Is Putinβs war in Ukraine at a turning point?
An attack on the Kerch bridge, deep in Russian-controlled Crimea, Russian troops short on supplies, and reservists evading a call-up. Is Putinβs war in Ukraine at a turning point?
The Kerch bridge, a vital supply route for Russian forces in Crimea, has been partially destroyed in a huge blast. It was a symbol of Russiaβs annexation of Crimea from Ukraine, and the explosion was equally symbolic, coming just one day after President Putinβs 70th birthday.
The Russian president described it as βan act of terrorismβ, and he punished Ukraineβs cities with a day of missile strikes, targeting civilian areas.
All this comes as Putinβs Special Military Operation is struggling. Ukraine has now seized back more territory than Russia took in the early stages of the war.
Hundreds of thousands of Russian army reservists have fled rather than being sent to the front, war deaths and the financial costs of the war are mounting, and winter is approaching.
But for President Putin, there is no easy exit from Ukraine. He may have no political choice but to double down, and has even dropped dark hints about using nuclear weapons.
So this week on the Inquiry we ask: Is Putinβs war in Ukraine at a turning point?
Presenter: Tanya Beckett
Producer: Ravi Naik
Researcher: Christopher Blake
Editor: Tara McDermott
Technical Producer: Mitch Goodall
Broadcast Coordinator: Jacqui Johnson
(Image: Huge fire erupts on strategic bridge linking Crimea to Russia: Credit: Anadolu Agency/Getty)
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