Battleground

This week on Battleground 45, we have a powerful conversation about resilience, hope, and the enduring strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable darkness. Saul is joined by Wendy Holden the author of Born Survivors and together they discusses the incredible true stories of Priska, Rachel, and Anka, three pregnant women who defied the odds to survive Auschwitz and other Nazi atrocities. Their secret pregnancies, a miraculous twist of fate, and the kindness of strangers paved the way for their survival and the birth of their children. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com Producer: James Hodgson X: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Battleground Ukraine, Patrick is back and together he and Saul delve into the latest news from Ukraine, starting with a look at the details and implications of the newly signed strategic minerals deal between the US and Ukraine. They discuss how this agreement aims to incentivise US investment, and the surprising language it uses regarding Russia's aggression. Could this deal be a crucial step towards a broader settlement, or even to Trump turning on the US supplies? They are also joined by Edward Lucas, Times columnist and security expert with a particular interest in Russia, who shares his analysis of the conflict. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com Producer: James Hodgson X: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Battleground '45 Saul and Roger discuss the Battle of Berlin, the final, bloody showdown for the Nazi capital. Together they delve into the huge Red Army offensive and the desperate German resistance, but also shed light on the dramatic final days of Adolf Hitler and his inner circle within the besieged Führerbunker, in what was a chaotic end to the Third Reich, both above and below ground. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com Producer: James Hodgson X: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Battleground Ukraine, Saul David and Roger Moorhouse dissect the dramatic unraveling of the Trump administration's proposed 7-point peace plan. With a controversial Easter truce riddled with violations, and a deal that many see as a betrayal of Ukraine, the stakes couldn't be higher. Together they examine the plan's key points, ask if this is a win for Putin, a strategic manoeuvre by Trump, or a devastating blow to Ukraine's sovereignty?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

Explore the historic handshake between American and Soviet soldiers at the Elbe River in 1945, marking a pivotal moment in the fight against Nazi Germany. Discover the emotional weight of this encounter and its foreshadowing of Cold War tensions. Dive into the strategic decisions shaping the race for Berlin and the divergent plans for post-war Germany, reflecting the conflicting ambitions of Churchill and Stalin. This episode unpacks the dramatic political implications that emerged as the Allies negotiated their future in a divided Europe.

Boldiszar Gyori, a Hungarian war reporter, shares gripping firsthand insights from the front lines of Ukraine. He discusses the groundbreaking shift of women entering coal mining, a first since WWII, as they step up to fill roles left by the draft. This transition challenges gender norms and brings emotional strain to families. Gyori also elaborates on the complexities of military tactics and the evolving landscape of mine clearance in war-torn regions, revealing how the conflict is reshaping society.

Discover the strategic significance of Hitler's Berghof, a pivotal site for Nazi decision-making. Unpack the daring RAF bombing raid aimed at this mountain retreat, as airmen share their experiences and challenges. Delve into the moral implications of precision bombings and their civilian impacts. Explore the evolution of the Royal Air Force during the war and how these events reshaped British society. Finally, uncover the controversial legacy of the Eagle's Nest and its transformation into a tourism hub, with echoes of history still resonating today.

Arnaud De Decker, a Belgian war reporter and author, shares his experiences from his recent travels in Georgia and Armenia. He highlights the growing tensions in Tbilisi, where locals are grappling with an influx of Russian refugees. De Decker also sheds light on former Ukrainian deserters training for combat and their emotional struggles as they seek a second chance. Their stories reveal the complexities of war, identity, and the fight for survival in a shifting geopolitical landscape.

Arnaud de Decker, a Belgian war reporter with recent insights from Georgia and Armenia, shares gripping accounts of Russian soldiers who deserted the front lines. He discusses the surprising involvement of Chinese fighters in the conflict, prompting serious questions about China's role. Decker highlights the harsh realities faced by deserters who long for a life away from war, emphasizing their struggles and desires for a better future. His narratives reveal the deep psychological toll of combat and the complexities of seeking safety in a turbulent world.

The podcast delves into the pivotal Battle of Okinawa and its strategic implications in World War II. Listeners learn about the brutal 82-day struggle, the heavy casualties, and the humanitarian crisis faced by civilians. The discussion reveals the controversies surrounding the use of atomic bombs and explores racial dynamics in military decisions. Personal accounts and emotional reflections from American troops highlight the complexity of their experiences and the weight of their actions amidst the backdrop of a fierce and devastating conflict.