Why is Putin so determined to take Mariupol?

<p>Why has Mariupol, a major port city in the south east of Ukraine, become the focal point of Putin's war? In today's episode, Lara Marlowe describes the devastation faced by the people of Mariupol over the last four weeks, while Dr Christian Kaunert, Professor of International Security at Dublin City University, explains what Russia stands to gain by capturing the city. </p><br><p>Hosted by Sorcha Pollak. Produced by Suzanne Brennan and Jennifer Ryan. </p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for privacy and opt-out information.</p>