Putin is described as running a mafia state, committing terrible crimes to further his reach and maintain power. Browder believes Putin's actions in Ukraine are part of a strategy to stay in power by creating a foreign enemy, making him a global threat.
Browder advocates for continued military aid to Ukraine, including ammunition and military hardware, to prevent Russia from overrunning the country. He also suggests confiscating $300 billion in frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's defense.
If the U.S. halts aid, Ukraine will run out of ammunition, allowing Russia to occupy more territory. This could lead to a humanitarian crisis with up to 15 million Ukrainian refugees fleeing to Europe.
Browder suggests confiscating $300 billion in frozen Russian central bank reserves, which could be legally done under the Repo Act and similar laws in the UK and EU. This money could be used to fund Ukraine's defense and prevent a humanitarian disaster.
Browder argues that Putin's main goal is personal survival. He believes Putin fears losing power and facing prosecution for his crimes, so he uses the war in Ukraine to maintain control and divert attention from domestic issues.
Browder acknowledges potential financial disruptions if not all countries participate, but he dismisses concerns about Putin retaliating with nuclear weapons, calling it nuclear saber-rattling. He believes Putin respects strength and would see asset seizure as a sign of serious opposition.
Browder fears that Trump's stated intention to cut off military aid to Ukraine could lead to a catastrophic loss of territory and a humanitarian crisis. He also worries about the broader implications for NATO and European security.
Browder argues that the only solution is to provide Ukraine with the resources it needs to expel Russian forces from its territory. He believes this will lead to Putin's downfall and prevent further aggression in Europe.
Browder, who is high on the Kremlin's hit list, has faced numerous threats, including Interpol arrest warrants and attempts to extradite him. He remains committed to fighting against Putin's regime, inspired by the memory of his lawyer, Sergei Magnitsky, who was murdered in Russian custody.
Browder envisions several scenarios, including a power struggle among oligarchs, a military coup, or a popular uprising. He believes any outcome would be better than the current regime, but the transition could be chaotic and destabilizing.
Bill Browder is a financier turned anti-corruption campaigner. He made his fortune in post-Soviet Russia before falling afoul of Putin. We last spoke to him back in 2018. Back then, few imagined Russia would dare carry out a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. But Browder wasn't one of them.Now, with Donald Trump's return to the White House just weeks away, the newly knighted Browder tell us world leaders must act. He joins us to explain why Putin remains such a huge threat to Ukraine and the world. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station) and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Connect) with us. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a).Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices)NPR Privacy Policy)