logo
episode-header-image
Nov 2025
24m 59s

Are Europe and Russia close to a confron...

Al Jazeera
About this episode

Ukraine's President says Moscow is testing Europe's red lines. Unidentified drones are being spotted at some of the busiest airports and military sites in the EU. That's as the bloc pours billions of dollars into its defences. So, are Europe and Russia close to a confrontation? And is either side ready for conflict?

In this episode: 

  • Stefan Wolff - Professor of International Security at the University of Birmingham.
  • Alexander Bratersky - Independent journalist, and former reporter for the Moscow Times and Defence News.
  • Alexandre Vautravers - Associate Fellow at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy.

Host: Adrian Finighan

Connect with us:
@AJEPodcasts on TwitterInstagram, Facebook

Up next
Yesterday
Can the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty prevent a disaster?
The UN Secretary General has given a dire warning about the waning influence of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). It's being reviewed in the shadow of a tense ceasefire between the US and Iran. Will the agreement survive? And is it enough to prevent a nuclear disaster? ... Show More
24m 37s
Apr 27
Will elections make a difference to Palestinians living under Israeli occupation?
Palestinians exercising their democratic right to vote. But the municipal elections alienated most factions. The Palestinian Authority's party, Fatah, and its affiliates claimed victory. Will the elections make a difference to the people under Israeli occupation? In this episode: ... Show More
24m 55s
Apr 26
What are the implications of this latest unrest in Mali?
Former enemies in Mali, including an Al-Qaeda-linked group, join forces to target military sites. The defence minister has been killed. Russian mercenaries backing the government have come under attack. What are the implications of this unrest? In this episode: Oluwole Ojewale, R ... Show More
24m 31s
Recommended Episodes
Aug 2024
How will Putin Respond to Ukraine’s Attack in Russia?
Today we look at Ukraine’s surprise advance across the Russian border and the escalating tensions in the Middle East.121,000 people have evacuated from Russia’s western Kursk region after the Ukrainian military crossed the border in an unexpected move. Adam speaks to Ukrainecast’ ... Show More
36m 22s
Jun 2024
The dangers of Putin and Kim Jong Un's explosive bromance
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s first visit to North Korea in 24 years has resulted in the signing of a partnership agreement for mutual aid if either nation is attacked. Apparently encompassing a whole range of areas, including medical education and scientific pursuits, parti ... Show More
20m 52s
Jul 2024
Finland’s President Alexander Stubb on NATO, Europe’s Security and its Relations with the Rest of the World
<p>In this episode of<em> Hold Your Fire!</em>,<em> </em>Richard is joined by Finnish President and former Crisis Group trustee Alexander Stubb to talk about next week’s NATO summit, European security and the war in Ukraine. They assess Finland’s role as one of NATO’s newest memb ... Show More
47m 5s
Feb 2025
US-Russia Ukraine talks, European security and Delta plane flip
U.S. and Russian officials meet in Riyadh for the highest-level talks to date between the two former Cold War foes on ending the war in Ukraine. European leaders, worried about being sidelined, met in Paris to talk security guarantees from their side. Plus, several are injured as ... Show More
12m 27s
Aug 2024
Former NATO Deputy Secretary General Rose Gottemoeller
A "massive attack" by Ukraine - this is how Russia describes a daring incursion by Ukrainian troops into its Kursk region. And while Russia claims it has stopped the incursion, evidence from the ground suggests fighting is ongoing. This comes as Russian forces creep closer to the ... Show More
58m 56s
Jul 2025
Putin unfazed, Patriots, Afghan data leak and Emmys
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin intends to keep fighting in Ukraine until the West engages on his terms for peace. U.S. President Donald Trump says weapons are already being shipped to Ukraine as NATO countries in Europe work out the details of a scheme to supply Kyiv. The deta ... Show More
12m 16s
Sep 2025
Jourová’s secrets and Putin’s drone tests
From rule of law battles to inside stories, Věra Jourová looks back on a decade in the Berlaymont. The former European Commission vice president recalls her clashes and alliances in Brussels — from sparring with Frans Timmermans to discovering that Thierry Breton never laughed at ... Show More
42m 18s
Aug 2024
Inside Ukraine’s Invasion of Russia
<p><i>Warning: this episode contains descriptions of war.</i></p><p>When Ukrainian troops crossed over into Russia two weeks ago, it appeared at first to be a largely symbolic gesture. But in the time since, it has emerged as a potentially pivotal moment in the war.</p><p>Andrew ... Show More
26m 36s
Jun 2025
NATO summit 2025: How Europe can secure its future
This week, Mark Leonard is joined by Camille Grand, former NATO assistant secretary general and ECFR distinguished policy fellow, for a 15-minute Emergency Room episode dissecting the high-stakes NATO summit in The Hague. Against a turbulent geopolitical backdrop, world leaders n ... Show More
11m 15s