From Kyiv to NATO Skies: Inside Russia’s Escalating Hybrid War | Eyes on Democracy Podcast

Eyes on Democracy podcast episode with Roger Casale, Anna Kostiuchenko, and Jabir Deralla examining the escalation of Russia’s war against Ukraine and the broader hybrid war the Kremlin is waging against Europe and the world.

Sep 30, 2025 | PODCAST, DEMOCRACY, MULTIMEDIA, NEWSROOM, WAR IN UKRAINE

In this 1-hour conversation, Roger Casale, former UK Member of Parliament and founder of the Westminster Alliance for Ukraine, moderates a deep, sharp, and analytical discussion with Anna Kostiuchenko, editor at Ukrinform, and Jabir Deralla, journalist and hybrid warfare analyst. Together, they examine the current escalation of Russia’s war against Ukraine and the broader hybrid war the Kremlin is waging against Europe and the world.

The conversation moves from the military provocations of drone incursions and warplanes entering NATO’s airspace to the wider tactics of constant pressure on European security. It then delves into Russia’s hybrid methods—from cyberattacks to disinformation campaigns that steadily erode trust and unity across the continent.

Anna underscores Ukraine’s role as Europe’s shield, reminding us that defending Ukraine is inseparable from defending Europe’s democratic future. The discussion also exposes the Kremlin’s propaganda narratives, showing how history and language are weaponized to divide societies and weaken Western democracies.

Roger and Jabir bring the focus to Europe’s resilience—questioning whether NATO’s readiness, EU political unity, and civil society’s vigilance are sufficient to withstand sustained hybrid aggression. Finally, the conversation turns to what lies ahead, weighing the risks of further escalation and the urgent need for solidarity, democratic resilience, and preparedness across Europe.

Incisive, informative, and rooted in both on-the-ground Ukrainian insights and broader European perspectives, this episode challenges listeners to see Russia’s war not as a distant conflict, but as a direct threat to the democratic world.

🛠️ Credits
🎙️ Authors: Roger Casale & Jabir Deralla
🎬 Video Editor: Arian Mehmeti
🎥 Production: CIVIL Media
🎵 Theme Music by: Transistor.fm

WATCH THE PREVIOUSE EPISODES HERE

🌐 Learn More & Connect
Explore the Defending Democracy Global Initiative
📩 Send us your feedback: info@defendingdemocracy.global

Truth Matters. Democracy Depends on It