Main content

Ukraine: Could There Be War?

Tens of thousands of Russian troops are amassed close to the Ukrainian border. The G7 has warned Russia of severe consequences if it invades. What is happening and why?

Russian troops are amassed close to the Ukrainian border - could this mean war, or is something else going on?

Tensions between Ukraine and Russia aren't new, particularly since the annexation of the Crimea in 2014 and fighting with separatists, backed by Russia, in eastern Ukraine.

The West has warned Russia of dire consequences if it invades Ukraine. Russia says it is not planning to and has the right to put its troops anywhere within its territory. So what is going on?

What does President Putin want and what can NATO and the West do?

Joining David Aaronovitch in The Briefing Room are:

Sarah Rainsford, 麻豆社 Moscow Correspondent

Anton Barbashin, political analyst and editorial director of Riddle Russia

Dr. Leslie Vinjamuri, Associate Professor of International Relations, School of Oriental and African Studies, also director of the US Programme at Chatham House

Orysia Lutsevych, Research Fellow and manager of the Ukraine Forum, Russia and Eurasia Programme, Chatham House

Dr Liana Fix, Russia expert, K枚rber Foundation, Berlin

Programme producers: John Murphy, Kirsteen Knight and Chris Flynn
Studio mix by James Beard
Programme Editor: Richard Vadon

Image: Ukranian servicemen on a front line near Svetlodarsk. Credit: EPA/Anatoli Stepanov

Available now

29 minutes

Last on

Thu 16 Dec 2021 20:00
麻豆社 Radio 4

More episodes

Previous

Afghanistan: What Now? What Next?

Next

Space Wars and Laws

See all episodes from The Briefing Room

Broadcast

  • Thu 16 Dec 2021 20:00
    麻豆社 Radio 4

Podcast

  • The Briefing Room

    David Aaronovitch presents in-depth explainers on big issues in the news.