The Fifth Floor: What really happened in Bakhmut?

Olga Ivshina, a BBC Russian journalist covering the Ukrainian conflict, and Vitaly Shevchenko, a presenter on Ukrainecast, explore the harrowing battle for Bakhmut. They discuss the city's transformation from a cultural hub to a war zone and the strategic importance it held for Russia. The guests reveal the controversial recruitment of prisoners by mercenaries and the staggering human cost of the battle, with the town's population dwindling from 70,000 to just over 500. Personal stories highlight the resilience of those still hoping to rebuild their lives.