In this podcast, Dominic Nicholls, Maighna Nanu, and Daniel Hardaker discuss the latest news from Ukraine, focusing on Avdiivka. They explore the cultural and geographical significance of the town, the ethnic and political divide within Ukraine, and Russia's fight for control. They also touch upon concerns over Iran-Russia missile relations and the challenges faced by the Russians in their envelopment strategy.
Controlling the town of Avdiivka would give Russia control over a strategic highway and a commuter town, symbolically important in the conflict in Ukraine.
The Russian forces are facing challenges in taking Avdiivka due to its natural fortress-like location and the Russian strategy appears to be a slower, envelopment approach.
Deep dives
Main Ideas/Key Points/Insights 1
The geography and strategic significance of the town of Vabdivka in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The town is symbolically important and controlling it would give Russia control over a commuter town and a strategic highway. The population in the area has a mixed identity, with a preference for a pluralist state that accommodates both Ukrainian and Russian speakers. The town serves as a reminder that Russia does not have full control over the region.
Main Ideas/Key Points/Insights 2
The current military situation in Vabdivka and the challenges faced by the Russian forces. The town is a natural fortress surrounded by open fields, making it difficult for the Russian forces to mount a direct attack. The Russian strategy appears to be a slow moving envelopment, taking advantage of the dead ground and woodland to the south, while avoiding the open ground to the northwest.
Main Ideas/Key Points/Insights 3
The tensions in the Western Balkans and the potential for escalation. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg's recent tour of the region highlights the influence of Russia and the potential for conflicts to involve neighboring countries. Stoltenberg specifically mentioned the tensions between Serbia and Kosovo, which have been exacerbated by Russian influence. The situation in the Western Balkans could have wider implications for NATO member states.
Today, we bring you the latest news from the frontlines and have a close look at the blasted Donbas town of Avdiivka: the people, the geography and the likely course of the battle there.
Contributors:
Dominic Nicholls (Host, Associate Editor, Defence). @DomNicholls on Twitter.
Maighna Nanu (Foreign Reporter). @Maighna_N on Twitter.
Daniel Hardaker (Front Page Briefing Editor). @danielhardaker4 on Twitter.