Passions are running high in Ukraine and the breakaway states of the Caucasus. Vladimir Putin's adventures in Ukraine took the West by surprise, but John thinks in some ways they followed a pattern that goes back more than a century.

Since the Soviet Union's break-up, Transnistria, Abkhazia and South Ossetia have become Russia's 'forgotten' satellite states - unrecognised and unheard of by most outsiders. Now Donetsk and Luhansk have joined the list, and Russia has full control of Crimea.

In 2015 John met people on both sides of these disputed borders, and promises some surprising insights.

Our Vice President, John has been called “one of Britain’s greatest tellers of travellers’ tales”. He has given talks to over 1,000 audiences in five countries, and holds the Royal Geographical Society’s Ness Award for popularising geography and the wider understanding of the world. His stunning photos and inspiring commentary will make this an evening not to be missed.

John's website can be found here

One of John's many captivating portraits

War-torn buildings

Swallow's Nest castle, Gaspra, on the Black Sea, Crimea

Warrior, answer the motherland with victory!, 1942 by Dementi Alexeevich Shmarinov