I read a good piece of writing on LinkedIn recently. I am cutting and pasting it here.

The paradox of Putin’s Russia isn’t that it fears the West, it thrives off it. London, Paris, Zurich, cities criticised as ‘decadent’ are where Russia’s elite send their money, educate their children, and secure their futures.

Russia’s influence in the West isn’t hidden; it’s quieter, more intentional. Since 2016, individuals linked to the Kremlin or state corruption have funneled over £1.5 billion into UK real estate, turning parts of Westminster and Kensington into safety deposit boxes in white stone. Eaton Square is nicknamed ‘Red Square’.

London has always attracted global wealth from Americans, Chinese, Middle Eastern, and Ukrainian investors alike. That isn’t new. But there’s a difference between those seeking stability and those who insulate themselves from systems they exploit. Russia’s elite do both: denouncing the West in public while relying on it in private.

The reach goes further. Over the last five years, British universities have accepted millions from Russian donors. The same names appear on think-tank boards and cultural foundations. The influence is rarely overt, it seeps in through proximity and prestige, not policy.

Online, the strategies are just as calculated. Narratives spread across social media, questioning Ukraine’s integrity or Western support, not to persuade but to create doubt and weaken conviction. Support for Ukraine remains strong, but domestic fatigue is growing and distraction is part of the strategy.

Then there’s the hypocrisy. The loudest critics of Western ‘decadence’ quietly build lives within it. Lavrov’s stepdaughter bought a £4.4 million Kensington flat at 21. Before Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, thousands of Russian children, many from elite families, attended Britain’s best schools. They seek ‘the rule of law in London’ that they deny at home, the same rule of law Ukraine is fighting to retain.

Consider Vladimir Solovyov, who calls for nuclear strikes on Ukraine while owning a villa on Lake Como. When sanctions took it from him, he decried Europe’s ‘persecution’, discovering his newfound respect for Western rights only when his wealth was threatened.

This reveals more than corruption, it reflects a deeper issue. The systems defining democratic societies, our markets, institutions, and freedoms, can be exploited. We’ve long valued openness. Moscow sees it as leverage.

Ukraine is fighting for its freedom and its liberty. Its struggle shows how easily comfort can dull vigilance, and how disinformation can slowly erode resolve.

So the question isn’t just how to counter Russian influence but how to restore confidence in the values that justify resisting it. When power mocks freedom yet shelters under it, the problem lies not only in their cynicism but in our complacency.

Then there is this piece I read in the Kyiv Independent also recently about a specific column on Ukraine by Roger Boyes, diplomatic editor of The Times of London, entitled, rather undiplomatically, “I hate to say it, but Kyiv won’t last till spring.” The KI journalist was spot when she said that this is cruel and irresponsible, knowing one is speaking about the lives of several millions of people living in Kyiv. “Perhaps it was the questionable professionalism of the author, who seemed not to have a very good grasp on events, judging from his arguments.”

The Times journalist went on, “…the critical question facing the West: is there anything worth fighting for?” The KI journalist further wrote, “I won’t judge the immorality of this open-ended question, but I will judge its inexcusable short-sightedness. If an educated British man, who presumably isn’t an idiot and isn’t paid by Russia, doesn’t see the point of fighting against Russian aggression, it means he’s taking his freedoms for granted. Fortunately, many of his compatriots don’t.”

www.kyivofmine.com

I thought that this perspective from Fareed Zakaria was spot on. Highly articulate and well thought out. I liked the metaphors he draws upon to tell this story. This is worth listening to more than once.

How will trust be restored? I can’t see this happening, unfortunately. And for those who know me, I am an optimistic person who believes in magic.

This is not only a problem in America but in so many democracies around the world. We can cast some of the blame towards social media, but whatever the reason, I put it down to one thing: GREED.

What could be a catalyst for trust to start being restored? I can’t picture this. And I have a healthy imagination. While Trump and his pals are stealing left, right and center, I can only see trust diminishing.

Greed is the biggest disease in the world today. And it is all around us. I don’t have to look much further than my own circle to witness greed. A very sad story when I sit here and think about it.

In 2018 we experienced the UEFA Champions League final. Ten of thousands of people came to Ukraine’s capital and with my limited sports knowledge I reckon most of them were Liverpool supporters. Sorry Liverpool lost. There would have been a big party that night, but alas, a lot of sad soccer fans went to bed early.

The atmosphere those few days leading up to the final that weekend was just incredible. No one in Kyiv ever experienced anything like this, and all the people who came to visit were blown away. They all experienced the magic that Kyiv has in abundance.

The final between Liverpool and Real Madrid took place at the Olimpiyskiy Stadium which was built in 1923 and it has been renovated three times, most recently in 2011 in preparation for the UEFA Euro 2012 tournament. I was at the game – it was quite a thing.

I miss Kyiv. I dream of going back. To be at our home, and to live the magical life we once did. I know everything has changed since the Russian war started. But I know one day we will return. Ukraine will not be taken over by Russia. I do not believe that. I also know that there is a lot more pain still to come. Russia will not stop unless they are stopped. And right now, I don’t see the Western leaders doing nearly enough to stop this evil.

“There’s only one thing the West fears more than the fall of Kyiv. And this is the fall of Putin.”

If you want to learn more about Kyiv then watch Kyiv of Mine – you will be inspired. I am confident of that.

The film documentary series Kyiv of Mine went live two months ago. The motivation for this work, which goes back over a decade, is simple: Ukraine deserves a better conversation in the world.

The film series is working – it is doing exactly what it was intended to do. The numbers are modest but are growing slowly. The comments posted by viewers confirm that the film is doing its job. People are learning about modern Ukraine and about its beautiful capital. Of course, the war is still far from over, and things are more intense than ever. Ukraine will come out on top. I believe that with all my heart. Ukraine has truth on its side.

Here are some of the latest comments that viewers have posted on the YouTube channel :

That was really interesting and i never really knew Ukraine until now.

Wonderful film, a beautiful snapshot of Ukraine’s people, culture and hopes.

We watched all three parts and it only made us love and respect the Ukrainian people more than ever! These 3 chapters have shown us aspects of Ukrainians we would never have imagined . A lot of talent and thought went into these documentaries and is well worth the time exploring the content !

This series should be shown on every TV station in the West.

This is a powerful and honest series, pass it along for everyone to see. Slava Ukraini from the US!

This is fabulous and resonates with my experience of Ukrainians, both those who came here from 2022 and the students who visited me this year.

Wonderful movie if you want to understand Ukraine, without being physically there! I am saddened that very few people watch it. Ukraine deserves our respect, and love for standing up to the Orc hordes. Russia tried to break the Ukrainian spirit over the past centuries but never succeeded. Slava Ukraini.

Was informed about these series by Jonathan Fink. He was not lying…it looks great….looking forward to the other chapters. Greetz from Belgium and Slava Ukraini !

Looks like Kyiv will be The future Tourist destination of Europe. Unlike Russia. I hope it helps with the rebuild. Ukrainians look like nice, progressive people.

This is a fantastic film! I’m sharing and praying for you. I’ve written my reps many times in support of Ukraine. Thank you for helping this American understand your fight.

Wonderful film. Takes us through the the whole gamut of emotions. The whole world should see this.

Jake Broe sent me. Thank you for the wonderful , informative series

I’m not easily moved, but cried watching this emotional film. I’d like to visit your beautiful country. Lots of love from Sweden 🇸🇪. Slava Ukraini! 🇺🇦

Thank you for creating this beautiful, heart-breaking and heart-warming series about the nation of Ukraine and its inspiring approach to life, while it is having to defend itself against the evil of russia. Ukraine must and will survive, and stupid and senseless evil will be defeated!

These are so wonderful. I hope you are still filming so we can keep following these journeys until we can celebrate success together.

How can this have so few views? I have seen many films and documentaries on Ukraine and this is among the best. The whole world needs to hear this story.

I am in tears. Thank you for making this film. Slava Ukraini!

All the West owes Ukraine a huge debt for holding the line against Fascism and dictatorship. Thank you so much for your courage and sacrifices.