Olga Ivshina

Olga Ivshina, a BBC Russian journalist covering the war in Ukraine, and Mikey Kay, a former British military officer, discuss pressing issues surrounding the conflict. They dive into the weakened state of the Russian military and whether Germany will provide Taurus missiles to aid Ukraine. The conversation also highlights the ongoing crisis of Ukrainian children kidnapped by Russia and the challenges of tracing their whereabouts. Innovative drone warfare strategies and the geopolitical implications of long-range missiles are also at the forefront of their discussion.

In this engaging discussion, Olga Ivshina from BBC Russian, an expert in battlefield casualties, joins the conversation. She reveals the reality of Russian POWs in Ukrainian custody, shedding light on contrasting media portrayals. The episode dives into the contentious debate over casualty figures, scrutinizing both Ukraine's claims and Russia's narrative. Additionally, the panel explores innovative civilian safety solutions, drawing parallels with WWII bomb shelters, all while assessing the ongoing emotional toll of war on families.

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.