Battleground 318. The Summits That Changed Nothing
Aug 21, 2025
Julius Strauss, a veteran journalist and wild bear expert, shares his gripping firsthand experiences from the frontlines of Eastern Ukraine. He discusses the dire situation in Kramatorsk, where civilians grapple with daily challenges amid conflict. The conversation also delves into the recent Trump-Putin summit, critiquing the superficial nature of Trump's alliances and the misleading narratives around the Ukraine conflict. Strauss emphasizes the disconnect between political spectacle and meaningful policy, leaving listeners with thought-provoking insights.
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Drones Have Remade Frontline Risk
- Drones have massively increased the front-line threat, changing how and where forces can operate.
- Drone range and density create an unpredictable, expanding-constricting danger zone near the front.
Journalist Access Is Limited By Capacity
- Ukrainian forces now restrict journalist access not just for secrecy but because they lack capacity to support visitors.
- Checkpoints are closed more often to manage limited resources and operational burden.
Truck Hit By FPV Drone Nearby
- Boldi encountered a truck hit by an FPV drone that was still smoking, showing perceived 'safe' zones are vulnerable.
- Julius used that story to illustrate how quickly danger can appear even off main front-line routes.
