Women in Ukraine and Russia

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There is much international focus on the possibility of a Russian military invasion of its neighbour Ukraine. US President Joe Biden has spoken of “enormous consequences” if that did happen, warning it would “change the world”. Russia has an estimated 100,000 troops on the border with Ukraine but has said it does not want war. While world leaders talk, host Ben James guides us through the discussions among six women in the two countries. In Ukraine, the BBC’s James Reynolds hears from three women in the capital Kyiv about the prospect of war. They include Olena, a volunteer sniper since 2014 and a professional servicewoman for five years, who is once more prepared to fight for her country. We also hear from three women in the Russian capital Moscow about the atmosphere in the city, the conversations they are having with friends and family and why they believe a war will not happen. (Photo: Pedestrians walk under boards displaying the flag and coat of arms of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People"s Republic in the rebel-held city of Donetsk, Ukraine January 24, 2022. Credit: REUTERS/Alexander Ermochenko)