Russia deployed troops into neighboring Ukraine on Feb. 24 — an attack coming just days after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a “military operation” in the Donbas region of Ukraine, saying that Russia would intervene as an act of self-defense. Now, bombings and airstrikes are escalating, leading those in Ukraine to flee their homes and desperately seek refuge. 

People across the world are wondering what’s next for the country, Europe, and international relations.

To help explain this complex geopolitical moment, experts from Princeton University came together Feb. 25 for a live, virtual discussion about the Russian invasion of Ukraine as well as its global implications. The event was hosted by the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs with support from the Liechtenstein Institute on Self-Determination and the Princeton Office of Communications.

The panelists discussed the impacts for other European nations — like potential economic fallouts and supply chain disruptions — as well as how U.S. should respond. Panelists included:

• Mark R. Beissinger, Henry W. Putnam Professor of Politics
• Harold James, Claude and Lore Kelly Professor in European Studies and Professor of History and International Affairs; Director, Program in Contemporary European Politics and Society
• Andrew Moravcsik, Professor of Politics and International Affairs; Director of the Liechtenstein Institute on Self-Determination
• Kim Lane Scheppele, Laurance S. Rockefeller Professor of Sociology and International Affairs and the University Center for Human Values
• Moderator: Razia Iqbal, Anchor, Newshour, BBC World Service; Visiting Lecturer in the Princeton Humanities Council; Ferris Professor of Journalism (Spring 2022)

Below are some statements made during the virtual event.

Q. What is Putin’s goal?

Q. How should the U.S. respond?

Q. How does this affect other European countries?

If you missed the live conversation, the recording is available on YouTube.