The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge

As the battle for Ukraine's cities, including the capital Kyiv,  steps up, the question arises about strategy.  From both sides, what is the aim of the attack and what is the theory behind the defence?  In his regular Tuesday commentary for the Bridge on the Ukraine war, retired foreign correspondent and military analyst Brian Stewart has his thoughts.  Also, a remarkable letter later in the episode from two listeners travelling parts of western Canada.

The long-awaited attack on the Ukrainian capital seems to be underway, and The Bridge goes inside with a first-hand account of what it's like.  Olexiy Haran from Kyiv University talks to us from his home within earshot of the attacks.  And it's Monday, so we have our latest COVID update, this week with Lynora Saxinger from Edmonton. AS people start going back to their offices what's the best advice to follow?

There's been no official declaration of war, but given the actions of Canada and other nations have already taken in defence of Ukraine and at the expense of Russia, are we already in fact, at war?  Bruce and Chantal on that as well as what difference Jean Charest makes to the Conservative leadership race.

Lots of questions and comments about the Ukraine war including a unique one about people power and a unique walk INTO Russia.  Never happen?  Perhaps not, but intriguing to think about.

We know where the government stands, we know where the private sector stands, but what about Canadians?  Where are they on the Ukraine war? Bruce is just out of the research field with a new survey and the results have some surprising findings.  Plus, the latest on the Conservative leadership race, and some thoughts on why the PM visited the Queen this week.

Much has been made of how the Russian forces are botching their invasion of Ukraine.  What isn't being talked about, and should be, is how effective the Ukrainian defence forces are.  So veteran war correspondent Brian Stewart takes us into that angle and it's fascinating.   And Dr Sam Nutt is with us for her take on the refugee situation which is overwhelming an unprecedented exodus.  

Veteran Canadian war/foreign correspondent Susan Ormiston joins us from Ukraine in a riveting conversation. Plus, our regular Monday check-in on Covid this week with Dr Lisa Barrett from Halifax.  

With Russian attacks on a Ukrainian nuclear power plant, indiscriminate bombings of civilians, and no end in sight, Bruce and Chantal weigh the very controversial question of just how far Canada should go to support Ukraine.  Plus, should Max Bernier run for the leadership of the Conservative Party? 

It's the Thursday edition of The Bridge and that means your turn through the Bridge Mailbag.  Lots of comments on Ukraine, the Media and Covid. But we start with some tips on how to spot fake or misleading footage about the war.

Bruce is back with his take on what we are witnessing as the day's news looks a lot like the old documentary newsreels of the past. Bombed out European cities, long lines of refugees fleeing to nearby borders, and a dictator seemingly out of control.  Are we doing enough?