Ask us questions about Bakhmut. We’ll answer them on our podcast

1. Are UA sniper teams effective in stopping Russians at long distances, 500-800 meters? 2. Do the UA teams have precision rifles, 50 Caliber and 7.62, with effective scopes and night vision to do this task and also provide targeting information for mortars and artillery?

How come that there are no hidden explosive devices in the places that Ukrain is forced to let free. I think of the winery we saw on TV. Could have been conceiled months before...

Thank you for your Q&A podcats:) We can learn so much more this way. Right now the strategy has somewhat stabilized the situation in Bakhmut. When the Russians are pushed back, is there any plan of which way to go forward, which area it's best to regain next?

How much of a role do small arms play in combat in and around Bakhmut, as compared to mortars, artillery, drones etc? Are Ukrainian and Russian forces often actually in sight of one another and directly engaging with rifles and other man-portable weapons often, and has this changed as the battle has evolved through different phases?

This is half baked, but it could be interesting to report on how specific items delivered by specific countries are making a difference to front line soldiers? It would be sort of a human interest piece to keep people abroad invested in how their countries are helping, or is that too propaganda? Like I said this is pretty raw idea; no need to debate :)

The fighting in Bakhmut has largely been a battle of attrition. Has there been influence from cyber warfare? Could Bakhmut benefit from cyber operations if they aren't already present?

What was Bakhmut like before the war found it? What were its people like and what did they do for work, play, etc? Were there any historical or cultural sites that are now lost? Where have those people gone now?

What are your views on the hypothesis that the publicly communicated strategic value of Bakhmut is just a kind of a false flag with the objective to increase tensions between Wagner and Russian Army and to enforce the enemies to concentrate their troups around Bakhmut?

Is it true that General Zabrodskyi has left the Rada and will be appointed as deputy Commander in Chief?

Would Russians defend any occupied territory as fiercely as Ukrainians have defended Bakhmut (and Soledar, and Mariupol…)? If the Russians don’t care as much, would their numbers plus entrenched defences hold against a motivated Ukrainian force with NATO weapons?

What is the best way to counter the type of massive artillery plus human wave attacks that we’ve seen in Bakhmut and Soledar? Aside from more ammunition, would Ukraine need to mobilize more people?

Are the Wagner bandits really leaving Bakhmut, or was that disinformation?

Looking forward to this podcast. Awesome idea. Reference Bakhmut - it is clear that it has taken on mythical properties especially to the Muscovites. It’s also clear that it is causing major attrition to the Moscovites and this is the place where Russians are coming to die in large numbers.

Holding the line and turning the area into a meat grinder is depleting Russia of manpower and resources. Now Russia has to reactivate T-55 battle tanks. Holding Bakhmut is key for the upcoming counteroffensive do you agree with this assessment?

How welcome “This Week in Ukraine” is! Sorry my asking: у Києві буде 6pm?

The holding of Bakhmut appears to be firstly to deny Purtin/ Russia a political "victory”. And secondly to hold Russian forces in place and destroy their men and equipment. My question is tactical: Would it be better to in terms of Ukrainian solders lives to let Russia take Bakhmut and then engage the Russian forces on the open area’s just to the west of Bakhmut. This may save Ukrainian resources and destroy more Russian forces on the more open plains. Something like the failed Russian offensive at Vuhledar?

The photos show extreme devastation, like Mariupol, Bakhmut had many important industrial capabilities such as asphalt. I see that Putin destroys what he can’t have. Is there anything left of the industrial capabilities? Even Uk must bomb it’s own buildings to reduce the enemy.

Just thank you to all freedom loving Ukrainians. We are in awe. the sacrifices made are unfathomable. Slava UKR!

Is the decision to hold Bakhmut more political or strategic? Or perhaps the politics and military strategy are so interpenetrating, the question is not meaningful. How much misdirection is going on? Examples?

This week Ukraine recaptured an important road into the city. How do you think this will impact the battle? Is Ukraine shifting from a defensive position, aimed at attritting Russian forces, to a more offensive one?

In general, Ukrainian people prefers strong hold Bakhmut, or people rather strategically retreat and redeploy the artillery elsewhere? (We are rather clear that the official prefers to hold the ground)

Is there any strategic value to Bakhmut or is it merely symbolic like Stalingrad was during World War II?