Consider this irony as tweeted by journalist Julia Yaffe. As recently as December, 60% of both Russians and

Ukrainians saw each other favorably, so Putin is leading two populations that overwhelmingly like

each other into war. Or this Julia Yaffe tweet, there is a very strong isolationist strain in American politics, both on the left and the right.

There is no isolationist wing in Russian politics or even in Russian culture and society.

Well, this, sanctioning the children of members of Putin's inner circle, sanctioning the children, is unprecedented.

Before, the U.S. was always wary of sanctioning family members.

This is a smart step and a recognition of reality.

These children are now very powerful adults.

And finally, consider this question.

If Putin continues his advance into Ukraine and a full-scale

war and an insurgency do break out, what will the world look like in a decade? Will it

trigger massive refugee flows into Europe further emboldening the far right? Those are all

the words of our guests now, one of America's

most respected and insightful reporters about Russia, the Moscow-born Julia Yafi, who these days is

founding partner in Washington correspondent for the website Puck News. Her latest article there

is called Will Putin get his World War III?

Julie, I know you're very in demand right now, so thanks for coming on with us.

Welcome back to WNYC.

Thanks so much for having me, and I got to say, given the context, I wish I were not in demand and that this were not the story that's happening.

I hear you.

To the title of your article,

does Putin want a World War III? You know, I don't know. And I don't know that he knows.

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