Battleground
273. The Battle of Okinawa: Part 1 - The Invasion
In this first of a two-part special, Saul David is joined by Roger Moorhouse to dissect the first phase of the Battle of Okinawa. They explore the island's crucial role in the Pacific theater, the immense scale of the fighting, and the unique challenges faced by both Allied and Japanese forces. From the initial landings to the fierce defence of the inland, and a dive into the strategic rationale behind the invasion of Japanese territory, this episode looks at a battle that shaped the final months of World War II. 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
2 abr 2025 - 36 分 59 秒
272. Is a Genuine Peace Deal Even Possible?
This week Saul David is joined by Roger Moorhouse to dissect the announcement of a fragile ceasefire in the Black Sea agreed separately by both sides with the US in Riyadh. They also delve into the alarming pro-Russian rhetoric emerging from Trump's circle, and explore Zelensky's growing distrust of US support and ask the question if genuine peace is even possible. 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
28 mar 2025 - 34 分 33 秒
271. The Siege of Breslau: Where Nazi Fanaticism Met the Red Army's Fury
In this episode Saul David is joined by Roger Moorhouse to discuss the grim realities of the Siege of Breslau, a city trapped by Hitler's desperate, suicidal strategy which transformed Breslau into a killing ground. They also delve into the human cost of total war, and Breslau's post-war transformation into Polish Wrocław. 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
26 mar 2025 - 46 分 30 秒
270. Failed Diplomacy: Putin Rejects Trump's Peace Push in Ukraine
This week, Saul David and Roger Moorhouse dissect the latest diplomatic manoeuvres and frontline developments in the Ukraine war. Donald Trump's much-anticipated phone call with Vladimir Putin, aimed at securing a 30-day ceasefire, resulted in a swift rejection and immediate Russian escalation. Additionally, we have an update from the frontlines with war reporter and friend of the podcast Boldizsar Gyori, who describes the reality for the Ukrainian soldiers fighting in Kursk. 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
21 mar 2025 - 53 分 03 秒
269. Battleground '45 - Your Questions Answered
In this episode of Battleground '45 Saul is joined by Roger Moorhouse to take a deep dive into a host of fascinating listeners questions on the second world war. These include a look into Switzerland's stance during the war, why the allies sent back soviet prisoners to Stalin, and a look into whether Japan would have surrendered if there were no atomic bombs. 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
19 mar 2025 - 49 分 14 秒
268. From Kharkiv Nights to Hollywood Lights: Kateryna's Story
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.com Producer: James Hodgson X: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
17 mar 2025 - 42 分 38 秒
267. Is peace possible, or will Putin's conditions derail everything?
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.com Producer: James Hodgson X: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
14 mar 2025 - 47 分 27 秒
266. Operation Varsity: Crossing the Rhine
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.com Producer: James Hodgson X: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
12 mar 2025 - 42 分 01 秒
265. Ukraine's Next Chapter
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.com Producer: James Hodgson X: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
10 mar 2025 - 25 分 18 秒
264. The Aid Cut and the Letter: Ukraine's Response to US Pressure
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.com Producer: James Hodgson X: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
7 mar 2025 - 54 分 12 秒