Show Notes
In this episode of Battleground Ukraine, hosts Saul David and Roger Moorhouse break down the latest developments in the war, the complexities of international diplomacy, and critical frontline updates.
The episode begins by analysing the recent 90-minute phone call between Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, and Vladimir Putin, which quickly devolved into a lecture on medieval Slavic history with zero mention of a ceasefire. Moving to the front lines, the hosts examine Operation Velesh, detailing how Ukrainian forces from the Khartiia Corps successfully utilised old gas pipelines to push back Russian troops by 15 kilometres on the Kupiansk front. The conversation also covers updates on the brief Starshield throttling controversy, Elon Musk's role, and the ongoing digital and cybersecurity challenges facing Ukraine. Additionally, Saul and Roger look at Melania Trump’s brokered ceasefire in Oleshky alongside lingering concerns over civilian safety and deportations. Finally, the listener Q&A segment features discussions on WWII leadership comparisons involving Churchill, Putin, and Trump, the UK’s tactical nuclear ambitions with F-35s, nuclear non-proliferation, and broader European political resolve.
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