The Battle of Bakhmut

In this episode, John Spencer is joined again by Michael Kofman, director of the Russia Studies Program at CNA. He researches Russia and the former Soviet Union, specializing in Russian armed forces, military thought, capabilities, and strategy. In the conversation, Kofman describes his recent trip to Bakhmut, Ukraine—the scene of intense fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces over the past several months. He analyzes the situation for both sides in the battle, including their approaches and motivations, as well as the battle's possible outcomes. Kofman and Spencer also discuss the unique urban features that are contributing to the complexity of this battle as well as others in ongoing war.