russia is Weaker than the West Thinks | Anna Danylchuk (video interview)

07/28/2026

Russia’s war against Ukraine is being fought not only on the battlefield, but also in the information space.

In this Talk Eastern Europe deep dive, Adam Reichardt speaks with Ukrainian media professional, researcher and YouTube creator Anna Danylchuk, better known as Anna from Ukraine. Since March 2022, Anna has provided daily English-language updates explaining how the Russian invasion affects ordinary Ukrainians—and challenging the myths and propaganda that continue to shape Western perceptions of the war.

Anna discusses why Russian disinformation remains effective, how the Kremlin exploits fear of escalation and nuclear war, and why outdated assumptions about Russian power can lead western governments towards the wrong policies.

She also explains how Ukrainian drones and missiles are bringing the consequences of the war inside Russia, why Russia’s military and economic weaknesses are becoming increasingly visible, and how Ukrainians continue to adapt to missile attacks, power cuts and another potentially difficult winter.

Is Ukraine gaining the upper hand? Why have negotiations repeatedly failed? And what does the West still misunderstand about Russia?