Dr. Erica Marat discusses the ongoing Ukrainian conflict, how the still “hot war” has fallen off the public’s radar, and Putin’s impetus for the invasion. She also discusses Russia's international and domestic politics and their influence on other countries in the region as a whole to include Kazakhstan, Syria, the Caucasus states, and others. Defense Matters is produced by the National Defense University Foundation Inc. The National Defense University Foundation is a 501(c) 3 non profit organization with the mission of raising awareness and funds in support of the mission and scholarship of the National Defense University.