What is Putin’s endgame? And why do Russians get poisoned? We explain
In these Explainers we’ve delved into the machinations of the Kremlin and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, bringing context to new developments and the personalities behind them.
Explainer
Who is Navalny – and why do Russians keep being poisoned?
In this Explainer, published after Alexei Navalny’s near-fatal poisoning with a nerve agent in 2020, reporter Sherryn Groch explored how he became a target and why other Russians had succumbed to rare poisons.
- by Sherryn Groch
Explainer
The Ukraine invasion put a spotlight on Putin’s ‘shadow army’. Now its leader is dead. Who are the Wagner Group?
Putin’s “private army” is in the spotlight as Russia’s war in Ukraine grinds on. What’s the Wagner Group and what does it mean for the war (and Putin)?
- by Sherryn Groch
Explainer
What is Putin’s endgame in Ukraine?
The ex-KGB officer has launched the biggest attack in Europe since World War II. Why did Putin invade Ukraine – and how far could he go?
- by Sherryn Groch and Chris Zappone
Explainer
‘You cross him at your peril’: How does Putin’s vertical of power work?
How does the President’s inner circle rule Russia? And where does Russia’s political system fit in?
- by Sherryn Groch
Explainer
Who has nukes, and what do Russia’s threats mean?
What is the likelihood of Putin using nuclear weapons, what are the international laws on them, and how effective is “deterrence” today?
- by Sherryn Groch and Chris Zappone
Explainer
What are chemical weapons and how might Putin use them?
Poison gas conjures up the horrors of WWI but it’s been used since. What are the laws on chemical weapons and would Russia resort to using them?
- by Sherryn Groch and Chris Zappone
Explainer
Is anyone winning Putin’s war in Ukraine – and how might it end?
Russia is unleashing fresh troops in the war Putin has to win. Can Ukraine keep up its momentum? And could it spiral into a wider war?
- by Sherryn Groch
Explainer
What are Magnitsky sanctions and why does Russia oppose them?
Why is the world adopting Magnitsky laws – and why does Vladimir Putin want them dropped?
- by Sherryn Groch and Anthony Galloway
Explainer
What are war crimes and could Putin be put on trial?
What might a war crimes prosecution involve – and could Putin find himself on trial at the Hague?
- by Sherryn Groch and Chris Zappone