In Russia Looks to the East, the second installment of the Pacific Story series, listeners are taken through the harrowing aftermath of World War II in Russia. The episode opens with a stark reminder of the destruction that has befallen the nation, particularly in the Donbas area, which was once a thriving industrial hub. The devastation is profound, with cities reduced to rubble and the loss of life staggering. The narrative sets the stage for a discussion on the pressing need for reconstruction and the strategic imperative for Russia to look eastward.