Russia’s war in Ukraine has challenged preconceptions in western Europe – and confirmed the views of many in Russia’s more immediate neighbourhood, including the Baltic states. We discuss why this was the case – and whether western Europe is still underestimating Vladimir Putin. Emily Tamkin is joined by former Estonian president Toomas Hendrik Ilves to discuss Europe and America’s response to the war so far and why Putin miscalculated the invasion. If you have a You Ask Us question for the international team, email podcasts@newstatesman.co.uk Further reading: Energy policy is a vital battlefront in Putin’s war – so let’s take away his leverage Mapping Putin’s war on civilians Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.