My Backyard
When Putin first invades Crimea in 2014, the west is divided. Starting with demonstrations in Kyiv, this is the story of the fraught phone calls and summits that followed.
This first episode tells the story of how, when Putin first attacked Ukraine in 2014, Europe’s leaders clashed over how to stop him. Amidst massive demonstrations demanding closer ties with the EU in Kyiv, Ukraine’s president flees to Russia. Putin exploits the power vacuum to make the most audacious move of his presidency to date: sending troops into Crimea.
We go behind the scenes for the critical summits and fraught phone calls as the west tries to find a way to push back. The crisis heightens as the fighting spreads to Donbas in Eastern Ukraine and Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 is shot down. Key players including David Cameron, Francois Hollande, Jose Manuel Barroso and Ukraine’s then-president Petro Poroshenko relive the EU's indecision and the all-night negotiations with the warring parties: a ceasefire is signed in Minsk, but Russian forces remain in Donbas.
Putin, meanwhile, appears more confident than ever. The lesson is clear, says French president Francois Hollande: 'When we do not punish at first, we are forced to punish more severely later.'
Last on
More episodes
Previous
You are at the first episode
Credits
Role | Contributor |
---|---|
Series Producer | Norma Percy |
Director | Tim Stirzaker |
Editor | Toby Marter |
Narrator | Caroline Catz |
Music | Laetitia Pansanel-Garric |
Production Manager | Andrea Martinez |
Production Manager | David Prichard |
Executive Producer | Lucy Hetherington |
Production Company | Brook Lapping Productions |
Broadcasts
- Mon 30 Jan 2023 21:00
- Mon 6 Feb 2023 00:40
- Wed 22 Feb 2023 02:50
Featured in...
Ukraine and Russia: From The Beginning
One year on from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, look back at these two countries' history.
Documentaries by Norma Percy
Acclaimed documentary filmmaker Norma Percy examines key events in contemporary history.
BAFTA TV Winners and Nominees 2024
Celebrate the winners and nominated ±«Óãtv show at this year's BAFTA Television awards.
Most Watched of 2023
The most popular documentaries of 2023 on iPlayer all in one place
Big in 2023
Huge hits of the year.
Critically Acclaimed Documentaries
Timeless moments, revealing stories, honest accounts.