The Briefing Room

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

09.15.2022 - By BBC Radio 4Play

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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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