223. Odesa in Love and War

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 statements. Plus Saul speaks to friend of the show Hungarian war reporter Boldiszar Gyori, who gives a fascinating report from the East of Ukraine where he visited a Coal mine who have for the first time since the second world war turned to women as workers, and discusses the evolving nature of mine clearance in Ukraine. 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

18 Huhti 56min

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 aftermath of the war. 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

16 Huhti 30min

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 into combat. If you are interested in reading Arnaud's book it is out now in Belgium and The Netherlands: Onverwoestbaar: Het menselijke gezicht van Oekraïne 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 Huhti 38min

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 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

11 Huhti 42min

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 account, alongside the immediate and long-term consequences of the battle itself. 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

9 Huhti 39min

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 of the past few weeks from both Ukraine and Washington. 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

4 Huhti 47min

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 Huhti 40min

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 Maalis 39min