Battleground

In this episode of The Big Picture, host Roger Moorhouse is joined by Polish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Radek Sikorski for an in-depth discussion on European security, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and the evolving threat posed by Moscow.

Minister Sikorski assesses how the conflict has reshaped NATO’s eastern flank and forced Europe to confront years of strategic complacency, he addresses the realities of Russia’s military capabilities and hybrid warfare tactics, the challenges facing Ukrainian refugees, and the delicate path towards EU integration.

Sikorski also offers a frank perspective on historical memory between Poland and Ukraine, the credibility of NATO’s Article 5 under a changing political landscape in Washington, and why Europe must urgently build its own core defence capacity.

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Producer: James Hodgson

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Hosts Patrick Bishop and Roger Moorhouse take a look at the latest shifting political dynamics surrounding US-Ukraine relations. They unpack the recent White House meeting between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the potential transactional nature of future US support, and the growing role of Ukraine’s defence industry.

Then, Belgian journalist Arnaud De Decker joins the show for an extended interview to share his eyewitness perspective on the war. Returning from an embed with an FPV drone unit in the Donbas, Arnaud offers a vivid account of the reality inside the "kill zone", the rapid integration of ground drones and fibre-optic tech, and a harrowing close encounter with a Russian drone. He also breaks down the domestic fallout from high-level Ukrainian military shake-ups, the stark realities facing soldiers on the front lines, and briefly discusses his recent reporting on the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Sudan.

Key Topics Covered:

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Producer: James Hodgson

A Goalhanger Podcast

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In this installment of Battleground: The Big Picture, host Saul David sits down with Al Carns—Labour MP for Birmingham Selly Oak, former Royal Marines colonel, SBS veteran awarded the Military Cross and Distinguished Service Order, and former Minister for the Armed Forces.

Carns opens up about his transition from a stellar 24-year military career into politics, driven by the realization that modern technology—specifically AI, low-cost drones, and data integration—has fundamentally transformed the character of warfare.

Drawing direct lessons from the battlefield in Ukraine, the former Defence Minister makes a compelling case for why Western defence forces must pivot away from slow, expensive, traditional hardware procurement and towards scalable, tech-enabled mass.

The discussion also dives deep into:

Tune in for an unvarnished, highly knowledgeable perspective on modern warfare and the hard choices facing defence policy today.

Coming up next: Look out for Friday's extended interview with Belgian war correspondent Arnaud De Decker on modern drone units in Ukraine, followed by Roger Moorhouse interviewing Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski next week!

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Producer: James Hodgson

A Goalhanger Podcast

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Hosts Roger Moorhouse and Patrick Bishop return to discuss the latest critical developments in the war, starting with a major strategic shift in Ukraine's drone targeting.

The hosts break down Ukraine's long-range strikes against distribution centres belonging to Wildberries—Russia’s largest online retailer—which have left facilities destroyed, killed nine people, and caused widespread economic disruption. While Russian sources denounce the strikes as terrorism, Ukrainian sources and President Zelenskyy maintain that the retailer forms a key part of Russia's military supply chain, distributing items like body armour, drone parts, and sanctioned electronics.

The hosts also examine the ongoing political and military drama at the top of Ukraine's armed forces. Following public backlash over the sacking of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi has also been removed and replaced by Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi, a modern, reform-minded commander.

Highlights:

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Producer: James Hodgson

A Goalhanger Podcast

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Despite holding vast mineral wealth and being on track to represent 40% of the global population by the end of the century, Africa remains largely overlooked in global political and economic discussions. Why does a continent with such massive potential continue to be sidelined on the world stage?

In this episode of Battleground: The Big Picture, host Patrick Bishop is joined by author, journalist, and former foreign correspondent Michela Wrong. Drawing on over 30 years of reporting on the continent, Michela breaks down the complex geopolitical forces shaping modern Africa:

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Producer: James Hodgson

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A week of major military successes for Ukraine is overshadowed by a self-inflicted political crisis in Kyiv.

Hosts Saul David and Patrick Bishop break down President Volodymyr Zelensky's highly controversial dismissal of both his Prime Minister, Yulia Svyrydenko, and the young, popular, and deeply effective Defence Minister, Mykhailo Fedorov. The hosts explain why this move is being called Zelensky's "biggest mistake since the start of the full-scale invasion," sparking mass protests across Ukraine.

On a brighter note, the hosts look at a massive new defence pact with France, which has handed Ukraine the blueprints to co-produce SCALP EG cruise missiles and Aster air defence missiles. Meanwhile, Ukraine's relentless drone campaign triggers a massive Russian fuel deficit, causing fistfights at petrol pumps and halting shipping routes.

Quick Highlights:

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Producer: James Hodgson

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"If Zelenskyy decides to remove Fedorov, it’s gonna be his biggest mistake during the war."

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Battleground: The Big Picture, where we cut through the fog of information to bring you the unfiltered reality of global conflicts.

In this episode, we sit down with Oleksiy Sorokin, the co-founder and deputy chief editor of The Kyiv Independent.

Oleksiy pulls back the curtain on the immense pressures facing the free press in Ukraine, the shifting dynamics of power within the Zelenskyy administration, and the ground-level realities of combating sophisticated Russian disinformation. From the decline of oligarch rule to the critical military dependency on Western air defence, this episode offers an essential, clear-eyed look at the internal and external forces shaping the future of the region.

Highlights:

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Producer: James Hodgson

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A major shift in Washington policy headlines a fraught NATO summit in Ankara.

This week, Patrick Bishop and Saul David break down Donald Trump’s surprising warming of relations with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, marked by a critical deal allowing Ukraine to co-produce Patriot missile interceptors to defend its cities from brutal Russian ballistic strikes. Meanwhile, JD Vance signals a massive change in American tone, acknowledging that Russian offensives are achieving almost nothing on the battlefield.

The hosts also unpack the tightening noose around occupied Crimea as Ukrainian strikes trigger a full-scale logistics collapse, forcing Russia to take the drastic step of banning diesel exports to safeguard domestic fuel. Plus, a look at European defense gridlock, a massive hack by Ukraine's IT Army, and a philosophical dive into why Ukrainian democratic traditions breed out-of-the-box military ingenuity while Russia relies on rigid authority.

Quick Highlights:

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Producer: James Hodgson

A Goalhanger Podcast

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This week, Roger Moorhouse sits down with exiled Russian journalist and Deutsche Welle commentator Konstantin Eggert for a candid look inside the Russian psyche. As Ukrainian long-range strikes push the realities of war onto Moscow’s doorstep, Eggert explains why the average Russian remains passive, how the Kremlin relies on life-changing sign-up bonuses to avoid mass mobilisation, and why the regime's true vulnerability lies in economic collapse rather than social solidarity.

Highlights:

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Producer: James Hodgson

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The clock is ticking on Vladimir Putin's presidency as Ukraine’s 40-day deep-strike campaign forces a "logistics lockdown" on occupied territories. This week, Saul David and Patrick Bishop break down the surgical precision of Starlink-guided Zvezducha drones paralyzing Russian supply lines.

They also confront tough realities on both sides of the frontline, discussing catastrophic Russian casualty rates alongside a troubling investigation into misconduct within an elite Ukrainian regiment. Plus, a look at rumoured friction between Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Valerii Zaluzhnyi over potential autumn elections, and a breakdown of the UK’s messy new defense investment plan.

Highlights:

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Producer: James Hodgson

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In the final episode of their latest journey through Ukraine, the team gathers in Lviv to reflect on a deeply moving and sobering trip.

The day begins with dramatic news: Hungarian journalist and team fixer, Boldi, was detained for five and a half hours of polite but intense questioning by the SBU (Ukrainian Secret Service). After attempting to investigate a Russian rocket strike on the strategic Druzhba oil pipeline near Brody.

Key Reflections from the Ground:

The team concludes with a look at the collective, undeniable energy of the Ukrainian people that continues to inspire anyone who witnesses it.

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/

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Producer: James Hodgson

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In this episode of Battleground, hosts Patrick Bishop and Roger Moorhouse explore what feels like a momentous and highly unpredictable phase of the war in Ukraine.

They unpack the strategic fallout from the G7 summit in Evian, where Donald Trump declared that America has "nothing to do with this war"—a stark statement contrasted by reports of his private, enthusiastic meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky over Ukraine's long-range strikes. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov laments the shifting diplomatic landscape.

Patrick and Roger also dive deep into the current battlefield realities, dissecting Russia's infiltration tactics and propaganda stunts in the critical city of Kostiantynivka. They look at the severe logistics degradation and worsening manpower shortages facing the Kremlin, highlighting a wave of aggressive draft raids across European Russia that are sparking local panic and resistance.

Key Topics Discussed:

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In this episode, Saul David and Julius Strauss travel to western Ukraine to visit the remarkable Superhumans Center in Lviv—a state-of-the-art reconstructive surgery and rehabilitation hospital addressing a staggering crisis of an estimated 100,000 amputees nationwide.

They sit down with Eddie Scott, a British volunteer who survived catastrophic, near-fatal injuries while conducting humanitarian work in Ukraine. Instead of returning to the UK, Eddie chose to stay and now serves as the centre’s Senior Media Manager and global ambassador. In a deeply moving and raw conversation, Eddie shares his journey of physical and psychological recovery, the unique spirit of unity he finds in Ukraine, and delivers a blistering, urgent message to a Western world he fears is growing dangerously indifferent to the ongoing conflict.

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

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Producer: James Hodgson

A Goalhanger Podcast

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In a remarkably mixed bag of an episode, Roger Moorhouse and Saul David explore whether the war is finally "coming home" to ordinary Russians as a systematic Ukrainian degradation campaign triggers widespread fuel shortages and chaos across fifty-three Russian regions.

The team breaks down Ukraine's multi-strand, hybrid strategy: disabling crucial land bridges to isolate the Crimean Peninsula, mocking Moscow's air defenses with daylight refinery raids, and the geopolitical shockwave of Belarus' Alexander Lukashenko publicly apologizing to President Zelensky. They also dive into a historical comparison to the 1944 Normandy breakout, asking if we are on the cusp of a major Russian battlefield collapse.

Featured Interview: Later in the episode, intrepid Hungarian war reporter Boldi Gyori joins the podcast from Budapest. He shares deeply moving—and at times gruesome—firsthand accounts from his recent trip to the liberated but heavily targeted city of Kherson. Boldi details the terrifying reality of the Russian "human safari," where drone pilots use civilians for target practice, distance-mining litters the streets with "flower petal" explosives, and local volunteers brave "the blue hour" to evacuate the vulnerable and the deceased.

(Warning: This episode contains graphic descriptions of civilian suffering and war casualties.)

Plus, in the Q&A:

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Producer: James Hodgson

A Goalhanger Podcast

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In this episode of Battleground Ukraine, Saul David and Julius Strauss check in from the bustling Kyiv Railway Station after completing a train journey from Kharkiv. Despite ongoing Russian infrastructure attacks that have heavily impacted the national grid, Ukraine’s rail network continues to prove itself as the resilient, indispensable artery keeping the country moving in wartime.

The hosts explore how Ukraine’s railways have defied Western calls for "efficiency rationalisation"—revealing how their old-school, deep-reserve structure has actually saved them from collapse. They also examine Russia's evolving, aggressive strategy of targeting critical civilian infrastructure and how it measures up against international law.

Diving Deep on Ukraine's Anti-Corruption Battle

In the second half of the episode, the hosts sit down after their remarkably candid conversation with Executive Director of Transparency International Ukraine - Andrii Borovyk to unpack the high-stakes battle against internal corruption—a fight critical to Ukraine's aspirations of joining the European Union.

Key highlights from their discussion include:

What's Coming Friday: Don't miss our next episode, featuring an exclusive, boots-on-the-ground report from friend of the show Boldi Gyori, who just spent a week in Kherson—arguably one of the most dangerous frontline cities in Ukraine right now.

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

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Producer: James Hodgson

A Goalhanger Podcast

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"History moves gradually, then suddenly."

As Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine crosses a somber milestone—matching the exact duration of the First World War at 1,568 days—co-hosts Saul David and Patrick Bishop analyse what feels like a definitive "hinge moment" in the conflict. This week, the tide is turning rapidly in Ukraine’s favour, driven by an extraordinary and relentless intermediate-range drone campaign that Russia seems entirely incapable of combating.

In part one of this deep dive, Saul and Patrick break down how Ukrainian drone pilots have effectively seized control of critical Russian supply lines, including the vital M14 highway, forcing the Kremlin into a logistical catastrophe. From frontline reports of Russian soldiers reduced to acting as supply mules to panic-buying and fuel rationing in occupied Crimea, the vital organs of the Russian war machine are under heavy fire.

The hosts also examine the broader strategic landscape: Russia's deepening diplomatic isolation following pivotal elections in Armenia, the restructuring of Ukraine’s armed forces into powerful army corps, and the geopolitical chess match behind President Zelenskyy’s latest peace feelers.

Later in the episode, the guys dive into the listener mailbag to answer your questions on:

Plus, a cyber security update on big tech's shifting role in the war, and a look back at the incredible, viral response to their recent interview with Ukrainian special operations forces operative Katya Ratushna.

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As the war in Ukraine enters its fourth year , Europe finds itself facing a monumental geopolitical shift. With the United States under an erratic presidency taking a highly transactional, unpredictable approach to its historic alliances , the transatlantic network that has guaranteed Western security for eighty years is under profound strain. Can Europe truly step up to secure its own future , or is the dream of "strategic autonomy" just a lot of hot air?

In this episode, hosts Patrick Bishop and Roger Moorhouse sit down with historian, author, and political commentator Dr. Helene von Bismarck. Together, they unpack the fragile state of European diplomacy, the erosion of international norms , and the rising tide of populism that threatens to derail Western resolve.

They also dive into Helene’s latest book, Fantastic Kingdom: A Foreigner's Portrait of the United Kingdom. Helene offers a sharp, constructive, yet brutally honest perspective on Britain’s current grand strategic blindness, its inward-looking political debate, and the dangerous intersection between the global security crisis and the domestic crisis of liberal democracy.

In this episode, we discuss:

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In this episode, Patrick and Roger dive into what has officially become the new reality: Ukraine has gained the upper hand in the war against Russia.

We break down the stunning and deeply embarrassing Ukrainian drone strikes on St Petersburg and the Kronstadt naval base—timed perfectly to shatter Vladimir Putin's illusion of stability right as he hosted his flagship economic forum. Not only did these strikes degrade Russia's crucial energy sector, but they successfully sank a Russian Navy corvette, the Boikiy, right in the headquarters of the Baltic Fleet.

As Russia resorts to press-ganging occupied citizens and faces a widening budget deficit due to unsustainable military spending, we ask a critical question: With the US under Donald Trump seemingly losing interest and stepping back, can Europe fill the diplomatic and military vacuum to maintain this forward momentum?

To help answer this, we are joined by renowned historian, author, and political commentator Dr. Helene von Bismarck. We get her expert diplomatic perspective on a weakening Russia, a strengthening Ukraine, and what comes next for European security.

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

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As the brutal conflict continues, Ukraine is fighting a war on multiple fronts—not just in the trenches, but internally within the corridors of power against a long-standing weapon of Kremlin information warfare: the accusation of irredeemable corruption.

In this episode, hosts Saul David and Julius Strauss sit down in Kyiv with Andrii Borovyk, the executive director of Transparency International Ukraine, for a brutally honest assessment of where the country stands today. Borovyk pulls back the curtain on the Global Corruption Perception Index, exploring how Ukraine remarkably managed to stabilize and even improve its score during wartime—a feat virtually unheard of for a nation in conflict.

The conversation dives deep into the high-stakes friction between wartime efficiency and democratic transparency, covering:

The Reality of the Index: Exactly where Ukraine sits globally, how its score compares to neighbours like Hungary and Slovakia, and why the metric is about external perception rather than a direct measurement of ground-level corruption.

The High-Stakes U-Turn: The dramatic, late-night political maneuvering surrounding a controversial bill aimed at bringing anti-corruption agencies under political control, the ensuing public protests, and the resulting erosion of international trust.

Watchdogging under Fire: How Transparency International Ukraine operates on the policy and legislative levels, saves millions for the state budget through public procurement monitoring, and the institutional distrust surrounding agencies like the State Bureau of Investigations.

The Leadership Report Card: A candid evaluation of Ukrainian leadership—from Yanukovych to Poroshenko and Zelenskyy—in their historical and current fights against corruption.

The Path Forward: The heavy influence of international leverage (like the EU and IMF) on pushing reforms forward, and a sobering look at Ukraine's post-war future, demographic challenges, and shifting immigration needs.

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

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Producer: James Hodgson

A Goalhanger Podcast

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In this episode of Battleground Ukraine, Roger Moorhouse and Saul David analyse a week defined by Russian escalation, psychological warfare, and deep structural fractures behind the frontline.

The Kremlin has intensified its campaign of domestic terror, launching a brutal round of strikes against Kyiv. Among the targets was the newly refurbished Chornobyl Museum—a deeply symbolic attack on historical truth and memory. Russia's deployment of the nuclear-capable Oreshnik ballistic missile has drawn fierce international condemnation, with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas slamming it as "reckless nuclear brinkmanship."

Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has warned US diplomats to evacuate the capital ahead of planned "systematic strikes"—a move the team discusses as classic coercive diplomacy designed to fracture Western support. The hosts also unpack the murky diplomatic fallout surrounding a deadly strike on a dormitory in occupied Starobilsk, a location that carries chilling historical echoes of the 1940 Katyn Massacres.

Despite Russia's aggressive rhetoric, the strategic picture tells a different story. Ukraine’s targeted long-range drone strategy continues to bite, successfully shutting down the massive Syzran oil refinery deep inside Russian territory and shifting battlefield momentum. This pressure is exposing cracks within Moscow itself, as reports emerge of an unprecedented split between "hawks" and "doves" among Russia's elite military analyst class.

Finally, Roger and Saul dive into the listener mailbag to answer your questions on:

Whether Russian electronic jamming is sending Ukrainian drones off-course into civilian buildings.

The legal complexities and political fallout surrounding third-party Russian oil sanctions.

The terrifying reality of Putin's nuclear brinkmanship.

Whether the high-tech, 20-to-1 casualty ratio achieved in Kupiansk can be replicated across the entire front line.

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

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On their final night in Kharkiv, Saul, Boldi, Kim, and Julius gather for a debrief to reflect on a city caught between extreme opposites. Fresh off an overnight train from Odesa, they arrived just in time for International Women’s Day—witnessing a blue-sky celebration of smiles and flowers juxtaposed against the smoking ruins of a freshly struck residential building.

They dive deep into the unique friction of daily life in Kharkiv, where air sirens have become a permanent backdrop to existence. They share extraordinary firsthand accounts from the ground, including:

A Surreal Encounter: The story of a traumatised survivor pushing a fistful of valuable Russian rubles toward them, declaring that the currency must have dropped straight out of the bomb.

The Kupiansk Dynamic: A look at the fluid, nearby front lines where Ukrainian forces are currently encircling the last holdouts of Russian troops.

Institutional Hurdles: A candid discussion on the Ukrainian army’s struggle to scale innovation from elite units like the Khartiia brigade down to the "no-name" brigades.

The Russian Way of War: An analysis of Russia's ability to learn as an organisation over a long war, balanced against their history of devastating troop losses.

Finally, the team explores the evolving and complex role of women on the front lines. From a compelling interview with Katya—a special operations soldier who warns that Kyiv is now the more dangerous destination—to a Khartiia brigade story about female staff members turning down traditional Women's Day gifts in favour of a day on the rifle range, this episode highlights the unbreakable, "reinforced concrete" character of the Ukrainian people.

The team wraps up as they prepare to catch an early morning train to Kyiv to see what the next chapter of their journey holds.

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

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Producer: James Hodgson

A Goalhanger Podcast

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Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, a chilling question has continuously loomed over the international community: how real is the threat of a nuclear escalation? While the nuclear dimension has historically overshadowed the conflict, the rules of engagement and atomic posturing are constantly shifting.

In this episode, host Roger Moorhouse sits down with one of the world's leading nuclear experts, Matt Korda, to pull back the curtain on the subtle, dangerous games of atomic signalling being played by both sides.

Korda breaks down the stark contrast between Vladimir Putin’s aggressive public rhetoric and NATO’s quieter, tactical show of force—from Cold War-style bomber flights along borders to the rare surfacing of a US ballistic missile submarine off the coast of Norway.

Together, they explore:

The Art of Moving Goalposts: How NATO successfully calling Putin’s bluffs on supposed "red lines" (like sending tanks and aircraft) has redefined the perceived limits of nuclear deterrence.

Russia's Evolving Nuclear Doctrine: An inside look at the text of Moscow's updated criteria for nuclear deployment, including its expansive shift toward countering conventional threats.

The Belarus Mirror: What Russia’s deployment of nuclear weapons to Belarus actually means for international law, and whether it echoes the US/NATO hosting agreements.

An Arsenal in Disrepair: The alarming state of Russia's degrading infrastructure under the weight of sanctions, poor quality control, and recent high-profile failures—including the Sarmat ICBM exploding inside its own launch silo.

Don't miss this clear-eyed, gripping analysis of a subject that continues to shape global security.

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Producer: James Hodgson

A Goalhanger Podcast

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Four years and three months into a "five-day special military operation" that has dragged on as long as the First World War, Vladimir Putin continues to display a troubling resilience. In this episode of Battleground Ukraine, hosts Patrick Bishop and Saul David peel back the diplomatic theatre surrounding Putin’s high-profile summit in Beijing.

While the body language suggests genuine warmth between Putin and Xi Jinping , the hosts expose the stark reality: a deeply unequal partnership where an economically dominant China treats Russia as a junior partner—and an asset to upend the global order.

The team breaks down the geopolitical and economic survival strategies keeping Moscow afloat, from massive natural gas pipeline breakthroughs to unexpected lifelines handed over by Western nations.

The Yamal-to-China Pipeline: A deep dive into the resurrected, 50-billion-cubic-meter gas project cutting through Mongolia—a long-term economic fallback that cements Russia's reliance on selling off its natural resources to Asia.

The UK's "Shameful" Sanctions Shift: An analysis of Britain's controversial decision to officially loosen strict sanctions on Russian energy imports. Driven by soaring energy costs and blockades in the Strait of Hormuz, the UK's indefinite waiver on refined Russian crude sends a dangerous signal to the Kremlin.

G7 Hypocrisy: How the British government managed to sign an unwavering G7 pledge to impose "severe costs" on Russia , while simultaneously backtracking on vital sanctions at home.

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Producer: James Hodgson

A Goalhanger Podcast

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In our latest on-the-ground episode of Battleground Ukraine, hosts Saul and Boldi take you directly behind the front lines of a major tactical breakthrough. Traveling down a high-priority supply highway newly shrouded under miles of anti-drone netting , the team infiltrates a hidden, highly secured battalion command post directing the live battle for Kupiansk.

Disguised as a civilian building to evade Russian surveillance , the bunker functions like a miniature, high-tech NASA centre. From inside, Saul and Boldi watch live video feeds from a wall of 60 screens , witnessing the exact moment Ukrainian forces employ specialised "Vampire" bomber drones and fibre-optic ambushes to systematically dismantle the Russian advance.

Featuring Exclusive Interviews from the Front Line:

The Deputy Battalion Commander breaks down the meticulous northern flank counteroffensive that blindsided the enemy , resulting in over 500 Russian casualties and the successful reoccupation of the city.

"Positive," Head of Intelligence, details the psychological drone and phone operations used to safely capture roughly 50 Russian defectors —and the grim reality of Russian forces shooting their own men who try to surrender.

An Assault Company Commander explains their critical mission to block Russian access to Kupiansk and exposes how Russia is deploying poorly trained "infiltrators" merely to draw fire and map targets.

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In this special edition of Battleground Ukraine, Saul David and Patrick Bishop catch up with friend of the show - intrepid Hungarian war reporter Boldi Gyori, who has just returned from the front lines and the deeply scarred landscapes of Ukraine.

Boldi paints a vivid, surreal, and at times dystopian picture of a conflict that has evolved into a "forever war" for those living through it.

The Chernobyl Exclusion Zone Today: Forty years after the nuclear catastrophe, Boldi explores a lush but heavily militarised zone where thousands of workers and soldiers monitor radiation and guard against a repeat of the 2022 Russian invasion. He shares a chilling look inside a Pripyat hospital basement where the clothing of the original first responders remains too radioactive to touch.

The "Human Safari" of Kherson: A brutal look at a besieged city where Russian FPV drones explicitly target civilians on the street. Boldi details how locals use Telegram channels to duck from shadow to shadow, how a brave Hungarian volunteer smuggles in life-saving baby formula, and why thousands of citizens simply cannot afford to leave.

The Tech Battleground: An inside look at the high-tech, 3D-printed interceptor drones deployed by Ukrainians from ordinary minivans to knock out Russian Shahed and Molniya drones mid-air with an astonishing 85–90% success rate.

A Shift in Budapest: Following a major election victory in Hungary, Boldi breaks down why the Kremlin has stopped pulling its punches in the western region of Transcarpathia—and how Hungary's new government is finally pushing back against Russian aggression.

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In this week’s episode, Saul David and Patrick Bishop explore whether the tide has finally turned in the four-year conflict.

Following a series of strategic and symbolic blows to the Kremlin, the team asks: Are we witnessing the beginning of the end for Vladimir Putin’s "Special Military Operation"?

The Humiliation of Red Square: We break down Putin’s "feeble" May 9th Victory Parade. From the bizarre request for a two-day truce to the total absence of tanks and modern hardware, what does this scaled-back spectacle reveal about the current state of the Russian military?

The Drone Revolution: Ukraine’s "mid-range" dominance is changing the math on the front lines. We look at how AI-integrated drones and Starlink are bypassing Russian EW systems to strike deep into logistics hubs, specifically targeting the vital H-20 highway.

Cracks in the Kremlin: With reports of a shrinking Russian economy and Putin’s increasing reliance on bunkers and bodyguards, we discuss the rumours of internal paranoia and a potential coup.

The Road to Istanbul: For the first time since 2019, a face-to-face meeting between Zelensky and Putin looks possible. Encouraged by Donald Trump and facilitated by Turkey, could this be the breakthrough the world has been waiting for—or is it another tactical stall?

Operation Midas: Domestically, Zelensky faces a political firestorm as his former Chief of Staff, Andriy Yermak, is charged in a massive £76m energy corruption scandal. We examine what this means for Ukraine’s EU ambitions and why "no one being above the law" might actually be a sign of democratic strength.

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In the second part of our interview with Katya Ratushna,she recounts the harrowing final days of Avdiivka and shares her strategic vision for the future of the Ukrainian defence.

Following her account of Bakhmut in Part 1, Katya offers a raw perspective on the "fate" of being among the last to leave a city on its final night.

She offers an unfiltered look at:

The Avdiivka Evacuation: A gripping account of a midnight escape where a loose piece of thermal gear saved her from a Russian drone grenade that hit her group.

Leadership and Gender: How she earned authority over eight years to command men in the Special Operation Forces and why she believes women bring a unique, "idea-driven" motivation to the front lines.

The UAV Revolution: The challenges of scaling drone units and why she believes the military must move beyond technical piloting to a comprehensive system of tactical education.

The "Kill Zone" Reality: A candid discussion on manpower, revealing that only an estimated 15% of the army is physically holding the most dangerous front-line positions.

A Divided Kharkiv: A deeply personal reflection on the pro-Russian sentiments within her own family and the enduring Ukrainian roots of her home city.

Join us for the conclusion of this powerful interview as Katya explores how rational thinking saves lives and why the time bought by defending these cities is Ukraine's most precious resource

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In this episode of Battleground, Patrick Bishop and Roger Moorhouse dive into the complex and shifting dynamics of the Ukraine conflict.

We begin by examining how the escalating tensions between the Trump administration and Iran are creating ripples that reach all the way to Kyiv.

As the U.S. appears to seek a rapid exit from its "Operation Epic Fury" in the Gulf, we analyse what this perceived strategic incoherence means for future American support—or lack thereof—for Ukraine.

The heart of today's discussion focuses on explosive leaked intelligence reports detailing Vladimir Putin’s intensifying paranoia. From installing surveillance on his own staff to avoiding his usual residences, the Russian leader is reportedly on "high alert" for a potential coup or drone assassination attempt from within his own elite circle. We take a close look at:

The Shoigu Suspicion: Why former Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu is now being viewed as a "potential destabilising actor".

A "Slimmed-Down" Victory Day: Why the traditional May 9 military parade in Red Square will feature no heavy weaponry this year.

The Cost of War at Home: How plummeting approval ratings, 14.5% interest rates, and a crackdown on Telegram are fuelling public dissatisfaction in Russia.

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If you would like to watch this podcast you can watch it on Spotify or you can find it on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@BattlegroundUkraine

In this episode, we welcome back a remarkable guest: Katya Ratushna. While some may recognise her from the Academy Award-nominated film Porcelain War, Katya is, above all, a seasoned soldier and a veteran of the Battles for Kharkiv, Bakhmut, and Avdiivka.

Speaking from her hometown of Kharkiv, Katya shares her journey from a civilian digging trenches in 2014 to a special operations soldier fighting in the most contested sectors of the full-scale invasion. She offers a raw, unfiltered perspective on:

The Early Days of Resistance: How she and a group of 22 friends started the war with their own personal weapons and armour, patrolling Kharkiv in a small Ford Fiesta packed with RPGs.

The challenges of Service: A candid discussion on the "conflict of senses" regarding mobilisation and the social complications facing Ukraine as veterans remain on the front lines without enough replacements to rotate out.

The "Zoo" of Bakhmut: The chaotic reality of urban combat, where diverse units often struggled with communication and friendly fire, and the heartbreaking silence of friends who have since disappeared.

The Final Night: A vivid account of the May 2023 withdrawal from Bakhmut—navigating burning anti-tank mines and manoeuvring a Humvee through exhausted troops as the scent of cherry blossoms signalled a somber end to a fierce campaign.

Join us for Part 1 of this powerful interview as Katya dismantles stereotypes and explores why mindset is the most critical survival tool on the modern battlefield.

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In this episode of Battleground Ukraine, Roger Moorhouse and Saul David explore how Ukraine’s "kinetic sanctions" are successfully targeting the heart of the Russian economy where Western diplomacy has stalled. With 55% of Russia’s refining capacity now in the crosshairs, the strategic impact of long-range drone strikes is becoming impossible for the Kremlin to ignore.

We also discuss:

The Vanishing Victory Parade: Why Moscow has stripped its iconic Red Square celebration of vehicles and cadets, citing "terrorist threats."

The Cyber Front: From the "Tehran-style" internet clampdown in Russia to a daring Ukrainian hack of a military recruitment event at a Russian university.

Robot Wars: The implications of the first-ever capture of a military position using exclusively unmanned systems and the mounting Russian personnel losses.

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If you would like to watch this podcast you can watch it on Spotify or you can find it on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@BattlegroundUkraine

In this episode, we arrive in Kharkiv following an overnight train from Odesa to find a city of stark contrasts. While residents carry flowers for International Women’s Day in the beautiful spring sunshine, the scars of war are everywhere, from bombed-out buildings to the distant sound of explosions.

We sit down with Public Affairs Officer at the Khartiia Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine, Volodymyr Dehtyarov discuss the evolving tactical landscape of the conflict. He details how Ukraine is adapting with a new, meticulous approach to urban operations that prioritises minimising casualties.

Key topics include:

The New Minister of Defence: Why the appointment of a young, tech-savvy leader is seen as a pivotal move for the Ukrainian military.

A New Way of Fighting: A deep dive into the recent operation in Kupiansk, where meticulous planning and drone-heavy tactics achieved a staggering 20-to-1 casualty ratio.

The Drone Revolution: How the battlefield has become "transparent and lethal," leading to the replacement of traditional armoured vehicles with fibre-optic aerial drones and unmanned ground vehicles for logistics and strikes.

Cognitive Warfare: The ongoing battle against Russian bot networks and the role of artificial intelligence in shaping public narrative and social division.

Julius Strauss writes the blog Back from the Front and also owns and runs Wild Bear Lodge, a bear-viewing lodge, in Canada. Here are the hyperlinks:

Substack: https://backfromthefront.substack.com/

Wild Bear Lodge: https://wildbearlodge.ca/

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In this episode of Battleground Ukraine, Saul David and Patrick Bishop dive into the pivotal shifts of the Ukraine War in 2026. From groundbreaking naval drone warfare to the "murky" world of energy diplomacy, we analyse why the Kremlin’s narrative is starting to crumble under the weight of economic reality and technological innovation.

In this episode Saul and Patrick look at:

The Druzhba Pipeline & Hungary: Analysing new Prime Minister Peter Magyar’s proposal to drop the EU veto in exchange for Russian oil flow.

Russia’s Economic State: Why Swedish intelligence believes the Kremlin is hiding a massive budget gap and 15% inflation rate behind "massaged" data.

Military Technology Breakthroughs: The impact of the final SpaceX M-code satellite launch on Ukraine's precision strikes and the rise of "un-jammable" GPS.

Naval Drone Innovation: A world-first as Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces intercept a Russian Shahid drone using a surface vessel.

The Information War: Why Russian GRU hacking campaigns and disinformation failed to sway the Hungarian electorate.

Support the Show:If you enjoyed this deep dive into the Russia-Ukraine conflict, please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

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We return to the historic port city of Odesa to witness the stark contrast between a city trying to maintain a sense of normalcy and the high-tech, high-stakes reality of the front lines.

In this episode, we explore the brittle state of Ukraine's energy grid, the mood of the locals to help us understand the complex, sometimes ambivalent, moods of a population weary of conflict.

And, we go inside a civilian drone school to meet the soldiers of the 39th Marine Brigade. They share insights on:

The Drone Revolution: Why FPV (First Person View) drones are the "cooking pot" of modern military innovation and why they are now essential for successful assault operations.

A New Military Culture: The rise of "patronage services" providing mental and physical rehabilitation for wounded soldiers and their families.The

Recruitment Crisis: An honest look at why it is difficult to find motivated recruits and how the army is evolving to prioritise specialised skills over "Soviet-style" tactics.

Julius Strauss writes the blog Back from the Front and also owns and runs Wild Bear Lodge, a bear-viewing lodge, in Canada. Here are the hyperlinks:

Substack: https://backfromthefront.substack.com/

Wild Bear Lodge: https://wildbearlodge.ca/

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A political earthquake has struck Budapest. After 16 years of dominance, Viktor Orbán and his Fidesz Party have been unseated in a resounding victory by Péter Magyar and the Tisza Party. With a historic 79% turnout and a two-thirds supermajority, the Hungarian landscape has been permanently altered—but what does this mean for the rest of the world?

In this comprehensive two-part special, host Patrick Bishop sits down with old friends and Hungarian experts Julius Strauss and Boldi Gyori to dissect a week that changed Europe.

We explore the sheer scale of the Tisza Party’s victory and how they overcame the "dirty tricks" of a quasi-autocracy.

Julius and Boldi share the ground-level emotion of the election and analyse what we can expect from Péter Magyar—a former Fidesz stalwart turned revolutionary.

We also examine the immediate ripples felt in Moscow, Brussels, and Washington.

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You can watch this video on Youtube here: https://youtu.be/Khbr9JD_q98

In this special episode from Ukraine, the Battleground team visits Odesa to document the devastating impact of Russia’s winter strategy on the city's critical infrastructure.

We go inside a key electrical substation—one of over 40 hit by drone attacks—to witness firsthand the "horrendous" damage caused by waves of Shaheed drones and speak with the resilient workers keeping the lights on in freezing conditions.

The episode also explores the war's "harder to see" wounds through a visit to a discreet clinic in Odesa. There, we meet Olga, a former London-based professional who returned home to establish a unique rehabilitation centre.

She shares her mission to treat the psychological trauma and physical scars of returning soldiers and their families, operating under extreme conditions where even the clinic’s location must remain a secret for safety.

If you would like to support Olga and her team you can do so here - https://www.caresukraine.com/vsesylini_donate/

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In this episode of Battleground Ukraine, hosts Saul David and Roger Morehouse explore a series of significant developments that suggest a shifting tide in the conflict.

Political Controversy in Budapest: A look at US Vice President JD Vance’s recent speech in Hungary, his support for Victor Orbán, and the implications of his "outrageous" claims regarding foreign electoral interference.

Revolutionary Drone Warfare: For the first time in history, a drone-led operation—using the British-made Malloy T150—successfully brought down a Russian-held bridge over a tributary of the Dnipro River.

Strategic Strikes on Russian Oil: Despite calls from allies to stop, Ukraine continues its precision strikes on Russian oil hubs and refineries, including targets near Moscow and the Baltic port of Primorsk, to choke off Russian war profits.

MI6 Assessment & Frontline Success: With reports indicating that Ukraine’s defenses are at their most secure in 10 months, we analyze recent gains near Avdiivka and the impact of the stalling Russian spring-summer offensive.

Systemic Brutality in the Russian Ranks: A deep dive into reports from The Economist regarding the horrific conditions, corruption, and exploitation faced by Russian soldiers at the front.

Cybersecurity & "Cat Feeder" Comms: How Russian citizens are using creative methods—from Duolingo to video-enabled cat feeders—to bypass the Kremlin’s crackdown on VPNs and messaging apps.

Saul and Roger also answer listener questions regarding the security of the Baltic states and the potential impact of a change in US administration on military aid.

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In this special episode, Saul David is joined by joined from Budapest by friends of the show Julius Strauss and Boldizsár Győri to analyse the high-stakes Hungarian election taking place this Sunday, April 12.

With Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s 16-year grip on power facing a severe threat from challenger Péter Magyar and the Tisa party, the team investigates a "cemetery of skeletons" emerging from the ruling government.

The discussion uncovers explosive revelations, including hard evidence that the Hungarian Foreign Minister has acted as a Russian asset by leaking EU secrets directly to Moscow and lobbying for the removal of Russian oligarchs from sanctions lists. The hosts also explore reports of a thwarted Russian "false flag" assassination plot against Orbán and the discovery of explosives near the Serbian border designed to stir voter fear.

As the polls show the ruling Fidesz party trailing, the episode evaluates potential post-election scenarios, from the possibility of civil unrest and splits within the security forces to the broader implications for NATO and the EU. Finally, the team examines the global context of the race, including the impact of U.S. figures like JD Vance and how the escalating conflict in the Middle East is inadvertently bolstering Russia’s war chest through rising oil prices.

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In this edition of Battleground Ukraine, Roger Moorhouse and Patrick Bishop explore a week where the geography of the war has expanded significantly—both through daring long-range strikes and complex global diplomacy.

We begin with an analysis of Ukraine’s concerted offensive against Russian oil infrastructure in the Baltic. With repeated strikes on the Primorsk and Ust-Luga terminals, Kyiv is hitting the Kremlin where it hurts most: the wallet. We examine how these attacks are effectively neutralising the financial "boon" Putin hoped to reap from rising global oil prices following recent escalations in the Persian Gulf.

Later in the program, Patrick Bishop interviews author Julian Evans about his acclaimed book, Undefeatable: Odesa in Love and War.

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In this instalment of our Special Forces series, Patrick Bishop and Saul David pivot from Allied triumphs to examine a daring operation from the "enemy" perspective: the 1943 rescue of Italian dictator Benito Mussolini.

Following the Allied invasion of Sicily and a vote of no confidence from his own council, Mussolini was arrested and whisked away to a remote ski resort 2,112 meters high in the Apennine Mountains. While the new Italian government hoped to use him as a bargaining chip, Adolf Hitler had other plans—ordering his "favourite commando," the scarred and imposing Otto Skorzeny, to spring his old ally from captivity.

In this episode, we deconstruct Operation Oak, exploring:

The Myth vs. The Reality: How Skorzeny, a master of self-promotion, elbowed his way into the limelight and took credit for an operation primarily executed by German paratroopers (Fallschirmjäger).

The Silent Approach: Why the Germans chose high-risk glider landings over traditional parachutes to achieve total silence and surprise.

A Propaganda Masterstroke: Why the rescue was ultimately a "damp squib" militarily, serving as a desperate PR stunt for a Nazi regime facing defeat on all fronts.

The Shadowy Afterlife: Skorzeny’s post-war exploits, from escaping internment to advising world leaders in Egypt and Argentina, and the chilling allegations of his work for Mossad.

Join us as we unmask the "most dangerous man in Europe" and reveal how a "special operation" was born more out of vanity and propaganda than strategic necessity.

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In this episode of the Battleground Podcast, Saul David and Roger Moorhouse analyse what appears to be a possible tipping point in the four-year-long Russo-Ukraine war.

The discussion centres on the overwhelming effectiveness of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, led by Robert "Madyar" Brovdi, which is reportedly achieving a staggering kill ratio of 400 Russians for every one Ukrainian at a remarkably low material cost. This drone-led strategy has expanded the "kill zone" up to 93 miles behind the front lines, effectively breaking the rhythm of Russian offensive operations and forcing the Kremlin to face unsustainable casualty rates.

The hosts also examine the growing internal instability within Russia, highlighted by the arrest of former loyalist mil-blogger Ilya Remeslo and the expansion of state-sanctioned internet blackouts to St. Petersburg. These moves suggest a desperate attempt by the Putin regime to stifle dissent and prepare for wider conscription as recruitment struggles persist.

Additionally, they explore the geopolitical impact of the conflict in Iran, where fluctuating oil prices and potential U.S. military manoeuvres under Donald Trump continue to influence Russia’s war economy.

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In this special on-the-ground edition of Battleground Special Forces, Saul David and Julius Strauss travel to the outskirts of Kharkiv and Kyiv to examine the catastrophic opening hours of the 2022 Russian invasion.

Through eyewitness accounts and visits to the sites of intense urban combat, they reconstruct how Russia’s most elite units—the GRU-trained Spetsnaz and the VDV Airborne—faced fierce resistance that derailed the Kremlin’s "two-day" victory plan.  

This episode features:

• The Siege of School 134: A detailed look at the 13-hour gun battle in Kharkiv where dozens of elite Spetsnaz soldiers made a final, hubristic stand before the building was destroyed by a gas explosion.  

• The Battle for Hostomel (Antonov) Airport: The strategic "linchpin" operation involving helicopter assaults and a desperate back-and-forth struggle for the gateway to Kyiv.  

• The Human Cost in Bucha: A somber visit to the Bucha cemetery, where the rows of civilian victims bear witness to the 32-day Russian occupation.  

Join Saul and Julius as they explore the "battlefield detritus" and the layers of history in a region still caught between recovery and the ongoing realities of war.  

Julius Strauss writes the blog Back from the Front and also owns and runs Wild Bear Lodge, a bear-viewing lodge, in Canada. Here are the hyperlinks:

Substack: https://backfromthefront.substack.com/

Wild Bear Lodge: https://wildbearlodge.ca/

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The Battleground team returns to Ukraine to witness how a whirlwind year of shifting geopolitics and a brutal winter have transformed the nation.

On our first day in Odesa, hosts Saul David and Julius Strauss explore a city that remains a stunning architectural gateway to the country, despite being a primary target for Russian drones and missiles.

In this episode, we sit down with friend of the podcast, Boldizsar Gyori, to discuss Odesa’s complex history and its critical role as the port that keeps the Ukrainian economy afloat through the grain corridor.

We also hear two deeply moving firsthand accounts from two young Ukrainian women, Katerina and Tatyana, who share their harrowing experiences living under occupation in Kherson and Bucha.

If you would like to watch this podcast you can watch it on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@BattlegroundUkraine

Julius Strauss writes the blog Back from the Front and also owns and runs Wild Bear Lodge, a bear-viewing lodge, in Canada. Here are the hyperlinks:

Substack: https://backfromthefront.substack.com/

Wild Bear Lodge: https://wildbearlodge.ca/

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As the war between America, Israel, and Iran escalates, the ripple effects are being felt acutely in Ukraine.

In this episode, Patrick and Saul analyse the "extraordinary diplomatic developments" emerging from the White House, where President Trump appears to be equating Western support for Ukraine with Russian support for a repressive Iranian theocracy.

Meanwhile, Saul provides a firsthand update following his recent trip to the front lines, and on the ground in Ukraine, we separate fact from fiction regarding General Gerasimov’s latest claims of Russian breakthroughs, contrasting them with the reality of "kill zones" and the successful liberation of territory in Zaporizhzhya.

Finally, we answer your questions on the persistent rumours of Yevgeny Prigozhin’s survival, whether the West can truly bankrupt Russia’s "shadow fleet" as oil prices soar, and more.

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

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Producer: James Hodgson

A Goalhanger Podcast

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In this episode of Battleground, Saul David and Patrick Bishop dive into a packed mailbag to answer your thoughts and questions on the elite units and daring raids that defined 20th-century special operations.

Among the topics of discussion in today's episode are: operations by Norwegian SOFs during WW2, the daring Italian manned-torpedo raids on the British fleet at Alexandria in 1941, and Operation Jaywick - the audacious 1943 raid on Singapore Harbour.

Join the Conversation:If you have a question about the history of special forces or any of the conflicts we cover, email us at podbattleground@gmail.com or follow us on X @PodBattleground.

Producer: James Hodgson

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Recording from an overnight train traveling across Ukraine, Saul David and Julius Strauss reflect on an intensive week-long journey from Odesa to Kyiv. In this episode, they bear witness to the jarring dualities of a country at war—reporting directly from the site of a devastating missile strike on a Kharkiv apartment block.

They also share insights from Odesa on the repair of the electrical grid and the ongoing struggle against infrastructure attacks. And do an analysis of the ongoing dispute with Hungary and Ukraine’s growing diplomatic influence in the Gulf.

Join Saul and Julius for an atmospheric debrief on the endurance of the Ukrainian spirit, captured in transit as they head toward the final leg of their tour.

Join us as we conclude our deep dive into one of the most significant Special Forces operations in British history.

If you would like to watch this podcast you can watch it on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/uaEu09gbu5k

Julius Strauss writes the blog Back from the Front and also owns and runs Wild Bear Lodge, a bear-viewing lodge, in Canada. Here are the hyperlinks:

Substack: https://backfromthefront.substack.com/

Wild Bear Lodge: https://wildbearlodge.ca/

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At 7:07 p.m. on May 5, 1980, the Metropolitan Police officially handed control of the Iranian Embassy siege to the SAS. What followed were seventeen minutes of high-stakes drama that would change the reputation of the Special Air Service forever.

In this episode, Patrick Bishop and Saul David break down the frantic tactical reality of Operation Nimrod. We explore the "Blue" and "Red" team assaults, the infamous moment an operative became entangled in his abseil rope, and the live television broadcast that captivated millions across the globe.

Beyond the flashbangs and the smoke, they tackle the difficult questions:

The Controversy: Was there a "shoot-to-kill" policy? We examine the accounts of hostages and the fate of the surviving terrorists.

The Global Impact: How Margaret Thatcher used the success of the raid as diplomatic leverage to try and free American hostages in Tehran.

The Legacy: How a "textbook" assault on the edge of Hyde Park transformed the SAS from a shadowy unit into a world-renowned anti-terrorist force.

Join us as we conclude our deep dive into one of the most significant Special Forces operations in British history.

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If you are interested in reading more from Julius Strauss, you can find his substack here: https://backfromthefront.substack.com/

In a bonus edition of Battleground Ukraine, Saul David and Julius Strauss are joined by Boldizsar Gyori to discuss the recent surge in tensions between Hungary and Ukraine and assess why recent developments could be very significant for Ukraine going forward.

Additionally, they discuss the implications of the latest developments in the ongoing conflict in Iran and the wider Middle East region and weigh up the potential impact they might have on Ukraine.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.com

Producer: James Hodgson

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While the world’s gaze is fixed on the "mega-drama" unfolding across Iran and the Middle East, the tremors are being felt on the battlefields of Ukraine. In this episode, Roger Moorhouse and Patrick Bishop dive into the high-stakes geopolitical fallout of a widening Middle Eastern conflict and what it means for Kyiv.

As the U.S. and Israel burn through interceptor stocks, we ask the critical question: Is there enough room in the American arsenal for both the Middle East and Ukraine? With Donald Trump’s priorities shifting and production lines struggling to keep pace, Ukraine finds itself slipping further back in the queue for life-saving air defence.

In this episode, we discuss:

The Arsenal Drain: How the deployment of Patriot batteries across the Gulf and Israel’s "nitty-gritty" need for ammunition is creating a global scarcity that threatens Ukrainian airspace.

The Shaheed Shift: Why the disruption of Iranian exports might not be the win for Ukraine it seems, as Russia ramps up domestic production of the Geran-2 drone.

Trump’s "Forever War" Dilemma: The diplomatic consequences of a potential stalemate in Iran and why the U.S. President appears "out of the picture" regarding the Ukraine story.

Europe’s Exposed Weakness: A look at the "divided and hesitant" response from the EU’s Big Three and the conspicuous silence of Kaja Kallas and Ursula von der Leyen.

The Force de Frappe: France’s bold move to evolve its nuclear doctrine as Europe begins the painful process of weaning itself off U.S. dependency.

Is Putin the ultimate beneficiary of the chaos in Tehran? Join us as we unpack a week where the sidelines of the conflict have never felt more consequential.

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In 1980, the SAS was a shadowy unit few had heard of. Six days at the Iranian Embassy changed that forever.

In the spring of that year, the eyes of the world turned to a quiet corner of South Kensington, London. Six armed gunmen had stormed the Iranian Embassy, taking 26 hostages and sparking a high-stakes standoff that would change the face of counter-terrorism forever.

In the first of a special two-part series, hosts Saul David and Patrick Bishop trace the origins of the crisis, exploring the geopolitical tinderbox that led the gunmen to 16 Princes Gate and the desperate "strategy of patience" employed by the British government.

They also look at how the 1972 Munich Olympics massacre forced Britain to create a dedicated counter-terrorist capability within the SAS. The moment the gunmen struck, the secret weapon hidden on a British police officer, and the agonising deliberations inside COBRA and the "bluff" that finally triggered the order to send in the SAS.

As the sun sets on Day Six, the order is given: "Go in."

The hostage-takers think a coach is coming to take them to the airport. They are wrong. Don't miss Part 2, where we break down the legendary SAS raid itself: the room-by-room clearance, the near-disasters, and the legacy of the most famous special forces operation in British history.

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As we pass the fourth anniversary of Putin’s full-scale invasion, Patrick Bishop and Saul David explore whether the tide of the war is finally turning in Ukraine's favour. Following a winter of stasis, Ukrainian forces have reclaimed 400 square kilometres in mere weeks—outpacing Russia’s entire December gains.

In this episode, we dive into the factors driving this sudden shift:

The Starlink Effect: How Elon Musk’s decision to block Russian access has been exploited to the maximum by Ukrainian forces.

The Personnel Crisis: With Russian casualties reaching a critical watershed, we discuss the "contract-niki" system and the ominous new legislation that could see Russian reservists deployed for "special tasks."

Economic "Death Zone": We analyse the state of the Russian economy—where military spending is consuming the country faster than it can be repaired.

The "Zero Line": A chilling look at a recent BBC documentary detailing Russian commanders executing their own men.

In the second half, Patrick and Saul tackle listener questions from across Europe. We discuss the vulnerability of the Baltic states, the potential for a UK independent nuclear deterrent in a post-Trump NATO landscape, and a heated debate over the BBC’s controversial decision to scale back its Ukraine coverage.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.com

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In the latest instalment of our Battleground: Special Forces series, Saul David and Patrick Bishop deconstruct one of the most ambitious and ill-fated missions in modern military history: Operation Eagle Claw.

In April 1980, with 53 American diplomats held captive in the US Embassy in Tehran and President Jimmy Carter’s political future hanging by a thread, the newly formed Delta Force was called upon for its first-ever mission. The plan was a daring, multi-stage rescue involving clandestine desert airstrips, sea-stallion helicopters, and CIA agents. But between the sandstorms of the Great Salt Desert and a series of mechanical failures, the mission spiralled into a tragedy that would leave eight servicemen dead at the site known as Desert One.

As Saul notes, while the mission was a devastating blow to American prestige, it provided the hard-won lessons that would later enable the success of operations like the raid on Osama bin Laden.

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In this episode of Battleground Ukraine, Saul David and Roger Moorhouse break down a week of high-stakes diplomacy and unexpected battlefield shifts as the war approaches its four-year anniversary.

The duo discusses the rapid collapse of the latest trilateral peace talks in Geneva, which ended in acrimony after just two hours as Russian negotiators refused to budge on territorial demands. Meanwhile, Kyiv sees a "gleam of sunshine" on the ground: Ukrainian forces have retaken 78 square miles of territory near Zaporizhzhia—the most significant gain in such a short window since 2023—thanks in part to a strategic communications blackout involving Starlink terminals.

Finally, we tackle the "disgraceful" Olympic disqualification of a Ukrainian athlete, Marco Rubio’s diplomatic tour of Eastern Europe, and the history of WWII German Special Forces.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.com

Producer: James Hodgson

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In this gripping episode of Battleground, Patrick Bishop and Saul David explore one of World War II's most daring commando raids: Operation Frankton, better known as the Cockleshell Heroes mission. In December 1942, twelve Royal Marines volunteers led by Major "Blondie" Hasler embarked on a near-impossible mission to paddle canoes 60 miles up the Gironde estuary to sabotage German blockade runners in the port of Bordeaux.

Against brutal Atlantic conditions, freezing temperatures, and constant threat of discovery, these men demonstrated extraordinary courage and determination. But the mission came at a devastating cost—only two of the twelve would survive. Patrick and Saul examine the meticulous planning, the catastrophic setbacks, and the ultimate question: was the strategic gain worth the human sacrifice?

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In our weekly round up of the latest news from Ukraine, Roger Moorhouse and Patrick Bishop examine a week of "salient moments" that may signal a turning point in the war.

They discuss the Kremlin’s risky move to throttle Telegram, the deepening recession across 21 sectors of the Russian economy, and the high-profile assassination attempt on Lieutenant-general Vladimir Alexeyev.

The duo also breaks down the latest friction in the Abu Dhabi peace talks and the mounting pressure on President Zelensky to hold wartime elections.

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In this episode of Battleground: Special Forces, Saul David is joined by Julius Strauss to dive into the brutal history and mixed legacy of one of Russia’s elite units: Spetsnaz.

Julius provides a unique reporter’s perspective on the ground, reflecting on his own experiences embedded with these units during some of their most controversial deployments.

The episode focuses on two of the most infamous and tragic missions in Spetsnaz history, both of which Julius was present at: the 2002 Nord-Ost theatre siege in Moscow and the 2004 Beslan school siege. Together they examine the tactics, the hardware, and the devastating human cost of these operations, asking whether the Spetsnaz's "victory at any cost" doctrine remains their greatest liability.

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This week Patrick Bishop and Saul David examine a the latest news in week of deadly limbo in Ukraine as Donald Trump’s promised "energy truce" is shattered by a record-breaking Russian bombardment in -20°C temperatures.

We analyse why Moscow’s advances are now slower than the Battle of the Somme and discuss Elon Musk’s latest move to block Starlink from Russian drones.

Later in the episode, we are joined by friend of the pod Julius Strauss, who discusses the crumbling of the post-imperial space in the South Caucasus's. Fresh from a recent trip to Azerbaijan, we explore the waning Russian influence in the region, and how the Kremlin is losing its grip on a key strategic partner.

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While the 1942 Dieppe Raid was a catastrophic failure for the Allies, one unit achieved a flawless tactical victory against the odds. In part one of this special series, Patrick Bishop and Saul David explore the origins of the British Commandos—Winston Churchill’s "hunter class" of soldiers.

From the brutal training bogs of the Scottish Highlands to the clifftops of Varengeville, we follow No. 4 Commando’s mission to silence the Hess Battery. Led by the legendary Lord Lovat, this operation became a masterclass in Special Forces planning, featuring daring cliff climbs, the first US Army Rangers in action, and a bayonet charge that provided the only bright spot in an otherwise disastrous day.

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In this episode of Battleground Ukraine, Saul David and Roger Moorhouse explore the terrifying reality of modern warfare and the unexpected heroes of the resistance.

Journalist and friend of the show Askold Krushelnycky recounts his harrowing experience surviving a drone strike in Odesa, describing the "screaming banshee" sound of a Shahed drone on its final approach.

We also hear from Boldizsár Győri about a "peculiar unit" in Zaporizhzhia—a Ukrainian "dad’s army" made up of men over the age of 60 who were turned away from the official draft but found their own way to fight for their country.

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In the dramatic conclusion of this two-part special, Saul David and Patrick Bishop deconstruct the chaotic 99 minutes on the ground at Entebbe. The episode tracks the high-stakes assault from the moment the first Hercules landed in a tropical storm to the black Mercedes decoy and the controversial firefight that followed.

Together they examine the tactical blunders and friendly fire tragedies that nearly jeopardised the mission, while featuring rare eyewitness accounts—including a startling claim that the German terrorists may have ultimately spared the hostages they were ordered to kill.

Beyond the military feat, we explore the heavy price of the raid and its enduring political legacy. While the rescue of 101 hostages restored Israel’s national pride and catapulted figures like the Netanyahu family into the political spotlight, it also left a trail of unanswered questions. From the secret diplomacy required to refuel the planes to the debate over whether this victory made regional peace harder to achieve, we analyse how a single hour in Uganda changed the face of special operations and Middle Eastern politics forever.

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In this episode, Patrick Bishop and Roger Moorhouse explore a week of geopolitical upheaval that marks a potential "1938 moment" for the modern world.

One year into Donald Trump’s imperial presidency, the duo discusses the stunning ultimatum issued to eight European NATO allies: accept a massive tariff hike or facilitate the American purchase of Greenland.

Roger weighs in on whether NATO can survive this direct threat to member sovereignty and the unprecedented refusal of the U.S. to rule out conflict with Denmark.

The conversation shifts to the "Donroe Doctrine" and the strategic importance of the High North. Patrick explains why this obsession with the Arctic might inadvertently pit Trump against Putin, potentially shifting the Kremlin from an admired friend to a strategic foe—a rare "bright spot" for a struggling Ukraine.

Meanwhile, they report on the worsening humanitarian crisis in Kyiv, where a million residents remain without power in sub-zero temperatures.

Interested in supporting Insulate Ukraine? Check them out here: https://www.insulate-ukraine.org/ourwindow

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On June 27, 1976, Air France Flight 139 was diverted to Uganda, sparking a crisis that would redefine special operations forever. In the first of a two-part special, hosts Saul David and Patrick Bishop break down the lead-up to Operation Thunderbolt.

Saul provides a first-hand look at the "Unit"—the elite Sayeret Matkal—and the internal friction between legendary commanders like Yoni Netanyahu and Muki Betser. We dive into the chilling logistics of the hijacking, the "selektzia" that echoed the darkest days of WWII, and the secret intelligence gathered by a hostage who faked a miscarriage.

From the "Goldfinger" ruse involving a black Mercedes to the clandestine refueling deal struck in Nairobi, Part 1 covers the 48 hours of desperation and ingenuity that preceded the most daring 2,000-mile flight in military history.

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As Ukraine slips from the international headlines in favour of turmoil in Venezuela and Iran, Roger Moorhouse and Saul David examine a week of "curious" developments and renewed escalation. With temperatures plunging to -14°C, Russia has intensified its campaign against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, launching a rare Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile at Lviv—a strike less than 50 miles from the Polish border that the Kremlin frames as a "false flag" retaliation.

The hosts also dive into the escalating maritime war, discussing the capture of the Russian shadow fleet tanker Bella-1 and recent Ukrainian drone strikes on four tankers off Novorossiysk.

They explore the shifting policies in the UK regarding special forces interdictions in the Atlantic and the significant €90bn support package announced by the EU, which survived a tense "EU-first" debate between Paris and Berlin. Finally, they look at Estonia’s bold move to ban hundreds of former Russian soldiers, citing the "non-theoretical" threat of combat-hardened veterans with criminal backgrounds.

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In the premiere of a new series from Battleground, Patrick Bishop and Saul David dive into the high-stakes world of Special Forces to explore why these small bands of elite warriors have captured the global imagination.

From the SAS and Delta Force to Sayeret Matkal, the duo strips away the Hollywood veneer to define the "SF type," debating whether it is superior fitness, a specific mental edge, or a carefully cultivated mystique that sets these operators apart. They also examine the massive literary obsession with units like the SAS, questioning what our fascination with "supermen" reveals about our own society.

We also look forward in our episode to what is coming up in this new series including: Operation Cauldron, the legendary 1942 assault by No. 4 Commando, the Iranian Embassy siege, the failure of Operation Eagle Claw and the precision of the raid on Osama bin Laden.

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Producer: James Hodgson

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In this momentous episode, Patrick Bishop and Saul David analyze the global shockwaves following the US capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and its profound implications for the war in Ukraine. 

They explore the rise of the "Donroe Doctrine"—a new American focus on the Western Hemisphere—and how the seizure of the Russian-flagged tanker Marinera marks a direct humiliation for Vladimir Putin. 

The duo also discusses the groundbreaking commitment from Britain and France to deploy troops for a Ukrainian peace deal, alongside President Zelensky’s high-stakes decision to place spy chief Kyrylo Budanov and drone expert Mykhaylo Fedorov at the heart of his administration. 

From the potential takeover of Greenland to the collapse of Russian air defenses, this episode breaks down a week that has fundamentally shifted the geopolitical landscape.

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Producer: James Hodgson

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In our final episode of our Hero or Villain series Patrick and Roger go all the way back to the first part of the twentieth century and take a look at perhaps Britain's most famous soldier from the First World War - Field Marshall Douglas Haig.

They take a dive into the arguments for and against Haig and give their judgement.

They also take a look at the results from the listener votes on our previously discussed characters of the series.

What do you think? Is he a hero or a villain?

Cast Your Vote! Join the debate and cast your vote on Douglas Haig:

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In the first episode of 2026, Roger Moorhouse and Patrick Bishop look back on a bizarre and momentous year of conflict. The hosts begin by reflecting on the breakdown of international cooperation, noting how Russia has moved from sensitive joint enterprises, like decommissioning nuclear power submarines, to living on the "dark side of the moon" diplomatically and economically.

The centre of this week’s discussion is the surreal meeting between President Zelensky and Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago. Patrick and Roger dissect the "Olympic levels of restraint" shown by Zelensky as Trump claimed Putin was "generous" in his feelings toward Ukraine. They explore the 20-point peace plan being sketched out by American and Ukrainian officials and why, despite Trump’s optimism, the Kremlin remains unlikely to accept any deal that recognises a sovereign Ukraine.

Finally, the hosts look at the changing face of the front line, where the introduction of long-range "FPV" drones—now capable of striking targets up to 50 or even 100 kilometres away—is creating a lethal "grey zone" that redefines modern manoeuvre warfare.

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In this episode of Hero or Villain, Roger Moorhouse and Patrick Bishop evaluate the military career of Josip Broz Tito, the "titan of Central Europe" who led the Yugoslav partisans during World War II and served as President until 1980.

The discussion traces his journey from a decorated Austro-Hungarian sergeant major to a revolutionary swayed by communism while a POW in Russia.

The hosts highlight his strategic brilliance in liberating Yugoslavia largely through indigenous guerrilla efforts and his notable "independent streak" in defying Stalin to pursue a "Third Way" during the Cold War. While acknowledging the high human cost of his tactics and post-war repressions like the Bleiburg repatriations.

What do you think? Is he a hero or a villain?

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With the Battleground: Ukraine team taking a Christmas break, we have a special interview for you this episode.

Saul is joined by Journalist, writer and pacifist turned volunteer soldier Artem Chapeye, who tells his story plus his thoughts and reflections on the war in Ukraine.

Artem recently wrote the book: Ordinary People Don't Carry Machine Guns.

Join us next week for an update on the latest news from Ukraine.

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In this episode of Hero or Villain, Roger Moorhouse and Patrick Bishop examine the polarising military legacy of Tony Blair. They debate whether the former Prime Minister was a noble champion of "liberal interventionism" or a reckless architect of regional chaos.

The discussion moves from the early humanitarian successes in Kosovo and Sierra Leone to the strategic overreach of Afghanistan and the catastrophic intelligence failures of the Iraq War.

By weighing Blair’s initial moral imperatives against the long-term destabilisation of the Middle East, Roger and Patrick attempt to settle the ledger on one of modern history's most disputed figures.

What do you think? Is he a hero or a villain?

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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 - publicist and historical novelist Richard Foreman and book critic, writer and journalist Antonia Senior.

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In this pivotal episode of Battleground: Ukraine, Patrick Bishop and Saul David discuss the high-stakes EU summit in Brussels that could decide the financial future of the conflict.

With Kyiv facing potential bankruptcy by the spring, the hosts break down the urgent debate over seizing €210 billion in frozen Russian assets to fund a "reparations loan."

We also look at the latest from the front lines and are joined by the Public Affairs Officer at the Khartiia Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine - Volodymyr Dehtyarov for an exclusive update on their recent successful counteroffensive in the Kupyansk area, showcasing the hi-tech warfare and grit that continues to define the Ukrainian defence on the ground.

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In the latest episode of our Hero or Villain series hosts Patrick Bishop and Roger Morehouse ask the ultimate question about one of the 20th century's most controversial figures: Was Charles de Gaulle a hero or a villain?

De Gaulle remains a giant of French and world history, looming over his nation's political landscape and physical fabric, with over 3,600 public spaces named after him. He is regularly polled as the most important figure in French history, even surpassing Napoleon.

Join the debate as Patrick and Roger delve into the General's life and legacy, exploring the pivotal role he played in the Second World War and analyzing what might have happened to a post-war France without his unifying presence. Hear the arguments, weigh the evidence, and decide where this controversial figure truly falls on the ledger.

What do you think? Is he a hero or a villain?

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Join us as Saul David and Roger Moorhouse digest the latest news from Ukraine, including the intense pressure mounting on Kyiv as the Trump administration reportedly issues an ultimatum to Zelensky to concede territory—likely the Donbas—to end the war.

Despite this, they look at analysis that shows that Ukraine can win a protracted war of attrition against Russia's exaggerated claims of victory.

We are also delighted to be joined by friend of the show Boldi Gyori, who updates us on the latest developments on the ground in Ukraine and also discusses his recent experience behind the front line with Ukrainian electricity repairmen.

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In the second episode of our Hero or Villain series, Patrick Bishop and Roger Moorhouse examine Air Marshal Sir Arthur Harris, the controversial chief of RAF Bomber Command, known as "Butcher Harris" due to the staggering losses suffered by his crews .

Harris vigorously pursued the necessary policy of area bombing German cities , a campaign he justified as crucial for shortening the war and preserving Allied lives. While his blunt, unapologetic zeal made him a target for post-war criticism.

Whilst Patrick and Roger deliver their verdict on Harris' legacy. What do you think? Is he a hero or a villain?

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Patrick Bishop and Roger Moorhouse discuss a familiar feeling of "deja vu" as the latest US peace mission to Moscow—led by envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner—ends with no substantial progress. They argue that Russian President Putin is deliberately "stringing Trump along" to keep the outside world waiting while Russia continues to make incremental gains on the ground.

The hosts also dive into a revealing Wall Street Journal article suggesting a "chilling" motivation behind the American peace efforts: charting a path to bring Russia's $2 trillion economy "in from the cold," positioning American businesses to beat European competitors to the dividends. 

They also examine the widening corruption scandal in Ukraine and joining them to discuss this is friend of the show Askold Krushelnycky, who helps them look at the negative impact of the scandal on Zelensky's standing at home and abroad, and why Putin cannot afford to stop the war short of a total victory.

Finally, the hosts answer a listener's questions including one about Ukraine's "remarkably bold" and "symbolic" drone attacks on Russia's "shadow fleet" of oil tankers.

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In the first of our latest Battleground history series Patrick Bishop and Roger Morehouse tackle Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, the Nazi Germany commander revered by enemies for his "war without hate".

Together they peel back the decades of mythology, challenging the image of Rommel as the "good German".

How much did Rommel, who served as Hitler’s personal security commander , know about the regime’s atrocities?

Was the positive postwar Western image of Rommel merely a convenient tool for rehabilitating Germany during the Cold War?

Whilst Patrick and Roger deliver their verdict on Rommel's legacy. What do you think? Is he a hero or a villain?

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Join Saul David and Patrick Bishop as they dissect the latest surrounding the war in Ukraine, including the extraordinary collapse and revision of the US 'peace plan' for Ukraine.

What started as a controversial 28-point proposal—heavily suspected to have been drafted by Russia and passed on by US envoy Steve Witkoff (as revealed in leaked calls)—has now been reduced to a 19-point framework that Ukraine can accept, but which the Kremlin is actively rejecting despite President Trump's optimistic claims of "tremendous progress."

The hosts explore the initial pro-Russian demands, the damning evidence of Moscow's influence, and the uncomfortable reality that the amended plan still offers Russia an amnesty for war crimes. Crucially, they analyze the deepening economic crisis in Russia, with collapsing energy exports suggesting Putin may soon be unable to fund his war of aggression, even as the conflict grinds on.

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In this final episode of our Korean War series, hosts Saul, David, and Roger Morehouse examine the enduring legacy of the 1953 Armistice, exploring the human cost of the conflict and the profound ways it continues to shape modern geopolitics.

Joining them to discuss this is political analyst Robert Kelly, who helps detail why the lack of a formal peace treaty defines the high-risk security situation, the peninsula's extreme militarisation, and the chilling role of North Korea's nuclear arsenal and its current support for Russia in the Ukraine conflict.

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Former NATO Secretary General, Lord Robertson of Port Ellen joins Saul, David, and Patrick Bishop for an authoritative briefing from the House of Lords.

The former Secretary General also provides a stinging critique of the 28-point peace plan floated by the Trump administration, labelling the demands—which included territorial cession—a "Russian plan".

Robertson also firmly refutes the narrative of a missed opportunity to bring Russia into NATO, dismissing it as "Putin propaganda," and highlights the Russian leader's early deception by pointing to his own signature on the 2002 Rome Declaration guaranteeing European territorial integrity.

Robertson offers an assessment of NATO’s resilience, arguing the alliance is a "real bargain" for the US that is unlikely to be abandoned, but stresses the urgent need for Europeans to increase their defence spending.

He concludes with the high stakes of the conflict: "If Russia stops fighting, there will be peace. If Ukraine stops fighting, there will be no Ukraine."

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With the latest news from Ukraine coming to light as to the seriousness in which the Trump administration are pushing this latest peace proposal, Patrick Bishop and Roger Moorhouse give their reaction to the leaked contents.

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This week discussing the latest from Ukraine, Patrick Bishop and Saul David examine the ongoing, costly Battle for Pokrovsk, arguing that Russia's fixation on capturing cities continues to highlight strategic incompetence and desperation—a point underscored by the recent crackdown on pro-war milbloggers.

They also dissect the "unprecedented act of sabotage" on the Polish rail network, a critical aid route to Ukraine. Is Russia's increasingly reckless hybrid warfare campaign—including recent naval and drone provocations—a sign of fundamental weakness or a dangerous attempt to destabilise NATO's border states?

Finally, the hosts scrutinise reports of a secret US-Russian peace plan that allegedly requires Ukraine to make major concessions, including ceding land and limiting its military.

Plus, an interview with director Benjamin Goldhagen about his documentary, The Steel Porcupine, which puts the conflict and the Ukrainian will to resist into essential context.

If you'd like to watch the documentary film you can find it online here: https://www.thesteelporcupine.com/

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This episode plunges into the brutality of static warfare. We explore the Chinese Spring Offensive of 1951 and the desperate defensive battles fought to hold the line, looking at the heroic and horrific three-day stand of the Glorious Glosters at the Battle of Imjin River—a sacrifice often credited with saving Seoul, and the Battle of Kapyong where the 27th Commonwealth Brigade fought their final battle.

Saul and Roger also analyse the new reality: a "war of inches" fought over insignificant ground, where immense human cost was exacerbated by the massive, destructive scale of American area bombing.

As the fighting raged, armistice talks began at Panmunjom, but quickly stalled on a single, intractable issue: the fate of the Prisoners of War. We dissect the controversial "voluntary repatriation" policy—the West's insistence on not forcing men back to Communism—which turned POW camps into ideological battlegrounds and peace negotiations into a two-year agony.

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In this crucial episode of Battleground: Ukraine, hosts Saul David and Patrick Bishop dissect the high-stakes battle for Pokrovsk, a strategic rail and supply hub now facing an overwhelming Russian onslaught.

Despite recent slowdowns in the Russian advance and successful Ukrainian counter-attacks—which have inflicted record casualties on the invaders—the city’s defences appear to be on the verge of collapse. We examine the claims from Ukrainian officials that "We are losing Pokrovsk," the implications of unverified footage showing Russian forces entering the city, and what the loss of this key position would mean for Ukraine’s morale and the entire Donbas "fortress belt."

They also dissect the shocking corruption scandal uncovered by Ukraine's anti-corruption units, which demonstrates both the scale of corruption in Ukraine and also the success of measures being used to combat it.

We also welcome back friend of the podcast, intrepid Hungarian war reporter Boldi Gyori, who shares his recent experiences from the frontlines in Kramatorsk.

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After their great victory at Inchon, UN forces race north toward the Chinese border, dreaming of ending the war fast. But, they ignore the warning signs coming from China...

In this episode, that gamble backfires. We detail the chilling reality of late 1950 when hundreds of thousands of Chinese troops launch a massive, counter-offensive. The UN forces are caught completely by surprise by the overwhelming attack and the brutal Korean winter.

The episode covers the desperate fight and retreat and the devastating consequence: UN forces are pushed back and the loss Seoul for a second time.

As the war spirals out of control and he pushes for escalation, the political fallout leads directly to President Truman's dramatic sacking of the commanding General, Douglas MacArthur. The conflict has now exploded into a terrifying new war with no end in sight.

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After a two-month absence, Patrick Bishop returns to the Battleground microphone to join Saul David, offering a fresh, big-picture perspective on the war in Ukraine.

Looking beyond the daily headlines, Patrick characterises the current state of the conflict—across military, diplomatic, economic, and political fronts—as an "uncertain stasis." While the war seems outwardly frozen, the hosts discuss whether powerful undercurrents could soon force a significant breakthrough.

They dive into the battlefield reality, analysing the potential fall of Pokrovsk and debating its true strategic significance for both Kyiv and Moscow. Is this the long-awaited Russian breakthrough, or just a costly, rubble-filled victory that simply sets the stage for more stalemate?

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The only way out is with a gamble.

In Episode 3, the Korean War narrative shifts from desperate survival to audacious counter-attack. The Allied line is breaking, the port of Pusan is on the verge of collapse, and the entire war rests on the success of General Douglas MacArthur's ambitious plan.

Ignoring every warning, MacArthur stakes the entire conflict on a single, risky amphibious assault: Operation Chromite at the tidal port of Inchon. We explore the incredible strategic audacity, the geographical obstacles, and how this audacious flanking maneuver shatters the North Korean People's Army (NKPA).

But victory is brief. As the 27th "Fire Brigade," the first British Commonwealth ground troops, advance north from the Pusan Perimeter, they confront the brutal reality of coalition warfare. We detail the intense and tragic Battle of Hill 282, where a catastrophic moment of friendly fire costs the lives of Commonwealth soldiers and forces the rapid formation of the resilient Commonwealth Brigade.

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Host Saul David interviews special guest Richard Woodruff, a young British volunteer in Ukraine since 2022.

Richard shares his journey from rebuilding destroyed homes in Bucha and Irpin to delivering critical humanitarian aid near the front lines. He recounts his immediate response to the Kakhovka Dam disaster, using speedboats to rescue stranded civilians and animals.

The discussion focuses heavily on his current work running what is described as Ukraine's largest volunteer-controlled drone factory, which has produced over 5,500 FPV drones credited with destroying millions in Russian equipment. Richard also discusses the future of the war, the challenge of international support, and his post-war plans to moving to Kharkiv to help lead the massive rebuilding effort.

If you want to have a look at Richard's work check it out here: https://frontlinekit.org/

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The lightning war begins. Following the invasion, the North Korean military executes a devastating blitzkrieg attack, sweeping through South Korea and shattering all initial resistance.

Saul and Roger are joined by experts Robert Lyman and David Allison, who help dive into the details of the chaotic early stages of the Korean War.

First we look at the desperate retreat of the overwhelmed South Korean and early US forces as they are pushed towards Pusan. Then we look at the crucial global response: the newly formed UN Security Council, seizing a rare opportunity, debates and authorises a multinational intervention.

Can a global force be assembled in time to halt the seemingly unstoppable North Korean war machine?

The episode climaxes at the Pusan Perimeter. Battered, exhausted, and pushed to the absolute limit of the peninsula, UN and South Korean forces make a final, desperate stand. This is North Korea's furthest advance.

Outnumbered, outgunned, and with their backs literally against the sea. The fate of South Korea hangs by a thread.

Next time: The Tide Turns.

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Join Saul David and Roger Moorhouse as they break down a week of diplomatic upheaval, and look at the latest from the front lines with a report from Hungarian war reporter Boldi Gyori, recently returned from Donetsk.

Hopes for a quick peace vanished after the US-Russia Budapest summit was scuttled by Moscow's refusal to freeze the front lines.

The hosts analyse the shifting politics surrounding long-range missiles: why President Trump withheld Tomahawks, and why Washington seemingly green-lit a major Ukrainian Storm Shadow missile strike on a critical Russian chemical plant.

On the home front, we examine new Western sanctions hitting Russia's oil and gas giants, reports of horrific war crimes against civilians in Donetsk and Kharkiv, and the long-term future of Ukrainian air power with the massive Swedish deal for up to 150 advanced Gripen E fighter jets.

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Welcome toBattleground Korea: The Unfinished War.

We begin by exploring how Korea, a nation scarred by decades of Japanese occupation, was suddenly and arbitrarily divided by the victorious Allies in 1945. The line was the 38th Parallel.

This division birthed two fiercely opposing regimes and leaders: the Soviet-backed communist Kim Il Sung in the North, and the American-backed nationalist Syngman Rhee in the South. As the Cold War escalated, Korea rapidly became a volatile proxy battleground between East and West.

"With American and Soviet forces withdrawing, the fragile peace along the 38th Parallel began to unravel. Skirmishes grew bloodier and more audacious. Both Kim Il Sung and Syngman Rhee openly spoke of unifying the peninsula—by force. The question wasn't if the two Koreas would clash, but whether their civil conflict would ignite a wider conflagration, pulling in the global superpowers. The stage was set, but who would make the first devastating move?"

The episode concludes with the secret plotting that sealed Korea's fate. Kim Il Sung relentlessly lobbied Josef Stalin and Mao Zedong for the necessary support. After months of manoeuvring, the communist giants finally gave their approval, providing the crucial political green light.

Next time: The Invasion.

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This week Roger Moorhouse and Saul David analyse a week of potential shifts in the conflict.

On the frontline: Ukrainian civilians evacuate Kupiansk as security deteriorates; a UN humanitarian convoy is deliberately attacked in Kherson; and a strike hits a Kharkiv hospital. Ukraine continues hitting back, targeting the Feodosia oil terminal in Crimea amidst a potential chemical threat from a ruptured ammonia pipeline.

In the diplomatic sphere, Donald Trump rattles the Kremlin by suggesting he might send Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine, prompting intense Russian warnings. Meanwhile, signs of Putin's diplomatic discomfort appear as he is forced to apologize to Azerbaijan, and early whispers of internal dissent surface in Russia's major cities.

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The hunt is over. Black May (May 1943) marks the U-boat campaign's devastating turning point, forcing Admiral Dönitz to withdraw his "Grey Wolves" from the North Atlantic.

In the final episode Saul and Roger track the U-boats' demise against overwhelming Allied technological advances.

We explore the grim reality for U-boat crews—the brutal conditions and a staggering 75% casualty rate—and why advanced subs like the Type XXI "Elektroboote" arrived too late.

We conclude the series by assessing the final collapse, Operation Deadlight, and the campaign's immense human cost.

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This week on Battleground Ukraine, hosts Saul David and Roger Moorhouse are joined by intrepid Belgian war reporter and friend of the podcast Arnaud de Decker, who recently toured the Donbas.

In this crucial and alarming dispatch, Arnaud provides a firsthand look at the realities in Donetsk, detailing how Russian forces are steadily advancing and closing in on the key Ukrainian towns of Slovyansk and Kramatorsk.

Before this essential interview, the hosts dissect the political and military headlines, including the shocking rhetoric from former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who all but admitted Russia's role in drone sightings across Europe.

They'll also be examining the difference between the opposing forces' long-range strikes—including Ukraine's successful hits on vital Russian oil infrastructure (like the Feodosia oil terminal), possibly using the new Flamingo missile, and an intelligence report on up to 5,000 Cuban fighters joining the Russian ranks.

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In late 1942, German U-boats were sinking Allied merchant ships faster than they could be replaced, pushing Britain to the brink of starvation in the 'Black Pit' of the mid-Atlantic.

In this episode Roger Moorhouse is joined by Saul David as he dives into the most critical period of the Battle of the Atlantic, from the peak losses of March 1943 to the stunning Allied victory in 'Black May.'

They explore the high-stakes technological race—including the deployment of long-range aircraft, advanced radar, sonar, and breaking the Enigma code—that transformed the Allies from prey to predator and secured the lifeline that made the liberation of Europe possible.

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Roger Moorhouse and Saul David analyze a week of intense combat and high-stakes diplomacy. Russia launched a heavy aerial assault on Ukrainian cities, while in the West, they discuss reports that Trump is a "spurned lover," frustrated by Putin's refusal to strike a peace deal.

The hosts also examine the critical power failure at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant and the safety risk it poses. Finally, they cover the new European plan for a continent-wide "drone wall" and the controversial debate over holding a wartime election in Ukraine.

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Welcome to the first episode of our new Wolfpack series with Saul David and Roger Moorhouse diving into the intriguing origins and early, devastating success of Nazi Germany’s U-boat campaign in the Atlantic.

This foundational episode unpacks how naval limitations imposed by the Treaty of Versailles failed to stop German rearmament and secretly fostered the development of submarine warfare doctrine.

They also explore Admiral Karl Dönitz's desperate strategic vision—the famed "wolfpack" tactics—and how a small fleet initially achieved spectacular results. From the shocking sinking of the civilian liner SS Athenia immediately after the declaration of war, to the "First Happy Time," a period where U-boat crews operated with lethal impunity, nearly crippling Britain's supply lines and setting the stage for the true Battle of the Atlantic.

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This week on Battleground, Saul David and Roger Moorhouse dissect a week of Russian provocation and a dramatic political shift from the US President.

Is Putin's aggressive brinkmanship about to backfire? After three MiG-31 jets violated Estonian airspace and a major drone incursion grounded flights at Copenhagen Airport, NATO allies are drawing a line in the sand. The hosts break down the fallout from Estonia invoking Article 4, the emergency UN Security Council session, and the stark pledge from the Polish foreign minister to shoot down future invaders of NATO skies.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump executes a stunning U-turn, branding Russia a 'paper tiger' and urging Ukraine to reclaim all its lost territory—a complete reversal of his previous calls for territorial concession.

Also in this episode:

Kremlin Nepotism: We examine reports that an increasingly paranoid Putin has appointed his cousin, Anna Tsivileva, as a deputy defence minister to root out corruption and disloyalty in the defence ministry.

Nuclear Sabre-Rattling: Putin attempts to "throw Trump a bone" with a conditional offer to adhere to the New START treaty for one year following its 2026 expiry.

Listeners' Questions: We tackle your queries on: the West's slow adoption of drone warfare lessons; the long-term demographic fallout of the war on both Russia and Ukraine: and more.

Join us as we analyse the week's most dangerous escalations and what they mean for the future of the conflict.

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The final showdown in North Africa is here. In the final episode of our Tunisgrad series Saul and Roger discuss the climax of the campaign as Allied forces converge on the Axis in Tunisia.

Together they break down the pivotal battles that sealed the fate of the Axis, from Montgomery's breakthrough at the Mareth Line to the decisive pincer movement at Wadi Akarit. And the final, coordinated assault, Operation Strike, which leads to the fall of Tunis and a capitulation on a scale even greater than Stalingrad.

Discover the key factors behind the Allied victory: overwhelming logistical superiority, complete air supremacy, and a unified command structure that finally worked. Over 250,000 Axis troops surrender, marking the end of the African campaign and, as one historian notes, "the beginning of the end" for Hitler.

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While last week's dramatic Russian drone attack on Poland made headlines, this week sees a return to the grinding realities of the war in Ukraine.

Join hosts Roger Moorhouse and Saul David as they dissect the latest developments including Russia's continued missile and drone strikes, Ukraine's strategic targeting of Russian oil infrastructure, and the alarming nature of the "Zapad 2025" military exercises between Russia and Belarus.

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