propaganda by all measures. What about this interview was not to your liking? I don't support Putin in this campaign, but I don't have any major disputes with anything he said here. Do you?
That said, I have seen Andrey Kurtanov in other forums - usually pitted against Western military analysts or "commentators" - and he's been a little more aggressive, let's say. But we all behave differently depending on the situation, and I understood why he was frustrated by the people in those panels. This seemed honest and measured enough, imho.
Take heed, would be my advice - it's a far more honest analysis than you're likely to see anytime soon
@@markfoth1226 🤣
BS is flooding out. Well, I can agree that I’ve seen worse
Such a great conversation. Very educational and inspiring! Thanks.
Do you really think that any number of self equipped, poorly trained, poorly motivated Russian 'soldiers' will confer any great tactical advantage on the Ukraine front?
Particularly when strategy and logistics will no doubt remain unchanged.
This is the only Russian official I can bear with in interviews. He is at least careful with his choice of words and somehow considerate.
Is it different in the West? Who is careful with words there? I can only think of Urban and Erdogan
Every Russian who has spoken has been careful with his/her choice of words and considerate of other perpectives (Putin, Lavrov, Zakharova, Peskov). It seems to be an admirable national characteristic. What a contrast with the double speak, evasion and outright lies we accept as normal in the west.
@@kubhlaikhan2015 so...calling people scums on live TV, cursing at Zelensky in the UN meeting, saying that Ukraine bombed their own hospital and blamed Russia, threatening nuclear attack on London and then complaining about not being invite to the Queen's funeral, claiming they are fighting for God/Orthodoxy, "everything is going according to plan, Russia has lost nothing", looting, raping, torturing, mass murdering, land grabbing and then calling it liberation...and many other examples...so those are not double speak, evasion, or outright lies?
What news have you been watching? TASS? RT?
Here is my reply to you, with very careful consideration of words: "F*** OFF."
@@kubhlaikhan2015 "we"?
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤡🤡🤡🤡
@@kubhlaikhan2015 lol
Great conversation!
Great interview. We need more of this.
Andrey Kortunov has a very sharp grasp on what is shaping this conflict into the tragedy it has become. There are many differences in this octagon of conflicting opinions. However, I believe there is one underlying problem that is the biggest of them all. As Ukraine stepped towards its own style of democracy in self-government it diverged from Russia's style of totalitarian government. As the gap widened between the two countries, Putin could not allow that to continue. For then the Russian people could just look at the border and see and wish it for themselves. That is a forbidden sight and a threat to Putin's regime. The sight of Freedom.
Yep. And, the follow-up war crimes tribunals.
Happy Birthday, Brother Vlad!! It truly is a day to celebrate!!
Excellent information. Good job.
Good interview! I think it's likely the Ukrainian Government knew that their NATO application would be met with mixed reactions across the Alliance. In my opinion, it was to draw the line in the sand that Ukraine fundamentally rejects Russia on a military, political and societal level.
As is their right as a sovereign nation...
@@ronevans6958 And Putin can't have a functioning democratic society next door, free of corruption.
How would he be able to continue his power over his own people if they caught a glimpse of what real freedom looked like?
Yes a line is definitely being drawn in the sand between Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. If Russia loses, which looks more likely and I hope it does, Belarus (Which may go Westward if Russia's grip slackens) better watch its back as Ukraine will have a rather large and capable Army on its doorstep!?!
@@thomasherrin6798 See what happens in the near future, it's began already it's impossible for Ukraine to win on there own if NATO declare war on Russia this will bring about a global war which will see NATO defeated unless it turns nuclear then every one will be defeated .
It takes a lot of maturity to open-mindedly listen to both sides.
France, England, Spain , Germany,USA has done more harm to other countries
Excellent insights . Excellent interview , congrats.
Well done AJ! Very good interview! I really appreciate the insightful perspective of your guest, Mr. Kortunov.
What an excellent topic to discussed. I wish they are more professionalism like them.
Finally! Refreshing to hear news sharing views from both sides.
Russian soldiers: We need more vodka!
Very well done interview.
Why don't you mention coup 2014 that leads to current issue?
This is what I would call a civilized Russian with objective points of view.
I wish and hope there are more like him out there.
There are a very, very many. However, you'll never see them on Western media.
If there were more civilized people in Washington and London, this war would never have started in 2014
Excellent interview...Andrey was superb and so was Steve...allowing Andrey to give long answers, rather than the short bits
Agree ! CNN would have interrupted his every few minutes 😡
That's an excellent journalism. I miss as a German something like the approach of a neutral point of view in my western media today very much. Thank You, Al Jazeera and keep on your good working.
I actually think that Deutsche Welle also does a good job.
@@rogerwilco2 naaa… they don’t
Andre Kortuna one of smartest Russians I have ever heard, clear and on point, very good interview 👍
For the first time I see a Russian talks objectively, with a little hesitation of course because Putin is watching! But geez I take this guy to be a foreign minister over constantly lying Larov any day!
Lmao putin is dobby from harry potter
I would guess most of the rest of the world agrees with you.
Thanks for posting !!
LAVROV IS A $TUPID LYING PETTY DEPENDANT PUTINECIUM IN A PETRI DISH --- on a good day 😋 --- HE KNOWS HIS HEAD IS IN THE TARIQ AZIZ NOOSE --- TOO LATE. --- in for a penny in for a pound
BOLLOCKS...ITS NOT A SPECIAL MILITARY OPERATION ANYMORE. FULL MOBILIZATION NOW OF 300,000 TROOPS..CAN BE INCREASED TO 1 MILLION. PUTIN HAD TO GO THRU STAGES AND PROCEDURES IN ORDER TO UPGRADE TO FULL MOBILIZATION . I AM SURE WE WILL SEE SHOCK AND AWE NOW...ALSO 2 ND TIER WEAPONS WERE BEING USED IN UKRAINE BEFORE. AS IT IS A WAR WITH NATO/WEST NOW ,RUSSIA WILL USE THE MOST ADVANCED WEAPONRY NOW WHICH IS DECADES AHEAD OF THE WEST. ODESSA WILL BE TAKEN TOO NOW TURNING UKRAINE INTO A LANDLOCKED COUNTRY . CIVILIAN INFRASTRUCTURE AND GOVERNMENT (ZELENSKY) WILL BE TARGETS NOW. TACTICAL NUKES MIGHT ALSO BE USED ON THE CAPITAL KIEV. USA/BIDDEN HAVE CROSSED THE RED LINE BY SABOTAGING NORD STREAM 1 AND 2. GAS PIPELINES AND DESTROYING GERMANY.
A very honest man speaks the truth
A very good interview and insightful information from Moscow.
Basically I will follow the party line due to my fear of heights and windows.
But the.way this man freely and openly expresses his views all of the rehortic of western tv channels about Russia being an authoritative state under a dictator seems to be hollow and without any substance.
@@rdsc.455 Oh really? Go speak with any of the Russians who protested against this war on whether Putin is a dictator, or whether Russia is an authoritarian state. That is, if their prison guards will allow you to speak with any of them, since they each are now serving a 10-year sentence - just for speaking out against Putin's invasion of Ukraine - or for using the word "war" rather than "special military operation." How naive can you possibly be?
@@hiturbine Same is the situation in Ukraine since last few years,main opposition leader under detention, opposition parties sides tv channels under ban, no man of age from 17-55 leave the country, hundreds arrested on Moldovan,Romanian and other borders while escaping by paying amount equivalent to 7-10 thousands dollars to smugglers, all criminals ready to take part in war released and armed.Situations are same on both side of border as culture is one and same, difference is their projection in different way by all of the western tv channels and media.
@@rdsc.455 But you were comparing them to Western channels, not Ukraine
One of the best analysis of the Russian side I’ve heard
Bottom line! Really wondering to see that some people are still sober and clear minded out there
Excellent interview
Great interview, nothing worse than having the guest always interupted by the person giving the interview. The interviewer did an excellent job.
A very insightful interview. It's too bad Russia doesn't have people like Andre in leadership because if they did this conflict might not happened at all. The most revelatory observation he makes is that Russian society doesn't even recognize the legitimacy of Ukraine to exist. For them this is a conflict between NATO and Russia rather than a war of aggression launched by one man against a weaker neighbor. They see Ukraine as a puppet state of the West. It never even dawns on them that Moscow's aggression is what drove all these former Soviet republics into the arms of NATO in the first place. Call me old fashioned but I feel that if you want your neighbors to be neighborly you don't threaten them with annihilation!
But you ignore the fact the NATO has been creeping close to Moscow with the aim of clipping the wings of Russia. When Russia tried to put arms in Cuba, did America fold its hands? So why should Russia fold its hands when it’s Neighbours join NATO?
@@edwinmagoga7807 "It never even dawns on them that Moscow's aggression is what drove all these former Soviet republics into the arms of NATO in the first place. "
NATO membership is not imposed on anyone. Countries "choose" to apply for membership. Russia is not entitled to be surrounded by weaker satellite states that it can threaten and coerce. Russia alone is to blame for the expansion of NATO. Just like Russia alone is to blame for the strengthening of the alliance. All the choices made by Vladimir Putin over the last 20 years have lead us to the point right now.
@@caseroj6020 I will encourage you to revisit the 1991 agreement between NATO and Russia at the end of the Cold War. They agreed that NATO was not going to extend by just 1 inch into the Eastern Europe formerly under the Soviet Union, but over the years NATO has been unfaithful to that agreement. How do you fail to see that, honestly?
Very interesting interview.
Interesting perspective and a good interview. I'm very pro-Ukraine but I hope to see him back on to give his considered analysis from Moscow again.
I couldn't agree more. Its obvious as to which side of the fence he sits. But his perspective was balanced and thoughtful.
The issue is proxy. The west is pushing Putin instead of ending the war.
Same
"probably this is not the end of the world" . Way more likely not to be the end of the world would be if the Russian army admits their invasion of Ukraine is failed and go back to Russia.
,RUSSIA WILL USE THE MOST ADVANCED WEAPONRY NOW WHICH IS DECADES AHEAD OF THE WEST. ODESSA WILL BE TAKEN TOO NOW TURNING UKRAINE INTO A LANDLOCKED COUNTRY
Insight and journalism on a next level.
Excellent interview - original and relevant questions
No one wins in a war so a peaceful solution better be reached. Personal & common interest should be in harmony in order to succeed.
This is the most balanced and practical reporting that I have came across for months.
So if the minority are rich and educated that leaves a majority of non educated poor people that is why they don't know their is a war going on
Maybe it's time to break the power grid, no electricity no cameras no government
Excellent video Steve and Andrey. Andrey has made some great points and explained many things very well. Thank you Andrey, you are very knowledgeable.
the entire interview was great I learned a lot on this!
Yes I like that Andrey was not enterupted by interviewer and was so nice to get information from Russia side thanks
Excellent and interesting interview.
Great insight and discussion.
A balanced, cogent and articulate discussion. Like a breath of fresh air, thank you.
Zelensky is on life support system by the West ,wow this man from Russia make a crystal clear he really nailed it !!!
He was telling what the official Russian narrative is
Excellent interview.
Mobilization take peoples from jobs and disturb the economy. On the other hand compacting more soldiers in a small area will increase number of casualties.
Thell be straight out of high-school Low wage workers and criminals theve been drafting from mostly Republics and minority groups
Fresh meat for the Grinder...
Pure Cope. Gaslighting the impact won't change the reality
Plus all those who escaped, by the smallest count 200K and the largest 700K.
The most insightful and articulate treatment of this topic I have seen. Well done.
For the last time, it’s not a war! It’s a military operation
Excellent discussion.
Very enlightening . Well done .
Very sober assessment. Last point made is the important point. The world is moving towards a more integrated state, despite our obvious differences. We have to come to terms with our differences and learn to live together. Nature operates this way, but it doesn’t seem like to us humans. Nature accepts it naturally, humans have to work towards it consciously. 😢
Nature is violent, "red in tooth and claw" as the saying goes. Everything eats something else until you get down to photosynthesis or up to apex predators.
Nature, therefore, may be said to be "in balance," eat too much of your food supply and prosper briefly, but then starve. Apex predators are kept in check by the availability of food as well as territorial conflict when food becomes scarce.
Humans fight over stupid things (pride, prejudice and principle). Animals fight just to live.
you are very right about this. I totally agree with your sentiment.
He still could not saw (war) or the invasion should not have happened? wonder why, Stalin/Putin
LAVROV needs Schooling in COEXISTENCE of civilizations.
I may hope that this dystopic, "integrated" world never will be established.
He's talking a lot, but he's not saying anything.
Very insightful interview! Thank you gentlemen for the clarity and focus of questions and explicitly detailed answers.
Excellent points were discussed. I believe answers were genuine and not taking side.
Excellent interview .. well stated issues .. very very complex.
What a great interview. So many relevant insights - current & historical. Thank you for having such a learned & insightful guest.
All the West wants from Russia is a switch to a focus on economic development and a fervent respect for the boundaries of sovereign nations.
This was the best interview I have seen this year from a Russian official. Much respect.
If the west wants that then the Russian type of governance needs to change. Too much power in the hands of upper echelon at present. If we go back to what they had before results will be the same
It's funny Americans talking about respecting the territorial boundaries of other nations. I mean you should try stand-up! really! In 1962 you put the missiles in Turkey they put theirs in Cuba. Bullies slap but never expect to be slapped back. Make sure you buy some Iodine tovarisch
@@alphaomega5205 that is still not invading a sovereign nation with the intention of annexing it.
They want to sell gas and weapons too.
A ceasefire would be nice.
Thank you so very much Al Jazeera and mr. Kortunov for such a excellent interview. By far the most objective analysis I have heard since this crisis started. We need more people like mr. Kortunov on both sides.
Very cautious and well-balanced discussion.
the not mixed message is this. russia made an agreement in 1991 . russia broke its word and invaded ukraine. its all the world sees .blaming the west for a tyrant allowed in russia is sad.
Respect! He summed it up crystal clear 👍👍👍 This is called intellectual analysis 👍
Kortunov really put his finger on it at the end. The real decision is not siding with the east or west but whether Russia wants international isolation or inclusion. Well said.
In fact those words were an indictment of Putin.
The word "international" needs to be defined for there exists a lot of people and ideas beyond Europe and North America as well.
@@kingz_kenyan9160 No one claims there aren't.
He’s only going to comment up to a point where he crosses the line, unless he wants to die.
My thoughts exactly
Julian Assange?
If he wasn't so high profile, he'd already be dead.
Polonium tea
Same in every country you say…? Yes - media is biased as every other human being- but where I live - at least - journalists isn’t killed. Guess this is utopia then.
@@waitwhat-qg9bc Assange allowed data dumps of secret information. Good or bad is irrelevant, but he did break the law. And if he wasn't so high profile, he wouldn't have had WikiLeaks to begin with. In the USA, people don't fly out of a window for criticizing the government, otherwise the streets would be plastered with bodies.
Who is winning the war in Ukraine ?? : PLEASE RESPOND : My answer is USA ( like many other wars ) who started this war long, long time ago and as a fact we have this war today.
U.S. has not won even as Allies a war since 1945. Although USA has been terrorists against every continent on the globe for the last 77 years.
Could we not also say like Ukraine Russia is also on life support, not (obviously) from the west but on life support from their abundant natural resources? If you remove its oil and gas supplies from the equation (as in they did not exist in Russia in the first place), then it is highly unlikely that Russia would have invaded Ukraine in the first place too.
The one positive aspect of this disaster.
It forces everyone to take the green energy transition really serious and take action.
This largely makes oil and gas irrelevant for delivering energy, thereby making a lot of autocrats less relevant to the world.
I am increasingly impressed by the honesty and candidness of the Russians and their openness to peace talks as against the belicose saber rattling and outlandish claims of the West.
They want peace talks, but only with Ukraine agreeing to give up part of their country. They do not want peace talks which include Russia withdrawing from Ukraine.
What a true nelly you really are,certainly with no education 🤣
@@okeydokey3120 Peace will only be acheived by seceding the four regions that are overwhelmingly in favor of joining Russia - since the betrayal of the 2014 Maidan coup instigated by the US and its corporate interests, the eastern regions have been under attack and it is , by all means and purposes, the Ukraine army that is the occupying force - occupiers can never suppress the will of the people forever.
@@okeydokey3120 Mac is a just another Russian bot. No content on his TH-cam channel.
@@macnicolson5452 which is why Ukraine will continue to fight the Ruski oppressors Mr MacBot
Good discussion. Shame he could not just some out and say everything he wanted to say, but he did pretty well.
Good observation
He was no asked about his own opinions, but those of Russian leadership. What did he want to say but couldn't?
I AGREE..ITS NOT A SPECIAL MILITARY OPERATION ANYMORE. FULL MOBILIZATION NOW OF 300,000 TROOPS..CAN BE INCREASED TO 1 MILLION. PUTIN HAD TO GO THRU STAGES AND PROCEDURES IN ORDER TO UPGRADE TO FULL MOBILIZATION . I AM SURE WE WILL SEE SHOCK AND AWE NOW...ALSO 2 ND TIER WEAPONS WERE BEING USED IN UKRAINE BEFORE. AS IT IS A WAR WITH NATO/WEST NOW ,RUSSIA WILL USE THE MOST ADVANCED WEAPONRY NOW WHICH IS DECADES AHEAD OF THE WEST. ODESSA WILL BE TAKEN TOO NOW TURNING UKRAINE INTO A LANDLOCKED COUNTRY . CIVILIAN INFRASTRUCTURE AND GOVERNMENT (ZELENSKY) WILL BE TARGETS NOW. TACTICAL NUKES MIGHT ALSO BE USED ON THE CAPITAL KIEV. USA/BIDDEN HAVE CROSSED THE RED LINE BY SABOTAGING NORD STREAM 1 AND 2. GAS PIPELINES AND DESTROYING GERMANY.
@@allydea with you...I think he spoke his mind. freely, eloquently, and In a second language... im " slava ukraine" to the core...but i think its his truth. Only a fool would dismiss such a voice.
.
Yeah, he had to be very careful in answering questions. Failure to do so would likely cause him to take a flying leap from a 6-storey window, visa vie the string of oil and gas oligarchs who have died recently.
Tremendous interview. Very interesting.
Amazing interview. We need balanced and third person view on subjects free from anyones clear agenda
God bless Ukraine
God bless russia
@@nedkelly8495 Russia is evil and will be destroyed. Fact.
Slava russiya