<p>In this week's big interview Saul and Patrick speak to journalist and former lecturer of history at Oxford University - Dr Richard Lofthouse - who's recently returned from his second trip to Ukraine since the full scale invasion last year. He spoke to numerous people about their experiences, including the founder of the Georgian National Legion in Ukraine, Mamuka Mamulashvili.</p><p>He also explains his volunteer work with the charity car4ukraine.com which sources vehicles across Europe and the UK, modifies them, and sends them to the frontlines in Ukraine.</p><p>If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com</p><p>Producer: James Hodgson</p><p>Twitter: @PodBattleground</p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>This week Saul and Patrick take a look at the latest developments surrounding the war in Ukraine, including the scaled-back Victory Day parade in Moscow that featured just a single tank, Wagner PMC boss Yevgeny Prigozhin's latest expletive-laden rant, and the recent developments coming out of the battle for Bakhmut.</p><p>They also answer a host of fascinating questions from our listeners.</p><p>If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com</p><p>Producer: James Hodgson</p><p>Twitter: @PodBattleground</p><p> </p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Joining Saul for this week's Big Interview is award winning British photographer Mark Neville. He emotionally describes his personal experience of the war as a resident of Ukraine in Kyiv, his recent book project - Stop Tanks With Books - released a matter of days before the full scale invasion, and his work helping those most in need, with the charity - postcode Ukraine.</p><br><p>If you would like to know more about Mark's charity or help out with donations, you can find more information at www.postcodeukraine.com </p><br><p>If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com</p><p>Producer: James Hodgson</p><p>Twitter: @PodBattleground</p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>This week Saul and Patrick gave their immediate reaction to the drone attack on the Kremlin, as news broke during the recording of this episode. They also analyse the huge losses that the Russians have suffered since the turn of the year, a peace proposal brought forward by Pope Francis, and answer some of the many listeners questions.</p><p>If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com</p><p>Producer: James Hodgson</p><p>Twitter: @PodBattleground</p><p><br></p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Joining Saul to discuss a wide range of topics - from the Nord Stream pipeline sabotage - to Russia's failure to learn from its mistakes, is one of the most incisive commentators on the war - Professor Phillips O’Brien, head of the School of International Relations at the University of St Andrews.&nbsp;</p><p>If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com</p><p>Producer: James Hodgson</p><p>Twitter: @PodBattleground</p><p><br></p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>This week Patrick and Saul discuss the latest developments as Russia prepares to defend the territory it holds in eastern Ukraine against Ukraine’s expected counteroffensive. This includes the latest round of sackings and promotions at the top, and an announcement that T-14 Armata tanks – the most sophisticated that the Russians have – are being sent to the battlefield. They also answer a host of fascinating listeners questions. </p><p>If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com</p><p>Producer: James Hodgson</p><p>Twitter: @PodBattleground</p><p><br></p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>On this week's big interview, Patrick ad Saul are joined by veteran reporter Philip Ittner - who at the outbreak of the full scale invasion headed straight to Ukraine - where he has remained since. He describes the situation on the ground in Ukraine and the palpable sense of suspense surrounding the much discussed upcoming Ukrainian counter-offensive.</p><p>If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com</p><p>Producer: James Hodgson</p><p>Twitter: @PodBattleground</p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>This week Saul and Patrick discuss the latest twist in the extraordinary story of Wagner group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin. Only a few weeks ago it seemed that his star was waning – instead it seems he’s back in favour with the man who matters – Vladimir Putin. They also discuss the ongoing fallout from the US intelligence leak, and answer a wide variety of listeners questions.</p><p>If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com</p><p>Producer: James Hodgson</p><p>Twitter: @PodBattleground</p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Julius Strauss returns to the podcast in this week's interview, he's back in Ukraine and has been traveling across the country from Lviv in the the west, to close to the frontline in the East. He discusses some of the realities and tensions inside Ukraine - from the rift in the Orthodox Church to the use of Russian language by sections of the population. <br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>In this episode Saul and Patrick review the US intelligence leak and what this tells us about the reach of US intelligence, the state of the Ukrainian armed forces, and the consequences of the leak for the upcoming Ukrainian counter-offensive. They also discuss a couple of interesting developments within Russia: including reports that Wagner group boss Yevgeny Prigozhin is advancing his political aspirations by seeking to gain control of a Russian political party.</p><p>If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com</p><p>Producer: James Hodgson</p><p>Twitter: @PodBattleground</p><p><br></p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>This week's interview discusses the decision by ICC judges to issue&nbsp;arrest warrants&nbsp;against Vladimir Putin&nbsp;and Maria Lvova-Belova. Joining Saul and Patrick to delve into the topic are two Hague based journalists and hosts of international justice podcast Asymmetrical Haircuts - Janet Anderson and Stephanie van den Berg. </p><p>If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com</p><p>Producer: James Hodgson</p><p>Twitter: @PodBattleground</p><p><br></p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>This week on Battleground: Saul and Patrick cast doubt over claims by the Wagner group that they have more or less taken Bakhmut, they take a look at the possible suspects behind the assassination of a Russian military blogger in St Petersburg, and they look at Finlands rapid accession to NATO which doubles NATO's border with Russia. They also delve into a fascinating haul of listeners questions.</p><p>If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com</p><p>Producer: James Hodgson</p><p>Twitter: @PodBattleground</p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Joining Patrick and Saul for this week's interview is Matteo Patrone - the Managing Director of Eastern Europe and the Caucasus (EEC) at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).&nbsp;He discusses the work the EBRD has done in Ukraine both since the collapse of communism in the 1990's and more recently since Russia's full scale invasion last year. He also sets out how much Ukraine will need in the process of reconstruction once the war is over. </p><p>If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com</p><p>Producer: James Hodgson</p><p>Twitter: @PodBattleground</p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>This week on Battleground: Ukraine, Saul and Patrick take a look at the latest changes in the Russian high command following their unsuccessful recent offensive, Putin's decision to deploy tactical nukes in Belarus, and celebrity visits to Kyiv. </p><p>They also answer some of the many listeners questions that have been sent in this past week.</p><p>If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com</p><p>Producer: James Hodgson</p><p>Twitter: @PodBattleground</p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Joining Saul and Patrick for this week's big interview, is the current Director-General of the Royal United Services Institute - Dr Karin von Hippel. In this brilliant and wide ranging interview, she talks in depth about China Russia relations, their growing influence in Africa, and the difficulties the West faces in the future. </p><p>If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com</p><p>Producer: James Hodgson</p><p>Twitter: @PodBattleground</p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>In this Friday's episode of Battleground: Ukraine, Saul and Patrick take a look away from the battlefield, at the big news this week - the visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Moscow. Also discussed is the decision by the International Criminal Court in The Hague to charge Vladimir Putin with war crimes, and Britain’s decision to include depleted uranium shells with the Challenger 2 tanks it is sending to Ukraine. They also spend time as ever, answering a great selection of listeners’ questions.</p><p>If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com</p><p>Producer: James Hodgson</p><p>Twitter: @PodBattleground</p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Joining Patrick for this week’s interview is Mark Urban, the diplomatic editor for BBC Newsnight, Military Historian, and former Tank Officer. He discusses a range of topics including: the Russian airborne assault on Hostomel airport, why Infantry Fighting Vehicles are significant, and how artillery remains critically important in modern warfare.</p><p>If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com</p><p>Producer: James Hodgson</p><p>Twitter: @PodBattleground</p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>In the latest episode of Battleground Ukraine, Saul and Patrick consider the logic of Ukraine’s decision to continue fighting for the city of Bakhmut, and they discuss reports that elements of the Russian armed forces – including the elite Spetsnaz special forces - are suffering high desertions rates and, in some instances, are mutinying in the face of certain death. They also discuss listeners thoughts and questions.</p><p>If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com</p><p>Producer: James Hodgson</p><p>Twitter: @PodBattleground</p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Joining Saul and Patrick in this weeks interview is leading cyber expert David Alexander, who tells us about the latest developments playing out in the cyber front of the war. He also shares his knowledge from his time as a fast jet pilot, about the role of drones in the conflict, and why you still need manned aircraft in conflicts today. </p><p>If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com</p><p>Producer: James Hodgson</p><p>Twitter: @PodBattleground</p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>As the Battle for Bakhmut looks as if it is reaching its climax, Saul and Patrick - equipped with information from a specialist insider briefing by Western officials, delve into the latest developments and look at where the Battle is likely to go. They also explore some rare details of Putin's personal life, and answer a multitude of fascinating listeners questions.</p><p>If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com</p><p>Producer: James Hodgson</p><p>Twitter: @PodBattleground</p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>What can we learn about Putin's motivations for this war and how the conflict is likely to continue, by looking into Russian history? In our first in-depth interview, we hear from the brilliant historian, Simon Sebag Montefiore, the author of multiple prizewinning books on Russia. Sebag explains the historical relationship between Ukraine and Russia, how Putin fits into a long line of Russian autocratic rulers, and his assessment on how the conflict will play out. </p><p>If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com</p><p>Producer: James Hodgson</p><p>Twitter: @PodBattleground</p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>This week Saul and Patrick discuss the main news coming from the battlefield, which is the growing possibility that the fighting to control the town of Bakhmut may be reaching a climax. Furthermore, they discuss the big diplomatic news from last week, the Chinese announcement of a 12 point plan to bring the war to an end. </p><p>Saul and Patrick also take a deeper dive into listeners questions, and Saul tells us about his exciting new project the Content Club - http://www.content-club.xyz</p><p>If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com</p><p>Producer: James Hodgson</p><p>Twitter: @PodBattleground</p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Marking a grim anniversary - one year since Russia's invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, Saul and Patrick reflect over what has happened in the past 12 months, and assess how the war and the commentary around it has evolved. Additionally, Lieutenant Colonel Pavlo Khazan makes a return to the podcast, speaking from his base on the frontlines around Zaporizhzhia.</p><p>If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com</p><p>Producer: James Hodgson</p><p>Twitter: @PodBattleground</p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>This week Saul and Patrick discuss the Russian military incompetence which has resulted in, according to the British MoD, the heaviest rate of casualties for the Russians since the start of the war. They also talk to a remarkable woman Melania Podolyak who works for the Serhiy Prytula charity foundation, which delivers not only humanitarian aid to Ukrainian civilians but military kit and hardware including drones Ukrainian soldiers.</p><br><p>If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com</p><br><p>Producer: James Hodgson</p><br><p>Twitter: @PodBattleground</p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>This week we spoke to the brilliant documentary filmmaker Olly Lambert, who discusses his experiences and takeaways from filming the incredible on-the-ground documentary - Ukraine: The People's Fight. Patrick and Saul also delve into the latest news and developments, and answer listeners questions.</p><p>If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com</p><p>Producer: James Hodgson</p><p>Twitter: @PodBattleground </p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>