Battleground

Saul joins the discussion to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Paris's liberation. They delve into the vibrant festivities that marked the end of occupation, featuring iconic figures like Ernest Hemingway and his spirited involvement. The complex military dilemmas faced by German leaders and the emotional atmosphere during fierce combat are also explored. Furthermore, they analyze de Gaulle's impactful yet historically questionable speech, revealing the layers of authority and myth-making in post-liberation France.

Julius Strauss, a veteran war reporter, shares his insights on the Ukraine conflict from the Russian perspective. He discusses the recent territorial advances in Kursk Oblast and contrasts them with ongoing Russian efforts in Donbass. Strauss delves into Zelensky's strategic decisions and the hesitance of Western allies. He also explores the psychological impacts of state propaganda, the complex public sentiment in Russia, and the contrasting military strategies of both nations, shedding light on the broader geopolitical landscape.

In the second episode of our mini-series on the Warsaw Uprising, Saul speaks to friend of the show Clare Mulley who delves into the details of what happened once the uprising began. She takes us into the story of Agent Zo's uprising as well as the wider brutal horror’s inflicted upon Warsaw's population by Nazi forces.If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.comProducer: James HodgsonX (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the drama of the Kursk invasion still unfolding as Ukraine continues its operations and no sign yet of co-ordinated counter attack from the Russians, we take listeners to Ukraine to find out what noises are coming from those on the ground.To help Saul and Patrick dive into the events of the past week, they are joined by old friends of the podcast Askold Krushelnycky and Julius Strauss, who speak to them from near the frontlines in Ukraine.If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.comProducer: James HodgsonX (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What was behind the Polish resistance's decision to launch the Warsaw uprising? In the first of a two part series on one of the most brutal and bloody events of the second world war, Saul is joined by friend of the show Roger Moorhouse who shares his vast knowledge on the subject.Together they discuss, the motivations, the reasoning, and the timing behind the uprising. Who some of the key figures in the story were and the Polish resistance as a whole.If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.comProducer: James HodgsonX (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this special edition of Battleground Ukraine, Saul and Patrick look at the huge developments of the past few days, as against all expectations Ukraine has torn up the playbook and launched an operation that is extraordinary in its boldness and daring – but heavy as they discuss, with risk. In a move that has taken the Russians and indeed the rest of the world by surprise,they try to answer the question of if and how much it will shift the dynamic of the war militarily, politically and diplomatically.If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.comProducer: James HodgsonX (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Saul and Patrick look at the astonishing news that, at long last, Kyiv has launched a sizeable incursion into Russian territory. With the situation still unfolding the details are still a little unclear, but it seems that the attack began on Tuesday morning when an estimated2,000 Ukraine troops, supported by armour, stormed across the borderfrom their Sumy region into Russia’s Kursk oblast. Also discussed is the significance of the arrival of the F-16's in Ukraine, further Ukrainian long range strikes into Russia, and potential Russian interference in spreading disinformation in the UK.If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.comProducer: James HodgsonX (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The dramatic quarrel between the leader of the Free French forces - Charles de Gaulle and Philippe Pétain - head of Vichy France, during the dark days of the 1940's, was in many ways a struggle for the very future of France.Joining Patrick to discuss what divided these two men, why they followed the paths they did, and also what they held in common, is leading historian on the subject Julian Jackson. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.comProducer: James HodgsonX (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The latest battlefield developments are under the microscope. F-16 fighter jets have finally arrived in Ukraine, bringing hope for a tactical boost. Meanwhile, Russia conducts costly assaults and massive naval drills, asserting its military might. The conflict's reach extends to Mali, raising concerns about geopolitical stability. The discussion dives into Ukraine's unique strategies, including recruiting prisoners for defense. Insights on information warfare reveal how both Ukraine and Russia shape public perception amidst the chaos.

In the second of our two part series on the attempts to Assassinate Hitler, Saul and Roger discuss the most famous attempt on Hitler's life - the July bomb plot. Made famous in recent years with the success of the film Valkyrie, in which Tom Cruise stars as German Army Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg.Together they discuss the key protagonists in the plot, as well as the wider plan to seize power in the Third Reich should the assassination be successful.  If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.comProducer: James HodgsonX (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices