Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine is in its third year, with no end in sight. The Russian offensive in the East of Ukraine grinds on, consuming a mass of men and materiel on both sides while its conquest proceeds in tiny paces. The only surprise of the past few months was the Ukrainian incursion into Russia, taking a small square of the Kursk region. It is no minor achievement, not least given that Russia has not been invaded since WWII, and that the Kursk region is where the biggest tank battle — and one of the biggest battles ever — took place in the summer of 1943 between the then Soviet Union and Germany. But ultimately, the war grinds on, with Russia intensifying its drone attacks as well as ground assaults, ably supplied by Iranian drones and materiel, shored up by offerings from North Korea, and aided in a circuitous way by purchases of raw materials and weapons made through third countries, so circumventing western sanctions.

Ukraine is fighting back, using its own drones and weaponry in Russia and trying to fend off the invading Russian forces with the aid of Western weapons in Ukraine. But it is not enough. Between the fighting and the massive Russian drone and missile strikes at its energy grid now happening nearly daily, reality is difficult. And worse. To get a deep insight into this reality and what is both happening and should be happening to change the situation, Ilana Bet-El is joined by Lisa Yasko, Member of the Ukrainian Rada (parliament) and Head of the Ukrainian delegation to the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly. In a frank and revealing conversation, Lisa reflects on the war from its start, the daily reality in Ukraine, and the shortcomings of the international community.

This episode was recorded on 18 September 2024

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Credits

• Production: Florence Ferrando
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• Supported by a grant from the Foundation Open Society Institute in cooperation with the Open Society Foundations

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