I joined BBC Radio Scotland on Saturday morning to assess the political and military situation in Ukraine, following the apparent retreat by Vladimir Putin from an attempt to occupy most of the country.

Tony Brenton, the former UK Ambassador to Russia, and I also discuss the possible course of negotiations if Putin steps back. And we look at the realignment of Ukraine, Europe, the US, and NATO — with Putin’s gamble backfiring by revitalizing the connections, possibly bringing Kyiv into the European Union.

Listen to Discussion from 22:47

The Zelenskiy Government, having survived, is not going to surrender any territory beyond Crimea.

Does it get international backing that, as long as Russia is occupying areas in the east and south of the country, sanctions will remain and continue to put pressure on the Russian economy?