Will the war in Ukraine hinge on Bakhmut? It’s been almost one year since the fight for the town began. Now, Russia state media is finally claiming victory in the battle, but Ukrainian military officials say the war may soon turn. Newly supplied by NATO countries, Ukraine is preparing for a counteroffensive that might strike a territory at the heart of Russia’s interests. As for Bakhmut, which was largely captured by Russian mercenaries with the Wagner Group, they will be withdrawing – leaving the Russian military to take their place. So what’s next for Ukraine?

In this episode: 

• Mansur Mirovalev (@mirovalev), journalist covering Ukraine for Al Jazeera 
• Charles Stratford (@stratfordch), Al Jazeera correspondent

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Amy Walters, with Chloe K. Li and our host, Malika Bilal. Miranda Lin fact-checked this episode.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Tim St. Clair mixed this episode.

Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik. Munera Al Dosari and Adam Abou-Gad are our engagement producers.

Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer, and Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

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