In this Friday's episode of Battleground: Ukraine, Saul and Patrick take a look away from the battlefield, at the big news this week - the visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Moscow. Also discussed is the decision by the International Criminal Court in The Hague to charge Vladimir Putin with war crimes, and Britain’s decision to include depleted uranium shells with the Challenger 2 tanks it is sending to Ukraine. They also spend time as ever, answering a great selection of listeners’ questions.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

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Joining Patrick for this week’s interview is Mark Urban, the diplomatic editor for BBC Newsnight, Military Historian, and former Tank Officer. He discusses a range of topics including: the Russian airborne assault on Hostomel airport, why Infantry Fighting Vehicles are significant, and how artillery remains critically important in modern warfare.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

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In the latest episode of Battleground Ukraine, Saul and Patrick consider the logic of Ukraine’s decision to continue fighting for the city of Bakhmut, and they discuss reports that elements of the Russian armed forces – including the elite Spetsnaz special forces - are suffering high desertions rates and, in some instances, are mutinying in the face of certain death. They also discuss listeners thoughts and questions.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

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Joining Saul and Patrick in this weeks interview is leading cyber expert David Alexander, who tells us about the latest developments playing out in the cyber front of the war. He also shares his knowledge from his time as a fast jet pilot, about the role of drones in the conflict, and why you still need manned aircraft in conflicts today.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

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As the Battle for Bakhmut looks as if it is reaching its climax, Saul and Patrick - equipped with information from a specialist insider briefing by Western officials, delve into the latest developments and look at where the Battle is likely to go. They also explore some rare details of Putin's personal life, and answer a multitude of fascinating listeners questions.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

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What can we learn about Putin's motivations for this war and how the conflict is likely to continue, by looking into Russian history? In our first in-depth interview, we hear from the brilliant historian, Simon Sebag Montefiore, the author of multiple prizewinning books on Russia. Sebag explains the historical relationship between Ukraine and Russia, how Putin fits into a long line of Russian autocratic rulers, and his assessment on how the conflict will play out.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

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This week Saul and Patrick discuss the main news coming from the battlefield, which is the growing possibility that the fighting to control the town of Bakhmut may be reaching a climax. Furthermore, they discuss the big diplomatic news from last week, the Chinese announcement of a 12 point plan to bring the war to an end.

Saul and Patrick also take a deeper dive into listeners questions, and Saul tells us about his exciting new project the Content Club - http://www.content-club.xyz

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

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Marking a grim anniversary - one year since Russia's invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, Saul and Patrick reflect over what has happened in the past 12 months, and assess how the war and the commentary around it has evolved. Additionally, Lieutenant Colonel Pavlo Khazan makes a return to the podcast, speaking from his base on the frontlines around Zaporizhzhia.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

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This week Saul and Patrick discuss the Russian military incompetence which has resulted in, according to the British MoD, the heaviest rate of casualties for the Russians since the start of the war. They also talk to a remarkable woman Melania Podolyak who works for the Serhiy Prytula charity foundation, which delivers not only humanitarian aid to Ukrainian civilians but military kit and hardware including drones Ukrainian soldiers.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

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This week we spoke to the brilliant documentary filmmaker Olly Lambert, who discusses his experiences and takeaways from filming the incredible on-the-ground documentary - Ukraine: The People's Fight. Patrick and Saul also delve into the latest news and developments, and answer listeners questions.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

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Returning to the podcast this week is friend of the podcast Julius Strauss. He discusses the recent Russian advances and the impact this is having on Ukrainian morale, plus he gives his eyewitness account of a Russian jet being shot down by a Ukrainian Missile. Saul and Patrick also delve into the latest news, including the latest US military aid package and answer some listeners questions.

If you are interested in supporting Julius in his project to help injured and traumatised Ukrainian soldiers, then you can contact him at julius@wildbearlodge.ca

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

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This week Saul and Patrick react to the huge development that Germany is finally releasing its Leopard II Tank's, and that the US is following suit by sending their M1 Abrams Tanks as well. Patrick also speaks to old friend and experienced war reporter Julius Strauss, who gives an excellent report from in and around the front lines

near Bakhmut.

If you have any questions you'd like to ask Patrick and Saul, please send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com

Disclaimer - episode contains some graphic descriptions over the handling of dead bodies, and is not suitable for children.

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

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With Britain now sending Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine, Patrick and Saul discuss what impact this decision could have, and ask why other military equipment such as German made Leopard tanks have been held back. They also speak to Ukrainian historian and writer Dr Olesya Khromeychuk - author of The Death of a Soldier, Told by His Sister, who shares her experiences and gives her thoughts on the reaction of the western world to this conflict.

Any questions? - send them to battlegroundukraine@gmail.com

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

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This week, Saul and Patrick speak to perhaps the most high profile British Army officer since the Second World War - the former head of the British Army - Sir Mike Jackson. Sir Mike shared his views on the institutional weaknesses in the Russian Military, why he won't rule out Russia turning the tide, and his reaction to recent comments by Prince Harry about his time in Afghanistan. Saul and Patrick also discuss the big announcement by the US, France, and Germany that they are sending armoured fighting vehicles to Ukraine, and the latest battlefield developments on the ground near Bakhmut.

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The unseen conflict happening in cyberspace is a key battleground in the war in Ukraine. So to tell us in detail about a relatively unknown area of the conflict, we spoke to one of Britain’s greatest experts, David Alexander - an academic who has worked at very senior level on the development of both national cyber policy and operational capability for both the UK Government and Ministry of Defence. Patrick and Saul also discuss Putin's New Year's speech, the Ukrainian HIMARS strike in Makiivka, and answer some listeners questions.

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

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Are peace talks on the table? On this episode of Battleground: Ukraine, Saul and Patrick discuss the latest peace murmurings, the suspicious death of a Russian sausage magnate, and answer listeners questions. They also speak to the brilliant Mark MacKinnon, senior international correspondent for the Globe and Mail, Canada’s leading newspaper, who gave some fascinating insight into the early days of the conflict and China's stance on the war.

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

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On this latest episode of Battleground: Ukraine, Saul and Patrick speak to leading British Military Historian Sir Hew Strachan, who gives his expert analysis on the conflict, and discusses the need for diplomacy to bring this conflict to an end. There is also some interesting discussion around issues and questions raised by our listeners.

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

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As a special Christmas treat we've recorded a festive bonus episode discussing over a glass of wine (or two!), the standout military history books of the year, and the wider stories that surround them. Patrick and Saul are joined by two good friends of theirs - fellow historian Jessie Childs and publicist and historical novelist Richard Foreman.

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

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On this week's Battleground: Ukraine, Saul and Patrick speak to James Cowan - a decorated former British Army General who is now the CEO of the HALO Trust, the charity which removes dangerous ordnance left by war. He tells us how the war has impacted on HALO’s ability to carry out its work in Ukraine, as well as the effect it’s having on humanitarian efforts elsewhere in the world. The latest big news stories are discussed including the news that the Pentagon has given Ukraine the green light for drone strikes inside Russia.

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

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On this week's Battleground: Ukraine, Saul and Patrick look at the British contribution to the war so far, speaking to veteran journalist and defence analyst Robert Fox.

Robert is a member of the International Institute for Strategic Studies and with excellent contacts with the British military, gives an insightful interview. They also discuss the latest big developments coming out of the war, and discuss some fascinating listeners questions.

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

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This week on Battleground: Ukraine, our guest is Russian national Dr Ilya Yablokov - Lecturer in Digital Journalism and Disinformation at Sheffield University. Who gives a fascinating interview about his perspective on the how the situation is in Russia and how it is likely to unfold. Saul and Patrick also discuss the battlefield in Bakhmut and answer some of the listeners questions.

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

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What is the reality of the situation on the frontline and in Kyiv? This week's guest is Colin Freeman, who is expertly placed to tell us, as he has recently returned from near the frontlines in Kherson. He gave us some valuable insight into what has actually been happening on the ground, the reality of life for Ukrainians, and the motivations of foreign volunteers fighting in Ukraine.

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

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It has been an eventful past week in the war in Ukraine, following the recapture of Kherson by Ukrainian forces, as well as a missile strike killing two in neighbouring NATO member state Poland. Joining Patrick and Saul to discuss all this and more is one of the most incisive commentators on the war - Professor Phillips O’Brien, head of the School of International Relations at the University of St Andrews.

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

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This week on Battleground: Ukraine, our guest Iuliia Mendel - the former Press Secretary of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, gives some fascinating insight about the mindset of the Ukrainian leader. She travelled everywhere with him, and was present in his meetings with Vladimir Putin. Her book just out is: The Fight of Our Lives, which sheds light on where Ukraine was going before the war intervened

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

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With information about what is happening in the eastern and southern fronts getting harder to come by, Saul and Patrick speak to guest Owen Matthews. Owen is half Russian himself and has reported on and lived in Russia at key moments in its recent history, including since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, and he gives a brilliant analysis of how we got to where we are, and what is likely to happen next.

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

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As developments on the battlefield have slowed down in the past week, Saul and Patrick speak to the esteemed military historian, war reporter, and former newspaper editor Sir Max Hastings, who gives his perspective on the conflict and discusses worrying historical parallels. They also discuss and answer questions sent in by listeners. Want to send a question? Send it to battlegroundukraine@gmail.com

producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

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Earlier this year after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz committed over 100 billion Euros to modernise the German Military. Joining Saul and Patrick to discuss this, and Germany's support for Ukraine so far, is Professor Matthias Strohn. 

Producer: James Hodgson

Twitter: @PodBattleground

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This week on Battleground, Lieutenant Colonel Pavlo Khazan took a break from frontline action to discuss the latest Russian missile attacks, the possibility of a nuclear warhead being deployed, and what he thinks Ukraine's western allies should do.

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The continuing success of Ukrainian forces has led to speculation that a complete collapse of the Russian Army could be forthcoming. This week Saul speaks to legendary Military Historian Anthony Beevor, about where the Russian Military is today. 

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This week legendary war reporter Anthony Lloyd, discusses the media coverage that has surrounded the War in Ukraine and how this conflict has differed to others when reporting from the ground. Plus the latest developments this past week are discussed, including the Nord stream gas pipeline "sabotage' and Russians fleeing the draft. 

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In light of Putin's call up of reservists, Patrick speaks to friend of the show Askold Krushelnycky, who's been in the recently recaptured areas of Ukraine around Kherson in the past week. 

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In the wake of the massive Ukrainian breakthrough in the Kharkiv area, and the recapturing of vast swathes of Ukrainian territory, we hear from the former head of the British Army General Lord Dannatt, who has been closely following events in Ukraine.

Saul and Patrick also discuss what this all means going forward, as well as the alleged attempt on Putin's life. 

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A horrifying feature of the War in Ukraine has been the atrocities committed, particularly against the civilian population. Veteran war reporter Janine di Giovanni joins Patrick and Saul this week to discuss this and the work she is doing as part of the Reckoning Project. 

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Environmental engineer and serving Ukrainian Lieutenant Colonel - Pavlo Khazan, joins Patrick and Saul to talk about his role in commanding C4 operations on the frontline of the Russian invasion; giving insight into a new age of warfare, Ukrainian morale and the impact of Western aid.

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Russia's behavior in launching the invasion of Ukraine caught many in the West off guard, so Saul has been speaking to expert on Russian History - Professor Orlando Figes to understand what Putin's calculation may have been.

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Ukrainian forces are looking to cut-off Russia's 'Land Bridge' to Crimea, with a possible large offensive being launched in the south of the country in the coming weeks. Patrick and Saul speak to Anglo-Ukrainian journalist Askold Krushelnycky, bringing up to date analysis on the geographical discrepancies in the fighting, and the considerable number of female fighters in the Ukrainian ranks. 

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In this new series, Saul and Patrick explore the current conflict in Ukraine. They begin by looking back to the first days of hostilities in Kyiv with BBC journalist Paul Kenyon, followed by Ukrainian-American journalist Irena Chalupa giving an overview of the historic enmity between the two countries.

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Steve Hoyland, who in 1982 was a parachute-qualified radio operator in the Royal Artillery’s 148 Commando Battery, gives a hair-raising account of his time on operations with the Special Forces during the campaign.

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Graham 'Piggy' Trotter recounts his time as a Navy Clearance Driver during the campaign, including the heart-stopping de-fusing of a thousand pound bomb from RFA Sir Lancelot.

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With hundreds of messages received through the course of the series, Patrick and Saul answer as many questions they can and add some responses from listeners who were involved in the campaign.

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With the military action over, Saul and Patrick cover the aftermath of the war and the impact it had both on the nation and the individuals who were caught up in it. They end with personal reflections on what they've heard during the course of the series, and what's coming next.

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With the Argentine forces routed in the mountains, the British task force roll into Port Stanley as the official surrender finally comes. Hear memories from the islanders, and Patrick's recollection of fellow journalist Max Hastings' legendary solo stroll to the pub.

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In the final phase of the battle for Port Stanley, the momentum of the initial assault continues as British forces assault Wireless Ridge and the Battle of Mount Tumbledown begins.

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As the war nears its climax, British forces launch an attack on the Argentinian positions despite savage Falkland Island winter weather in the mountains surrounding Port Stanley.  

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In one of the most tragic and horrifying incidents in the war for the British forces, the Sir Galahad landing craft is bombed when fully laden with Welsh Guards. Saul and Patrick explore the decisions that led to the tragedy, and the heroic defensive effort from fighter pilots David 'Mog' Morgan and Dave Smith in preventing further casualties.

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As focus turns towards the capital Port Stanley, a treacherous 'yomp' across difficult terrain and conflicting priorities from commanding officers mean the British forces are left vulnerable.

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As the British forces pushed into the island from their landing point at San Carlos Water, they encountered a well-defended Argentinian position in the settlement of Goose Green, leading to the most ferocious land battle of the war. Saul and Patrick explore the controversial reasoning behind the attack, with eye-witness testimony from those at the heart of the action.

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After British successes in landing troops on the Falkland Islands, the Argentinian air force strike back, sinking two British ships with their bombs and French-built Exocet missiles. Saul posits a new theory about the fate of the supply ship Atlantic Conveyor, raising the possibility that it was deliberately sacrificed by British high command in order to save their tactically vital carriers.

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The Argentinian Air Force mobilise and attack the landing British Task Force at San Carlos Water. Hear thrilling eye witness accounts from Mark Hankin, a 17-year-old Royal Marine tasked with machine gunning down the Argentinian jets, and Sargeant Dave Watkins, who was attempting get troops to shore in the cumbersome landing craft.

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After journeying for weeks through the Atlantic Ocean, the Task Force reaches the Falkland Islands and begins the difficult process of a successful amphibious landing. Having picked San Carlos Water on West Falkland as the entry point, the special forces must prepare the ground for the landings.

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As the Task Force leave Ascencion Island in the mid-Atlantic, making a shooting war inevitable, the British special forces turn their attention to a suspiciously positioned fishing trawler called Narwhal.

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It's May 1982. British Special Forces land on East Falkland and both the Argentinian cruiser Belgrano and the Royal Navy destroyer HMS Sheffield are sunk.

Join Saul and Patrick for episode 4 of Battleground: The Falklands War, where they're joined by a former Special Forces operator who reveals his team's dramatic infiltration of the islands.

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With the Task Force sailing towards the South Atlantic, how close did diplomatic efforts come to ending the war before a shot had been fired? Journalist Simon Jenkins, who was well-connected in the corridors of power at the time, explains the challenges Mrs Thatcher had to overcome, before Bob Headland, of the British Antarctic survey, gives an eye-witness account of the Argentine capture of South Georgia - another south Atlantic island some 900 miles from the Falklands. The retaking of South Georgia by British forces was the first major action of the conflict.

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Once Mrs Thatcher had resolved to send a military Task Force to the Falklands following the Argentine invasion, how easy was it for the navy to mobilise in such a short period of time? Two of the key military commanders - Rear Admiral Jeremy Larken, then captain of HMS Fearless, and Major General Julian Thompson of the Royal Marines' 3 Commando Brigade, join Patrick and Saul to discuss the 'lash-up' and the convoluted command structure under the controversial figure of Rear Admiral Sandy Woodward.

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How did a small, remote group of islands in the south Atlantic spark one of Britain's most significant diplomatic and military incidents since the Second World War? Military historians Saul David and Patrick Bishop discuss the path that led to war between Argentina and the United Kingdom, and speak to Lord Luce, a foreign office minister who was at the heart of the diplomatic effort.

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A history podcast that explores the narratives, turning points and characters that shape conflicts, encompassing a blend of social and military history. On its fortieth anniversary, 'Battleground' begins with a series on The Falklands War, hosted by foreign correspondent, Patrick Bishop, alongside best-selling military historian, Saul David.

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