Battleground

Boldizsár Győri, Hungarian war reporter who visits Zaporizhzhia, Kramatorsk and Kyiv. Askold Krushelnycky, Ukrainian-American journalist who survived a drone strike in Odesa. They describe the terrifying scream of Shahed drones, civilian life under blackout and shelling, a pickup-mounted “dad’s army” of men over 60 who took up rockets, and firefighters and trains facing renewed risks.

They relive the chaotic 99 minutes at Entebbe, from a stormy Hercules landing to a black Mercedes decoy. Tactical blunders, friendly fire tragedies and rare eyewitness claims are unpacked. The raid's immediate triumph and its long political and security legacy are examined in sharp, dramatic detail.

Geopolitical upheaval takes center stage as tensions rise with Trump's audacious ultimatum to NATO allies over Greenland. The hosts discuss the looming threat to NATO’s unity amid the U.S. refusal to rule out military action. They explore the significance of Arctic strategy and the potential fallout with Russia, which could impact Ukraine. As the humanitarian crisis deepens in Kyiv, a million residents face harsh winter conditions without power. The conversation also touches on arms sales and the shifting dynamics of global influence.

The harrowing tale of the 1976 Air France Flight 139 hijacking unfolds, revealing the intricate planning behind Operation Thunderbolt. Internal struggles among legendary commanders, including Yoni Netanyahu, add dramatic tension. A host shows remarkable ingenuity, faking a miscarriage to gather intel. Clever tactics like the 'Goldfinger' ruse and a secret refueling deal highlight the urgent measures taken. The discussion delves into historical motives, concluding with a pivotal cabinet decision that sets the stage for a daring rescue.

As winter sets in with temperatures hitting -14°C, Russia ramps up missile strikes on Ukraine, including a notable attack near Lviv. The podcast explores the rising maritime tensions, highlighting the seizure of a Russian tanker and drone strikes on Black Sea vessels. Discussions also cover a €90bn support package from the EU amid debates between France and Germany, and Estonia's bold ban on ex-Russian soldiers. Additionally, insights on US engagement, proposed recovery plans for Ukraine, and theories surrounding Putin's assassination are on the table.

Patrick Bishop and Saul David delve into the captivating realm of Special Forces, exploring what makes these elite warriors so intriguing. They dissect the defining qualities of units like the SAS and Delta Force, including their extraordinary training and mental resilience. The discussion touches on iconic operations, such as the daring Entebbe rescue and the infamous Eagle Claw failure. With hints at future tales, the hosts question our societal obsession with these 'supermen' and the myths that surround them.

The discussion kicks off with the dramatic capture of Nicolás Maduro by the US and its ripple effects on global politics. The hosts highlight the emergence of the 'Donroe Doctrine', focusing on American dominance in the Western Hemisphere. They also delve into the implications of the seizure of the Marinera tanker, which has left Russia humiliated. Ukraine's security landscape shifts as President Zelensky appoints key military leaders, while successful drone strikes reveal Russian vulnerabilities. The convo wraps with thoughts on the strategic significance of Greenland.

Explore the controversial legacy of Field Marshall Douglas Haig, the iconic yet polarizing figure of WWI. Uncover his dramatic shift from national hero to scapegoat as the hosts debate his tactics at the Somme and his innovative strategies like the use of tanks. Delve into Haig's character, his progressive reforms, and the moral implications of his actions. Join the lively discussion on listener opinions and hear the hosts' final verdicts on whether Haig should be deemed a hero or a villain.

In the first episode of 2026, Roger Moorhouse and Patrick Bishop look back on a bizarre and momentous year of conflict. The hosts begin by reflecting on the breakdown of international cooperation, noting how Russia has moved from sensitive joint enterprises, like decommissioning nuclear power submarines, to living on the "dark side of the moon" diplomatically and economically. The centre of this week’s discussion is the surreal meeting between President Zelensky and Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago. Patrick and Roger dissect the "Olympic levels of restraint" shown by Zelensky as Trump claimed Putin was "generous" in his feelings toward Ukraine. They explore the 20-point peace plan being sketched out by American and Ukrainian officials and why, despite Trump’s optimism, the Kremlin remains unlikely to accept any deal that recognises a sovereign Ukraine. Finally, the hosts look at the changing face of the front line, where the introduction of long-range "FPV" drones—now capable of striking targets up to 50 or even 100 kilometres away—is creating a lethal "grey zone" that redefines modern manoeuvre warfare. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.com Producer: James Hodgson X (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Hero or Villain, Roger Moorhouse and Patrick Bishop evaluate the military career of Josip Broz Tito, the "titan of Central Europe" who led the Yugoslav partisans during World War II and served as President until 1980. The discussion traces his journey from a decorated Austro-Hungarian sergeant major to a revolutionary swayed by communism while a POW in Russia. The hosts highlight his strategic brilliance in liberating Yugoslavia largely through indigenous guerrilla efforts and his notable "independent streak" in defying Stalin to pursue a "Third Way" during the Cold War. While acknowledging the high human cost of his tactics and post-war repressions like the Bleiburg repatriations. What do you think? Is he a hero or a villain? Cast Your Vote! Join the debate and cast your vote on Josip Tito: https://forms.gle/wbcib4kLXs66E9P19 If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.com Producer: James Hodgson X (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices