Curious Minds Presents:    

 Russia’s War on Ukraine — What’s Next? 

More than two years after Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, where do things stand?  Is Ukrainian resolve still strong?  Can Russia mount a new offensive?  And is Western support fraying?  What role if any should NATO play?  And the EU?  When will this end?  How will this end?  What are the risks of a broader war?

When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, few expected the government in Kyiv to survive more than 1-2 weeks. Russia had already “annexed” parts of Ukraine after its 2014 military actions, and Putin had declared that a separate Ukraine had no right to exist. Its defeat would

mean incorporation into Russia, the extinction of a nation.  However, more than two years later, at a massive human cost, and with enormous assistance from Western democracies, Ukrainians continue to fight for their independence. But battle lines now seem less fluid.  Russia has wobbled, but not relented. Ukrainian resolve seems robust, but US and other Western resolve may be fraying.  When will this end? How will this end?

Join retired State Department diplomat Gary Robbins for a wide-ranging discussion.  Gary will be speaking in his private capacity and offering personal perspectives.

Gary served more than 30 years as a Foreign Service Officer -- a career diplomat -- with the State Department.  His work focused on European security issues, human rights, and the rule of law.  He led the OSCE (Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe) Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, was Deputy U.S. Ambassador to the OSCE in Vienna, and the State Department's NATO Director.  Earlier postings included Italy, South Africa, Germany, Spain, The Netherlands, Venezuela and -- the ultimate hardship posting -- Washington.  Gary holds multiple meritorious and superior honor awards reflecting his achievements, including support for the creation of an OSCE monitoring team on the Russia-Ukraine border, transition of South Africa from apartheid to democracy, and opening the Berlin Wall.  Before joining the State Department, Gary was an attorney with the Seattle firm of Graham and Dunn.

Beverages and appetizers will be served. 

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