Day 1,024. Today, amid renewed Russian bombardments across the entirety of Ukraine, we consider the impact of new weapons of war. Then, our first formal dispatch from the frontline city of Kharkiv. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Assistant Comment Editor). @FrancisDearnley on X. Michael Bohnert (Engineer & Researcher, RAND Corporation). @mbohnert on X. With thanks to Oleh Synyehubov, Governor of Kharkiv Oblast. Articles Referenced: ‘A brilliant journalist and brilliant human b...
Dec 13, 2024•58 min•Transcript available on Metacast Day 1,023. Today, as Russian forces seek to capitalise near Pokrovsk, we consider the reasons for a drop in Russian air strikes, and hear about an extraordinary case of alleged Kremlin spycraft. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Assistant Comment Editor). @FrancisDearnley on X. James Kilner (Moscow Desk). @jkjourno on X. Hayley Dixon (Special Correspondent). @haylesdixon on X. Content Referenced: Russian spy ring leader described honeytrap agent as a ‘true sexy bitch’, court hears https://www.tele...
Dec 12, 2024•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast Day 1,022. Today, Kyiv says it has enough money and weapons to resist Russia until mid-2025, and an interview with a rising star in President Zelensky's party. Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X. Hamish de Bretton Gordon (Former Tank Commander). @HamishDBG on X. Francis Dearnley (Assistant Comment Editor). @FrancisDearnley on X. With special thanks to our guest Dmytro Natalukha @DmytroNatalukha on X. Subscribe to The Telegraph: telegra...
Dec 11, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Transcript available on Metacast Day 1,021. Today, we consider the huge ramifications for Russia of the loss of its naval bases and influence over Syria, and look once again to the subject of war crimes and the kidnapping of Ukrainian children. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Assistant Comment Editor). @FrancisDearnley on X. Joe Barnes (Brussels Correspondent). @barnes_joe on X. Con Coughlin (Defence and Foreign Affairs Editor). Nathanial A Raymond (Executive Director of the Humanitarian Research Lab at the Yale Schoo...
Dec 10, 2024•57 min•Transcript available on Metacast Day 1,020. Today, following historic, impromptu meetings at the reopening of Notre-Dame in Paris - including between President Zelensky and President-elect Trump - we dig into the significance of Bashar al Assad's fall for Russia and Ukraine. And we interview author Jacob Heilbrunn about why some on the political right are sometimes attracted to the easy answers that dictators provide. Contributors: Venetia Rainey (Co-host Battle Lines podcast). @venetiarainey on X. Francis ...
Dec 09, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Transcript available on Metacast Day 1,017. Today, as Kyiv forces launch a fresh assault in Kursk and capture Russian soldiers, we hear the mood in the combat zone of the Donbas, as Zelensky’s right-hand man Yermak tours Washington to speak to Trump’s team. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Assistant Comment Editor). @FrancisDearnley on X. Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X. Tom Mutch (Freelance Journalist). @Tomthescribe on X. Ed Cumming (Senior Feature Writer). @edcumming on X....
Dec 06, 2024•53 min•Transcript available on Metacast Day 1,016. Today, as Odesa faces renewed attacks down on the coast, we lead with the downfall of a multi billion pound Russian money laundering system, and interview the front man of Ukraine's most famous and influential rock band, Okean Elzy. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Assistant Comment Editor). @FrancisDearnley on X. Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X. Roland Oliphant (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @RolandOliph...
Dec 05, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Transcript available on Metacast Day 1,015. As the NATO Foreign Ministers meeting ends in Brussels with no invitation for Ukraine to join, we interview Andrei Yermak, adviser to President Zelensky. Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X. Francis Dearnley (Assistant Comment Editor). @FrancisDearnley on X. Roland Oliphant (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @RolandOliphant on X. With thanks to our special guest, Andrei Yermak, adviser to President Zelensky. Conten...
Dec 04, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Transcript available on Metacast Day 1,014. Today, on its 30th anniversary, we look at the myopic approach to the Budapest Treaty and its far-reaching effects on present-day Ukraine, and we discuss the extraordinary events of recent days in Syria, with massive ramifications for Russia's influence in the region. Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X. Francis Dearnley (Assistant Comment Editor). @FrancisDearnley on X. Hamish De Bretton-Gordon (Former British ...
Dec 03, 2024•48 min•Transcript available on Metacast Day 1,013. Today, we report on the dramatic shift in rhetoric from President Zelensky towards any future peace deal, and hear about Ukraine’s 'mobilisation police' and the effect they are having among young Ukrainian men. Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X. Joe Barnes (Brussels Correspondent). @Barnes_Joe on X. With thanks to Anna Conkling (Journalist). @ConklingAnna on X. Content referenced: ‘Like dealing with cornered rats’: The men w...
Dec 02, 2024•41 min•Transcript available on Metacast Day 1,010. Today, amid more drone strikes by Russia targeting Ukraine, we get the view from Tbilisi on last night's protests against Georgia's pro-Kremlin government. We also have a fascinating interview with Estonia's Foreign Minister, Margus Tsahkna, about Donald Trump and how he could be the Churchill of our times. Contributors: Venetia Rainey (Co-host Battle Lines podcast). @venetiarainey on X. Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X. With...
Nov 29, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Transcript available on Metacast Day 1,009. Today, we hear who Donald Trump has named as his envoy to Ukraine and we have an exclusive interview with former British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson. Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X. Francis Dearnley (Assistant Comment Editor). @FrancisDearnley on X. With thanks to our very special guest, former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. His memoir, 'Unleashed', is available here: https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/unleashed-bor...
Nov 28, 2024•1 hr•Transcript available on Metacast Day 1,008. Today, further to the usual updates, the team share details of their secret trip to the east of Ukraine, including what it's like to hear missiles landing nearby. Plus, we trail an upcoming interview with one of our most requested guests on the podcast. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Assistant Comment Editor). @FrancisDearnley on X. Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X. Content referenced: Russian rouble falls to 31-month low as fresh sanctions ...
Nov 27, 2024•33 min•Transcript available on Metacast Day 1,007. Today, we hear how Valery Zaluzhny’s told Ukrainian troops they must be willing to die, and former Ukrainian defence minister Andrei Zagorodunyuk calls on the West to come up with a positive strategy for victory. Contributors: Roland Oliphant (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @RolandOliphant on X. Joe Barnes (Brussels Correspondent). @Barnes_Joe on X. Danielle Sheridan (Defence Editor). @SheridanDani on X. Andriy Zagorudnyuk (Former Ukrainian Defence Minister). @Andriypza...
Nov 26, 2024•58 min•Transcript available on Metacast Day 1,006. Today, we report on Russian advances on the battlefield around the town of Kurakhove, a plane crash in Lithuania raises fears of Russian sabotage, and the journalist Inna Varenytsia tells us why civilians in Kherson are now afraid to walk in the park. Contributors: Roland Oliphant (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @RolandOliphant on X. James Kilner (Foreign Correspondent). @jkjourno on X. With special thanks to our guest Inna Varenytsia (Journalist). @InnaVarenytsia...
Nov 25, 2024•51 min•Transcript available on Metacast Day 1,003. Today, we report on Russia's use of a new intermediate range ballistic missile and Vladimir Putin's threat to attack the United States and Britain in revenge for their assistance to Ukraine on the battlefield. Plus, we hear the latest dispatch from Francis Dearnley in Ukraine. Contributors: Roland Oliphant (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @RolandOliphant on X. James Kilner (Foreign Correspondent). @jkjourno on X. James Rothwell (Berlin Correspondent). @JamesERothwel...
Nov 22, 2024•49 min•Transcript available on Metacast Day 1,002. Today, amid reports of Russia using intercontinental ballistic missiles against Ukraine for the first time, we look at the impact of Kyiv firing British-made Storm Shadow missiles, and hear from a Ukrainian MP about his views on the peace deal and why Kyiv’s use of long-range weapons is well within international law. Contributors: Venetia Rainey (Co-host on 'Battle Lines' Podcast). @venetiarainey on X. James Rothwell (Berlin Correspondent). @JamesERothwell on X. Francis Dearnley...
Nov 21, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Transcript available on Metacast Day 1,001. Today, as the US closes its embassy in Kyiv in anticipation of Russian retaliation for Joe Biden’s recent policy shifts, we examine in more detail Russia’s new nuclear doctrine and ask: is it just the same old wine in a slightly newer bottle?. Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X. Hamish de Bretton-Gordon (Chemical Weapons Expert and Former Tank Commander). @HamishDBG on X. Plus we hear from Francis Dearnley in Ukraine. Subscribe to...
Nov 20, 2024•47 min•Transcript available on Metacast Day 1,000. Today, we report on Russia's response to President Biden's change of positions on long range weapons, and hear from our team on the ground in Ukraine relaying the mood in the country on the 1,000th day of the full scale invasion. Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X. Roland Oliphant (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @RolandOliphant on X. Francis Scarr (Journalist at BBC Monitoring). @francis_scarr on X. Francis Dearnley (Assistant Com...
Nov 19, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Transcript available on Metacast Day 999. Today, after a weekend that saw the biggest missile and drone attack on Ukraine in almost a year, we examine whether President Biden’s permission - finally - for Ukraine to use US weapons inside Russia, is responsible statecraft or too little, too late? Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X. Francis Dearnley (Assistant Comment Editor). @FrancisDearnley on X. Joe Barnes (Brussels Correspondent). @Barnes_Joe on X. James Crisp (Europ...
Nov 18, 2024•46 min•Transcript available on Metacast Day 997. Today, we assess the state of the Russian army, hear new revelations from inside the Biden administration, and look deeper at the impact of this war in other theatres, such as Korea and Africa. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Assistant Comment Editor). @FrancisDearnley on X. Roland Oliphant (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @RolandOliphant on X. With thanks to Dr Samual Ramani of the Royal United Services Institute and Oxford University. @SamRamani2 on X. Dr Samuel Ramani's late...
Nov 15, 2024•59 min•Transcript available on Metacast Day 996. Today, as Russia's state TV propagandists and government officials express delight at the Donald Trump's cabinet selections, we ask how feasible it would be for Ukraine to develop its own nuclear weapon. Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X. Francis Dearnley (Assistant Comment Editor). @FrancisDearnley on X. Hamish de Bretton-Gordon (Chemical Weapons Expert and Former Tank Commander). @HamishDBG on X. Kamal Ahmed (Director of Audio an...
Nov 14, 2024•50 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today, we discuss the new wave of bombardments on Kyiv, the latest appointments to the Trump administration and what it means for the wider West, and learn more about Radio Liberty’s impact during the Cold War. Then, later, we do a deep dive into the cosmopolitan history of the city of Odesa and what its people have endured over the course of the war. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Assistant Comment Editor). @FrancisDearnley on X. Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNi...
Nov 13, 2024•47 min•Transcript available on Metacast Day 994. Today, we look at renewed Russian efforts to retake Kursk before Trump returns to the White House, consider the evidence Europe is responding to the threat of an American withdrawal, and assess potential new appointments in for the new government Washington. Then, later, we hear the euphoric memories of a Ukrainian officer who served in the historic Kharkiv counteroffensive. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Assistant Comment Editor). @FrancisDearnley on X. Dominic Nicholls (Ass...
Nov 12, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Transcript available on Metacast Day 993. Today, after a weekend in which Ukrainian forces launched their largest ever drone attack on Moscow, and Russian losses in Ukraine reached a record daily high, we reflect on the Prague Defence Conference, with discussions centred heavily on President-elect Donald Trump. Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X. Venetia Rainey (Co-host Battle Lines podcast). @venetiarainey on X. With thanks to Admiral Rob Bauer (Chair of the Military Commi...
Nov 11, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Transcript available on Metacast Day 990. Today, we consider the Trump peace plan reportedly being mooted by his staffers, hear live from another vital summit of European leaders, and discuss a ‘shopping list’ of weapons and permissions Western leaders could action over the next two months to support Ukraine. Later, following the missile damage to Kharkiv’s iconic Derzhprom building, we do a deeper dive into the impact of this war on Ukrainian heritage and architecture. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Assistant Comment Edi...
Nov 08, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Transcript available on Metacast Day 989. Today, as the White House seeks to send Ukraine as much as it can before Trump’s inauguration, we discuss the potential appointments the president-elect might make, and – later – hear about the mood near the frontlines to the political earthquake. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Assistant Comment Editor). @FrancisDearnley on X. Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X. Jonah Goldberg (Editor-in-Chief, The Dispatch). @JonahDispatch on X. Adrian Simpson (of Missio...
Nov 07, 2024•1 hr 23 min•Transcript available on Metacast Day 988. Today, as Ukraine hits a Russian naval base on the Caspian Sea and North Korean troops enter combat for the first time, we examine the fallout from the US presidential election and ask: is Donald Trump the best thing that’s ever happened to NATO? Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X. Francis Dearnley (Assistant Comment Editor). @FrancisDearnley on X. Adam Kinzinger (Former Republican Congressman, now senior political commentator at CNN) @AdamKi...
Nov 06, 2024•57 min•Transcript available on Metacast Day 987. Today, as Ukraine, and the world, waits with bated breath for the results of the US presidential election, we look at the situation on the battlefield as Moscow seeks to strengthen its foothold, and hear more about how ordinary Russians view the war. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Assistant Comment Editor). @FrancisDearnley on X. Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X. James Kilner (Moscow Desk). @jkjourno on X. Content referenced: 'To Avoid Another Munich, E...
Nov 05, 2024•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast Day 986. Today, as Moldova resists alleged Russian meddling in Sunday's presidential vote, we report on how Russia is arming drones with thermobaric 'lung-busting' warheads, according to a leading Forensic Research Institute. Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X. Roland Oliphant (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @RolandOliphant on X. Content Referenced: Russia Deploys Deadly New Weapon in Drone Race With Ukraine (Newsweek) https://www.newsweek.com/russia-...
Nov 04, 2024•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
