Saul David and Patrick Bishop discuss the intensification of Russian operations in Ukraine, a car bomb attack by Ukrainian partisans, and the potential consequences for Ukraine due to the situation in Israel. They also touch on topics like the Gaza crisis, cyber attacks, pipeline damage, and the parallels between Ukraine and Northern Ireland.
Raids can have significant psychological and resource diversion impacts on the opposing forces in a conflict.
Propaganda plays a crucial role in shaping narratives and influencing public opinion in the Ukraine conflict.
Deep dives
The Impact of Raids and the Doolittle Raid
The podcast discusses the significance of raids and the impact they can have on morale and resources. The Doolittle Raid during World War II is cited as an example, as it boosted American morale and prompted a major Japanese offensive. While the effectiveness of the recent special forces raid on Crimea is debated, highlighting the potential psychological impact on non-Ukrainian forces and civilians in Crimea, as well as the diversion of resources for Russia in guarding against further raids.
Russian Contacts with Hamas
The podcast mentions a meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Moscow. It is suggested that there are contacts at high levels between Russia and Hamas, with potential benefits for Russia in distracting the West from Ukraine and worsening Israel's relationship with Moscow. However, it is noted that the meeting took place prior to the recent conflict, and Russia's ties with Iran may face increased scrutiny as a result.
The Importance of Propaganda in Ukraine
The podcast discusses the significance of propaganda in the Ukraine conflict, with both Russia and Ukraine attempting to shape narratives and influence public opinion. The impact of propaganda on morale and international perceptions is emphasized, highlighting Russia's attempts to portray the conflict as a failure of US policy and to exploit weaknesses in Israeli security.
The Impact of the Gas Pipeline Attack
The podcast mentions the severing of a gas pipeline linking Finland to Estonia and suggests Russia as the likely culprit. The potential consequences of this attack on European gas supplies and prices are mentioned, along with the impact on Russia's relationship with NATO members who support Ukraine. The attack is seen as a symbolic move and an attempt to disrupt European gas supplies and increase prices.
On this episode of Battleground: Ukraine Saul David and Patrick Bishop, discuss the main news from the front line this week that Russia has intensified operations in the Avdiivka area of Donetsk Oblast. They look at a story that has emerged from occupied Kherson Oblast where Ukrainian partisans are said to have used a car bomb to kill a local head of Putin’s political party. They also of course, take a look at the potential consequences for in Ukraine, as a result of the unfolding situation in Israel.
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