The Intelligence from The Economist Unquiet on the eastern front: fighting in the Donbas
Jan 10, 2023
Oliver Carroll, who provides expert analysis on the Ukraine war for The Economist, and Ludwig Siegel, the European business editor, discuss pivotal topics. They delve into the brutal conflict in Bakhmut, a hub for mercenary forces like Wagner, revealing chilling battlefield dynamics. The conversation shifts to the North Sea, where a transformation to renewable energy is reshaping Europe's economic landscape. They also touch on women's empowerment in the Middle East, highlighting cultural shifts in attitudes toward sexuality amidst societal constraints.
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Intensified fighting in Bakhmut
- Russia intensified its campaign in Bakhmut after a violated ceasefire.
- Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky says there are almost no walls left standing.
Bakhmut: A Bloody Battleground
- The fighting in Bakhmut is particularly bloody, with hundreds killed on both sides daily.
- Russia attacks in small strike groups, mainly composed of Wagner Group mercenaries, with little regard for human life.
Casualty Discrepancies
- Official casualty figures are unreliable and likely underrepresent the true extent of losses.
- Ukraine claims significantly higher Russian casualties, but their own reported losses are not credible.