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What does Putin want NATO to do regarding its military infrastructure?

Expand it further into Eastern Europe

Pull it back to where it was in 1998

Share control with Russia

Move it to Ukraine's borders

Why are European leaders now desperate for dialogue with Russia?

They want to join NATO

They are celebrating Russia's position

They fear a Trump administration will make a deal without them

They want to expand the conflict

What phrase does Putin use to criticize American foreign policy?

"Peace through strength"

"Diplomacy first"

"Freedom for all"

"Might makes right"

How does Russia describe itself in the Middle East?

An aggressive force

A mediator

An invader

An observer with no role

What has happened to Moscow's position on Ukraine?

It has become more flexible

It has disappeared completely

It has seriously hardened

It has focused only on energy issues

According to the audio, what is happening to Ukraine's energy grid?

It is expanding rapidly

It is collapsing

It is being modernized

It is being shared with Russia

What example does Putin give of American recklessness?

Military exercises in Europe

Economic sanctions on Cuba

Withdrawal from the Middle East

The abduction of Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela

What does the phrase "slammed the door" mean in this context?

Created new opportunities

Rejected any possibility

Opened negotiations

Made a physical barrier

Which option best summarizes the main message of this briefing?

Putin has agreed to limited talks about territorial issues in Ukraine while maintaining good relations with European leaders.

Putin has focused mainly on energy cooperation with Ukraine and is offering to help mediate conflicts in South America.

Putin has rejected small compromises and now demands major NATO rollback, creating panic in Europe and ending hopes for quick peace.

Putin has softened Russia's position and opened new dialogue channels with NATO while supporting European security initiatives.

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Discussion Questions

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Do you believe Putin's demand for NATO to pull back to 1998 positions is realistic? Why or why not?

The audio describes Putin's approach using the phrase "might makes right." Do you think this phrase accurately describes how powerful countries behave in international relations? Can you think of examples?

What would you say to someone who claims that Europe should refuse to negotiate with Russia under any circumstances?

Do you agree that the phrase "slammed the door" is a good way to describe Russia's current position? What does this expression tell us about the situation?

If you were a European leader right now, would you try to negotiate with Russia directly, or would you wait to see what happens with other countries? Defend your choice.

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Putin's Foreign Policy Speech Sends Shock Waves Through the West

January 25, 2026•5 min read•Politics•Intermediate