A Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire and An Evolving Battlefield?

A Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire and An Evolving Battlefield?

From Hold Your Fire! by International Crisis Group

May 9, 2026 · 41 min · Season 6 · Episode 33

About this episode

The episode discusses the ongoing developments in the Russia-Ukraine war, including military adaptations and political dynamics.

In this episode of Hold Your Fire! , Richard is joined by Olga Oliker, Crisis Group’s European Security director, to discuss the latest developments in Ukraine, more than four years into full-scale war with Russia. They talk about the mood in Kyiv, recent battlefield dynamics and how Ukraine’s military continues to adapt as the war grinds on. They discuss the fallout from the war in the Gulf, including pressure on global missile interceptor stocks and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s diplomatic outreach to Gulf Arab states. They also unpack domestic politics in Ukraine and Russia, including growing criticism of President Vladimir Putin from nationalist circles and Moscow’s anxiety around Victory Day. They also look at Putin’s call for a ceasefire, seemingly motivated by fear that Ukrainian strikes will disrupt Victory Day celebrations.  For more, check out our Ukraine page. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People in this episode

Host: Richard

Guest: Olga Oliker

Topics covered

  • Russia-Ukraine conflict
  • military strategy
  • diplomatic relations
  • domestic politics
  • ceasefire discussions

Keywords

  • Ukraine
  • Russia
  • ceasefire
  • military
  • diplomacy
  • Putin
  • Zelenskyy
  • Victory Day

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Crisis Group

Places: Ukraine, Russia

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