In this episode of Frontline, Luca Steinmann speaks with Ukrainian-born political scientist and University of Ottawa professor Ivan Katchanovski about the current state of the war in Ukraine and the prospects for peace.
Katchanovski discusses why he believes a military victory for Ukraine is unlikely, whether peace negotiations remain possible, and how the conflict could ultimately end.
The interview also explores the evolution of Ukrainian politics since 2014, the influence of nationalist movements, the impact of Western military and financial support, and the challenges facing Ukrainian democracy during wartime. Katchanovski shares personal experiences regarding his academic work, public criticism of Ukrainian authorities, and the consequences he says he has faced because of his research.
We also examine some of the most debated questions surrounding the conflict:
Can Ukraine still achieve its strategic objectives?
Why have peace negotiations repeatedly failed?
What role do the United States and Europe play in shaping the course of the war?
How strong is President Volodymyr Zelenskyy politically today?
What could Ukraine look like after the war?
Frontline is our long-form series examining the world’s most important conflicts, geopolitical crises and security challenges through conversations with academics, military experts and eyewitnesses.
