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The Fifth Floor: What really happened in Bakhmut?

The Fifth Floor: What really happened in Bakhmut?

Why was the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut such an important target for Russia?

The Documentary Podcast · BBC World Service

August 24, 202423m 34s

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Show Notes

In 2022, the city of Bakhmut in Eastern Ukraine was attacked by Russian forces. The fight for Bakhmut lasted over 10 months and claimed the lives of thousands of people on both sides, becoming the longest and bloodiest battle in this war so far. But why was this sleepy town such an important target for Russia? And what role did the mercenary Wagner group play there? BBC Russian’s Olga Ivshina and Ukrainecast presenter Vitaly Shevchenko investigate.

Produced by Alice Gioia and Hannah Dean.

(Photo: Faranak Amidi. Credit: Tricia Yourkevich.)