Battleground

Julius Strauss, a veteran journalist and wild bear expert, shares his gripping firsthand experiences from the frontlines of Eastern Ukraine. He discusses the dire situation in Kramatorsk, where civilians grapple with daily challenges amid conflict. The conversation also delves into the recent Trump-Putin summit, critiquing the superficial nature of Trump's alliances and the misleading narratives around the Ukraine conflict. Strauss emphasizes the disconnect between political spectacle and meaningful policy, leaving listeners with thought-provoking insights.

Dive into the chilling world of ratlines, the escape routes that helped Nazi officials flee post-WWII. Discover the controversial role of the Catholic Church in harboring these war criminals, with ties to anti-communist regimes in South America. Unearth the dark legacy of Croatian fascist leader Ante Pavelic and his elusive escape. Delve into the complexities of justice for Nazi fugitives and the moral dilemmas surrounding their capture. Plus, get a glimpse of upcoming literary projects exploring 20th-century conflicts!

This podcast dives into the intriguing potential for a direct meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy. It highlights Trump's surprising openness to security guarantees for Ukraine and the complexity of negotiations amid ongoing conflict. The hosts analyze Zelenskyy's diplomatic strategies to charm American allies, questioning whether real progress is being made or if it's all just smoke and mirrors. As tensions remain high, they reflect on the obstacles to effective peace talks and the need for clear terms and commitments.

Welcome to Battleground! In this special episode, Patrick Bishop and Saul David unpack the stunning outcome of the Alaska summit between President Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. After waiting for details to emerge, the hosts react to what was quickly dubbed "the anticlimax in Anchorage." While there was no ceasefire, the meeting was hugely important—and not in a good way. Together they discuss how the stage was set for a Putin victory, starting with DT's "baffling" decision to welcome him as an equal. They analyse the bizarre post-summit silence from Trump, contrast it with Putin's historical narrative, and dissect the disturbing details that have since come to light. They also cover Russia's demand for all of Donetsk, Trump's alleged pressure on Zelenskyy to accept a deal, and the implications for Zelenskyy's upcoming visit to Washington. 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

As Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin prepare to meet, Patrick and Saul dissect the unsettling details of a proposed peace deal for Ukraine, including Trump's suggested "land-swapping," which could force Ukraine to cede critical territory, including the heavily fortified "fortress belt" in Donetsk. They also discuss a controversial proposal to model the deal after Israel's occupation of the West Bank and analyse what this would mean for President Zelenskyy, Ukraine's constitution, and the future of the war Also on the podcast is a fascinating report from the frontline Donbas city of Kramatorsk by friends of the Podcast Julius Strauss, Boldi Gyori, and Kimberley Reczek. Keep an eye out for our special reaction show to the Trump Putin talks on Saturday. 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 Battleground 45, Saul and Patrick explore the Nuremberg Trials, examining their significance in delivering justice after World War II. Join us as we delve into the courtroom proceedings, the key figures involved, and the lasting impact of these landmark trials on international law and human rights. 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

Join Saul and Patrick as they recap the latest news from Ukraine in what was a rather chaotic week that saw Trump deploy US nuclear submarines after a tense online spat with former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. They’ll also analyse why Trump is targeting India with new tariffs, while seemingly avoiding China, and the surprising diplomatic progress made between his envoy and Putin. Plus, we'll cover the latest battlefield developments, including a successful Ukrainian special forces raid and the fall of Chasiv Yar. Finally, we'll be joined by Hungarian war reporter Boldi Gyori, who will share his firsthand accounts from the frontlines. 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 Battleground 45 Saul is joined by Evan Mawdsley to examine the final weeks of World War II from the perspective of the Soviet Union. Together they explore Stalin’s strategic goals at the Potsdam Conference, his reaction to the successful test of the atomic bomb, and the subsequent decision to accelerate the invasion of Manchuria. They look at why the Soviet declaration of war on Japan on August 8, 1945, may have been the decisive factor for the Japanese leadership's surrender. We'll delve into the lightning-fast invasion of Manchuria and Korea, the Soviet's thwarted plans to co-occupy Japan, and what the end of the fighting meant for the Soviet Union's future geopolitical ambitions. 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

This week, Patrick Bishop and Saul David tackle the latest Ukraine news starting with a look at Donald Trump's dramatic new deadline for Putin – a mere "ten or 12 days" to achieve peace in Ukraine. Plus, they get a unique glimpse into the war's human side with Colin Freeman, author of "The Mad and The Brave: The Untold Story of Ukraine’s Foreign Legion." Colin shares his insights into the foreign volunteers fighting on the front lines, including what motivates them and how effective are they for the Ukrainians. 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

At Potsdam, the victorious Allies finalise the future of a shattered Europe while the terrifying secret of the atomic bomb forces a decision that will forever redefine warfare. In this episode of Battleground '45 Patrick and Saul discuss the momentous decisions of Summer 1945. Firstly they delve into the Potsdam conference with the uneasy alliance, already strained, are at odds over post-war Europe. Simultaneously, President Truman grapples with an unthinkable power: the atomic bomb. As Japan refuses to surrender, the brutal choice between a costly invasion and unleashing the ultimate weapon looms. 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