This Is Not A Drill with Gavin Esler

Anyone familiar with Putin's history of kleptocracy, money laundering and threats of murder against his adversaries will know the name of Bill Browder, formerly one of Russia's leading foreign investors, now a sworn enemy of Vladimir Putin. Browder talks to Arthur Snell about his new book Freezing Order, which details the 'real money' funding the Kremlin's war, and how he became Vladimir Putin’s number one enemy for exposing his campaign of theft and money laundering.We're putting out irregular war bulletins covering different aspects of the Ukraine crisis. You can support our work on the crowdfunding app Patreon: http://doomsdaywatch.co.ukResources to help the Ukrainian people can be found here: https://ukrainewar.carrd.co/  “The Putin regime does terrible things, and then puts their money in Western countries. We now have the chance to seize that.”  “Putin runs his kleptocracy by getting a cut of every crime.”  “Nobody wanted to rock the boat because the influx of Russian money into London was good for the economy.”  “I did something totally unforgivable, I treated Vladimir Putin with total disrespect.”  “We’ve waited too long to sanction the oligarchs, and it’s not changed Putin’s psychology.”  “Nobody who is a patriot would’ve done what Putin has done.” DOOMSDAY WATCH was written and presented by Arthur Snell, and produced by Robin Leeburn with Jacob Archbold. Theme tune and original music by Paul Hartnoll. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. DOOMSDAY WATCH is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the second round of France's presidential election on Sunday, what could the vote for the French response to the Ukraine crisis? And when other leaders have stopped, why has President Macron has continued diplomatic efforts with Vladimir Putin?Stephanie Pezard, senior political scientist at the RAND Corporation, joins Arthur Snell to discuss France's approach to Russia's war, and what the conflict means for European defence and security.We're putting out irregular war bulletins covering different aspects of the Ukraine crisis. Thank you for backing us on Patreon, we really appreciate your support.Resources to help the Ukrainian people can be found here: https://ukrainewar.carrd.co/ “I doubt that a lot of the people who voted for Marine Le Pen thought about the Russia factor when casting their votes.” “It’s always been important for France to have its own military voice, rather than seeing itself following the initiative of others.” “This is France trying to give diplomacy as much of a chance as it can.” DOOMSDAY WATCH was written and presented by Arthur Snell, and produced by Robin Leeburn with Jacob Archbold. Theme tune and original music by Paul Hartnoll. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. DOOMSDAY WATCH is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With Russia's invasion of Ukraine faltering, could the Kremlin consider escalating the conflict using chemical weapons? What would biological warfare look like? Dr Alastair Hay, a Professor of Environmental Toxicology at the University of Leeds, joins Arthur Snell to discuss the history of chemical weapons, and if we'll see them used in the Ukraine conflict.We're putting out irregular war bulletins covering different aspects of the Ukraine crisis. Help our work, and shape the next full series of Doomsday Watch, by supporting us on Patreon.Resources to help the Ukrainian people can be found here: https://ukrainewar.carrd.co/ “Officially Russia should have no chemical weapons. But all the evidence points to them being responsible for the Salisbury poisonings.”  “The novichok nerve agent used against the Skripals and Navalny is exceeding lethal in small quantities.”  “Russia has stood back and supported Syria’s use of chemical weapons.”  “The U.K. had stocks of chemical weapons, but these were destroyed in the 1950s and 60s.”  “Chemical weapons cause nowhere near as many casualties as nuclear weapons, but they are indiscriminate.”  “Troops have protective clothing, but civilians don’t, so the use of these weapons would be to terrorise the population.” DOOMSDAY WATCH was written and presented by Arthur Snell, and produced by Robin Leeburn with Jacob Archbold. Theme tune and original music by Paul Hartnoll. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. DOOMSDAY WATCH is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As Russia’s war crimes in Bucha are revealed to the world, are there more atrocities yet to be uncovered? And what should the world be doing to help Ukraine?Journalist Romeo Kokriatski dials in to tell Arthur Snell about Putin’s plans for genocide, how the war has changed Ukraine, and why the West needs to do more.We're putting out irregular war bulletins covering different aspects of the Ukraine crisis. Help our work, and shape the next full series of Doomsday Watch, by supporting us on Patreon.Resources to help the Ukrainian people can be found here: https://ukrainewar.carrd.co/ “My father-in-law slept in the cellar, and we’re very lucky he did because when he woke up in the morning, half the house was gone.” “For Ukrainians, this is far from the first time that we have been subjected to Russian aggression to kill a good portion of us.” “The world should be doing everything in its power to prevent another genocide.” “Britain, a rich, developed country which seems to want to help us in so many ways, draws the line at helping the most vulnerable in our society, refugees.” “The ultimate goal of all fascist states is to expand until they have dominium over the world. That is what Russia wants.” “Putin needs to be removed from power. If Russia is not halted now then this conflict will grow, and there is no negotiated route to peace.” “People have seen that Ukraine is developed and democratic European state, and I’m very proud of that.” DOOMSDAY WATCH was written and presented by Arthur Snell, and produced by Robin Leeburn with Jacob Archbold. Theme tune and original music by Paul Hartnoll. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. DOOMSDAY WATCH is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

China is yet to condemn Putin’s war, and Russia has reportedly asked Beijing for economic and military support. Is Xi proving to Putin’s most important ally? And what does Russia’s faltering invasion mean for China’s potential takeover of Taiwan?Bonnie Glaser, director of the Asia Programme at the German Marshall Fund, joins Arthur Snell to explain China’s stance on Russia’s invasion, and what war in Europe means for Asian security. We're putting out irregular war bulletins covering different aspects of the Ukraine crisis. Help our work, and shape the next full series of Doomsday Watch, by supporting us on Patreon.Resources to help the Ukrainian people can be found here: https://ukrainewar.carrd.co/ “Putin and Xi have a close relationship, they’ve met 38 times. I’d be surprised if Putin did not give Xi a heads up about his plans.” “If China offers Russia military support of any significance, that will have a very negative effect on the US-China relationship, which is already at a dangerous point.” “China will be careful about how dependent it becomes on Russian oil and gas in the future.” “A weakened Russia is not in China’s interest. It won’t allow Moscow to be the close partner that Beijing needs.” “Taiwan will be far better prepared for an invasion by China than it is today.” “There is a sentiment in China that it’s time has come. The US is in decline and Beijing needs to seize this opportunity to advance its interests.” “I don’t think Xi Jinping is getting good advice. Like Putin he has a very small inner circle of people giving him advice on policy.” DOOMSDAY WATCH was written and presented by Arthur Snell, and produced by Robin Leeburn with Jacob Archbold. Theme tune and original music by Paul Hartnoll. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. DOOMSDAY WATCH is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With Vladimir Putin putting Russia’s nuclear deterrent on high alert, could the war take an atomic turn? Or is this merely a tactical move from the Kremlin? And what could the Ukraine crisis mean for nuclear policy in the coming years?Dr Laura Considine, politics professor at Leeds University, joins Arthur Snell to explain the history of nuclear proliferation, atomic weapons in the context of the Russia-Ukraine crisis, and the direction of nuclear policy in the coming years.We're putting out irregular war bulletins covering different aspects of the Ukraine crisis. Help our work, and shape the next full series of Doomsday Watch, by supporting us on Patreon.Resources to help the Ukrainian people can be found here: https://ukrainewar.carrd.co/ “North Korea developed its nuclear weapons secretly while party to the non-proliferation treaty.” “What we’re seeing here is nuclear weapons being used as a means of enabling aggression.” “A lot of tactical nuclear weapons are bigger than the bomb dropped on Hiroshima.” “Deterrence is all about what didn’t happen, and it’s very hard to analyse what hasn’t occurred.” DOOMSDAY WATCH was written and presented by Arthur Snell, and produced by Robin Leeburn with Jacob Archbold. Theme tune and original music by Paul Hartnoll. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. DOOMSDAY WATCH is a Podmasters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As war rages on Russia’s European front, tensions are also rising in the East with neighbours Japan, as Russian forces conduct military drills on the disputed Northern Territories, claimed by Japan.Japanese Deputy Cabinet Secretary Koichiro Matsumoto joins Arthur Snell to explain the complicated history between Japan and Russia, what Putin’s invasion means for Asian security, and how the Japanese people have rallied around Ukraine.We're putting out irregular war bulletins covering different aspects of the Ukraine crisis. Help our work, and shape the next full series of Doomsday Watch, by supporting us on Patreon.Resources to help the Ukrainian people can be found here: https://ukrainewar.carrd.co/ “Russia’s invasion undermines the foundation of not only Europe, but the entire international order.” “Japan has condemned Russia’s invasion since the very beginning.” “Like many world neighbours, Russia and Japan have numerous unresolved and difficult issues.” “Japan’s path to a ‘Russia-Free’ economy is not an easy one.” DOOMSDAY WATCH was written and presented by Arthur Snell, and produced by Robin Leeburn with Jacob Archbold. Theme tune and original music by Paul Hartnoll. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. DOOMSDAY WATCH is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It has been over a month since Russia invaded Ukraine, but with Kyiv still yet to fall Kremlin officials have announced plans to withdraw troops from the region. Where did Russia’s war go so wrong? Is this retreat real, or is Putin wargaming for something bigger?Dr Mike Martin, a former British Army officer and author of Why We Fight, joins Arthur Snell to discuss Russia’s apparent withdrawal, and where the conflict could go next.We're putting out irregular war bulletins covering different aspects of the Ukraine crisis. Help our work, and shape the next full series of Doomsday Watch, by supporting us on Patreon.Resources to help the Ukrainian people can be found here: https://ukrainewar.carrd.co/carrd.co/  “The Russians only have around 200,000 soldiers, but you need around a million to hold Ukraine.” “The people at the top of the Ukrainian army would’ve served in the Soviet army, so they are aware of how it operates.” “Russia have a number of commitments that tie up their forces… they’re very worried about China.” “Syrians and Central Africans are being paid by Russia to fight. They wouldn’t be calling on these people if they had a formed reserve.” “As far as the Ukrainians are concerned, this is a fight for national survival, and the public are behind them.” “Russia are shifting their goals because they need some kind of domestic victory.” “If you look through history, Russian leaders don’t survive when they lose wars.” “A fighting retreat is probably the most difficult land manoeuvre to execute.” “If costs aren’t imposed on Russia like they weren’t in 2014, then they will come again and finish the job off.” “Even for the propagandists in the Kremlin, using nukes is a step too far.” DOOMSDAY WATCH was written and presented by Arthur Snell, and produced by Robin Leeburn with Jacob Archbold. Theme tune and original music by Paul Hartnoll. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. DOOMSDAY WATCH is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has Western nations looking to the Middle East for their oil supplies, but are they obliging? And could the conflict in Europe spark another round of uprisings across the Arab world?Human rights activist and authoritarianism expert Iyad el-Baghdadi joins Arthur Snell to discuss what Putin’s war means for the Middle East. We're putting out irregular war bulletins covering different aspects of the Ukraine crisis. Help our work, and shape the next full series of Doomsday Watch, by supporting us on Patreon.Resources to help the Ukrainian people can be found here: https://ukrainewar.carrd.co/ “MBS has a personal like of Putin, and in some ways he’s modelled himself on him.” “America is not going to defend MBS against a popular uprising.” “The Saudi Army cannot vanquish ragtag militias in Yemen. It needs Western security guarantees.” “Bread is the staple across the Arab region... Egypt imports 80% of its wheat from Ukraine or Russia.” “Riots about bread prices quickly turn into riots about corruption, mismanagement and repression.” “The only group who can check a dictator and end his power for good is his own people.” DOOMSDAY WATCH was written and presented by Arthur Snell, and produced by Robin Leeburn with Jacob Archbold. Theme tune and original music by Paul Hartnoll. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. DOOMSDAY WATCH is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 2014 Macer Gifford left his job as a city trader to go and fight ISIS in Syria. Now he’s continuing his work as an international volunteer, this time in the Ukraine conflict. In an illuminating conversation, Macer tells Arthur about the parallels between wars in Syria and Ukraine, the role of international volunteers in the conflict, and his plans for a frontline medical unit to support the Ukrainian people.We're putting out irregular war bulletins covering different aspects of the Ukraine crisis. Help our work, and shape the next full series of Doomsday Watch, by supporting us on Patreon.Resources to help the Ukrainian people can be found here: https://ukrainewar.carrd.co/ “I was there as the bombs began to fall, and seeing people huddling on the metro felt like the blitz.” “A lot of international volunteers I was with in Syria are already on the ground in Ukraine.” “My plan is to create a medical unit with volunteers, and to deploy them on the frontline to support both the Ukrainian military and civilians.” “We’re going to see tactics similar to Syria where Russia bombs civilian centres into submission.” “If the economic might of the west can bring Russia to its knees then we might get a negotiated settlement.” “What Ukraine needs now is enthusiastic volunteers who are willing to defend every inch of territory.” DOOMSDAY WATCH was written and presented by Arthur Snell, and produced by Robin Leeburn with Jacob Archbold. Theme tune and original music by Paul Hartnoll. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. DOOMSDAY WATCH is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices