<p>This week on Battleground: Ukraine, our guest Iuliia Mendel - the former Press Secretary of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, gives some fascinating insight about the mindset of the Ukrainian leader. She travelled everywhere with him, and was present in his meetings with Vladimir Putin. Her book just out is: <em>The Fight of Our Lives</em>, which sheds light on where Ukraine was going before the war intervened</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>With information about what is happening in the eastern and southern fronts getting harder to come by, Saul and Patrick speak to guest Owen Matthews. Owen is half Russian himself and has reported on and lived in Russia at key moments in its recent history, including since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, and he gives a brilliant analysis of how we got to where we are, and what is likely to happen next.</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>As developments on the battlefield have slowed down in the past week, Saul and Patrick speak to the esteemed military historian, war reporter, and former newspaper editor Sir Max Hastings, who gives his perspective on the conflict and discusses worrying historical parallels. They also discuss and answer questions sent in by listeners. Want to send a question? Send it to 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>Earlier this year after&nbsp;Russia's invasion of Ukraine, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz&nbsp;committed over 100 billion Euros to modernise the German Military. Joining&nbsp;Saul and Patrick to discuss this, and Germany's support&nbsp;for Ukraine so far, is Professor Matthias Strohn.&nbsp;</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 on Battleground, Lieutenant Colonel Pavlo Khazan took a break from frontline action to discuss the latest Russian missile attacks, the possibility of a nuclear warhead being deployed, and what he thinks Ukraine's western allies should do.</p><br><p>Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/PodBattleground" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@PodBattleground</a></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>The continuing&nbsp;success of Ukrainian forces has led to speculation that a complete collapse of the Russian Army could be forthcoming. This week Saul speaks to legendary Military Historian Anthony Beevor, about where the Russian Military is today.&nbsp;</p><br><p>Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/PodBattleground" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@PodBattleground</a></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>

This week legendary war reporter Anthony Lloyd, discusses the media coverage that has surrounded the War in Ukraine and how this conflict has differed to others when reporting from the ground. Plus the latest developments this past week are discussed, including the Nord stream gas pipeline "sabotage' and Russians fleeing the draft.&nbsp;<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 light of Putin's call up of reservists, Patrick speaks to friend of the show Askold Krushelnycky, who's been in the recently recaptured areas of Ukraine around Kherson in the past week.&nbsp;</p><br><p>Twitter:&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/PodBattleground" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@PodBattleground</a></p><br><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>In the wake of the massive Ukrainian breakthrough in the Kharkiv area, and the recapturing of vast swathes of Ukrainian territory, we hear from the former head of the British Army General Lord Dannatt, who has been closely following events in Ukraine. </p><br><p>Saul and Patrick also discuss what this all means going forward, as well as the alleged attempt on Putin's life.&nbsp;</p><br><p>Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/PodBattleground" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@PodBattleground</a></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>

A horrifying feature of the War in Ukraine&nbsp;has been the atrocities committed, particularly&nbsp;against the civilian population. Veteran war reporter Janine di Giovanni joins Patrick and Saul this week to discuss this and the work she is doing as part of the&nbsp;Reckoning Project.&nbsp;<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>

Environmental engineer and serving Ukrainian Lieutenant Colonel - Pavlo Khazan, joins Patrick and Saul to talk about his role in commanding C4 operations on the frontline of the Russian invasion; giving insight into a new age of warfare, Ukrainian morale and the impact of Western aid.<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>

Russia's behavior in launching the invasion of Ukraine caught many in the West off guard, so Saul has been speaking to expert on Russian History - Professor Orlando Figes to understand what Putin's calculation may have been.<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>

Ukrainian forces are looking to cut-off Russia's 'Land Bridge' to Crimea, with a possible large offensive being launched in the south of the country in the coming weeks. Patrick and Saul speak to Anglo-Ukrainian journalist Askold Krushelnycky, bringing up to date analysis on the geographical discrepancies&nbsp;in the fighting, and the considerable number of female fighters in the Ukrainian ranks.&nbsp;<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>

In this new series, Saul and Patrick explore the current conflict in Ukraine. They begin by looking back to the first days of hostilities in Kyiv with BBC journalist Paul Kenyon, followed by Ukrainian-American journalist Irena Chalupa giving an overview of the historic enmity between the two countries.<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>Steve Hoyland, who in 1982 was a parachute-qualified radio operator in the Royal Artillery’s 148 Commando Battery, gives a hair-raising account of his time on operations with the Special Forces during the campaign.</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>

Graham 'Piggy' Trotter recounts his time as a Navy Clearance Driver during the campaign, including the heart-stopping de-fusing of a thousand pound bomb from RFA Sir Lancelot.<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>

With hundreds of messages received through the course of the series, Patrick and Saul answer as many questions they can and add some responses from listeners who were involved in the campaign.<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>

With the military action over, Saul and Patrick cover the aftermath of the war and the impact it had both on the nation and the individuals who were caught up in it. They end with personal reflections on what they've heard during the course of the series, and what's coming next.<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>

With the Argentine forces routed in the mountains, the British task force roll into Port Stanley as the official surrender finally comes. Hear memories from the islanders, and Patrick's recollection of fellow journalist Max Hastings' legendary solo stroll to the pub.<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>

In the final phase of the battle for Port Stanley, the momentum of the initial assault&nbsp;continues as British forces assault Wireless Ridge and the Battle of Mount Tumbledown begins.<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>

As the war nears its climax, British forces launch an attack on the Argentinian positions despite savage Falkland Island winter weather in the mountains surrounding Port Stanley.&nbsp;&nbsp;<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>

In one of the most tragic and horrifying incidents in the war for the British forces, the Sir Galahad landing craft is bombed when fully laden with Welsh Guards. Saul and Patrick explore the decisions that led to the tragedy, and the heroic defensive effort from fighter pilots David 'Mog' Morgan and Dave Smith in preventing further casualties.<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>

As focus turns towards the capital Port Stanley, a treacherous 'yomp' across difficult terrain and conflicting priorities from commanding officers mean the British forces are left vulnerable.<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>

As the British forces pushed into the island from their landing point at San Carlos Water, they encountered a well-defended Argentinian position in the settlement of Goose Green, leading to the most ferocious land battle of the war. Saul and Patrick explore the controversial reasoning behind the attack, with eye-witness testimony from those at the heart of the action.<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>

After British successes in landing troops on the Falkland Islands, the Argentinian air force strike back, sinking two British ships with their bombs and French-built Exocet missiles. Saul posits a new theory about the fate of the supply ship Atlantic Conveyor, raising the possibility that it was deliberately sacrificed by British high command in order to save their tactically vital carriers.<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>