Are we indulging Putin? | Fiona Hill full interview 

Do you agree with Fiona Hill's analysis of Putin? Leave your thoughts in the comments. Find the video also at: iai.tv/video/how-we-let-russia-invade-ukraine-fiona-hill?RU-vid&

I wish Fiona Hill was National Security Advisor to this and the next President. Nobody I've listened to, since 9/11, 'gets' geo politics the way she does. Thank you IAI for publishing this, here.

Gosh, I could listen to her all day - she's clear, intelligent, well-informed, interesting and down to earth. One could wish that more people in power were more like her.

Remarkable interview! It’s so refreshing to hear an interviewer who actually makes the effort to ask questions that are worthy of the depth of knowledge of the interviewee. Fiona Hill always has an interesting perspective. I especially appreciate her use of England and Wales as examples of the complexity of historical traces between “empires” and their neighbors/conquests.

Thank you for sharing this interview. Ms Hills insights helps to get a hold on reality in these troubled times.

This interview is some of the best content found on RU-vid. Fiona Hill has a perspective on world leaders that few of us will ever get in person. The depth of her knowledge, honesty and ability to articulated her views are incredibly valuable. I always learn something new when listening to her and I am deeply grateful for her insights.

What a pleasure it is to listen to deep expertise and big picture thinking. I prefer the Fiona Hills of the world to Tucker Carlson types.

Totally fascinating interview. had to listen to it 3 times. As a Slovakian who was born into a Communist Czechoslovakia, I still see a generation of my parents who crave 'the old days' where middle Europe was protected by USSR. I don't believe many people in the West, especially politicians, understand this historical context.

My Russian friend lived through this morph. 'Tsar' is right ...look at the way the guards turn their heads as he mounts the stairs in the Kremlin.

What an excellent insightful exchange, I truly enjoyed this interview. Thank you for sharing this conversation.

As a signatory of the Budapest Memorandum, we should have had troop in Ukraine to defend their sovereignty when we observed Russian troop buildup on the Ukrainian border.

Thank you from South Africa for a most interesting and informative discussion of the difficult global situation in which we live. Hers is the mind we need if ever we can come to grips with bringing Putin to book, ending the war and establishing a world order where there is respect for the rights of the individual and the rule of law.

Ms Hill is always thoughtful and in my opinion correct on the issues at hand, particularly when it comes to Russia in the modern era. I would love to take an international relations class with her. She should be teaching our future world leaders.

20:23 "Our systems are quite limited in the information that gets brought forward." THIS IS and has always been my beef. It is very difficult to stay truly informed and just hearing mostly personal politics and personal political attacks does nothing for us as civilians to make informed decisions at the voting booth. We end up voting on our emotions or reactions to other people's squabbles. We have to create systems that force our politicians, especially in democratic systems to come forward regularly and sit down and explain their position on issues in a cohesive manner ~ like at a round table with a facilitator to guide the discussion. They should be civil and issue based. That way we could hear more of what is at stake in an issue and what exactly is on the table to be decided. And maybe the people should vote on the biggest issues in ballots, rather than politicians in the halls of Congress. This representation business is not working out well for us. Politicians love their jobs, money, and power and only care about holding onto it. It is time for steep changes in 'our systems' as Fiona expresses here.

President for 23 years? What is wrong with the people of the country? Are they actually happy with his leadership? Ms. Hill is always intuitive and informative. She has an extensive knowledge.

Thank you for this interview. Always appreciate the chance to hear Fiona Hill's assessments.

Thanks Ms. Hill for the aerial view you bring. I wonder if countries are really willing to create level playing fields and shared notions of history. In US we can’t seem to find common ground and each side has their own story of “what happened” in the past. I really hope that your optimism can flourish in the minds of our fellow earthlings as we look to the future.

Ms. Hill is an astute and thoughtful observer of geopolitical issues in Europe. I look forward to her insights. Thanks for this posting.

In 2014 Australia proposed troops for Ukraine. Not one country, not any leader, provided a scintilla of backing, and look where the world is now.

I could listen to the honorable Fiona Hill, speak all day. She was/is a great servant to humanity and civilization. Wise. Well informed. Unlike 98.9% of what you normally listen to or hear on RU-vid. Listen to Fiona first. Please.

Great short talk. M.Hill has always been someone to listen to. Especially as she was inside the Profa admin of 45 and even if if she had no constructive impact, was a witness. The long term disregard of Putin’s nature by the successive Western European and US admins since his rise remains problematic at best. Obama took his eye of the ball re-Putin, and Netanyahu’s colonial visions.

Always appreciate Fiona Hill and her wonderful brain. We sure need her at the DNC this coming year. Dennis

So natural an enviornment to conduct an interview with an intelligent lady.

Fiona is so smart and wise… not always found together. Hope the leaders of democratic nations take her views into consideration as they deal with these issues

Excellent. Fiona Hill is an expert in her field of endeavor.

It's a reminder of the time when Gorbachev took over. A lot of people commented that from Eisenhower to Reagan U.S. Presidents dealt with only 2 Soviet leaders, Khrushchev and Brezhnev. In the same time we had 7 presidential administrations, 4 Republican, 3 Democratic. It's no surprise that continuity of understanding and perspective of the Soviet Union shifted in the US while matters there remained (relatively) constant.

YES!!! Always like to hear Fiona Hill's perspective on Russia. It's been a while.

Educated and insightful. Love hearing her analysis

Good question about neutral countries !!! Oh, and terrific points brought out about what is history and its effects. Hell, just a fantastic interview and, most of all, fantastic Fiona Hill. Thanks.

very interesting. Thank you, Fiona.

It is uncanny how Fiona Hill manages to sum up historical examples that actually make solid sense to any layman - and in a way that comes across as really impartial! The interviewer came up with convoluted questions that I struggled with understanding, but Fiona managed to clarify in her answers and explanations. I am in awe of this woman's intelligence and eloquence!

Fiona Hill's analysis of Putin is very acurate and on point. Very illuminating but frightening as well. Her Analysis of Donald Trump is equally as illuminating. She has done well from the educational chances she's had and good luck to her. She shows how we humans are a very selfish Fiona Hill should be a world leader she makes sense...

This is an illusion that you can not choose the side. Thank you for this interview from Ukrainian.

Great interview. To me, we can’t, and should not appease Putin

Fiona Hill is wise beyond the grasp of most people -- including myself. At some point, we, as humans have to start listening to people like her if we are to thrive.

Having a lot of knowledge is relatively easy but explaining it in an understandable way is a gift. She’s got it

It is not a court/legal case or a beauty contest. Eventually it boils down to the number one real question of power. Powerful countries want an order around their borders in line with their perception of security, and they will try to achieve that. If they are powerful enough they will achieve that, if they are not then they will lose. Time will show .

hosted by institute of Arts and Ideas. How appropriate! Very creative interview a lot of ideas presented :D

One of the critical people I listen to when she's got something to say.

Fiona Hill is incredibly fascinating.

Fully agree with Fiona Hills: when one speaks Russian doesn't mean one is Russian by nationality. It was the policy in the Russian empire and then in the USSR to make different peoples speak Russian. Using mother tongues in society life, in literature was often prohibited.

Fantastic Historical Analysis about International Perspectives:)!

Thank u so much for the interview. I met many people from former soviet union & the common complain was always this one: oppression & scarce of food for the population. God bless all the ones who came to the west right after the greatest leader of ever: Gorbatchev: a well read & boad minded Sir who realised his country was so far from well being like in the west.

One thing is certain, violence never solved anything. Empires don’t last forever and never will. Territorial grabs generally produce opposite effects than expected. Putin doesn’t realize that his is only wishful thinking that causes lots of suffering in Ukraine.

Fiona is brilliant and one of our clearest voices on current European affairs. She outlines both the diagnosis and the cure.

Thanks Fiona! Well explained

a voice and wisdom that should not only comment, explain and open eyes - it should lead and initiate developments. The world would be much better.

Interesting and an intelligent program. Host is very knowledgeable and well informed ❤👍

Mrs. Hill is very correct about the importance of setting Historical understanding correct. In the US, for example, politics plays a strong role in history education. To the point that the same books have different contents depending on the state you live. All to cater to political rhetoric (i.e.: Civil War facts, slavery, Civil Rights movements, etc). If we grow up with different/distorted views of our history (shapes our minds and thought process), how can we agree later on important things? My guess is that the distorted views happen by design...

The range of injustice she is talking about is quite large in scope but looking at the USA, much of the physical core of the infrastructure this society is tents and homeless people now being called “our unhoused neighbors”. Hey like, staring us all in the face is our desensitized take on basic humanity.

Too much power tends to corrupt, Absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Well done .......Fiona Hill....so intelligent/perceptive !

Incredible lady ,extremely pragmatic, phenomenal understanding of modern history and her delivery is concise, easy to understand her opinions. I love this lady.

I have great respect for this woman.

Yes agree! I thought that the entire time since he came to power...he was playing a long game being young ....and has morphed into Stalin

Thank you, Fiona! I was private sector in Russia through all of this (from 1990 on) and it was fascinating.

Thank you!

So Ireland should be United.

Amazing how on point she is here given what Putin said in the recent interview.. going back to the 9th C

You are spot on Fiona.

Thank you Ms. Fiona Hill for your service.

This woman is an example of the great benefit that immigration has brought to this country. She grew up in working class England, took advantage of educational opportunities there and in the US and now is highly respected for her knowledge of and incisive perspective on world events - particularly as it applies to Russia and Putin. She is truly the preeminent expert on Putin.....

It is interesting to hear the British lecture the Russians about Empire.

Great hearing Fiona's point of view here. Thank you.

She impressed me greatly. Especially where she talks about "spheres of influence", which are a relic of past history and shouldn't exist. Very impressive.

This says it all. On 19 November 1999, when Putin was PM, both Russia and Ukraine signed the Charter for European Security. Clause 8: " Each participating State has an equal right to security. We reaffirm the inherent right of each and *_every participating State to be free to choose or change its security arrangements, including treaties of alliance,_* as they evolve.' ... *_"no State ... can consider any part of the OSCE area as its sphere of influence.”_* On the same day, Yeltsin said to Clinton "Just give Europe to Russia... you know it has to be done...". (P562 _"Declassified Documents Concerning Russian President Boris Yeltsin · Clinton Digital Library"),_ Yeltsin was trying to do another Molotov-Ribbentropp Pact. Despite this, US continued, to this day, to lie that Russia is "in" the UN when it is not a member and the UK, France and US sneaked it in in violation of the UN Charter, arming it with impunity, influence, and "get out of jail free cards" to buy and corrupt vulnerable countries. Despite the fact that a regime unlawfully claiming a permanent membership and veto in the UN was expelled by a 58% majority resolution of the General Assembly in A/RES/2758 in *_1971,_* with *_no power of the UNSC to veto,_* the US, corrupt UN bureaucrats and astroturf propaganda outlets like "KickRussiaOut" continue to lie that it "cannot be done". Despite the fact that both the UNSC and the UN General Assembly ruled that States "cannot automatically continue the membership" of Federations which ceased to exist, in A/RES/47/1 in _*1992, *_ and the fact that even Yeltsin wasn’t stupid enough to claim “inherititance”, the US, the corrupt UN Secretary-General, and sites like KickRussiaOut repeat the troll factory lie that the kremlin somehow "inherited" an expired membership of a state which Russia itself had left while it was still in existence containing other member states, before it ceased to exist.

Where is Boris?

Fiona Hill is still Brilliant and interesting and well thought out. She is definitely a person with significant input into what’s happening in the world today.

Great interview! Thank you! ❤

Yes... I second what Fiona is saying, overall. I have listened and read Fiona's evolving take on Putin over the last few years. I find her authentic, as she has good insight on Putin, with a commonsense and pragmatic approach in her opinion. Thanks for sharing, Gus

We are becoming less civilized

Fiona Hill is a breath of fresh air.

Why don't people like Fiona become politicians, in the UK we are desperate for MPs who more than corporate grifters

Not sure if Wales-UK relationship is the best counter example to Ukraine-Russia relationship.

The USA took 7 western states from Mexico by force how about your theory on spheres of influence applied to the Monroe doctrine?.

I do find myself very largely agreeing with Fiona Hill's slightly gloomy, frustratingly opaque outlook for solving the Ukraine problem. I absolutely understand her point about not permitting Putin to read history backwards (with his own ingenious slant) and use it as the model by which we should settle scores. Time has moved on. We live in the present. NATO may have moved East but it has never been anything other than a mutual defence agreement and has never been a threat to Russia. Russia has outraged Western alliances by an invasion of a sovereign nation with the intention of setting up a puppet government. In all honesty, it was not his intention to blitz it to pieces, but once resistance was encountered : in for a penny, in for a pound! Everything Fiona mentioned about Putin I found to be objectively true; he sees himself after twenty-three years in power as some kind of modern Tsar, a man with a mission for his country. It is very difficult to deal with such a mindset around a negotiating table, however many "extras" you draw in for counterweights!

One of my two favorite FIONA's! Fiona Hill and Fiona Macleod!

New chances due to history: If Scotland becomes independent, you can hire the Tuihanti and me again to defend the Hadrianus wall. I'm from the Germanic Tubantes Tribe (Roman scripture Tuihanti) tribe in Twente regio in the Netherlands. We have modernized, instead of horses, we would bring our modern fire control systems as used by Dutch and German Navies and Armies. Originally the factory was from Siemens, after WW2 from Philips and now Thales.

I adore Fiona Hill! I agree totally with everything she says. Smart lady, world leaders should listen. Prime ministers, Kings, Presidents, men, listen to Fiona Hill and act on her statements. Now.

Fiona Hill has a depth of integrity that's admirable. I hope we can get her back but she is really amazing.

Hey, Fiona! What about Kosovo? How does that work with your arguments?

Interesting.....thanks. Having interacted with Ukrainians, they definitely believe they are a real nation and I've not seen levels of bravery and resolve like I have in Ukrainians in my lifetime.

Brilliant !! We are greatly disadvantaged by her absence from the present administration. I felt that the interviewer did a very good job with the questions.

An eloquent, insightful historical lesson. Thanks, Fiona!

The US officially has 823 military bases all over the world. So talking about spheres of influence in this context is somewhat embarrassing)))

This is brilliant. What an incredible, intelligent, and grounded view on recent events. I am also from the northeast and county Durham. It's incredibly liberating to hear her speak in a tone of voice that I totally trust and believe in

Plain, decent, North of England common-sense, running formidable intelligence. We all need more Fionas helping our leaders (Even more important, helping theirs!) Wash my filthy colonial mouth out... "Local" incompetent corruption rules...

I certainly agree with everything Fiona is talking about,she is such a smart lady and very much aware of troubling things around the world ,there’s so much for us to do if we don’t want to loose our democracy especially here in the USA ,she is brilliant in what she does for sure !

she's such a wise woman

There was an old story about Kosygin. He took his mother down to his dacha on the black sea. After showing her around he says "So, what do you think, Ma?" "Lovely, son, bur what happens if the reds get back in?'.

Fiona HiLL Great lesson! Thank you ‼️ 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

- turn the lights on. and follow the facts

The idea that America doesn’t have a sphere of influence, and feels it has a god given right to one, is silly.

Bravo!

Fiona Hill is brilliant. More people and that includes politicians on high level schould listen to her and that would improve the world order.

Have her in a debate against John Mearsheimer

Fiona's analysis is interesting, for sure. It is important to explore new strategies--particularly with Russia. Below I disagree with her a lot, but they are more disagreements of approach and implementation than absolutes. When referring to Putin's discourse of Russian history, I detect a measure of reference to Russia as a lesser nation in Fiona's voice. This is a mistake; whether or not that is true is irrelevant when negotiating with Russia--Putin. It's also weak to refute Putin's claims to fact without supplying the corrections. The part that stood out to me most sorely was "basic facts." For example, Fiona pontificates about Russia's imperialism. What she says is true. However, Russia will not be lectured by the West, and particularly not by a European. (I'm sorry that is harsh in tone--I am referring to perceptions of others and not my own opinion in this case). I think the approach should be much more in line with relating to Russia as a peer. Discussions with Putin should be over geopolitics and they should acknowledge Russia as a partner in a multi-polar world. The most powerful nation should not need to worry about acting like a peer in diplomatic affairs. Geopolitically, the US and Russia are almost polar opposites. This can be a cause for opposition--as has been the case since 1945. To the more strategic mind, it could be complimentary. Consider, for example, the emergence of Al Queda and the Taliban had the Soviet Union been able to control Afghanistan. Would they have emerged without US funding? In a geopolitical alliance, would it even be necessary for the Soviet Union to invade Afghanistan? It is impossible to alter the past, of course. Some of the reasons things went sideways after World War II was due to the Soviet leadership. The US--Truman in particular bears some responsibility. Given unprecedented openness, I think we could have done a lot better starting with the Clinton Administration. This is one area in which the United States leadership falls short. It is not innovative nor is it pragmatic in geopolitics. In fact, I would promote the idea that the United States is a co-symbiote of Atlantic Europe in its foreign policy, and this has been deleterious to the US over time. Every time the United States has been involved with colonies of these nations it has been a disaster--Vietnam was a failure, and Israel is a worsening mess. If there is any conclusion to be had, it falls to the United States to solve Russia. The more the US sounds like a European voice, the less it will be heard. The emergence of much more pragmatic leadership in the US will be necessary in the areas of diplomacy to correct course different outcomes. I am not optimistic. The Biden Administration has been the worst ever in terms of international relations. Trump is only a marginal improvement, and the problem is that he will behave too much like a peer of Russia.

This is a terrific video. What about the question of geography? Moscow doesn’t have a natural defensive barrier to its west like a mountain range. One interpretation of Putin and the Soviet Union’s action is that Russia needs a buffer. I am on the side of Ukraine and think Putin is a dangerous man, but geography is part of this history. Do you agree Ms. Hill?

Great lecture/interview

Fiona is Gold!