Saul and Patrick reflect on a week of instability across the globe and in particular the news that rebel groups in Syria, have recaptured parts of Aleppo and are threatening the Russian naval base at Tartus in the eastern Mediterranean.

With Russia's influence in the region under threat, they ask what this could mean for events in Ukraine and if this additional pressure on Russia could have a significant impact on the war in Ukraine.

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

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

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226. Syrian Rebels threaten Russian assets