Battleground

This week, we bring you a remarkable interview where Patrick spoke with special operations unit commander Kateryna Ratyshna, a young woman from Kharkiv who has been fighting on the front lines since the very beginning of the full-scale invasion. Kateryna, who also appears in - Porcelain War - a recent Oscar-nominated documentary about the war, shares her deeply personal experiences and the motivations that drive her fight. This is a truly humbling conversation that offers a unique insight into the dedication and resilience of Ukraine's frontline soldiers, and their unwavering determination to keep their country free.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

The ceasefire deal agreed between the US and Ukraine faces immediate hurdles. Patrick Bishop and Saul David dissect the news surrounding this fragile agreement, taking a look at Russia's "eye-watering" demands.They also analyse the Trump administration's tariff war and its impact, featuring insights from friend of the show and Canadian Resident and National Julius Strauss. Plus, we hear an extract of Patrick's interview with special forces unit commander, Kateryna Ratyshna, who stared in the award winning documentary film Porcelain War, and has now returned to Kharkiv after attending the Oscars award ceremony in Los Angeles.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

This week on Battleground, Saul David and Patrick Bishop dissect Operation Varsity, the audacious Allied airborne operation across the Rhine in March 1945. They explore the strategic aims, the intense fighting, and the controversial outcomes of this massive undertaking, examining the paratroopers' experiences and the operation's impact on the war's final stages.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

In this special episode recorded in the heart of Kyiv, Saul and Patrick speak with Anton, director of the Ukrainian Institute for the Future, about the country's vision for post-war reconstruction and its long-term security strategy. They discuss the challenges of rebuilding and the vital role of forward-thinking analysis in shaping Ukraine's destiny.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

In a whirlwind 24 hours, the geopolitical landscape has shifted dramatically. Join Saul David and Patrick Bishop on this episode of Battleground as they dissect the latest developments in the Ukraine conflict. A crucial letter from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to US President Donald Trump has signalled a potential thawing of tensions, but US aid remains halted and includes the stopping of crucial intelligence sharing.Plus, we analyse the European Union's response, with Ursula von der Leyen's ambitious €800 billion plan to bolster European defence capabilities.We are also joined by regular contributor, journalist Askold Khruselnycky, who to provides us with on-the-ground insights and analysis. 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

In this episode of Battleground '45 Saul and Patrick look at the Nazi Occupation of The Channel Islands, the only part of British territory occupied by the Germans in World War Two. Together they examine the complexities of this occupation, the treatment of the locals, the collaboration and resistance that arose, and the lasting questions it raises about wartime choices. They also look at few instances the war came ashore on the otherwise peaceful islands, with commando raids and the remarkable story of double agent Eddie Chapman.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

In yet another emergency episode Patrick and Saul give their immediate reaction to the news that the US has put an immediate halt on all military aid to Ukraine.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

Roger Moorhouse, a military historian and insightful analyst, joins the discussion surrounding a dramatic confrontation in the Oval Office between President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. They delve into the implications of this clash for international relations, likening it to mafia-style tactics. The conversation also unpacks Trump's ego-driven decisions, the pressing need for European unity, and the troubling rhetoric affecting Ukraine's defense. Moorhouse emphasizes the potential risks for Ukraine amid dwindling U.S. support.

Joined by the insightful Julius Strauss, a seasoned analyst of current events, the conversation dives deep into the chaos surrounding Donald Trump. They dissect the challenges of understanding Trump’s foreign policy and how his business mindset shapes his actions. The duo explores the strained alliances between political factions, revealing tensions among MAGA supporters and tech billionaires. Furthermore, they discuss the escalating implications of U.S. support for Ukraine and the shifting dynamics of European defense in a complex geopolitical landscape.

Join renowned historian Rob Lyman, author of "Slim Master of War" and expert on the British campaign in Burma during WWII, as he unpacks the overlooked victories of the Fourteenth Army. He discusses the breathtaking logistics and strategy behind the hard-won battles of Meiktila and Mandalay. Lyman highlights General Slim's tactical brilliance and the incredible resilience of a multinational force, emphasizing how diverse troops overcame logistical nightmares to reclaim Rangoon. This is a gripping tale of determination and ingenuity in the face of adversity.