Askold Krushelnycky, a Ukrainian-American journalist, offers keen insights on the shifting dynamics between Trump and Putin amid the Ukraine conflict. He discusses Trump’s recent remarks that suggest a potential pivot in U.S. policy towards Russia. The podcast dives into the complicated emotions in Ukraine regarding American support and the ongoing military tensions. Additionally, Krushelnycky highlights the resilience of Ukrainians seeking self-reliance while analyzing how global diasporas influence geopolitical stability.

In this first of a two-part special, Saul David is joined by Roger Moorhouse to dissect the first phase of the Battle of Okinawa. They explore the island's crucial role in the Pacific theater, the immense scale of the fighting, and the unique challenges faced by both Allied and Japanese forces.From the initial landings to the fierce defence of the inland, and a dive into the strategic rationale behind the invasion of Japanese territory, this episode looks at a battle that shaped the final months of World War II.If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.comProducer: James HodgsonX: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tensions rise with a fragile ceasefire in the Black Sea, but skepticism remains about Russia's commitment to peace. Zelensky is increasingly wary of U.S. support, raising questions about trust and concessions. The prospect of European military intervention looms amidst potential U.S. disengagement from negotiations. Historical parallels draw connections between Ukrainian resistance and geopolitical stability in Asia. Meanwhile, voices in Canada call for an independent nuclear arsenal, reflecting broader anxieties about international relations and defense policies.

Roger Moorhouse, a historian focused on 20th-century Europe and author of Breslau's history, joins to share gripping insights on the Siege of Breslau. They discuss the desperate circumstances faced by defenders and civilians during this brutal conflict. Moorhouse highlights the intense clash between Nazi fanaticism and the advancing Red Army, revealing the immense human toll. The aftermath of the siege is explored, including the transitions to Polish control, forced migrations, and the architectural restoration in modern Wrocław.

Boldizsar Gyori, a seasoned Hungarian war reporter, shares gripping firsthand accounts from the Ukrainian frontlines. The conversation dives into the fallout from Donald Trump's failed peace overture to Vladimir Putin, which was met with rejection and increased Russian hostility. Gyori reveals the resilience of Ukrainian soldiers in Kursk, adapting to new Western artillery while facing dire challenges. The discussion also touches on the broader geopolitical ramifications of U.S. foreign policy and Western military support in this ongoing conflict.

In this episode of Battleground '45 Saul is joined by Roger Moorhouse to take a deep dive into a host of fascinating listeners questions on the second world war.These include a look into Switzerland's stance during the war, why the allies sent back soviet prisoners to Stalin, and a look into whether Japan would have surrendered if there were no atomic bombs.If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.comProducer: James HodgsonX (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, we bring you a remarkable interview where Patrick spoke with special operations unit commander Kateryna Ratyshna, a young woman from Kharkiv who has been fighting on the front lines since the very beginning of the full-scale invasion. Kateryna, who also appears in - Porcelain War - a recent Oscar-nominated documentary about the war, shares her deeply personal experiences and the motivations that drive her fight. This is a truly humbling conversation that offers a unique insight into the dedication and resilience of Ukraine's frontline soldiers, and their unwavering determination to keep their country free.If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.comProducer: James HodgsonX: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The ceasefire deal agreed between the US and Ukraine faces immediate hurdles. Patrick Bishop and Saul David dissect the news surrounding this fragile agreement, taking a look at Russia's "eye-watering" demands.They also analyse the Trump administration's tariff war and its impact, featuring insights from friend of the show and Canadian Resident and National Julius Strauss. Plus, we hear an extract of Patrick's interview with special forces unit commander, Kateryna Ratyshna, who stared in the award winning documentary film Porcelain War, and has now returned to Kharkiv after attending the Oscars award ceremony in Los Angeles.If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.comProducer: James HodgsonX: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Battleground, Saul David and Patrick Bishop dissect Operation Varsity, the audacious Allied airborne operation across the Rhine in March 1945. They explore the strategic aims, the intense fighting, and the controversial outcomes of this massive undertaking, examining the paratroopers' experiences and the operation's impact on the war's final stages.If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.comProducer: James HodgsonX: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this special episode recorded in the heart of Kyiv, Saul and Patrick speak with Anton, director of the Ukrainian Institute for the Future, about the country's vision for post-war reconstruction and its long-term security strategy. They discuss the challenges of rebuilding and the vital role of forward-thinking analysis in shaping Ukraine's destiny.If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.comProducer: James HodgsonX: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices