Battleground

In this special edition of Battleground ?44, to coincide with the publication of Saul?s new book - Sky Warriors: British Airborne Forces in the Second World War, we thought we?d devote a special episode to discussing the book and, more specifically, the role British Airborne played in the D-Day landings which took place 80 years ago. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected] Producer: James Hodgson X (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What is the significance for Ukraine of Iran's attack on Israel? In this episode Saul and Patrick discuss how the war in Ukraine is inextricably linked to what is happening in the Middle East where the the shockwaves of the Israel Palestine war ripple outwards to stoke regional conflict. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected] Producer: James Hodgson X (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the latest instalment of our warlord series, where we look at the great leaders of the Second World War, we look into the titanic figure of Sir Winston Churchill. Patrick is joined by probably the historian best placed to discuss the great man, Andrew Roberts - Author of the acclaimed biography - Churchill: Walking with Destiny. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected] Producer: James Hodgson X (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Battleground: Ukraine Saul speaks to friend of the show Julius Strauss, veteran journalist, Russian speaker and former bureau chief for the Daily Telegraph in Moscow, who has just returned to Kyiv after touring Eastern Ukraine. Patrick and Saul also look into the the latest news surrounding the war in Ukraine, including Russia and China looking to strengthen their strategic partnership and UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron's recent trip to the US. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected] Producer: James Hodgson X (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Battleground 44' we kick of our warlords series - first up perhaps the most complex character of them all - Soviet leader Joseph Stalin. To gain insight into this remarkable figure Patrick speaks to internationally bestselling historian Giles Milton, who has just written the book The Stalin Affair: The Impossible Alliance That Won the War. ?If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected] Producer: James Hodgson X (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Battleground Saul and Patrick speak to distinguished reporter, author and political analyst Tim Judah, who has just returned from a month in Ukraine. They also dive into the latest news from the war in Ukraine including the significant news that Volodymyr Zelensky has succumbed to the inevitable and signed a bill to lower the mobilisation age for combat duty from 27 to 25. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected] Producer: James Hodgson X (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Battleground 44' Saul and Patrick take a deep dive into a host of fascinating listeners questions, anecdotes, and family stories from the Second World War. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected] Producer: James Hodgson X (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Battleground Saul and Patrick discuss what the ramifications of the deadly terror attack that happened last Friday at the Crocus concert hall in Moscow. Patrick also speaks to veteran journalist and Russia expert Alan Philps, asking does Putin need to worry about ISIS K, and does his leadership face questions as the FSB failed to prevent this deadly terrorist attack. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected] Producer: James Hodgson X (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This episode of Battleground 44' explores the incredible story of Polish resistance fighter Elzbieta Zawacka, who ended the second world war as one of the most highly decorated women in Polish history. To delve deeper into her experieces Saul speaks to historian and author Clare Mulley who has recently written the book Agent Zo: The Untold Story of Fearless WW2 Resistence fighter Elzbieta Zawacka. Agent Zo was the only woman to reach London from Warsaw during the Second World War as an emissary of the Polish Home Army command, and then in Britain she became the only woman to join the Polish elite Special Forces, known as the 'Silent Unseen'. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected] Producer: James Hodgson X (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Battleground - in the wake of Putin's "re-election" - Patrick Bishop and Saul David, ask how much that support is actually genuine and just how solid are the foundations of Putin?s rule? They also take a look at the cyber warfare scene, accusations by Russia that NATO troops are operating in Ukraine, and the effectiveness of Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian territory. Plus, Saul speaks to Irish filmmaker Johny O'Reilly about a fascinating documentary project he's working on focused on the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson. If you are interested in supporting the project you can get in touch here: [email protected]  If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected] Producer: James Hodgson X (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Battleground 44' Saul takes us through the extraordinary but relatively unknown story of the heroic stand made by the 50th Indian Parachute Brigade at the Battle of Shangshak. This crucial battle took place in the mountainous frontier between India and Burma, as Japanese forces sought to invade India, in the lead up to the battle of Imphal 80 years ago. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected] Producer: James Hodgson X (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today Russians go to the polls to select a president for the next six years, with only one result to come - the re-election of President Vladimir Putin for a record fifth term in office. To help Saul and Patrick better understand the reality of the Presidential elections in Russia they speak to veteran journalist and Russia expert Alan Philps. They also assess the controversial statements made by Pope Francis on the ongoing war in Ukraine and look at the latest news regarding Ukraine getting it's much needed F-16's If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected] Producer: James Hodgson X (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this edition of Battleground 44' Saul and Patrick speak to the historian Richard Overy, about the vast and devastating theatre of war that was the European Eastern front. They discuss what the situation was in 1944 as the Soviet Red Army was looking to push the Axis Armies out of Soviet territory and into axis territory, and look at the tactics and logic behind the events on this vast front. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected] Producer: James Hodgson X (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Battleground, Saul and Patrick will be speaking to German Historian Katja Hoyer who will be shedding light on both German political attitudes towards Ukraine and the latest governmental situation in light of the revelation that Russian intelligence penetrated a high level German military discussion on sending Taurus long range cruise missiles to Ukraine. They also discuss the news that a missile strike came close to hitting Ukrainian President Zelensky in Odesa, plus hearing more from Historian and journalist Guy Walters on Operation Interflex the British-led multinational military operation to train and support the Armed Forces of Ukraine. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected] Producer: James Hodgson X (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 1963 film The Great Escape immortalised the audacious real-life mass escape of 76 Allied airmen in March 1944 from the German Luftwaffe prisoner of war camp Stalag Luft III in eastern Germany, now Poland. But what was the reality of the escape, who were the characters involved, and was it worth it? To help Saul and Patrick dig deeper into the story they are joined by Journalist, Historian, and author of the book The Real Great Escape. ?If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected] Producer: James Hodgson X (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As we enter the third year of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Saul and Patrick delve into the latest developments in the conflict, with the news emerging in the past week looking a little better on the side of Ukraine. They look at the significance of Sweden becoming the 32nd member of NATO, and the refusal of French president Macron to rule out the deployment of Western troops in Ukraine in the future. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected] Producer: James Hodgson X (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this latest episode of Battleground ?44 with Saul David and Patrick Bishop, the subject is Resistance and in particular the French Resistance. Their importance to the struggle in the West at least was limited. However with the clock counting down to the great invasion of Normandy their significance grew. They look at the role they played in the upcoming battles and what role should they play in the political scene once that battle was won. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected] Producer: James Hodgson X (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the second anniversary of Russia?s full scale invasion upon us, it is, it must be said a rather gloomy occasion. Saul and Patrick take a look back over the past two years and delve into the many significant stories that have emerged in the past week. They?re also joined by guest and friend of the podcast, Anglo-Ukrainian journalist Askold Krushelnycky who is speaking to us from the Zaporizhia Oblast front lines.  If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected] Producer: James Hodgson X (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Battleground 44' Saul and Patrick turn to look at the Pacific theatre where, the attention of the Americans was focused on after the traumatic surprise Japanese attack on the US fleet at Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941 that brought their country into the war. Before getting to events of 1944, they revisit what has been happening in the Pacific theatre, before Saul takes us through the dramatic story of K company of the 1st Marine Division's hard fought battles on New Britain. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected] Producer: James Hodgson X (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this latest episode of Battleground, Saul David and Patrick Bishop take a step back as the full-scale war in Ukraine approaches its second anniversary and look at the wider picture surrounding the conflict. Including the impact of Ukraine's new military command, questions over continuing western support, and the upcoming Russian presidential elections. They also answer some thought provoking listeners questions, including on the huge abundance of natural resources in Ukraine. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected] Producer: James Hodgson X (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this instalment of Battleground '44, Saul and Patrick look at the dramatic social impact that the mass arrival of American soldiers and Airmen had on UK society during the second world war and the legacy that lasts until today. The American's brought with them Hollywood glamour and impressive fighting kit, but also a segregated military, which marked the start of modern day British race relations in popular society. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected] Producer: James Hodgson X (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this latest episode of Battleground, Saul and Patrick react to the highly significant news that Ukraine's commander-in-chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi has been sacked. They asses what this means going forward as well as reflecting on the controversial Tucker Carlson interview with Vladimir Putin. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected] Producer: James Hodgson X (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Battleground '44, Saul is joined by James Holland, the Historian and co-host of our sister podcast We Have Ways of Making You Talk - to talk about the pivotal Battle of Anzio which took place 80 years ago this month. They delve into the significance, the difficulties, and the controversy that surrounds the battle and its legacy. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected] Producer: James Hodgson X (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Battleground we have the full interview with friend of the podcast - American Journalist Joe Lindsey - who speaks to Saul and Patrick from the Eastern Ukrainian City of Kharkiv, just 30 miles from the Russian border. Joe describes the mood in Ukraine at the moment, with growing uncertainty over the future of western support, continuing Russian attacks on Ukrainian Cities, and tensions rising between the politicians and military commanders in Ukraine. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected] Producer: James Hodgson X (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Battleground Saul and Patrick discuss the big news of this week, that President Zelensky of Ukraine tried to sack his highly-regarded armed forces chief, General Valery Zaluzhny, but has been forced to reinstate him. They also look at the significance of Hungary dropping its veto of 50 billion euros in EU loans and grants for Ukraine, and speak to old friend of the podcast - American journalist Joe Lindsey - from the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected] Producer: James Hodgson X (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this instalment of our Battleground '44 series, the subject of discussion is the epic 872 day long siege on Leningrad (present-day Saint Petersburg), where hundreds of thousands of civilians perished, and starvation led to some residents resorting to cannibalism. To delve deeper into the story of this horrific and bloody siege, Patrick speaks to Anna Reid, author of the book Leningrad: The Epic Siege of World War II: 1941-1944. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected] Producer: James Hodgson X (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Battleground Saul and Patrick assess the headline story of the week - the downing of a Russian transport plane inside Russia north east of Belgorod. Which at first sight this looks like a tragic error by Ukraine because on board were 65 captured Ukrainian soldiers who were on their way to being exchanged for Russian prisoners of war. They also discuss the growing nervousness surrounding a possible Trump presidency, and the growing tensions in the Middle East following more strikes ny US and UK forces on Houthi targets in Yemen. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected] Producer: James Hodgson X (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this instalment of our Battleground '44 series, Saul speaks to Historian Matthew Parker - Author of the book "Monte Cassino: The Hardest Fought Battle of World War II". Together they go through the four stages of this extraordinary battle, between a vast array of multinational allies against the German army defending an ancient Monastery on the summit of Monte Cassino. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected] Producer: James Hodgson X (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Battleground, Saul David and Patrick Bishop discuss the big event in Ukraine this week - the shooting down of a Russian surveillance aircraft by a Ukrainian missile with a Russian command and control plane being badly damaged in the same attack. They also delve into the encouraging announcement of two separate aid packages from Germany and the UK, as the future of U.S. funding for Ukraine is uncertain. Iran's role in the growing tensions and hostilities in the Middle East is also focused on, as Saul and Patrick answer listeners questions. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected] Producer: James Hodgson X (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Battleground 44 Saul David and Patrick Bishop are discussing the Battle of Berlin. The epic struggle by RAF?s Bomber Command and its ruthless and dynamic leader Air Marshal Arthur Harris to bring Germany to its knees by bombing Berlin flat, which was at its height when 1944 opened. It was the moment when Harris and the RAF establishment were given their chance to prove their contention that bombing alone could win the war. What followed was a terrible ordeal for the RAF aircrews and the population of Berlin alike. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected] Producer: James Hodgson X (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the latest episode of Battleground, Patrick Bishop and Saul David, will be looking at how Ukraine sees the year ahead, with the help of some very revealing comments made in a recent interview by President Zelensky. They'll also be asking how it is that his arch enemy President Putin has been able to ride the political troubles that have come in the wake of his war and asking whether that is likely to change soon. They also look at the latest from Gaza front, discussing whether the spate of flare ups outside the immediate battle zone are likely to lead to a wider regional conflict between Israel and Hizbollah and trying to figure out what role Iran is playing in the war. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected] Producer: James Hodgson X (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the opening episode of our special Battleground ?44 series, Patrick Bishop and Saul David look at a character who cast a long shadow over the war in the west. The American general and later U.S. President - Dwight D. Eisenhower. In this episode Saul and Patrick delve into Eisenhower's story: his background, his meteoric rise through the U.S. Military ranks, his personality and experiences, and why all that led to him and not others being selected for the top job. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected] Producer: James Hodgson X (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today we have a fascinating interview where Patrick speaks to former Middle East correspondent Tim Butcher, who covered the 2006 Lebanon War. Tim provides some insightful analysis on the impact the 2006 War had on Israel and the IDF, and significantly how this has impacted on what is happening in Gaza today. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected] Producer: James Hodgson Twitter: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In our second Battleground podcast of 2024 Saul and Patrick return to the war in Ukraine, as in the past week has seen a tit for tat of missile and drone strikes ? the majority, needless to say, fired from Russia. They also discuss both the possibility and the feasibility of recent reports that Russian President Vladimir Putin is using backchannels and intermediaries to signal his interest in a ceasefire. As ever we answer your listeners questions on both the conflict in Ukraine and in Gaza. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected] Producer: James Hodgson Twitter: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Introducing our new series - Battleground 44. This year to mark the 80th anniversary of probably the most momentous year of the Second World War - 1944 - Patrick, Saul, and some special guests will be drawing on their vast knowledge and expertise on the subject to talk you through the big events and personalities that shaped the conflict and the world we live in today. In this first episode they set the scene at the start of 1944 and look ahead at some of the most significant moments and personalities that they'll be covering as week by week 80 years on. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected] Producer: James Hodgson Twitter: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to the last Battleground podcast of the year with Saul David and Patrick Bishop, who both think military historians will look back on 2023 as a very significant year with two major wars whose outcomes will have a significant effect on the future of world events. The conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza are far from over of course. But in this episode we?ll be revisiting the major events of the year in both theatres and trying to give some sense of where they might go in the year ahead. They?ll also, as usual be updating you on recent events in both places, and answering a host of listeners questions. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected] Producer: James Hodgson Twitter: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today's episode we focus on the issue of accountability for war crimes, what finding justice looks like for Ukraine, and the challenges Ukraine faces in this field. To discuss this Saul speaks to Dr Iva Vukusic - assistant professor in International History at Utrecht University and a research fellow at War Studies at Kings college London. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected] Producer: James Hodgson Twitter: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week President Zelensky confessed that the Ukrainian army has asked for an extra 450-500,000 people to be mobilised to fight the war, but he had yet to be convinced that such a huge call-up was necessary. Discussing the implications of this Saul and Patrick, also take a look at the delay in US aid for Ukraine, as well as the growing criticism of the IDFs conduct in Gaza. They also address some insightful listeners comments and questions- including on recent poling conducted inside Gaza. Interested in donating to blind veterans - you can find their website here: https://www.blindveterans.org.uk/ If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected] Producer: James Hodgson Twitter: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a now annual Battleground tradition, for a special Christmas treat we've recorded a special festive episode discussing the standout history books of the year, and the wider stories that surround them. Patrick, Saul, and Roger are joined by friends of the podcast - fellow historian Jessie Childs and publicist and historical novelist Richard Foreman. Producer: James Hodgson Twitter: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Battleground Saul and Patrick report on the latest news from Ukraine, with things recently not going Kyiv?s way. The US Congress has blocked a $61 billion aid package for Ukraine and President Volodymyr Zelensky this week visited Washington in an attempt to persuade Republican politicians to change their mind. But will he succeed? Meanwhile Russia has hardened its bargaining position by demanding that Ukraine withdraws its troops from ?Russian territory? as a pre-requisite for any peace talks, and announcing that it will conduct voting for the 2024 presidential election in occupied Ukraine, likely in an attempt to legitimise the Russian occupation and Russian President Vladimir Putin?s rule.   They also answer some excellent listener?s questions and if you to send a question to Saul and Patrick you can send it to [email protected]  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Battleground Saul and Patrick discuss the announcement from Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu that the beginning of the end of Hamas is in sight in Gaza and presumably victory for the Israelis is imminent. They?ll be asking whether he?s right and whether a military victory can actually produce circumstances that bring an end to the overall conflict. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected] Producer: James Hodgson Twitter: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Battleground Ukraine Saul speaks to independent Russian journalist Maria. She discusses the trails of Ukrainian prisoners of war being held in the occupied regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, the effect sanctions are having on the Russian population, and on the wider feeling among Russians about the war in Ukraine. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected] Producer: James Hodgson Twitter: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Battleground Saul and Patrick react to the news that the ceasefire in Gaza has collapsed, with Israel resuming its air and ground offensive and civilians continuing to die in large numbers. They also discuss the mood inside Israel, with some criticism of the Israeli government strategy coming from inside Israel because of concerns over the risks a resumption of hostilities brings to the hostages that Hamas are still holding. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected] Producer: James Hodgson Twitter: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Battleground Ukraine, Saul David speaks to David Patrikarakos from our sister podcast Disorder. David has just returned from Ukraine where he has been reporting on and off since the initial Russian Invasion in 2014. He discusses what he's witnessed recently and over the whole of his time in Ukraine and how the nature of warfare is changing both on the battlefield and on the propaganda front. If you're interested in listening to David's own podcast Disorder - you can find it here: https://linktr.ee/disorderpod If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected] Producer: James Hodgson Twitter: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Battleground Patrick Bishop and Saul David discuss the welcome pause in the fighting in Gaza as the hostage for prisoner exchange process continues. They also turn their attention to what comes next, asking whether the refocussing of the world?s attention on the Israel-Palestine problem will bring any realistic expectation of progress on establishing a lasting peace. Helping them tackle that question is guest Jason Pack, a veteran Middle East analyst who has his own thoughts on how a start could be made by handing over Gaza to joint administration by a coalition of Arab states. If you're interested in listening to Jason's own podcast Disorder - you can find it here: https://linktr.ee/disorderpod If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected] Producer: James Hodgson Twitter: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Battleground Ukraine - Saul David and Patrick Bishop assess what has been a week of mostly depressing news for Ukraine, with only the occasional shaft of light dispelling the gloom. They look at signs that President Zelensky?s government is losing patience with his military commanders, reports that Iran could soon send ballistic missiles to Russia, and frontline Ukrainian soldiers have spoken about the fear that they cannot win a ?war of exhaustion?. They also address some fascinating listeners questions covering a wide variety of topics. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected] Producer: James Hodgson Twitter: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week's episode of Battleground Gaza, Saul and Patrick discuss the news that Israel and Hamas appear to be on the verge of agreeing a deal to bring about at least a temporary ceasefire in the war in Gaza. Coming at a crucial moment in the conflict when the world was beginning to wonder how long the IDF could continue the campaign in its current form. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected] Producer: James Hodgson Twitter: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of Battleground Ukraine - Saul and Patrick discuss the significant news from the front line this week that Ukrainian forces continue to expand their bridgehead on the east (left) bank of Dnipro river in Kherson oblast, southern Ukraine. Meanwhile Russia is trying to regain a theatre-wide initiative with several simultaneous offensive operations in eastern Ukraine. They also address the issue of manpower shortages for both sides, the mixed diplomatic messages that have emerged over the past week, and answer a variety of listener's questions. If you have any thoughts or questions on the conflicts in Ukraine or Gaza, you can send them to - [email protected] Producer: James Hodgson Twitter: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Battleground: Gaza - Saul and Patrick take a look at the latest developments in this divisive conflict. The battle of Gaza seems to have settled down into an attritional struggle in the rubble of the Gaza city, with the Israelis making limited progress. Whilst the civilian population are firmly in the firing line with locations like the Shifa hospital in the thick of the fighting. Discussing this, how the war is dividing societies outside of the Middle East, and the global diplomatic consequences, Saul and Patrick look at what those consequences might be and how they might figure in a possible eventual settlement. If you have any thoughts or questions on the conflicts in Ukraine or Gaza, you can send them to - [email protected] Producer: James Hodgson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this week's Battleground: Ukraine Saul and Patrick react to the big news this week ? an article written for the Economist by General Zaluzhnyi, the head of the Ukrainian armed forces, that seemed to suggest the counter-offensive had run out of steam and that the war had moved from one of movement to one of deadlock. They also asses a potentially significant move, that Ukrainian forces have transferred a limited number of armoured vehicles to the east (left) bank of the Dnipro in Kherson Oblast where they had established a bridgehead. If you have any thoughts or questions on the conflicts in Ukraine or Gaza, you can send them to - [email protected] Producer: James Hodgson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices