Ukraine warns of widespread power cuts after ‘massive’ Russian onslaught & how Putin’s gas empire crumbled
May 8, 2024
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Dr. Jade McGlynn discusses democracy strengths and weaknesses in Russia's war in Ukraine. The podcast covers the latest news on Russian attacks, including strikes on energy infrastructure and Ukrainian forces' interception of missiles. It also explores the resilience and determination of individuals in Harkiv amidst the conflict, contrasting realities between Ukraine and Russia.
Ukrainian forces successfully intercepted Russian missiles targeting energy infrastructure, highlighting defense capabilities and strategic resilience.
European nations' diversification from Russian gas weakens Putin's financial power, emphasizing the impact of geopolitical shifts on economic leverage.
Deep dives
Ukrainian Forces Defend Against Russian Missile Strikes
Ukrainian forces successfully shot down majority of missiles and drones launched by Russian troops targeting energy infrastructure across Ukrainian regions. Despite intercepting multiple missiles, some hypersonic and ballistic missiles caused damage, leading to casualties and disruptions in transport and infrastructure in various areas.
Ukraine Adapting Naval Drones with Anti-Aircraft Missiles
Ukraine showcased naval drones armed with anti-aircraft missiles for combating Russian threats. The use of unconventional strategies like arming marine drones is seen as a significant development, indicating a shift in Ukrainian defense tactics and potential challenges for Russian forces.
Gas Sector Impact on Russia's Economy and Political Influence
The decline in gas profits from Gazprom due to reduced European reliance on Russian gas poses economic challenges for Russia. Timely diversification of gas sources by European nations, shifting towards LNG and alternative suppliers, signifies a significant blow to Putin's financial and political leverage.
Democracy's Resilience in Facing Autocratic Threats
The narrative explores the tension between maintaining democratic values and enhancing defense capabilities to counter autocracies effectively. Emphasizing the role of citizen-driven initiatives in informal security assistance demonstrates democracies' resilience by leveraging decentralized networks for defense efforts amidst evolving geopolitical challenges.
Today, we bring you the latest news from Ukraine, the woes facing Gazprom and speak to Dr Jade McGlynn about democracy’s strengths and weaknesses facing Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Contributors:
David Knowles (Head of Audio Development). @DJKnowles on X.
Dominic Nicholls(Associate Editor, Defence). @DomNicholls on X.
Tim Wallace (Deputy Economics Editor). @Tim_Wallace on X.
Dr Jade McGlynn (Academic & Author). @DrJadeMcGlynn on X.