Battleground

In our second Battleground podcast of 2024 Saul and Patrick return to the war in Ukraine, as in the past week has seen a tit for tat of missile and drone strikes – the majority, needless to say, fired from Russia. They also discuss both the possibility and the feasibility of recent reports that Russian President Vladimir Putin is using backchannels and intermediaries to signal his interest in a ceasefire.As ever we answer your listeners questions on both the conflict in Ukraine and in Gaza.If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.comProducer: James HodgsonTwitter: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This podcast focuses on the crucial events of 1944 in World War II, including the decision of who would be the Supreme Commander for the invasion of Northern Europe, exploring the leadership of Dwight D. Eisenhower and his challenges, discussing the planning and role of Ike in the D-Day landing, covering the retreat of the Germans, the plot to assassinate Hitler, the battle at Monte Cassino, and the transition to the Pacific theater of war. It also delves into the progress and turning points of the Pacific War in 1944, such as the navy-led island hopping operation and the American chiefs' contemplation on how to end the war.

Military historians predict that 2023 will be significant due to ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. Topics covered include recent events in Ukraine, the challenges of finding a ceasefire in Israel and Hamas conflict, rumors of F-16s in Ukraine, deceptive tactics used by Hamas, and the impact of events in Marinka and Avdivka on warfare.

On today's episode we focus on the issue of accountability for war crimes, what finding justice looks like for Ukraine, and the challenges Ukraine faces in this field. To discuss this Saul speaks to Dr Iva Vukusic - assistant professor in International History at Utrecht University and a research fellow at War Studies at Kings college London.If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.comProducer: James HodgsonTwitter: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week President Zelensky confessed that the Ukrainian army has asked for an extra 450-500,000 people to be mobilised to fight the war, but he had yet to be convinced that such a huge call-up was necessary.Discussing the implications of this Saul and Patrick, also take a look at the delay in US aid for Ukraine, as well as the growing criticism of the IDFs conduct in Gaza.They also address some insightful listeners comments and questions- including on recent poling conducted inside Gaza.Interested in donating to blind veterans - you can find their website here: https://www.blindveterans.org.uk/If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.comProducer: James HodgsonTwitter: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a now annual Battleground tradition, for a special Christmas treat we've recorded a special festive episode discussing the standout history books of the year, and the wider stories that surround them. Patrick, Saul, and Roger are joined by friends of the podcast - fellow historian Jessie Childs and publicist and historical novelist Richard Foreman.Producer: James HodgsonTwitter: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Battleground Saul and Patrick report on the latest news from Ukraine, with things recently not going Kyiv’s way. The US Congress has blocked a $61 billion aid package for Ukraine and President Volodymyr Zelensky this week visited Washington in an attempt to persuade Republican politicians to change their mind. But will he succeed? Meanwhile Russia has hardened its bargaining position by demanding that Ukraine withdraws its troops from ‘Russian territory’ as a pre-requisite for any peace talks, and announcing that it will conduct voting for the 2024 presidential election in occupied Ukraine, likely in an attempt to legitimise the Russian occupation and Russian President Vladimir Putin’s rule.  They also answer some excellent listener’s questions and if you to send a question to Saul and Patrick you can send it to podbattleground@gmail.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The hosts discuss the effectiveness of a military victory in the Gaza conflict and the potential consequences for Israel's global support. They explore the comparison of Israeli actions to the British response in World War II and the implications of a government minister's statement. The speakers also discuss historical analogies, including the ongoing rocket attacks on Israel and the dangers faced by journalists in war zones.

A young Russian journalist discusses the trials of Ukrainian POWs in occupied eastern Ukraine, the impact of Western sanctions on Russia, the blame game surrounding the sanctions, speculation on a potential coup d'etat in Russia, and assumptions about Pragogen's death and slipping support for the war.

In this episode of Battleground Saul and Patrick react to the news that the ceasefire in Gaza has collapsed, with Israel resuming its air and ground offensive and civilians continuing to die in large numbers. They also discuss the mood inside Israel, with some criticism of the Israeli government strategy coming from inside Israel because of concerns over the risks a resumption of hostilities brings to the hostages that Hamas are still holding. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.comProducer: James HodgsonTwitter: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices