Battleground

This week Roger Moorhouse and Saul David analyse a week of potential shifts in the conflict. On the frontline: Ukrainian civilians evacuate Kupiansk as security deteriorates; a UN humanitarian convoy is deliberately attacked in Kherson; and a strike hits a Kharkiv hospital. Ukraine continues hitting back, targeting the Feodosia oil terminal in Crimea amidst a potential chemical threat from a ruptured ammonia pipeline. In the diplomatic sphere, Donald Trump rattles the Kremlin by suggesting he might send Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine, prompting intense Russian warnings. Meanwhile, signs of Putin's diplomatic discomfort appear as he is forced to apologize to Azerbaijan, and early whispers of internal dissent surface in Russia's major cities. 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

The hunt is over. Black May (May 1943) marks the U-boat campaign's devastating turning point, forcing Admiral Dönitz to withdraw his "Grey Wolves" from the North Atlantic. In the final episode Saul and Roger track the U-boats' demise against overwhelming Allied technological advances. We explore the grim reality for U-boat crews—the brutal conditions and a staggering 75% casualty rate—and why advanced subs like the Type XXI "Elektroboote" arrived too late. We conclude the series by assessing the final collapse, Operation Deadlight, and the campaign's immense human cost. 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

Arnaud de Decker, a Belgian war reporter with firsthand experience in the Donbas, shares critical insights from his recent trip. He discusses the alarming advance of Russian forces towards Slovyansk and Kramatorsk, highlighting the threats posed by FPV drones and the targeting of both civilians and military. Arnaud paints a picture of overcrowded cities filled with refugees and military presence, revealing the rising tension and anxiety among civilians. He also reflects on the high casualty rates among Russian forces and his plans for a return to the region.

Roger Moorhouse, a historian and author specializing in World War II, shares his insights on the U-boat war and the pivotal Battle of the Atlantic. He discusses how German U-boats devastated Allied shipping, pushing Britain to the edge. The conversation highlights the critical technological advancements, including airborne radar and the breaking of the Enigma code, that turned the tide against U-boats. Moorhouse also elaborates on the logistics of shipbuilding and the role of coastal command in achieving an Allied victory, marking a significant shift in naval warfare.

Tensions escalate as Russia intensifies aerial assaults on Ukraine, prompting Western nations to respond. Trump is portrayed as a 'spurned lover,' frustrated by his diplomatic overtures to Putin. A critical power failure at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant raises safety concerns. The EU backs a controversial 'drone wall' using Ukrainian expertise to bolster defenses. The hosts discuss election debates in Ukraine, the complexities of NATO membership during wartime, and the implications of potential successors to Putin.

Joining the discussion is Roger Moorhouse, a distinguished historian and author known for his deep expertise in U-boat warfare. He explores the dramatic rise of Nazi Germany's U-boat campaign, revealing how the Treaty of Versailles inadvertently set the stage for their rearmament. Moorhouse delves into Admiral Dönitz's wolfpack tactics, recounts the infamous sinking of the SS Athenia, and highlights the initial successes during the 'First Happy Time,' where U-boats wreaked havoc on Allied supply lines with shocking efficiency.

Russian airspace violations escalate tensions, with NATO meeting to discuss a collective response. The hosts explore Putin's internal politics, including nepotism and a puzzling nuclear strategy. Meanwhile, Trump's surprising pivot on Ukraine challenges the status quo. The conversation touches on the lessons of drone warfare and the demographic toll of the ongoing conflict. Factors influencing NATO’s decisions and regional security strategies also come under scrutiny, highlighting the precarious balance of power in Eastern Europe.

The climax of the North African campaign unfolds, with Allied forces converging on Axis troops in Tunisia. Key battles like Montgomery’s breakthrough and the decisive pincer movement at Wadi Akarit are examined. The impact of Patton's leadership and the engaging story of Popski's private army add depth. The discussion highlights how strategic air superiority and logistics lead to the surrender of over 250,000 Axis soldiers, marking a pivotal moment in the war. This victory signals the beginning of the end for Hitler's ambitions.

The podcast dives into the ongoing drone warfare in Ukraine, highlighting the latest Russian strikes and Ukraine's innovative drone tactics. Discussion includes the tense military exercises between Russia and Belarus, raising concerns for NATO. The hosts analyze the impact of sanctions, the financing of US arms, and the chilling effects of relentless aerial campaigns on civilians. They also examine Kyiv's controversial decision to allow young men to leave the country, weighing the potential implications for Ukraine's future.

Explore the Casablanca Conference, where Churchill and Roosevelt demanded unconditional surrender from the Axis powers. Dive into Rommel's last stand in Tunisia and witness pivotal battles like Sidi Bou Zid and Kasserine Pass that exposed U.S. weaknesses. Discover how the Allies regrouped and mounted a comeback, ultimately repelling German forces in key confrontations. The podcast also sheds light on local perspectives, revealing the complex attitudes of North African populations during these tumultuous events.