The Briefing Room

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David Aaronovitch presents in-depth explainers on big issues in the news.

David Aaronovitch and a panel of experts and insiders present in-depth explainers on big issues in the news.

David Aaronovitch and a panel of experts and insiders present in-depth explainers on big issues in the news

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The Briefing Room: Ukraine: Have we reached a turning point in the war?

15/09/2022

Ukraine: Have we reached a turning point in the war?

BBC Radio 4 - The Briefing Room, Ukraine: Have we reached a turning point in the war?

Ukraine has retaken swathes of territory - is this a turning point in the war?

Ukraine's military has recaptured Russian-occupied territory near Kharkiv in the northeast. Is this a turning point in the war? And how will Russia respond?

Ukraine's military has retaken thousands of square kilometres of territory near the north-eastern city of Kharkiv.  The Russians are said to have retreated in haste and disarray, but they retaliated by shelling a large power plant, causing blackouts in Kharkiv, the country's second biggest city. 

Is Ukraine's successful counter-offensive a turning point in the war? Could Ukraine win? Experts say Russia's president, Vladimir Putin, won't countenance defeat, and will escalate instead of retreating or suing for peace.  Might Putin launch a tactical nuclear strike? Or use mobilisation or conscription for all-out war? 

Joining David Aaronovitch in The Briefing Room are:

- Vitaliy Shevchenko, Russia editor at BBC Monitoring and co-host of the BBC's Ukrainecast podcast 
- Michael Clarke, Professor of Defence studies and Specialist Advisor to the Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy
- Samantha de Bendern, Associate Fellow at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, Chatham House 
- Sir Lawrence Freedman, Emeritus Professor of War Studies at King's College London 
- Shashank Joshi, Defence Editor of The Economist

Producers: Paul Connolly, Arlene Gregorius and Kirsteen Knight
Editor: Richard Vadon
Sound engineer: Neil Churchill
Production co-ordinator: Siobhan Reed and Helena Warwick-Cross

Image credit: Anton Petrus/Getty Images

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