Putin's Road to War: Kori Schake (interview)

Synopsis

In this interview, Kori Schake discusses Vladimir Putin's role in the war and the significant national security council meeting that might reveal his mindset. The footage from this meeting shows Putin interrogating his top advisors, who are seated across the room from him. Schake notes that this moment changed her perspective on Putin, as it appeared unhinged rather than strategic. She highlights how Putin humiliates a skeptical intelligence advisor, making it clear that the meeting is not a genuine conversation but a way to implicate his leadership team in the decision to invade Ukraine. Additionally, she points out that the meeting was pre-recorded, with evidence from Bellingcat showing that the watches of the attendees were synchronized, indicating a carefully orchestrated event. This elaborate setup aims to portray Putin as being pressured into the invasion by his cabinet, but when the facade cracks, he reveals his anger and instability.