The Daily

Ukraine Lost in Bakhmut. But It Has Much Bigger Plans.

May 24, 2023

Eric Schmitt, national security correspondent for The New York Times, delves into the recent fall of Bakhmut to Russian forces and its symbolic yet costly implications for Ukraine. He discusses the strategic importance of the coming months and Ukraine's plans for a major counteroffensive, supported by Western allies. Schmitt highlights President Zelensky's diplomatic efforts for military aid, including advanced weaponry and pilot training for F-16s. The transformation of Ukraine's military into a modern force and innovative counteroffensive strategies are also key points of discussion.

23:05

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Episode guests

Eric Schmitt

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Episode notes

Intro

2min

The Battle for Bakhmut: Symbolism in Conflict

4min

Preparation for Ukraine's Major Counteroffensive

2min

Zelensky's Diplomatic Tour and Military Support for Ukraine

2min

Modern Warfare in Ukraine

4min

Ukrainian Counteroffensive Strategies

10min

After almost a year of deadly battle, Russia has claimed victory in the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut. But what happens now is uncertain.

Eric Schmitt, who covers national security for The New York Times, explains what this moment in the war means, and why the next few months could be critical for Ukraine.

Guest: Eric Schmitt, a national security correspondent for The New York Times.

Background reading:

A top Ukrainian official essentially acknowledged that Bakhmut had been lost. Thousands of Ukrainian and Russian soldiers died there, but the cost for Moscow was especially steep, experts say.
The battle for Bakhmut, in photos.

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