James Rothwell

James Rothwell, The Telegraph's Berlin correspondent, brings insights on Germany's defense debates and Polish civil defense readiness amid growing tensions. Mariia and Ksenia, co-founders of the Women and the World International Film Festival, highlight their efforts to support displaced Ukrainian filmmakers. They discuss the emotional challenges faced by creatives and the festival's mission to promote 50/50 Ukrainian-international programming. The conversation also touches on utilizing cinema as a form of cultural resistance against the backdrop of war.

Dominic Nicholls, an authoritative military analyst, discusses Russian threats to Ukraine's nuclear infrastructure. James Rothwell, a Berlin correspondent, shares insights on the Greenland crisis and highlights the controversial use of Belarusian nuns in espionage. Verity Bowman, a foreign reporter, explains the emergence of Ukraine's Kartia brigade and the capabilities of the DevDroid robot, which reportedly held off Russian forces for 45 days. Together, they explore the intertwining of military strategy and technology on the modern battlefield.

Donald Trump has abruptly backed down over the US takeover of Greenland. From the icy streets of Nuuk our correspondent James Rothwell reports from the centre of an unusual geopolitical spotlight as Greenlanders try to make sense of their island’s sudden importance and the anxiety of being discussed by faraway powers.Greenland itself emerges not as a prize but as a place with its own history identity and quiet resilience. James paints a picture of a small Arctic capital balancing fishing tourism and everyday life while navigating long memories of colonial rule and new questions about sovereignty security and self determination.Back in the studio Venetia and Roland are joined by Chief Foreign Commentator David Blair to unpack what Trump’s partial retreat really means and to explore the wider implications of Mark Carney’s striking Davos speech. Carney argues we are living through a rupture not a transition and urges middle powers to face reality and work together in a world where power politics is once again shaping events.Read James Rothwell's Greenland dispatch:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/01/24/trump-provokes-a-rare-emotion-in-greenland-blind-rage/Read David Blair's analysis of the Greenland deal: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/01/22/predicted-greenland-deal-not-good-one/Read Roland Oliphant on Trump's Board of Peace: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/01/22/monarchs-and-pariahs-join-trumps-board-of-peace-parade/Producer: Peter ShevlinExecutive Producer: Louisa Wells► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditorContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dominic Nicholls, Associate Editor (Defence) at The Telegraph, offers insights on military strategies, while Joe Barnes, Brussels correspondent, discusses the EU's fraught responses. James Rothwell, Berlin correspondent, examines Germany's concerns around the peace deal. The podcast delves into the evolving 19-point peace plan, European panic over leadership, and Russia's ongoing attacks. Discussions highlight the importance of nuanced diplomatic details, with reactions from Ukraine suggesting a complex pathway ahead. How Europe navigates this turbulent period remains a pressing question.

James Rothwell, Berlin Correspondent, dives into the critical issues surrounding Ukraine and Russia. He discusses the U.S. decision to provide air and intelligence support for Ukraine's postwar forces, highlighting the ongoing challenges Ukraine faces amidst Russian territorial gains. The conversation also covers the damaging impacts of recent strikes on Russian oil infrastructure and raises concerns about alarming health trends in the Russian military recruitment, including the recruitment of HIV-positive individuals. The geopolitical landscape continues to shift as tensions escalate.

Hamish de Bretton-Gordon, a former British Army Tank Commander and chemical weapons expert, and James Rothwell, Berlin Correspondent for The Telegraph, dive into the current dynamics of the Ukraine-Russia conflict. They discuss a surprise counterattack in Kursk, exploring the military tactics behind it, including drone jamming units. The conversation shifts to the pivotal European elections in 2025, analyzing the rise of pro-Kremlin parties and their potential impact on EU stability amidst geopolitical tensions.

In this discussion, James Rothwell, the Berlin Correspondent, explores the fallout from Russia's cluster munition strike in Sumy, deemed a war crime. He reflects on global reactions, particularly Donald Trump’s comments downplaying the tragedy. The conversation shifts to Germany's pivotal decision to supply Taurus missiles to Ukraine, analyzing how this could alter the balance of European defense. Rothwell emphasizes the urgent need for accountability and the shifting dynamics in military support as the conflict escalates.

Dominic Nicholls, an expert in military analysis, and James Rothwell, a Berlin correspondent, dive deep into Ukraine's evolving conflict. They discuss Zelensky's surprising concession on NATO ambitions for peace guarantees. The latest surge in military actions leads to blackouts across Ukraine, raising tensions. German Chancellor Merz's historic speech emphasizes Germany's new defense stance, connecting current events to WWII. Additionally, they examine military support shifts and how diplomacy in Berlin could reshape the European landscape.

Memphis Barker, Senior foreign correspondent for The Telegraph, shares insights from Ukraine, diving into the latest military confrontations and a daring raid by Ukrainian special forces on Russian fighter jets. James Rothwell, the Berlin correspondent, analyzes the implications of a recent meeting between the German Chancellor and Donald Trump on international relations. Vladislav Zubok, a Cold War historian, discusses reinterpretations of the Cold War, emphasizing lessons for today's geopolitical landscape and the complexity of current conflicts.

In this discussion, Mykola Bielieskov, a strategic analyst at Come Back Alive, shares insights on Ukraine's tactical drone strikes targeting Russian industrial facilities and the humanitarian implications of ongoing offensives. James Kilner, a former Russia correspondent, delves into the evolving diplomatic landscape, highlighting potential peace talks in Istanbul. James Rothwell, reporting from Poland, provides context on upcoming presidential elections and their significance. The episode also touches on Russia's alarming military recruitment rates and economic struggles, adding depth to the current conflict narrative.