Ukraine: The Latest Battle for Pokrovsk 'over', claims Russia & Putin ordered spy poisoning 'as show of Russian power'
31 snips
Dec 4, 2025 Hamish De Bretton-Gordon, a former British Army tank commander and CBRN expert, dives into critical discussions on chemical weapons and the implications of the Novichok inquiry. He highlights the concerning reports of Russian advances around Pokrovsk and the challenging dynamics facing Ukraine. The conversation also touches on the lethal effects of Novichok and the recklessness behind the attack that led to Dawn Sturgess’s death, reflecting on how such actions serve as a demonstration of Russian power amidst ongoing conflicts.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Battle For Pokrovsk Escalates
- Russian forces likely control Pokrovsk and threaten nearby areas, with Ukrainian lines under severe pressure.
- Dom Nicholls warns logistics and manpower make holding the area increasingly costly for Ukraine.
Russian Push Near Huliaipole Has Momentum
- Russia has redeployed multiple brigades and airborne elements to press a 17km tactical breakthrough near Huliaipole.
- Francis Dearnley and Dom Nicholls highlight that southern defences are less mature, increasing strategic risk.
Air Defences Are Stopping Most But Not All
- Ukraine's air defences remain effective but not perfect, shooting down most drones while some missiles get through.
- The strikes that do penetrate still cause civilian casualties and infrastructure damage, Dom warns.
