Luke Harding Answers Reader Questions on Putin and Ukraine

International correspondent Luke Harding addressed reader questions regarding Vladimir Putin's political security, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and his personal experiences as a foreign correspondent for The Guardian. Harding stated that Vladimir Putin is secure in his position, dismissing speculation about his health or imminent downfall. He noted that while there was considerable speculation about Putin's health around the time of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, this proved to be wishful thinking. Harding also indicated that a palace coup or popular revolution in Russia is unlikely, predicting that Putin will remain in power for life. He attributed this to widespread public support, the potent influence of state propaganda, and the vigilance of security services in monitoring dissent. Many of Putin's opponents reportedly left the country in 2022, and the majority of the remaining population is described as passive and fatalistic. The fate of Alexey Navalny, who died in a Siberian gulag in 2024, likely on Putin's orders, served as a grim message to any opposition, according to Harding.

Regarding the war in Ukraine, Harding's response, though not detailed in the provided text, is framed within the context of his expertise as a foreign correspondent covering international conflicts. His career has involved extensive reporting on geopolitical events, including significant periods in regions affected by conflict and political upheaval. Harding also shared a personal anecdote from his visit to Afghanistan in 2000, during the initial period of Taliban rule. He recalled observing a stark contrast between men dining in a restaurant in Kabul and women in blue burqas begging for scraps outside. This experience predated his coverage of the US-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, during which he was based in Delhi for The Guardian and visited schools for girls.

In the context of Afghanistan five years after the Taliban's return, Harding indicated that there are no easy answers regarding the situation. He emphasized the need for governments to ease restrictions on women's rights and freedoms. Furthermore, he suggested that the UK Home Office should lift its visa ban on Afghan nationals seeking entry. The Q&A session, which was live, allowed readers to submit questions on a range of topics related to Harding's work, including his new book on Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, his expulsion from Russia, and his broader career as a foreign correspondent. Readers were prompted to log in or sign up to participate in the Q&A.