Can ordinary citizens in the West still change their governments’ foreign policy? In this Kianistan Podcast episode, host Tafhim Kiani speaks with Dimitri Lascaris, the Canadian lawyer, journalist and host of the show Reason to Resist, just after he returned from Moscow.

Lascaris was voted one of Canada’s 25 most influential lawyers, ran for leader of the Green Party of Canada and finished second, and now reports from places including Iran and Russia. He shares what he saw in Moscow during the Russian elections and a large Ukrainian drone attack on the capital region.

The discussion covers the World Public Assembly in Moscow, the debate over seizing frozen Russian assets, Trump’s role in the Ukraine war, Russia’s changing strategy, Western sanctions on Israeli settlement goods, the war on Iran, the conflict in Yemen and whether independent politics can work in Canada.

Throughout, Lascaris argues that Western leaders are serving an oligarchy rather than their citizens, and that the whole political class needs replacing. These are his views, offered in conversation.

Key Topics Discussed

Inside Moscow: What Lascaris Saw

Lascaris describes his second trip to Russia, covering what daily life looked like during an election weekend and a large drone attack.

• He says he has only seen Moscow and Crimea, so he cautions that his impressions may not represent all of Russia.
• He reports full shops, normal daily routines and no visible sign of the attack he was there for.
• He says most people he met blame the West for the war and see it as existential, while a minority want it ended even on unfavourable terms.
• He describes growing frustration among some Russians over what they see as their government’s restraint.

The World Public Assembly in Moscow

Lascaris explains why he attended the two-day World Public Assembly and what it was like.

• He says it brought together representatives from over 150 nations, mostly non-Western.
• He describes its themes as unity, respect for cultural difference and traditional moral values.
• He was unimpressed by a keynote from a former South Yemen president, who he says avoided discussing the current situation in Yemen.

Frozen Russian Assets and Trump’s ‘Peace Kabuki’

The host asks what would happen if Europe seized roughly $200 billion of Russian assets, and whether Trump really wants to end the war.

• Lascaris doubts the seizure can happen because of domestic legal obstacles, and expects Russia to seize Western corporate assets in response.
• He says such a move would damage confidence in Western financial institutions.
• He argues Trump’s peace efforts are theatre meant to appeal to war-weary voters, pointing to continued sanctions, intelligence and weapons.
• He says the main change under Trump is that Europe now pays for American weapons.

Russia’s Strategy and the Future of Zelensky

The two discuss whether Russia’s war strategy is changing and what that means for Ukraine’s leadership.

• Lascaris says Russia is attacking railways, warehouses and energy sites to disrupt Ukraine’s supply lines.
• He believes this is why Zelensky is now asking for a ceasefire, which he thinks Russia sees as a chance for Ukraine to rearm.
• He cites Zelensky’s former spokesperson Julia Mendel, who he says calls Zelensky corrupt and autocratic.
• He argues Western leaders see Ukraine as a tool to weaken Russia and would not care if it were left devastated.

Israeli Settlement Sanctions and the Politics of Western Parties

Lascaris dismisses recent Western announcements on settlement goods and discusses why he left electoral politics behind.

• He notes the announced measures are vague, undated and cover a small share of trade, citing Gideon Levy’s reporting.
• He calls instead for sanctions on Israel’s leaders and military industry and for enforcing the ICC warrant against Netanyahu.
• He says he did not return to Green Party leadership races because the German Greens discredited the brand through their positions on Russia and Israel.
• He argues far-right parties in Europe will not pursue détente with Russia and may escalate wars.

Iran, Yemen and the Case for Clean Slate Politics

The final section looks at the Iran war, Saudi Arabia’s position in Yemen and Lascaris’ thoughts on running as an independent.

• He says Iran likely hopes Trump is weakened in the midterms but expects a long war regardless.
• He argues Washington told Saudi Arabia to enforce the blockade on Yemen and that the result was a strategic miscalculation.
• He says Ansar Allah’s control of the Bab al-Mandab gives it leverage to end the blockade.
• He is considering running as an independent in Canada and believes the electoral system is rigged against real change.

Major Takeaways

• Lascaris reports a normal daily atmosphere in Moscow despite what he describes as the largest drone attack on the capital region so far.
• He argues Trump’s talk of peace is theatre and that US support for Ukraine has continued.
• He believes Russia’s strikes on logistics are aimed at breaking Ukraine’s supply chain, and that this explains calls for a ceasefire.
• He says Western declarations on Israeli settlements are symbolic unless they target Israel’s leadership and military industry.
• He argues the Iran and Yemen conflicts show Washington’s miscalculations, with Saudi Arabia exposed to Yemeni strikes.
• He calls for replacing Western political elites through peaceful means and rebuilding systems that truly represent citizens.

About Dimitri Lascaris

Dimitri Lascaris is a Canadian lawyer, journalist and podcaster and the host of Reason to Resist. He combines legal and journalistic experience in his geopolitical analysis.

He was named one of the 25 most influential lawyers in Canada, ran for leader of the Green Party of Canada and came second, and has reported from the ground in places including Iran, Lebanon, Palestine and Russia. He holds Canadian citizenship and lives in Greece.

• Russia, Ukraine and NATO policy
• Israel, Palestine and international law
• Iran, Yemen and the wider West Asia conflicts
• Independent journalism and on-the-ground reporting
• Political reform and non-violent resistance

About Kianistan Podcast

Kianistan Podcast, hosted by Tafhim Kiani, brings together lawyers, journalists, historians and analysts to talk through the wars and power shifts shaping the world. The aim is to hear voices that rarely get airtime on mainstream channels.

This conversation with Lascaris is one of many on the show covering Russia, Ukraine and West Asia from several angles. Subscribe to follow new episodes, and leave a comment with the guests and topics you want next.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Dimitri Lascaris?

He is a Canadian lawyer, journalist and the host of Reason to Resist, who was once named one of Canada’s 25 most influential lawyers and ran for leader of the Green Party of Canada.

What did Lascaris see in Moscow?

He says he saw ordinary life continuing, with busy shops and no visible sign of the large drone attack, though he stresses he has only visited Moscow and Crimea.

Does Lascaris think Trump wants to end the Ukraine war?

No. He argues Trump’s peace diplomacy is theatre and that his administration has continued sanctions, intelligence sharing and weapons flows.

Why won’t Lascaris run for Green Party leader again?

He says the Green Party brand was discredited internationally by the German Greens’ stance on Russia and Israel, and he does not believe electoral politics offers a path to justice.

Conclusion

Lascaris delivers a blunt critique of Western foreign policy, drawing on his recent trip to Moscow and his legal and journalistic background. His claims reflect his own interpretation and are best weighed alongside other sources.

For listeners following Russia, Ukraine, Iran and Yemen, the episode raises hard questions about sanctions, escalation and democratic accountability. Watch the full conversation and share your thoughts in the comments.

SEO Keywords

• Dimitri Lascaris interview
• Reason to Resist
• Russia Ukraine war analysis
• Moscow trip report
• Frozen Russian assets
• Yemen Saudi Arabia blockade
• Iran war analysis
• Israel settlement sanctions
• Kianistan Podcast
• Tafhim Kiani