How serious is Vladimir Putin about launching a major Ukraine offensive?

Planet Labs PBC | Klintsy Training Camp, Russia, December 22, 2021

After a week of diplomatic talks in Geneva, Brussels and Vienna, the question remains: how serious is Russian president Vladimir Putin about launching a major offensive against Ukraine?

There are 100,000 Russian troops massed at Ukraine’s border, and Moscow has warned of “the most unpredictable and grave consequences” for Europe’s security if its demands are not met.

Though western officials are unsure whether Russia has decided on a renewed invasion, Putin may never have a better time to do so. These are the key reasons why.

Visual Storytelling Team: Sam Joiner, Joanna S Kao, Steven Bernard, Ian Bott, Chris Campbell, Caroline Nevitt and Emma Lewis. Additional reporting by Polina Ivanova.

Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2022. All rights reserved.
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