Shortly before the 2022 full-scale invasion, Sir Tony Brenton, British Ambassador to Russia (Moscow 2004-08) similarly claimed Putin wasn't a gambler & like many other Russia "experts" insisted Russia wouldn't invade Ukraine, despite all contrary evidence & Putin's past assertions & invasions.

Dannenberg's analysis concludes here 👇
But if you really want to understand Putin's mindset, you first need to know the Soviet world he grew up in, the KGB's strategies & remedies, the impact of the USSR's collapse & the merger of criminality & State.
For more, just remember: #DeadSpiesTellNoLies

Rob Dannenberg's fascinating piece in @theipaper continues below 👇 & also check out his book 'A Spy Who Walked into a Bar'

Thanks for a great NY report & vox pops! Russians have always vowed, "Let there never be another war" after millions died in WW2. Though forlornly wanting peace, many think the war was justified & show no remorse, but they're powerless to stop the war & wary of blaming 1 man who can on a BBC film!

who were harassing him. After more warnings, detentions & counselling, he was expelled.
A bit later he burned down the school. Arrested by the police, he said, "they should of shown me more respect".
But it's OK now, he promises not to do it again, as long as he's shown respect.
Whose fault is it?

or look for protection from older kids or teachers. But then he said they were trying to gang up against him, so he beat them up, "to teach them a lesson". The victims complained to the teachers. The bully was reprimanded and beat them up again, saying they were Nazis

Not much time left to get the ebook at 99p or the paperback or hardback with all proceeds going to charity (Prostate Cancer UK).
amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C54D3SY4