Day 1,126. Today, following the latest updates from the battlefront, we look at the extraordinary security breach that saw a journalist invited into a secret chat group for Donald Trump’s war cabinet, and then hear about the mood of Ukrainian soldiers at the front. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X. Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X. Gareth Corfield (Transport Correspondent). @GazTheJourno on X. Verity Bow...
Mar 25, 2025•42 min
Day 1,125. Today, amid ongoing US-mediated proximity talks in Saudi Arabia between Ukraine and Russia, we discuss the remarks of US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to Tucker Carlson, and what they tell us about the mentality of Donald Trump’s administration. Plus we interview the author of a new United Nations report shedding light on alarming 'widespread and systematic' war crimes committed against civilians. Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X....
Mar 24, 2025•58 min
Day 1,122. Today, we report on accusations from Ukraine that Moscow has staged a false flag attack on energy infrastructure in the Kursk region, and examine Germany’s proposed defence reforms, how much room Friedrich Merz actually has and how long he has to deliver tangible results. Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X. James Rothwell (Berlin Correspondent). @JamesERothwell on X. Learn more about the album in David Knowles's memory: https://ca...
Mar 21, 2025•38 min
Day 1,121. Today, following new Russian bombardments and a huge explosion in Saratov, 600km east of Ukraine after a drone strike, we discuss a new phone call between Presidents Trump and Zelensky, then the row breaking out in Europe about which countries should be ‘considered’ European for vital weapons purchases. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X. Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X. Dr Benjamin...
Mar 20, 2025•47 min
Day 1,120. Today, we discuss the Russian bombardments on Ukraine that began within hours of the "immediate ceasefire” on energy and infrastructure allegedly agreed between Trump and Putin, the European reaction to the call between the two presidents, and the latest military battlefield updates, including in Kursk and a new incursion launched into Belgorod. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X. Roland Oliphant (Senior Foreign Correspondent)....
Mar 19, 2025•39 min
Day 1,119. Today, following another historic call between Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, we bring you immediate reaction. Plus, we discuss the latest measures adopted by Europe to signal preparedness for war, and hear about the significance of major protests in the Balkans. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X. Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X. David Blair (Chief Foreign Affairs Commentato...
Mar 18, 2025•40 min
Day 1,118. Today, as another call is scheduled between Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, we analyse the latest developments in Kursk, where Ukrainian forces continue to hold a sliver of Russian territory. Meanwhile, European leaders weigh their next steps, with French President Emmanuel Macron declaring that Russia would have "no say" if Western peacekeeping troops were deployed in Ukraine. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X. Dominic ...
Mar 17, 2025•53 min
Day 1,115. Today, as Ukraine holds on in Russia’s Kursk region, we analyse Moscow’s evolving strategy following Vladimir Putin’s rejection of Donald Trump’s ceasefire proposal—and what further concessions the U.S. might consider. We also uncover the realities of life under Russian occupation, the latest resistance efforts, and the impact of France’s post-World War II defense policies on today’s global security landscape. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnl...
Mar 14, 2025•1 hr 16 min
Day 1,114. Today, as Russia signals its intent to reject a ceasefire, we analyse the Kremlin’s objectives – particularly in Kursk – and what they reveal about the next phase of US-Russia negotiations. From the major defense summit in Paris, we bring key insights into new plans for Ukrainian security guarantees. Plus, we break down the evolving strategic landscape and what it means for the future of global security in this pivotal moment in modern history. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Executiv...
Mar 13, 2025•51 min
Day 1,113. Today, we break down the latest updates from Saudi Arabia, where US and Ukrainian officials held intense 8-hour negotiations on a proposed ceasefire deal. Next, we head to Paris, where European Defence Secretaries and military leaders are meeting to discuss the ‘coalition of the willing’ and its impact on Ukraine’s defense strategy. Finally, we explore the future of Ukrainian refugees worldwide—will they ever return home? Contributors: Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Narrative Podcast Pro...
Mar 12, 2025•52 min
Day 1,112. Today, we dive into the aftermath of the largest drone attack on Moscow during the ongoing war, marking a historic moment in the conflict. We explore its implications for the critical discussions between Ukraine and the United States in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, we uncover a revealing story that exposes Russian spycraft tactics and delve into the perspectives of ordinary Russians on the war. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X. Dominic&...
Mar 11, 2025•35 min
Day 1,111. Today, on the military front - Russian forces move forward in Kursk oblast and close in on the town of Sudzha while Ukraine hits another oil refinery in Russia’s Samara oblast and Ukrainian troops made some small advances in the Donbas. Meanwhile, we hear how France’s commitment to defence has played out domestically and we look ahead to several military and defence meetings happening in Paris this week. Later, we’ll hear an interview with the Governor of Kherson’s oblast, Oleks...
Mar 10, 2025•1 hr 6 min
Day 1,108. Today, Russian forces split Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region and advance towards the border. Meanwhile, Russia targets a Ukrainian gas facility with missiles and drones just after Zelensky calls for a truce on attacks on infrastructure. On the political side, we discuss the consequences of the withdrawal of US intelligence to Ukraine, the French nuclear shield offer, and Russia’s response to the idea of European peacekeeping forces in Ukraine. We also look to Washington for t...
Mar 07, 2025•1 hr 12 min
Day 1,107. Today, as former President Donald Trump takes action to block Ukrainian missiles, we provide the latest updates from the crucial defence summit in Brussels, and discuss proposals for a "sky shield" over Ukraine. Additionally, we explore the political shifts in Germany following its recent election, analysing whether the changes are truly transformative. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X. Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of D...
Mar 06, 2025•43 min
Day 1,106. We cover Zelensky's letter to Trump, aiming to mend their relationship after Friday's heated exchange. We also explore the incoming German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s plan to boost defense and infrastructure spending. In addition, Trump bans the UK from sharing Washington’s intelligence with Ukraine, and reports surface of Ukrainian soldiers resorting to throwing beehives after running out of grenades. Contributors: Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Journalist and Producer). @adeliepjz on X. Dom...
Mar 05, 2025•44 min
Day 1,105. Today, as President Trump announces he is pausing military aid to Ukraine, we talk to a Former Counselor of the US Department of State for his reaction, as well as from those serving on the front lines in Ukraine. Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X. Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X. Dr Eliot A Cohen (former counselor in the United States Department of State). @EliotACohen on X. NOW AVAILABLE IN ...
Mar 04, 2025•55 min
Day 1,104. Today, as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer says we are at a ‘crossroads in history’ we assess the fallout from Friday’s disastrous Oval Office meeting, take in the view from Kyiv, and hear from Francis Dearnley, who attended a private briefing with President Zelensky last night. Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X. Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X. Christopher Miller (Financial Times' chief co...
Mar 03, 2025•1 hr
In a bonus episode recorded just minutes after one of the most extraordinary press conferences in modern political history, we react to the public row that broke out in front of the world press between President Trump and President Zelensky, and ask: who leads the free world now? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 28, 2025•22 min
Please note: this episode was recorded before the extraordinary events at the White House on Friday afternoon. Day 1,101. Today, we return to Kursk, Russia, where fighting has intensified, consider the outcomes of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s vital visit to Washington, and hear the latest update on resistance in the occupied territories. Plus, we hear from Colin Freeman, who visits a former nuclear weapon facility in Ukraine. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). ...
Feb 28, 2025•56 min
Day 1,100. Today, amid more drone strikes on Ukraine and North Korea deploying new troops, we return to what some are calling one of the most significant weeks of diplomacy since the Second World War, as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s attempts to persuade the President to provide a security “backstop” for Ukraine. Later, we hear a training exercise involving British and Ukrainian troops, and hear the latest on kidnapped children. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio)...
Feb 27, 2025•55 min
Day 1,099. Today, we delve into Russia's expanding drone production and the arrival of a North Korean delegation in Moscow. On the political front, we explore the complex minerals deal and the challenging negotiations surrounding security guarantees. Later, we engage with experts to discuss the deteriorating state of Russia's nuclear arsenal. Contributors: Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Journalist and Producer). @adeliepjz on X. Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X...
Feb 26, 2025•57 min
Day 1,098. Today, we talk about a Ukrainian attack in the Zaporizhia Oblast and more hits on Russia’s Ryazan oil refinery. We also discuss Keir Starmer’s announcement to increase defence spending, President Macron’s visit to Washington, and the possibility that France could use its nuclear deterrent force to help protect Europe. Later, we sit down with Dmytro Kuleba - the former Foreign Minister of Ukraine from 2020 to 2024 - for an exclusive interview. Contributors: Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (...
Feb 25, 2025•1 hr 3 min
Day 1,097. Today, we mark the third anniversary of the full scale invasion. We hear live from Kyiv - where world leaders are gathering - talk about Ukraine’s announcement to produce missiles - including ballistic missiles - and make sense of what the German election result means for Ukraine. We also hear from what it was like at Number 10 on the day of the invasion from Boris Johnson's former speech writer, and hear an exclusive interview with the former prime minister, also in Kyiv for the anni...
Feb 24, 2025•1 hr 8 min
Day 1,094. Today, we hear how Washington is said to be considering a deal, which – if Russia broke – would see Ukraine automatically acquire membership to NATO, hear about possible European-specific alternatives to the alliance, and return again to the subject being forgotten in many discussions at the moment: war crimes. Later, to end the week, you’ll hear a special report from Adélie Pojzman-Pontay into Ukrainian art history and culture. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Aud...
Feb 21, 2025•1 hr 10 min
Day 1,093. Today, as Donald Trump calls President Zelensky a ‘dictator’, we look at the conundrum facing Europe: to speak out and risk fraying American support, or to stay quiet, and not articulate their sense of betrayal. And, later, we talk about the strategic options available, and dive deeper into the British plans of putting boots on the ground. Contributors: Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Journalist and Producer). @adeliepjz on X. Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on ...
Feb 20, 2025•1 hr 1 min
Day 1,092. Today, we look at the fallout from the first talks between the US and Russia, consider the next emergency summit taking place in Paris, and look at one of Ukraine’s less talked about sectors, and its vital importance in this war. Later, our Defence Editor Danielle Sheridan is on the ground with British troops conducting a NATO exercise and hearing their reaction to reports that they could soon be deployed to Ukraine. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @Franci...
Feb 19, 2025•54 min
Day 1,091. Today, as the US welcomes Russia back in from the diplomatic cold with so-called peace talks in Saudi Arabia, we ask who now speaks for Europe and we examine whether hybrid warfare could trigger Article 5. Plus, we discuss Trump’s demand for a $500bn (£400bn) “payback” from Ukraine. Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X. Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X. With thanks to Ilona Khmeleva (Secretary, Economic Sec...
Feb 18, 2025•56 min
Day 1,090. Today, just as the Munich Security Conference ends, two new summits begin: in Saudi Arabia – where the US will enter peace talks with the Russians – and in Paris, as European prime ministers and defence secretaries scramble to forge a collective position. Meanwhile, attacks continue in Ukraine and Russia, and we interview again the 2022 winner of the Nobel Peace Prize at Munich. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X. Dominic Nicholls (Assoc...
Feb 17, 2025•58 min
Day 1,087. Today, as the Munich Security Conference tops a critical diplomatic week for Ukraine, we examine the latest political manoeuvres, talk to the UN Senior Mine Action Advisor in Ukraine, and hear the latest on the underground war being waged in the occupied territories. Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X. Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X. Dr. Jade McGlynn (War Studies Department of King's College)....
Feb 14, 2025•1 hr 5 min
Day 1,086. Today, we discuss what many are calling a “turning point” in the war and in Western foreign policy, as the Trump administration declares definitively the US will no longer be a primary guarantor of Europe's security, and seeks a deal with Russia over the heads of Kyiv and its allies. We hear the reaction from Brussels and Ukraine, and consider the options for those Western nations that remain committed to Ukrainian independence. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Aud...
Feb 13, 2025•50 min
