The Duran Podcast cover image

The Duran Podcast

Frontline update, Kursk cauldron and Sumy buffer w/ Patrick Lancaster

Mar 21, 2025
In this discussion, Patrick Lancaster, a journalist covering the Ukraine war since 2014, shares frontline insights that often evade mainstream coverage. He delves into the recent military operations in Kursk, revealing how Russian forces breached defenses with tunnels and the dire humanitarian situation. Lancaster also analyzes military movements in Sumy and the escalating tensions in Zaporozhye and Kherson, discussing the implications of U.S. military aid and air defense challenges faced by Ukraine amidst drone warfare.
23:08

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Russian forces have succeeded in capturing significant territory in the Kursk region by employing strategic tunneling operations, leading to a collapse of Ukrainian defenses.
  • Concerns arise regarding the treatment of foreign mercenaries captured by Russian forces, as military policy may not recognize them under the Geneva Convention, posing severe consequences.

Deep dives

Recent Developments in Kursk

Russian forces have achieved significant territorial gains in the Kursk region following a strategic operation that involved tunneling under Ukrainian defense lines. This operation led to a swift collapse of Ukrainian defenses, resulting in a mass retreat and the capture of many Ukrainian soldiers. The immediate aftermath has seen widespread destruction, with reports of civilian casualties and war crimes, as entire villages lay in ruins after the conflict shifted control. Observers noted the grim reality on the ground, with reports of bodies trapped under rubble and the looming threat of further escalation in violence.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode