Battleground

Has Donald Trump finally had enough? In this week's Battleground Ukraine Saul David and Patrick Bishop analyse his condemnation of Putin's "crazy" actions and the possibility of new US sanctions following brutal Russian civilian attacks. Adding to the pressure, Germany has announced Western allies are lifting all range restrictions on weapons, giving Ukraine the power to hit deep into Russia—could...

In this episode of Battleground '45, Patrick Bishop and Saul David transport us back to the immediate aftermath of World War II. The celebrations are over, and the monumental task of rebuilding has begun. For Britain, it was a moment of hope and determination to forge a better society out of the ashes of conflict, fuelled by a unique sense of national solidarity. Whilst across the Channel, France...

A strange calm has fallen over diplomatic efforts in Ukraine, leaving many questioning the path forward. In this episode of Battleground Ukraine, Saul David and Patrick Bishop dissect the apparent anti-climax of recent US peace initiatives, including the much-touted Putin-Trump phone call. They discuss if the US begun to walk away from its peacemaking role, and if so, is Europe prepared to fill th...

In this episode of Battleground 45, Roger welcomes author and expert Eric Lee to delve into one of World War II's most remarkable and often overlooked events: the Georgian Uprising on the Dutch island of Texel. From April to well beyond Germany's surrender in May 1945, as the war in Europe drew to a close, a contingent of Georgian soldiers, conscripted into the German army, turned their weapons on...

Welcome to a special edition of Battleground Ukraine. With Saul and Roger absent, producer James Hodgson joins Patrick to dissect the significant non-event of the week: Vladimir Putin's failure to appear at the first face-to-face talks between Russia and Ukraine in over three years – talks ironically initiated by Putin himself. What does Putin's no-show, and subsequently President Zelensky's absen...

Joining Saul on this week's Battleground '45 is bestselling author and award winning filmmaker, Phil Craig. Together they delve into the deeply thought-provoking narrative of Phil's new book "1945: The Reckoning." They explore the bitter divisions within families, like the one in India torn between supporting the Raj and fighting for independence with the Japanese. Uncover the little-known and oft...

In this Battleground Ukraine special we take you back to our last trip to Ukraine where Saul and Patrick sat down with friend of the podcast Colonel Pavlo Khazan, in his home in Kyiv. They discuss his current role in the Ukrainian armed forces with unmanned systems and electronic warfare, what his feelings are on the prospect of a peace deal, and how he views Ukraine's future. If you have any thou...

This week on Battleground Ukraine, Roger Moorhouse and Patrick Bishop analyse Ukraine's reported downing of Russian jets with naval drones, in what has been called a military first. They also look at Russia's three day ceasefire request, Ukrainian drone attacks on Moscow, and the shifting international focus amidst new global tensions. Plus, a cyber update and your questions answered. If you have...

This week on Battleground 45, we have a powerful conversation about resilience, hope, and the enduring strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable darkness. Saul is joined by Wendy Holden the author of Born Survivors and together they discusses the incredible true stories of Priska, Rachel, and Anka, three pregnant women who defied the odds to survive Auschwitz and other Nazi atrociti...

This week on Battleground Ukraine, Patrick is back and together he and Saul delve into the latest news from Ukraine, starting with a look at the details and implications of the newly signed strategic minerals deal between the US and Ukraine. They discuss how this agreement aims to incentivise US investment, and the surprising language it uses regarding Russia's aggression. Could this deal be a cru...

In this episode of Battleground '45 Saul and Roger discuss the Battle of Berlin, the final, bloody showdown for the Nazi capital. Together they delve into the huge Red Army offensive and the desperate German resistance, but also shed light on the dramatic final days of Adolf Hitler and his inner circle within the besieged Führerbunker, in what was a chaotic end to the Third Reich, both above and b...

This week on Battleground Ukraine, Saul David and Roger Moorhouse dissect the dramatic unraveling of the Trump administration's proposed 7-point peace plan. With a controversial Easter truce riddled with violations, and a deal that many see as a betrayal of Ukraine, the stakes couldn't be higher. Together they examine the plan's key points, ask if this is a win for Putin, a strategic manoeuvre by...

In this episode of Battleground, Patrick joins Saul to delve into the historic meeting of American and Red Army Soldiers on the banks of the Elbe near Torgau, Germany on April 25, 1945. As Soviet and American forces converged on the banks of the Elbe River, a handshake across the ruins of Nazi Germany symbolised not just the end of a brutal war, but the dawn of a new, complex global order. Join us...

This week on Battleground Ukraine, Roger Moorhouse and Saul David discuss the escalating diplomatic tensions surrounding the war in Ukraine, particularly President Trump's controversial remarks regarding Zelensky's request for missile systems, and his reaction to the deadly Russian missile strike on Sumy. They analyse the accusations of pro-Russian bias and delve into the implications of Trump's s...

Hitler's Berghof was more than just a mountain retreat; it was a key location for Nazi decision-making and a powerful symbol of the regime. Patrick Bishop and Saul David delve into the history of this infamous site and the story of the RAF's bombing attack in 1945. They discuss the symbolic significance behing the decision to launch the mission and take a look at what became of the Berghof in the...

In this episode Saul David and Roger Moorhouse speak to Belgian War reporter Arnaud De Decker about his recent trip to Georgia and Armenia where he witnessed the growing tensions between Georgian's and their Russian neighbours. He also discusses time he spent with a unit comprising of former Ukrainian deserters who have been given a second chance, and were undertaking training ahead of being sent...

This week on Battleground: Ukraine, Saul David and Roger Moorhouse analyse President Zelensky's announcement of captured Chinese fighters and its potential to draw the West's attention to Beijing's role. Additionally they speak to Belgian War Reporter Arnaud de Decker, who shares his firsthand accounts from speaking with Russian soldiers who deserted the Russian army and fled to Armenia. If you ha...

In this episode of Battleground Saul and Roger conclude their two-part examination of the Battle for Okinawa. Together they analyse the strategic importance of securing the island for the planned invasion of Japan and discuss how the ferocious resistance influenced the decision to use atomic weapons. They explore the arguments for and against this controversial link, taking new historiography into...

In this episode Saul is joined by Roger to discuss the latest news surrounding the war in Ukraine, including Trump's frustrated remarks aimed at the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin which may signal a shift in the US administration's stance towards Russia. Saul is also joined by friend of the podcast Askold Krushelnycky, to discuss what the latest mood music is regarding the dramatic developments o...

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 b...

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 ques...

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 - battlegroundu...

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 Boldizsa...

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,...

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 motivat...