Battleground: Ukraine

This week on Battleground: Ukraine, Saul and Patrick discuss the increasing instances of strikes within Russia's borders, with drone attacks in Moscow in the past week, and whether this indicates a change in Ukrainian strategy. They also reflect on what appeared to be the largest drone attack on the Kyiv since the start of the war, and the effectiveness of Ukrainian air defences.

They also delve into some fascinating information shared by listeners and answer some of their questions.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's Big Interview, Saul and Patrick welcome back friend of the show Lieutenant Colonel Pavlo Khazan of the Ukrainian Army to the podcast. Originally an environmental scientist from the Dnipro region of Eastern Ukraine, Pavlo gives us an update on what his team has been up to, the impact of western aid, and his current perspective on the war.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Battleground: Ukraine, Saul and Patrick dissect an eventful week of news surrounding the ongoing war in Ukraine. Bakhmut has fallen to Prigozhin?s Wagner PMC - but is it a Pyrrhic victory that will ultimately cost the Russians dear? How significant is the momentous news that Ukraine will be provided with F-16 fighter jets? And they discuss the extraordinary events that saw anti-Kremlin fighters from the so-called Russian Freedom Legion capture a cluster of villages in Russia?s Belgogrod region.

They also answer a wide range of listeners questions.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's Big Interview, Saul and Patrick speak to British journalist and policy analyst - Anatol Lieven, who has recently returned from a trip to Ukraine. In a thought provoking and intriguing interview Anatol challenges some of the established positions and narratives surrounding the conflict, and raised concern about the prospect of Ukraine launching an offensive into Crimea.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Battleground: Ukraine - Saul and Patrick discuss all the latest developments in the past week, including the latest new weaponry the west has provided to the Ukrainians, the unfolding situation on the frontlines, and the evolving situation in the skies.

They also discuss a wide array of listeners points and questions, from Ukrainian challenges and countersigns to the sheer geographical scale of Ukraine.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's big interview Saul and Patrick speak to journalist and former lecturer of history at Oxford University - Dr Richard Lofthouse - who's recently returned from his second trip to Ukraine since the full scale invasion last year. He spoke to numerous people about their experiences, including the founder of the Georgian National Legion in Ukraine, Mamuka Mamulashvili.

He also explains his volunteer work with the charity car4ukraine.com which sources vehicles across Europe and the UK, modifies them, and sends them to the frontlines in Ukraine.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Saul and Patrick take a look at the latest developments surrounding the war in Ukraine, including the scaled-back Victory Day parade in Moscow that featured just a single tank, Wagner PMC boss Yevgeny Prigozhin's latest expletive-laden rant, and the recent developments coming out of the battle for Bakhmut.

They also answer a host of fascinating questions from our listeners.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joining Saul for this week's Big Interview is award winning British photographer Mark Neville. He emotionally describes his personal experience of the war as a resident of Ukraine in Kyiv, his recent book project - Stop Tanks With Books - released a matter of days before the full scale invasion, and his work helping those most in need, with the charity - postcode Ukraine.

If you would like to know more about Mark's charity or help out with donations, you can find more information at www.postcodeukraine.com

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Saul and Patrick gave their immediate reaction to the drone attack on the Kremlin, as news broke during the recording of this episode. They also analyse the huge losses that the Russians have suffered since the turn of the year, a peace proposal brought forward by Pope Francis, and answer some of the many listeners questions.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joining Saul to discuss a wide range of topics - from the Nord Stream pipeline sabotage - to Russia's failure to learn from its mistakes, is one of the most incisive commentators on the war - Professor Phillips O?Brien, head of the School of International Relations at the University of St Andrews. 

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Patrick and Saul discuss the latest developments as Russia prepares to defend the territory it holds in eastern Ukraine against Ukraine?s expected counteroffensive. This includes the latest round of sackings and promotions at the top, and an announcement that T-14 Armata tanks ? the most sophisticated that the Russians have ? are being sent to the battlefield. They also answer a host of fascinating listeners questions.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's big interview, Patrick ad Saul are joined by veteran reporter Philip Ittner - who at the outbreak of the full scale invasion headed straight to Ukraine - where he has remained since. He describes the situation on the ground in Ukraine and the palpable sense of suspense surrounding the much discussed upcoming Ukrainian counter-offensive.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Saul and Patrick discuss the latest twist in the extraordinary story of Wagner group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin. Only a few weeks ago it seemed that his star was waning ? instead it seems he?s back in favour with the man who matters ? Vladimir Putin. They also discuss the ongoing fallout from the US intelligence leak, and answer a wide variety of listeners questions.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Julius Strauss returns to the podcast in this week's interview, he's back in Ukraine and has been traveling across the country from Lviv in the the west, to close to the frontline in the East. He discusses some of the realities and tensions inside Ukraine - from the rift in the Orthodox Church to the use of Russian language by sections of the population.

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In this episode Saul and Patrick review the US intelligence leak and what this tells us about the reach of US intelligence, the state of the Ukrainian armed forces, and the consequences of the leak for the upcoming Ukrainian counter-offensive. They also discuss a couple of interesting developments within Russia: including reports that Wagner group boss Yevgeny Prigozhin is advancing his political aspirations by seeking to gain control of a Russian political party.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's interview discusses the decision by ICC judges to issue arrest warrants against Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova. Joining Saul and Patrick to delve into the topic are two Hague based journalists and hosts of international justice podcast Asymmetrical Haircuts - Janet Anderson and Stephanie van den Berg.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Battleground: Saul and Patrick cast doubt over claims by the Wagner group that they have more or less taken Bakhmut, they take a look at the possible suspects behind the assassination of a Russian military blogger in St Petersburg, and they look at Finlands rapid accession to NATO which doubles NATO's border with Russia. They also delve into a fascinating haul of listeners questions.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joining Patrick and Saul for this week's interview is Matteo Patrone - the Managing Director of Eastern Europe and the Caucasus (EEC) at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). He discusses the work the EBRD has done in Ukraine both since the collapse of communism in the 1990's and more recently since Russia's full scale invasion last year. He also sets out how much Ukraine will need in the process of reconstruction once the war is over.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Battleground: Ukraine, Saul and Patrick take a look at the latest changes in the Russian high command following their unsuccessful recent offensive, Putin's decision to deploy tactical nukes in Belarus, and celebrity visits to Kyiv.

They also answer some of the many listeners questions that have been sent in this past week.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joining Saul and Patrick for this week's big interview, is the current Director-General of the Royal United Services Institute - Dr Karin von Hippel. In this brilliant and wide ranging interview, she talks in depth about China Russia relations, their growing influence in Africa, and the difficulties the West faces in the future.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Friday's episode of Battleground: Ukraine, Saul and Patrick take a look away from the battlefield, at the big news this week - the visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Moscow. Also discussed is the decision by the International Criminal Court in The Hague to charge Vladimir Putin with war crimes, and Britain?s decision to include depleted uranium shells with the Challenger 2 tanks it is sending to Ukraine. They also spend time as ever, answering a great selection of listeners? questions.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joining Patrick for this week?s interview is Mark Urban, the diplomatic editor for BBC Newsnight, Military Historian, and former Tank Officer. He discusses a range of topics including: the Russian airborne assault on Hostomel airport, why Infantry Fighting Vehicles are significant, and how artillery remains critically important in modern warfare.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the latest episode of Battleground Ukraine, Saul and Patrick consider the logic of Ukraine?s decision to continue fighting for the city of Bakhmut, and they discuss reports that elements of the Russian armed forces ? including the elite Spetsnaz special forces - are suffering high desertions rates and, in some instances, are mutinying in the face of certain death. They also discuss listeners thoughts and questions.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joining Saul and Patrick in this weeks interview is leading cyber expert David Alexander, who tells us about the latest developments playing out in the cyber front of the war. He also shares his knowledge from his time as a fast jet pilot, about the role of drones in the conflict, and why you still need manned aircraft in conflicts today.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the Battle for Bakhmut looks as if it is reaching its climax, Saul and Patrick - equipped with information from a specialist insider briefing by Western officials, delve into the latest developments and look at where the Battle is likely to go. They also explore some rare details of Putin's personal life, and answer a multitude of fascinating listeners questions.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What can we learn about Putin's motivations for this war and how the conflict is likely to continue, by looking into Russian history? In our first in-depth interview, we hear from the brilliant historian, Simon Sebag Montefiore, the author of multiple prizewinning books on Russia. Sebag explains the historical relationship between Ukraine and Russia, how Putin fits into a long line of Russian autocratic rulers, and his assessment on how the conflict will play out.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Saul and Patrick discuss the main news coming from the battlefield, which is the growing possibility that the fighting to control the town of Bakhmut may be reaching a climax. Furthermore, they discuss the big diplomatic news from last week, the Chinese announcement of a 12 point plan to bring the war to an end.

Saul and Patrick also take a deeper dive into listeners questions, and Saul tells us about his exciting new project the Content Club - http://www.content-club.xyz

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marking a grim anniversary - one year since Russia's invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, Saul and Patrick reflect over what has happened in the past 12 months, and assess how the war and the commentary around it has evolved. Additionally, Lieutenant Colonel Pavlo Khazan makes a return to the podcast, speaking from his base on the frontlines around Zaporizhzhia.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Saul and Patrick discuss the Russian military incompetence which has resulted in, according to the British MoD, the heaviest rate of casualties for the Russians since the start of the war. They also talk to a remarkable woman Melania Podolyak who works for the Serhiy Prytula charity foundation, which delivers not only humanitarian aid to Ukrainian civilians but military kit and hardware including drones Ukrainian soldiers.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we spoke to the brilliant documentary filmmaker Olly Lambert, who discusses his experiences and takeaways from filming the incredible on-the-ground documentary - Ukraine: The People's Fight. Patrick and Saul also delve into the latest news and developments, and answer listeners questions.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Returning to the podcast this week is friend of the podcast Julius Strauss. He discusses the recent Russian advances and the impact this is having on Ukrainian morale, plus he gives his eyewitness account of a Russian jet being shot down by a Ukrainian Missile. Saul and Patrick also delve into the latest news, including the latest US military aid package and answer some listeners questions.

If you are interested in supporting Julius in his project to help injured and traumatised Ukrainian soldiers, then you can contact him at [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Saul and Patrick react to the huge development that Germany is finally releasing its Leopard II Tank's, and that the US is following suit by sending their M1 Abrams Tanks as well. Patrick also speaks to old friend and experienced war reporter Julius Strauss, who gives an excellent report from in and around the front lines

near Bakhmut.

If you have any questions you'd like to ask Patrick and Saul, please send them to - [email protected]

Disclaimer - episode contains some graphic descriptions over the handling of dead bodies, and is not suitable for children.

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Britain now sending Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine, Patrick and Saul discuss what impact this decision could have, and ask why other military equipment such as German made Leopard tanks have been held back. They also speak to Ukrainian historian and writer Dr Olesya Khromeychuk - author of The Death of a Soldier, Told by His Sister, who shares her experiences and gives her thoughts on the reaction of the western world to this conflict.

Any questions? - send them to [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Saul and Patrick speak to perhaps the most high profile British Army officer since the Second World War - the former head of the British Army - Sir Mike Jackson. Sir Mike shared his views on the institutional weaknesses in the Russian Military, why he won't rule out Russia turning the tide, and his reaction to recent comments by Prince Harry about his time in Afghanistan. Saul and Patrick also discuss the big announcement by the US, France, and Germany that they are sending armoured fighting vehicles to Ukraine, and the latest battlefield developments on the ground near Bakhmut.

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The unseen conflict happening in cyberspace is a key battleground in the war in Ukraine. So to tell us in detail about a relatively unknown area of the conflict, we spoke to one of Britain?s greatest experts, David Alexander - an academic who has worked at very senior level on the development of both national cyber policy and operational capability for both the UK Government and Ministry of Defence. Patrick and Saul also discuss Putin's New Year's speech, the Ukrainian HIMARS strike in Makiivka, and answer some listeners questions.

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are peace talks on the table? On this episode of Battleground: Ukraine, Saul and Patrick discuss the latest peace murmurings, the suspicious death of a Russian sausage magnate, and answer listeners questions. They also speak to the brilliant Mark MacKinnon, senior international correspondent for the Globe and Mail, Canada?s leading newspaper, who gave some fascinating insight into the early days of the conflict and China's stance on the war.

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this latest episode of Battleground: Ukraine, Saul and Patrick speak to leading British Military Historian Sir Hew Strachan, who gives his expert analysis on the conflict, and discusses the need for diplomacy to bring this conflict to an end. There is also some interesting discussion around issues and questions raised by our listeners.

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As a special Christmas treat we've recorded a festive bonus episode discussing over a glass of wine (or two!), the standout military history books of the year, and the wider stories that surround them. Patrick and Saul are joined by two good friends of theirs - fellow historian Jessie Childs and publicist and historical novelist Richard Foreman.

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's Battleground: Ukraine, Saul and Patrick speak to James Cowan - a decorated former British Army General who is now the CEO of the HALO Trust, the charity which removes dangerous ordnance left by war. He tells us how the war has impacted on HALO?s ability to carry out its work in Ukraine, as well as the effect it?s having on humanitarian efforts elsewhere in the world. The latest big news stories are discussed including the news that the Pentagon has given Ukraine the green light for drone strikes inside Russia.

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's Battleground: Ukraine, Saul and Patrick look at the British contribution to the war so far, speaking to veteran journalist and defence analyst Robert Fox.

Robert is a member of the International Institute for Strategic Studies and with excellent contacts with the British military, gives an insightful interview. They also discuss the latest big developments coming out of the war, and discuss some fascinating listeners questions.

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Battleground: Ukraine, our guest is Russian national Dr Ilya Yablokov - Lecturer in Digital Journalism and Disinformation at Sheffield University. Who gives a fascinating interview about his perspective on the how the situation is in Russia and how it is likely to unfold. Saul and Patrick also discuss the battlefield in Bakhmut and answer some of the listeners questions.

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is the reality of the situation on the frontline and in Kyiv? This week's guest is Colin Freeman, who is expertly placed to tell us, as he has recently returned from near the frontlines in Kherson. He gave us some valuable insight into what has actually been happening on the ground, the reality of life for Ukrainians, and the motivations of foreign volunteers fighting in Ukraine.

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It has been an eventful past week in the war in Ukraine, following the recapture of Kherson by Ukrainian forces, as well as a missile strike killing two in neighbouring NATO member state Poland. Joining Patrick and Saul to discuss all this and more is one of the most incisive commentators on the war - Professor Phillips O?Brien, head of the School of International Relations at the University of St Andrews.

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Battleground: Ukraine, our guest Iuliia Mendel - the former Press Secretary of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, gives some fascinating insight about the mindset of the Ukrainian leader. She travelled everywhere with him, and was present in his meetings with Vladimir Putin. Her book just out is: The Fight of Our Lives, which sheds light on where Ukraine was going before the war intervened

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With information about what is happening in the eastern and southern fronts getting harder to come by, Saul and Patrick speak to guest Owen Matthews. Owen is half Russian himself and has reported on and lived in Russia at key moments in its recent history, including since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, and he gives a brilliant analysis of how we got to where we are, and what is likely to happen next.

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As developments on the battlefield have slowed down in the past week, Saul and Patrick speak to the esteemed military historian, war reporter, and former newspaper editor Sir Max Hastings, who gives his perspective on the conflict and discusses worrying historical parallels. They also discuss and answer questions sent in by listeners. Want to send a question? Send it to [email protected]

producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Earlier this year after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz committed over 100 billion Euros to modernise the German Military. Joining Saul and Patrick to discuss this, and Germany's support for Ukraine so far, is Professor Matthias Strohn. 

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Battleground, Lieutenant Colonel Pavlo Khazan took a break from frontline action to discuss the latest Russian missile attacks, the possibility of a nuclear warhead being deployed, and what he thinks Ukraine's western allies should do.

Twitter: @PodBattleground

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The continuing success of Ukrainian forces has led to speculation that a complete collapse of the Russian Army could be forthcoming. This week Saul speaks to legendary Military Historian Anthony Beevor, about where the Russian Military is today. 

Twitter: @PodBattleground

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This week legendary war reporter Anthony Lloyd, discusses the media coverage that has surrounded the War in Ukraine and how this conflict has differed to others when reporting from the ground. Plus the latest developments this past week are discussed, including the Nord stream gas pipeline "sabotage' and Russians fleeing the draft. 

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