Ukraine is a trap for Vladimir Putin

乌克兰是普京的陷阱。

Editor's Picks from The Economist

2026-02-24

8 分钟
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A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. Vladimir Putin faces a disastrous dilemma in Ukraine. Pushing forward hollows out Russia’s economy and military, while ending the conflict risks a humiliating domestic backlash. Topics covered: - Ukraine war - Vladimir Putin - Russian military Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.
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  • The Economist.

  • Hello, I'm Rosie Bloor, co-host of The Intelligence, our daily news and current affairs podcast.

  • Welcome to Editors Pics.

  • We've chosen an article from the latest edition of The Economist that we thought you might enjoy.

  • Please do have a listen.

  • You would have thought that after four bloody years,

  • a war which neither side can win would have burnt itself out,

  • but not the war in Ukraine, and the blame lies with one man.

  • Vladimir Putin is caught in a vice of his own making.

  • The chances are waning that his armies in Ukraine will produce something he can call a victory.

  • Many people expect peace talks continuing in Geneva this week to give him a way out.

  • because President Donald Trump will force Ukraine to cede territory.

  • In fact, that escape route is becoming less likely.

  • And even if a peace deal were concluded,

  • the aftershocks inside Russia would risk economic and political instability,

  • wrecking Mr Putin's plans of being ranked among history's greatest czars.

  • The first problem for Russia's president is the battlefield.

  • In the Great Patriotic War, from June 1941 to May 1945,

  • the Red Army advanced 1,600 km from Moscow to Berlin.

  • In this longer war, Russian forces in Donetsk, the main focus,