Ukraine-Russia war latest: Putin claims West provoked Kharkiv offensive

Analysis: Putin is concerned and he’s rattling the nuclear sabre By Sean Bell, military analyst President Putin knows that his critical vulnerability is Western military capability, and that should the West become directly involved in the defence of Ukraine, Russia’s objectives would no longer be achievable. As a result, Russia continues to augment its military strategy in Ukraine with targeted rhetoric and information operations designed to deter Western governments from increasing military support to Ukraine. As Mr Putin’s concerns have mounted, the rhetoric has become more inflammatory, leading to more regular rattling of the nuclear sabre. You can listen more…