‘I Worked With Putin: Here’s What You Don’t Know About Him’

Those that do not know history are doomed to repeat it. If a person does not respect borders they must be stopped.

I remember when Illarionov was serving under Putin as an economic advisor. It was a while back and I recall how Illarionov was one of very few people who did not kiss up to Putin. Illarionov always appeared to handle himself as a subordinate expert but never as a subservient sleaze and never as someone seeking power. He is very well aware of his economic expertise and can confidently step in and out of his power position without any drama or as much of a mention in a media. I remember that Putin treated Illarionov with respect and regarded his expertise highly. If I'm not mistaken, Illarionov was called to serve under Putin more than once. You will not see this man speak to the media a lot but when he does, always pay attention - he's a sober minded, a matter of fact observer and analyst. Whether you agree with him or not is irrelevant.

Deep respect to Mr. Illarionov 👍♥️

Thank you Mr. Illianov for your excellent commentary. And to you Mr Smart for keeping questions concise and allowing the guest to speak at length.

The key point here is the potentially disastrous consequences of an enlarged and emboldened Russia at the gates of Europe. The costs of aiding Ukraine now would be dwarfed by the additional defence spending required to keep a resurgent Russia in check. And the risks of extending our military support for Ukraine would be dwarfed by the greater risks of a flashpoint in the Baltics or in Poland if Russia takes Ukraine. The time to stop this madness is NOW.

This Illarionov guy is one smart cookie. A great and sobering interview...

Everybody including myself in cozy with Putin and Russia, thinking that finally we were going to have peace in Europe and work on progress. Damnn we were completely wrong and caught unguard.

This interview must reach every person in the western world!

I am quite frankly astounded by the lack of action from the west in giving Ukraine everything it needs to win, given all we know about Putin and Russia. The sooner we do, the sooner the suffering ends, and the sooner the threat gets dealt with.

All members of Congress and Senate should watch this.

As a Pole - I could not agree more with his statement about Ukraine and consequences of possible Putin’s victory.

Thank you Mr Andrey Illiarionov. !!! The first clear talk about Putin and the Russian and Ukranian economic situation and the war. Thank you for your clear open honest talk....!!! Really the first honest statement about the situation..a tough reality but r e a l .. tom from Munich

So the west is replaying Neville Chamberlain's role and Putin is replaying Hitler? History truly does repeat.

This guy knows his numbers and Putin. Signing any agreement with Putin is simply a waste of time!

I hope our leaders listen to this man

This was an excellent (and sobering ) interview. No overly bold pronouncements, no histrionics, no over-optimism about Ukraine's current position, no over-hype of Russia's military capabilities, and a matter of fact statement of what happens next; if the war's current trajectory and lackluster western support is continued.

No Putin will NOT keep any agreement. Do NOT lean on Ukraine to negotiate and weaken themselves. The only thing to do is help Ukraine get their territory back with more military aid !!! !!!

What I have learned from this interview is that the US needs to get their act together and do more.

Quote “He has to be physically taken out” unquote- that is some serious statement.

Excellent Well informed and well explained - This should be sent to every western politician (not just leaders) 🇺🇦💙💛🇺🇦