Battleground

Goalhanger

A history podcast that explores the narratives, turning points, and characters that shape conflicts, encompassing a blend of social and military history. Following on from the series on the Falklands War, best-selling military historians Patrick Bishop, Saul David, and Roger Moorhouse turn their attention every Friday to the war in Ukraine, and every Wednesday look back at the significant wars, events, and figures from conflicts around the world.Goalhanger Podcasts

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Today · 38 min
455. Trump, Putin, and Xi: Is a New Yalta Looming?
Roger Moorhouse and Patrick Bishop analyse the latest developments in the war, covering the diplomatic fallout from the Abu Dhabi talks and growing concerns over a potential "21st-century Yalta" at the upcoming APEC summit. The hosts examine stalling Russian advances, surging casualty figures, and President Zelenskyy’s pushback against Kremlin disinformation. They also discuss the intensifying winter air campaign, recent updates from the cybersphere—including NATO's proactive deterrence strategies—and listener questions on Russian mass mobilisation and strategic bombers. Join the Conversation: If you have a question about the war in Ukraine or any of the conflicts we cover, email us at podbattleground@gmail.com Follow us on: X - @PodBattleground Instagram - podbattleground Producer: James Hodgson A Goalhanger Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wednesday · 40 min
454. The Return of the Great Powers
In this episode of Battleground: The Big Picture, Roger Moorhouse is joined by Cambridge Professor Brendan Simms, to discuss his latest book, The Return of the Great Powers. Together, they explore the concept of "great power" through the lens of four core criteria—resources, reach, reputation, and resilience. The conversation examines why the world is shifting back into a multipolar system after decades of post-Cold War unipolarity, assessing the positions of the United States, China, Russia, France, and the UK. Professor Simms also shares his insights on European complacency, the realities of modern warfare and nuclear deterrence, and why his historical perspective ultimately offers a surprisingly optimistic outlook on the future of the West. Recommended reading: The Return of the Great Powers by Brendan Simms. Join the Conversation: If you have a question about the war in Ukraine or any of the conflicts we cover, email us at podbattleground@gmail.com Follow us on: X - @PodBattleground Instagram - podbattleground Producer: James Hodgson A Goalhanger Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
November 6 · 43 min
453. What do the US midterm results mean for the war in Ukraine?
In this episode of Battleground Ukraine, Saul David and Patrick Bishop break down the major political and military developments shaking the conflict, led by a stunning political backlash in the U.S. midterm elections that has left Donald Trump facing a newly empowered Democratic opposition in Congress. The discussion dives deep into the international and domestic ripple effects, covering everything from shifting peace negotiations to tactical realities on the ground: The U.S. Midterms & Foreign Policy: How the "blue tsunami" and a split Congress might act as a brake on White House policy, alongside the looming shadow of legal investigations facing key administration envoys. The Oleshky Evacuation & Humanitarian Realities: Analysing the numbers behind the temporary ceasefire brokered by First Lady Melania Trump, revealing how very few evacuees chose to head to Russia—shattering long-held political narratives. The Battlefront & Escalating Costs: New data on record Russian monthly casualties, relentless drone and missile strikes on Ukrainian civilian and energy infrastructure, and Ukraine's continued long-range strikes against Russian oil facilities. Cyber Warfare & Strategic Communications: Examining the bizarre hacking of emergency air raid applications in both countries and a major victory for a Ukrainian inter-agency team at NATO's strategic communications exercise. Internal Pressures & European Support: Addressing growing social tensions, mobilisation clashes inside Ukraine, public opinion trends regarding military aid across Europe, and listener questions exploring historical parallels from World War II and the debate over strategic bombers. Join the Conversation: If you have a question about the war in Ukraine or any of the conflicts we cover, email us at podbattleground@gmail.com Follow us on: X - @PodBattleground Instagram - podbattleground Producer: James Hodgson A Goalhanger Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
November 4 · 24 min
452. Operation Veles: Inside the Khartiia Corps' Subterranean Offensive
In this episode of Battleground: The Big Picture, Saul is joined once again by Volodymyr Dehtyarov, spokesperson for the Khartia Corps, to discuss the brutal realities of modern combat heading into the sixth year of the war. The discussion centres on Operation Veles, an extraordinary underground campaign where the Kharkiv Corps utilised gas pipelines to push Russian forces back 15 kilometres. Volodymyr details what it is like fighting in the cramped, high-stakes environment below ground—drawing parallels to historical tunnel warfare—while highlighting how innovative technologies like UGVs, drones, and electric scooters are transforming subterranean battlefields. The conversation also covers the broader strategic landscape: The evolving frontline: Assessing Ukraine's momentum in 2026, record Russian casualty numbers, and the shifting dynamics in Kharkiv and Kupiansk. Technological constraints & infrastructure: The localised impacts of US satellite limits on air defence, and relentless Russian targeting of civilian and energy infrastructure in the rear. Recruitment and foreign fighters: How Khartia is managing personnel demands through specialised tech roles and the National Guard's new international recruitment centre. Geopolitics and peace: Why hope is considered a "bad strategy," pushing Ukraine to double down on European defence partnerships and domestic military production. Join the Conversation: If you have a question about the war in Ukraine or any of the conflicts we cover, email us at podbattleground@gmail.com Follow us on: X - @PodBattleground Instagram - podbattleground Producer: James Hodgson A Goalhanger Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
October 30 · 34 min
451. Putin's History Lesson and the Kupiansk Pipelines
In this episode of Battleground Ukraine, hosts Saul David and Roger Moorhouse break down the latest developments in the war, the complexities of international diplomacy, and critical frontline updates. The episode begins by analysing the recent 90-minute phone call between Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, and Vladimir Putin, which quickly devolved into a lecture on medieval Slavic history with zero mention of a ceasefire. Moving to the front lines, the hosts examine Operation Velesh, detailing how Ukrainian forces from the Khartiia Corps successfully utilised old gas pipelines to push back Russian troops by 15 kilometres on the Kupiansk front. The conversation also covers updates on the brief Starshield throttling controversy, Elon Musk's role, and the ongoing digital and cybersecurity challenges facing Ukraine. Additionally, Saul and Roger look at Melania Trump’s brokered ceasefire in Oleshky alongside lingering concerns over civilian safety and deportations. Finally, the listener Q&A segment features discussions on WWII leadership comparisons involving Churchill, Putin, and Trump, the UK’s tactical nuclear ambitions with F-35s, nuclear non-proliferation, and broader European political resolve. Join the Conversation: If you have a question about the war in Ukraine or any of the conflicts we cover, email us at podbattleground@gmail.com Follow us on: X - @PodBattleground Instagram - podbattleground Producer: James Hodgson A Goalhanger Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
October 28 · 38 min
450. Empire of Ashes: The Final Months of the Pacific War and Today's Nuclear Risks
In this episode of Battleground, host Saul David is joined by acclaimed historian and Pulitzer Prize finalist James M. Scott to discuss his brilliant new book, Empire of Ashes: Truman, Hirohito, and the Descent into Total War. Completing his gripping decade-long trilogy on the American aerial bombardment of Japan (following Target Tokyo and Black Snow), James delves into the dramatic final four months of the Second World War in the East. Together, Saul and James explore: The Scientific & Political Genesis: The massive secret undertaking of the Manhattan Project, the building of secretive atomic cities, and the heavy burden placed on President Harry Truman as he assumed office. Emperor Hirohito’s Delicate Peace Push: How the isolated Japanese leader navigated a military desperate for a catastrophic mainland showdown, ultimately pulling his nation back from total destruction. The Debate Over Use: The fierce moral and scientific opposition led by figures like Leo Szilard, the calculation of staggering potential invasion casualties, and whether Japan would have surrendered without the atomic bombs. In the second half of the conversation, the discussion pivots from 1945 to the modern day, examining the ongoing shadow of nuclear proliferation, the threat posed by reckless actors like Putin's Russia, the future of non-proliferation frameworks following actions regarding Iran, and how the existence of nuclear weapons uniquely reshapes global conflict. Finally, James shares his candid perspective on recent geopolitical developments surrounding Ukraine, shifting US policies, and how upcoming midterm elections could completely alter the political landscape. Join the Conversation: If you have a question about the war in Ukraine or any of the conflicts we cover, email us at podbattleground@gmail.com Follow us on: X - @PodBattleground Instagram - podbattleground Producer: James Hodgson A Goalhanger Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
October 23 · 48 min
449. The Axis of Self-Interest
If you're interested in supporting Sebastian and Ethan's Driving Ukraine initiative you can find their donation page here: https://donorbox.org/sebastianandethan And you can find more information about the charity here: https://drivingukraine.org In this episode of Battleground Ukraine, Patrick Bishop and Roger Moorhouse examine the shifting geopolitical landscape, rising political turbulence in Europe, and escalating hostility from Washington toward Ukraine. French Unrest & Le Pen's Programme: The hosts analyse the political consequences of recent mass disturbances across France, Marine Le Pen's pledge to phase out French bilateral assistance to Ukraine within six months, and comparisons to Italy's Giorgia Meloni and Germany's AfD. Washington's Strategic Pivot: A deep dive into Donald Trump's sharp rhetoric against President Zelensky, his decision to bypass the Lindsey Graham sanctions package, pursue a diesel deal with Moscow, and effectively align with Russia. Starlink Restrictions & Cyber Update: Reviewing cyber expert David Alexander's report on how speed limits introduced on Starlink/Starshield severely hampered Ukrainian drone defence and military operations. A Modern Yalta & St Petersburg Fallout: Discussion surrounding the alarming proposal for a tripartite meeting between Trump, Putin, and Xi Jinping, alongside Steve Witkoff's controversial diplomatic visit to St Petersburg. Listener Q&A: Patrick and Roger answer listener questions regarding the true motivations behind the diesel deal, Ukrainian targeting strategies and the Kerch Bridge, why the UK is providing jets to support Saudi Arabia against the Houthis, and whether upcoming US midterms will restrict Trump's foreign policy manoeuvres. Join the Conversation: If you have a question about the war in Ukraine or any of the conflicts we cover, email us at podbattleground@gmail.com Follow us on: X - @PodBattleground Instagram - podbattleground Producer: James Hodgson A Goalhanger Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
October 21 · 39 min
448. Out of Sight, Out of Mind: Protecting Our Most Vulnerable Infrastructure
Around 95% of international internet traffic, as well as vast amounts of energy and data, travels through fibre-optic cables and pipelines resting silently on the ocean floor. Despite being the invisible backbone of modern civilisation, this critical infrastructure remains largely unprotected and increasingly vulnerable to hybrid warfare and deliberate sabotage. In this episode of The Big Picture, host Roger welcomes Elisabeth Braw, Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council and author of The Undersea War: Ancient Law, Modern Sabotage, and the Struggle for the Ocean Floor. Together, they dive deep into the hidden vulnerabilities of our global maritime order, discussing: The Invisible Backbone: How a network of subsea cables—dating back to Victorian-era telegraph lines—powers our modern daily existence. Modern Sabotage & Shadow Fleets: Real-world case studies of subsea damage, including the cutting of Taiwan’s Matsu Islands cables and the "Christmas Day Massacre" in the Gulf of Finland involving the Russian-linked vessel Eagle S. Legal Grey Zones: Why UNCLOS (UN Convention on the Law of the Sea) and current international maritime law struggle to hold bad actors accountable in Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). Private Tech Giants as Cable Owners: The geopolitical implications of tech giants like Meta, Google, and Amazon owning subsea infrastructure—and the risks of private cyber-retaliation. A Path Forward: Braw’s proposal for an International Seabed Protection Alliance and a tribute to the "cable surgeons" who repair damaged infrastructure under extreme conditions. Join the Conversation: If you have a question about the war in Ukraine or any of the conflicts we cover, email us at podbattleground@gmail.com Follow us on: X - @PodBattleground Instagram - podbattleground Producer: James Hodgson A Goalhanger Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
October 16 · 30 min
447. The Starlink Betrayal Allegations
As winter approaches, Ukraine faces escalating pressure on both the battlefield and the diplomatic front. In this episode, Patrick Bishop and Saul David unpack alarming allegations from Kyiv that the U.S. government—via Starshield speed restrictions—temporarily crippled Ukraine's ability to track fast-moving ballistic missiles and coordinate frontline operations. The hosts analyse President Trump’s campaign to pressure President Zelenskyy into halting deep strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, alongside field reports on the grim conditions inside the fortress city of Sloviansk and the relentless drone threat in Kyiv. Also in this episode: Cyber Warfare Update: David Alexander breaks down recent Ukrainian drone strikes hitting Russia's primary cloud service provider, Yandex, and the arrest of a pro-Kremlin disinformation blogger in Montenegro. Listener Q&A: Patrick and Saul answer questions on whether Europe can ever truly bridge the massive intelligence and satellite gap left by the U.S., and examine how Russia is steadily losing its geopolitical hegemony in the South Caucasus and Central Asia. Join the Conversation: If you have a question about the war in Ukraine or any of the conflicts we cover, email us at podbattleground@gmail.com Follow us on: X - @PodBattleground Instagram - podbattleground Producer: James Hodgson A Goalhanger Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
October 14 · 31 min
446. The Weakness of the Powerful – Challenging Impunity with Nobel Laureate Oleksandra Matviichuk
In this episode of Battleground The Big Picture, host Patrick Bishop is joined by Oleksandra Matviichuk, head of the Centre for Civil Liberties and recipient of the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize. Oleksandra discusses the immense human toll of Russia's war on Ukraine, detailing how her team has documented over 100,000 war crimes while striving to return names and dignity to the victims. The conversation explores the urgent push to establish a special international tribunal for the crime of aggression to hold Vladimir Putin and his leadership accountable, the limitations and failures of existing global structures like the International Criminal Court and the United Nations, and the profound resilience of ordinary people in the face of global turbulence. Tune in for a powerful and thought-provoking discussion on how we can forge a new architecture of international justice, why Europe must move beyond "the weakness of the powerful," and why the defence of human rights matters for the future of the entire world. Join the Conversation: If you have a question about the war in Ukraine or any of the conflicts we cover, email us at podbattleground@gmail.com Follow us on: X - @PodBattleground Instagram - podbattleground Producer: James Hodgson A Goalhanger Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
October 12 · 40 min
445. Dinosaurs, Drones, and Nero's Rome
In this special edition of the Battleground podcast, host Saul David catches up with intrepid Hungarian war reporter Boldizsár Győri following his recent three-week, cross-country journey through Ukraine. From the shifting, higher-risk atmosphere in Kyiv under new high-speed drone and ballistic threats to a rare media visit inside a Western Ukrainian prisoner of war camp, Boldizsár shares firsthand accounts of what life looks like on the ground. They also dive deep into the brutal conditions in the eastern fortress belt—discussing the intense realities of Sloviansk, Kramatorsk, and an extraordinary visit to the historic Sviatohirsk Monastery caught in the crossfire—alongside a sober look at the latest international diplomatic efforts and the realities of modern artillery and electronic warfare. Key Topics Covered: The New Face of Air Defence & Drones in Kyiv: How faster, AI-assisted Geran drones and new weapon systems have changed the atmosphere and caution levels in the capital. POW Camps vs. Russian Prisons: A stark contrast between conditions for Russian POWs in a Western Ukrainian facility and the harrowing imprisonment experienced by a Ukrainian journalist held in Russia. Life in the East: The perilous conditions in Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, dwindling civilian populations, and the frontline work of signal intelligence, Caesar howitzers, and HIMARS units. The Sviatohirsk Monastery: Visiting centuries-old Orthodox monks and nuns living and surviving amid the ongoing frontline crossfire. Geopolitics & Ceasefires: Evaluating the feasibility of proposed energy ceasefires and the current outlook on international support. Join the Conversation: If you have a question about the war in Ukraine or any of the conflicts we cover, email us at podbattleground@gmail.com Follow us on: X - @PodBattleground Instagram - podbattleground Producer: James Hodgson A Goalhanger Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
October 9 · 41 min
444. Putin Continues to Test NATO
Ukraine’s war with Russia continues to evolve. Roger Moorhouse and Saul David examine Ukraine’s latest gains around Lyman, Russia’s increasingly aggressive “grey-zone” tactics, and the growing threat of the conflict spreading beyond Ukraine. They also discuss a major German spy scandal, the possibility of a new front in the Baltics, Russia’s costly “meat assaults”, Ukraine’s rapidly developing drone warfare, and whether the war could continue beyond Trump’s presidency. Join the Conversation: If you have a question about the war in Ukraine or any of the conflicts we cover, email us at podbattleground@gmail.com Follow us on: X - @PodBattleground Instagram - podbattleground Producer: James Hodgson A Goalhanger Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
October 7 · 37 min
443. Moscow, Washington, and the New World Order
In this episode of Battleground: The Big Picture, host Patrick Bishop sits down with veteran international affairs journalist and Economist editor-at-large Xan Smiley to reflect on the shifting geopolitical landscape between Europe, Moscow, and Washington. Drawing on his years as a former Moscow and Washington bureau chief, Xan reflects on: The Fall of the Soviet Order: What life was like inside late-1980s Moscow during the eras of glasnost and perestroika, the sudden collapse of the USSR, and how ordinary Russians fared through the turbulent 1990s privatisation. The Evolution of US-Russia Dynamics: From Ronald Reagan’s pivotal shift on Moscow’s "evil empire" to Donald Trump’s unprecedented posture toward Vladimir Putin. NATO and Kremlin Narratives: Unpacking the deep-seated Russian psyche of encirclement, the debate around NATO expansion, and the impact on the war in Ukraine. The Rise of Global Populism: The forces driving political polarisation and the rise of right-wing populist parties across Europe and America. Bright Spots of Progress: Why the economic and democratic transformation of Eastern and Central Europe remains one of the greatest success stories of the post-Cold War era. Join the Conversation: If you have a question about the war in Ukraine or any of the conflicts we cover, email us at podbattleground@gmail.com Follow us on: X - @PodBattleground Instagram - podbattleground Producer: James Hodgson A Goalhanger Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
October 2 · 1 hr 1 min
442. Operation Vivaldi & The Rise of the Unmanned Forces: Inside Ukraine's Drone Revolution
Want to support Matt's charity cycle raising money for SuperHumans? You can find his donation page here. www.justgiving.com/page/u2u In this episode of Battleground, hosts Patrick Bishop and Roger Moorhouse dive into the latest developments from the front lines in Ukraine, featuring a deep dive into the successful "Operation Vivaldi" counteroffensive in the Donbas. Later, Belgian war correspondent Arnaud De Decker joins to share insights from his exclusive, behind-the-scenes interview with Robert Brovdi (aka "Magyar"), head of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces. Key Topics Covered: Operation Vivaldi: How Ukraine liberated over 250 square kilometres in the Donbas using ground-dropping robots, heavy bomber drones, and clever deception tactics (Maskirovka). Inside the Underground Command: Journalist Arnaud De Decker describes his high-security journey to a secret command centre monitoring live battlefield feeds across hundreds of screens. Exclusive Interview Insights with "Magyar": Robert Brovdi’s take on why deep-strike drone attacks in Russia are only 5% of daily missions, the strategic goal of replacing infantry with unmanned systems, and the chilling prospects of autonomous AI warfare. Life in Kyiv & Winter Expectations: Frontline realities versus civil resilience in Kyiv as winter approaches under changing Russian drone tactics. Cyber Warfare & Mailbag: A report on Poland's Cyber Legion initiative and listener questions on the future of tanks and European missile defence systems. Join the Conversation: If you have a question about the war in Ukraine or any of the conflicts we cover, email us at podbattleground@gmail.com Follow us on: X - @PodBattleground Instagram - podbattleground Producer: James Hodgson A Goalhanger Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
September 30 · 40 min
441. Can Canada Take On the US? Mark Carney, Trade Wars, and the Battle for Sovereignty
In this episode of Battleground: The Big Picture, host Julius Strauss is joined by prominent Canadian political columnist and author Andrew Coyne to analyse the escalating trade tensions and unprecedented strain on Canada–US relations. The discussion covers the political shift in Canada following Mark Carney's election, the collapse of recent trade negotiations, the impact of US tariffs, and the broader threat posed to Canadian economic sovereignty. Julius Strauss writes the blog Back from the Front and also owns and runs Wild Bear Lodge, a bear-viewing lodge, in Canada. Check out both in the links below: Substack: https://backfromthefront.substack.com/ Wild Bear Lodge: https://wildbearlodge.ca/ Join the Conversation: If you have a question about the war in Ukraine or any of the conflicts we cover, email us at podbattleground@gmail.com Follow us on: X - @PodBattleground Instagram - podbattleground Producer: James Hodgson A Goalhanger Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
September 25 · 39 min
440. Is the Tank Back? Anti-Drone Tech and Starvation in Oleshky
In this episode of Battleground Ukraine, Saul David and Roger Moorhouse analyse the geopolitical fallout of Donald Trump signing the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, his push for Ukraine to halt refinery strikes, and President Volodymyr Zelensky’s proposal for a mutual energy ceasefire. They break down actual battlefield numbers versus Moscow’s exaggerated claims, how Australia’s Slinger counter-drone system is helping return armour to the front line, and a dire humanitarian situation in Russian-occupied Oleshky. Plus, a deep dive into the latest cyber warfare—from the UK’s new National Centre for Information Defence to high-profile election hacks and state-sponsored cyber operations—followed by listener questions on striking Russian infrastructure, national resilience, and UK defence procurement reform. Join the Conversation: If you have a question about the war in Ukraine or any of the conflicts we cover, email us at podbattleground@gmail.com Follow us on: X - @PodBattleground Instagram - podbattleground Producer: James Hodgson A Goalhanger Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
September 23 · 42 min
439. The Cauldron: How the Modern Middle East Was Really Made
In this episode of Battleground: The Big Picture, host Saul David sits down with prize-winning, internationally bestselling historian Simon Sebag Montefiore to discuss his book, The Cauldron: The Making of the Modern Middle East. Montefiore shares the intense, challenging process behind crafting a fact-based, source-grounded history of the region from 1900 to the present day—a project designed to cut through modern social media disinformation, anti-factual discourse, and toxic polarisation. He highlights the importance of moving beyond a narrow, traditional lens to recognise neglected humanitarian crises in North Africa, Syria, and Sudan, emphasising that every human life carries equal moral weight. The conversation explores key historical turning points across four distinct phases of modern Middle Eastern history: The agency of local regional leaders, contrasting self-made figures like King Abdulaziz Al Saud with traditional top-down imperial narratives. The complex collapse of the Ottoman Empire, early nationalist movements, and the tragic targeting of minorities such as the Armenians. Strategic military lessons drawn from historical operations like the 1976 Entebbe raid and why lasting security requires political compromise alongside military capability. The deeper, overarching battle of ideas within Islam, contrasting radical revolutionary Islamism with more open-minded, cosmopolitan visions. The forgotten origin story of the region's modern borders, explaining how most Middle Eastern nation-states were created in the wake of the two World Wars. Join the Conversation: If you have a question about the war in Ukraine or any of the conflicts we cover, email us at podbattleground@gmail.com Follow us on: X - @PodBattleground Instagram - podbattleground Producer: James Hodgson A Goalhanger Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
September 18 · 39 min
438. Boiling the Frog: Russian Hybrid Warfare at NATO’s Doorstep
In this episode of Battleground Ukraine, Saul David and Patrick Bishop examine the latest geopolitical fallout following Jared Kushner’s controversial peace deal statements and Donald Trump’s calls for Ukraine to halt energy strikes. They unpack the domestic political implications—including the passing of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act—and analyse whether the administration's stance crosses the line into treason. Geopolitical & Diplomatic Turbulence: The hosts discuss Jared Kushner's claims that an agreement has been reached on all issues except territorial ones, why his logic is fundamentally flawed, and how Russian officials contradicted his claims. They also examine the funding behind Donald Trump Jr.'s wedding by a Russian oligarch. US Legislative Action: A look at the Senate and House passing aggressive new sanctions against Russia's energy, defence, and shadow fleet sectors, overriding opposition despite pressure on Ukraine. Front-line Dynamics & Deep Strikes: According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Ukrainian forces have contested the initiative and launched successful counter-attacks in Kupiansk, Oleksandrivka, and Lyman. Meanwhile, Ukraine launched its deepest strike yet—hitting gas facilities nearly 3,000 kilometres inside Russia. Escalations Near NATO Borders: Analysis of Russian hybrid warfare, including a drone downed in Lithuania by Italian NATO jets, a strike on a Ukrainian train station just after Boris Johnson passed through, and a Russian frigate firing flares at a Danish helicopter. Russian High Command Losses: The elimination of two more senior Russian officers—Lt. Gen. Sergei Milshukov and Maj. Gen. Anton Grunis—bringing the total to 24 generals lost in the conflict. Cyber Updates & Disinformation: How pro-Ukrainian operations hit Russian networks with massive DDoS attacks, and how the Russian group Matryoshka launched targeted disinformation campaigns following German regional elections. Listener Questions: Saul and Patrick answer questions about EU-China trade tit-for-tats over sanctions, the military and ethical pitfalls of targeting Russian oligarchs, Ukraine's growing domestic ballistic missile capabilities, and why casualty figures haven't sparked a domestic uprising in Russia. Join the Conversation: If you have a question about the war in Ukraine or any of the conflicts we cover, email us at podbattleground@gmail.com Follow us on: X - @PodBattleground Instagram - podbattleground Producer: James Hodgson A Goalhanger Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
September 16 · 42 min
437. The Human Element of War: Iain MacGregor on Morale, Tech, and Ukraine
In this episode of Battleground: The Big Picture, host Patrick Bishop is joined by publisher and military historian Iain MacGregor to explore how the past illuminates the present and future of warfare. Drawing from his book Battle: The Moments That Transformed Warfare From Ancient Greece to Ukraine, MacGregor discusses the enduring principles of war—morale, leadership, innovation, subterfuge, and numbers—across history's pivotal conflicts. Key Highlights The Human Element & Family History: MacGregor shares how his family's military lineage inspired his focus on the lived experiences of ordinary soldiers rather than just high-level strategy. Morale on the Battlefield: A comparative look at the Ukrainian defence of Kyiv versus Russian public sentiment. MacGregor offers first-hand insights into how ordinary Russians endure conflict and view state patriotism. Leadership in Modern Conflict: The conversation examines modern political and military leadership, contrasting domestic command structures with international coalition responses. Game-Changing Innovation: MacGregor discusses the evolution of war-altering tech—from historical turning points like radar and armour to the cost-effective, high-impact role of drones on the modern battlefield. Subterfuge & Satellite Surveillance: Why traditional mass-scale military deceptions are yielding to modern intelligence, drone technology, and digital information warfare. Democracies and Casualty Tolerances: An exploration of how public information and civilian backing shape military capabilities in Western democracies compared to authoritarian regimes. Join the Conversation: If you have a question about the war in Ukraine or any of the conflicts we cover, email us at podbattleground@gmail.com Follow us on: X - @PodBattleground Instagram - podbattleground Producer: James Hodgson A Goalhanger Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
September 12 · 26 min
436. Walking into the Grey Zone: A Frontline Report with Boldizsár Győri
In this special standalone edition, host Roger Moorhouse and co-host Patrick Bishop speak with intrepid war reporter Boldizsár "Boldi" Győri following his latest trip to Ukraine. Boldi provides a vivid look into the current atmosphere in Kyiv, where residents face modified S-300 and S-400 Russian missile strikes with minimal warning and a shortage of Patriot interceptor missiles. Despite the air campaign, he highlights that civilian morale remains intact, supported by local preparations for the coming winter and a deep connection to those serving at the front. Boldi recounts his experiences on the front line in the east, detailing the extreme isolation of infantrymen supplied by expendable, Mars-rover-like ground drones in the grey zone. He describes travelling with the 24th Brigade near Kramatorsk, following middle-aged green recruits—former miners, taxi drivers, and salesmen—as veteran "reconnaissance infantrymen" give them crash courses before navigating heavily targeted, drone-saturated terrain. The episode also covers the gradual evacuation of Kramatorsk under the threat of Russian FPV drones and glide bombs, the harsh economic realities for internally displaced families and pensioners, and the inspiring story of former Mariupol POWs who survived captivity and returned to Kyiv to build their own veteran-run clothing brand. Join the Conversation: If you have a question about the war in Ukraine or any of the conflicts we cover, email us at podbattleground@gmail.com Follow us on: X - @PodBattleground Instagram - podbattleground Producer: James Hodgson A Goalhanger Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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