A border crisis in Ukraine on February 21, with Russia “recognizing the independence” of that country’s separatist eastern provinces of Donetsk and Luhansk, swiftly transformed into conflict, and finally war, with mounting civilian losses as Russian military forces convoyed their way to encircling Kyiv and attacking other cities. Why did Putin unleash this war? What were his goals and calculations, and how likely is he to achieve them? How are Russian people responding to the news of war—despite it being censored—and Western reprisals? Protests have erupted in many Russian cities, and thousands have been arrested and detained, including young children.

And what is the situation within Ukraine? Its military and civilian volunteers have fought fiercely and with considerable success. How do the Ukrainian people understand the situation? What possible outcomes might we expect as Russia evidently looks to install a pro-Russian government, and how should we assess the West’s severe sanctions and other measures?

Dr. Alexandra Vacroux, Executive Director of the Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies, Harvard University, and Professor Norman Naimark, Robert and Florence McDonnell Professor of East European Studies, Stanford University, will shed light on crucial aspects of this catastrophic war.

Please register in advance for this event.