Today, on a public holiday in the UK, we answer questions submitted by listeners around the world. What's it like being shot at in a tank? What would happen in the US suddenly stopped supporting Ukraine? Why do missiles do more damage in Ukraine than in Israel? And what could give the 'Coalition of the Willing' more bite? Is 2025 the year Russian economy finally collapses? Plus many more. See Dom, Francis and Adélie in our studio by watching this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu....
May 05, 2025•54 min
Day 1,164. Today, as a drone attack hits Russian airbases in occupied Crimea, we continue to unpack the minerals deal signed between the US and Ukraine and we contemplate whether the US might be pulling out of the peace negotiations. We also look at the latest news from Central Asia and we hear from a visual artist who donated a photograph to the Kherson Art Museum, which was looted by Russian soldiers in 2022. Contributors: Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Narrative Podcast Producer)...
May 02, 2025•1 hr 10 min
Day 1,163. Today, as the United States and Ukraine finally sign a much-revised minerals deal, we look at what it might mean for the future security of Ukraine – and we return to Germany to examine the first appointments of Friedrich Merz’s top team and ask why some commentators are questioning whether members of the German elite are really serious about rearmament, or would perhaps prefer a rapprochement with Russia. Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNic...
May 01, 2025•50 min
Day 1,162. Today, as Russian troops intensify offensive operations in several oblasts – Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson – we talk about the latest conversations amongst the coalition of the willing, where the tone is decidedly pessimistic. Then we do a deeper dive into the latest positions of China, Turkey, and Syria in relation to the war. Contributors: Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Narrative Podcast Producer) @Adeliepjz on X. Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X. So...
Apr 30, 2025•40 min
Day 1,161. Today, as Trump pushes back against Vladimir Putin’s three-day ceasefire proposal, we discuss the recent reflections of the former commander of Ukraine’s armed forces and his bold predictions for the future of warfare. Plus, we hear frontline reaction from soldiers to the so-called pauses in the fighting. Are they real? Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X. Svitlana Morenets (Staff Writer at The Spectator). @SvMorenets on X. Hamish De Bret...
Apr 29, 2025•44 min
Day 1,160. Today, as Vladimir Putin announces a sudden three-day ceasefire in May, we assess just how meaningful it really is, and ask: why now? Then we analyse another extraordinary weekend of diplomacy at Pope Francis’s funeral, before learning more about the history of the Donbas: a region where much of the war’s fiercest fighting has taken place. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X. Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomN...
Apr 28, 2025•50 min
Day 1,157. Today, after Donald Trump makes the rare intervention of scolding Vladimir Putin for one of the deadliest attacks on Kyiv of the war, we discuss the latest considerations of the coalition of the willing with regards to boots on the ground, and the evolving nature of acts of resistance in the occupied territories – and within Russia itself. Later, we listen to recordings from Ukraine that reveal the impact the conflict has had on the natural environment. Contributors: Francis Dearnley ...
Apr 25, 2025•56 min
Day 1,156. Today, as Kyiv is hit by the deadliest strikes in almost a year, we examine Donald Trump’s attack on President Zelensky having failed to negotiate the peace deal he said would take him only 24 hours. Then we take a deep dive into the Wagner mercenary group with the author of a new book who says Yevgeny Prigozhin’s outfit is the logical outcome when a country contracts its soul to a pitiless militia. Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls o...
Apr 24, 2025•56 min
Day 1,155. Today, we break down the dramatic collapse of Donald Trump’s proposed peace deal for Ukraine. European, Ukrainian, and American officials were scheduled to meet – until everything suddenly unraveled. Is the US stepping back from the negotiation table? Plus, we launch a brand-new segment focusing on Russia’s domestic front and explore how the ongoing war is reshaping Central Asia’s political and economic landscape. Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence)....
Apr 23, 2025•1 hr
Day 1,154. Today, we ask how meaningful the weekend’s so-called ‘Easter truce’ really was, look at the new American peace proposals put to Kyiv and its allies – which include major concessions both in territory and sovereignty – then reflect on the legacy of Pope Francis in relation to the war. Later, we hear about a new book investigating Russian spies who spent decades undercover: what does it teach us about modern spycraft? Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @Francis...
Apr 22, 2025•56 min
Today is a public holiday in Britain, so in a special Easter episode, we take you to a grand terrace in West London, where a green door blends into its elegant surroundings. We go behind that door – into a school unlike any other. There, you’ll hear from young Ukrainians who fled their homes within hours of the invasion, and from the teachers and classmates helping them rebuild their lives in a foreign land. Through their voices, we explore what it means to grow up far from home – and how o...
Apr 21, 2025•38 min
Day 1,151. Today, after the unexpected announcement by Vladimir Putin of a 30-hour truce for Easter we assess what it might mean for the war, how likely it is to hold and discuss what comes next. Having rejected Donald Trump’s proposal for an unconditional ceasefire 39 days ago, what does Putin hope to gain by this latest gamble? Francis Dearnley and Dom Nicholls offer their thoughts. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X. Dominic Nicholls (...
Apr 19, 2025•20 min
Today is a public holiday in Britain, so in a special Easter episode, Dom Nicholls chairs a panel of experts at the Oxford Literary Festival. Government adviser Keir Giles, academic Professor Mark Galeotti, and journalist Stephanie Baker discuss the Russian threat and how to deal with Vladimir Putin, including why the Russian President retains his stranglehold on power, the need for Europe to wake up on defence, and the impacts of economic sanctions. How can the West win? Learn more about the ev...
Apr 18, 2025•1 hr 5 min
Day 1,149. Today, amid more exchanges of drones and missiles between Ukraine and Russia, we hear about soldiers’ experiences directly from the frontline in the east, and discuss the political situation in Kyiv and in Europe as Steve Witcoff meets with President Macron and other key figures in the ‘Coalition of the Willing.’ Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X. Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X With thanks to...
Apr 17, 2025•44 min
Day 1,148. Today, as Ukraine targets the Russian units allegedly responsible for Sunday’s murderous attack on Sumy, we report how Donald Trump has backtracked on the amount of money he wants Ukraine to pay for US support in the war with Russia. Then we speak to our correspondent who has interviewed Ukrainian commanders about Russia’s spring offensive. Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisD...
Apr 16, 2025•49 min
Day 1,147. Today, as Ukraine launches a huge drone attack against Russia’s Kursk region, we assess President Trump’s remarks that President Zelensky “started” the war, and consider the dark arts of the Kremlin’s diplomatic corps. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X. Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X Roland Oliphant (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @RolandOliphant on X. Content Referenced: Our sister podcast, ...
Apr 15, 2025•34 min
Day 1,146. Today, as the world reacts to Russia’s cluster munition strike on civilians in Sumy, we assess whether Donald Trump’s opinion that it was just a ‘mistake’ will let Vladimir Putin get away with it, and we hear from our Berlin correspondent on the latest, potentially pivotal, political developments in Germany. Will Taurus missiles make a difference? Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @F...
Apr 14, 2025•45 min
Day 1,143. Today, as extreme snowy weather conditions reshape the battlefield, we report on British plans to potentially station troops in Ukraine for five years, hear the latest acts of resistance in the occupied territories, and consider how the fall in oil price is impacting Russia, and its potential impact on Moscow's relationship with the United States. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X. Dr. Jade McGlynn (War Studies Department of K...
Apr 11, 2025•53 min
Day 1,142. Today, as a new helicopter drone is spotted flying over the Moscow region, we assess movements on the frontlines and ask why Japan is offering to provide increased support for Ukraine. Then later we discuss the new defence line the Baltic nations of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia are building against Russia. Do they think an invasion is imminent? Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X. James Crisp (Europe Editor). @JamesCrisp6 on X. Iona Cle...
Apr 10, 2025•38 min
Day 1,141. Today, as Ukraine’s top commander Oleksandr Syrskyi declares that Russia’s spring offensive has already begun, we look at the shifting drone strategy adopted by Moscow. Then we reflect on why there may be more to the story of Chinese soldiers fighting in Ukraine than meets the eye. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X. Joe Barnes (Brussels Correspondent). @Barnes_Joe on X. Hamish De-Bretton Gordon (Former Tank Commander). @HamishDBG o...
Apr 09, 2025•42 min
Day 1,140. Today, as Ukrainian forces report capturing two Chinese citizens in Donetsk, we discuss how Ukrainian drones have been found to carry malware to infect Russian systems, plus how Russia may have been behind a knife attack in Mannheim in May 2024. Contributors: Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Narrative Podcast Producer). @adeliepjz on X. Roland Oliphant (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @RolandOliphant on X. James Rothwell (Berlin Correspondent). @JamesERothwell on X. Content ...
Apr 08, 2025•44 min
Day 1,139. Today, we talk about the crash in oil prices and the consequences on Russia’s economy. We discuss Vladimir Putin’s special envoy to the US on international economic and investment cooperation, Kirill Dmitriev. And, Francis Dearnley speaks with John W. Boerstler, who served as the Chief Veterans Experience Officer at the US Department of Veterans Affairs. Contributors: Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Narrative Podcast Producer). @adeliepjz on X. Roland Oliphant (S...
Apr 07, 2025•49 min
Day 1,136. Today, as the heads of the French and British armed forces arrive in Kyiv for talks on what the ‘Coalition of the Willing’ might look like, we talk to the Chief Executive of the HALO Trust on how drone-mounted lasers are helping in the demining effort. Later, Francis Dearnley interviews the author of a new book that explores how Russia's War has not only destroyed millions of human lives, but has been catastrophic for the environment. Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Associat...
Apr 04, 2025•57 min
Day 1,135. Today, as the White House suspends sanctions in order to get one of Putin’s chief aides into the US, we hear how a Kremlin mouthpiece fell for an April Fool’s joke about the Royal Navy, and we go live to NATO HQ in Brussels. Later, we hear from a new Ukraine exhibition at Britain’s tank museum. Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X. Joe Barnes (Brussels Correspondent). @Barnes_Joe on X. Hamish De Bretton-Gordon (Former...
Apr 03, 2025•34 min
Day 1,134. Today, as Moscow resumes its bombardments on Ukraine, we discuss reports that it is dawning on Donald Trump’s administration that a swift ceasefire deal is not going to happen without action against the Russian economy. Then we return to that very subject, and ask: how much leverage does the White House have on sanctions, and is it declining? Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @Do...
Apr 02, 2025•27 min
Day 1,133. Today, further to news from the battlefront and beyond, we look at Putin's decision to mobilise a record number of men, and what it means for the prospects of a meaningful ceasefire. Then, in a special interview, Francis Dearnley talks to one of the men involved in some of the most important decisions made by the Biden administration relating to the war. What did they get right, and what did they get wrong? Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley ...
Apr 01, 2025•58 min
Day 1,132. Today, as reports surface of Russian attempts to get behind Ukrainian lines in the Donbas by going underground, we assess the impact of Donald Trump’s supposed loss of patience with both Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, asking how much of the rage is concocted, and we hear more about the experience of women who endured torture at the hands of the Russians. Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X Francis Dearnley (Executive Edito...
Mar 31, 2025•48 min
Day 1,129. Today, amid reports of precision strikes on Russia’s Belgorod region – the site of Ukraine’s latest incursion – we discuss news from the Paris defence summit, Trump’s new minerals deal proposal, and hear the latest acts of resistance in the occupied territories. Later, we discuss the lessons from the Napoleonic era for ceasefires and peace treaties. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X. Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defen...
Mar 28, 2025•1 hr 2 min
Day 1,128. Today, as reports allege Moscow lost 96 cruise missiles as a result of last week’s strike on Russia’s Engels airbase, we assess the latest bombardments of the past 24 hours, and the next defence summit of European leaders taking place in Paris today. Then, later, we discuss the gargantuan task of archiving source material relating to the war. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X. Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @D...
Mar 27, 2025•44 min
Day 1,127. Today, as the White House’s Signal data breach controversy unfolds, we examine the details of the alleged Black Sea ceasefire deal, which has sparked differing interpretations from Ukraine and Russia. We also explore the possibility of a secret agreement between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X. Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X. Hamish de Bretton-Gordon (Chemic...
Mar 26, 2025•53 min
