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Economist Podcasts

Back to front: visiting Ukraine’s firing line

Aug 7, 2023
Tim Judah, a Special Correspondent for The Economist, shares his firsthand experiences from the front lines of the war in Ukraine. He describes the determination of Ukrainian soldiers amidst dire conditions and the fear experienced by civilians caught in the conflict. The conversation also touches on Japan's contentious plan to release wastewater from the Fukushima disaster, revealing international concerns. Additionally, the rise of rosé as a summer favorite is explored, highlighting its increasing popularity and cultural significance.
22:09

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The Ukrainian conflict seems likely to continue in a long and drawn-out manner, with both sides prepared for a prolonged war.
  • The plan to release wastewater from the Fukushima disaster has sparked political tensions and opposition from neighboring countries like China and South Korea.

Deep dives

Ukraine's Counter-Offensive and Diplomatic Efforts

The Ukrainian forces' counter-offensive against Russian-backed forces has been a slow and incremental process, with small gains and losses observed along the front line. The military situation remains tense, with both Ukrainian forces and Russian-backed forces engaged in sporadic fighting. The absence of Russia from the recent peace talks in Jeddah indicates the challenges in achieving a lasting resolution. However, Ukraine has been successful in garnering support from non-committal countries, with China's attendance seen as a diplomatic victory. The long-term prospects for a resolution to the conflict remain uncertain, with both sides seemingly prepared for a protracted war.

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