Economist Podcasts A world-changing war: four years in Ukraine
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Feb 24, 2026 
Shashank Joshi, defence editor who explains military tech and battlefield dynamics. Edward Carr, deputy editor who analyses political and strategic implications for Europe and Russia. Oliver Carroll, Ukraine correspondent who shares on-the-ground social and human impacts. They discuss early shocks and misjudgements, the transparent battlefield and drones, Europe’s rearmament, attrition and manpower strains, and whether a viable negotiated peace exists.
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Firsthand Account Of The Invasion Day
- Oliver Carroll arrived in Kyiv a week before the invasion and witnessed missiles falling at 4am the next morning.
- He reported early atrocities in Bucha and has documented offensives, counteroffensives and a grinding quagmire since then.
Ukraine Reshaped Transatlantic Relations
- Edward Carr sees the war as a stage for a transformed transatlantic relationship, with US aid shaping European defence choices.
- America's fickle support and political debates have fundamentally altered US‑Europe ties around security.
War Shrunk Ukraine And Fractured Society
- Oliver Carroll says Ukraine's population fell about a quarter and public opinion turned 98% negative on Russia.
- Social cohesion has fractured into camps of those who stayed, left, fought or avoided fighting, complicating postwar politics.