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 on X. ...
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 Referenced: Zelensky:...
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 (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @...
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 (Associate Editor o...
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 British Army Tank Comman...
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). @DomNicholls ...
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 Editor for Audi...
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 Defence). @DomN...
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). @DomNicholls...
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 (Chemical Weapons...
Mar 26, 2025•53 min
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 Bowman (Forei...
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. Francis D...
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://castlealumni...
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 Tallis (Director, Dem...
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). @RolandOl...
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 Commentator). @davidblaird...
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 Nich...
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 Producer...
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, Oleksandr P...
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 the He...
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 Defence). @...
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 NEW LANGUA...
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 corresponden...
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
