Today Russians go to the polls to select a president for the next six years, with only one result to come - the re-election of President Vladimir Putin for a record fifth term in office.  
To help Saul and Patrick better understand the reality of the Presidential elections in Russia they speak to veteran journalist and Russia expert Alan Philps.
They also assess the controversial statements made by Pope Francis on the ongoing war in Ukraine and look at the latest news regarding Ukraine getting it's much needed F-16's
If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.com
Producer: James Hodgson
X (Twitter): @PodBattleground
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142. An exercise in fake democracy

A history podcast that explores the narratives, turning points and characters that shape conflicts, encompassing a blend of social and military history. Following on from the series on the Falklands War, best-selling military historians Patrick Bishop and Saul David turned their attention to the war in Ukraine, and now also the ongoing war in Gaza.

Goalhanger Podcasts

History

Society & Culture

In our latest edition of Battleground '44 Patrick turns to the world of espionage, looking at the extraordinary story of British MI6 agent of Wilfred Biffy Dunderdale.
To help Patrick he speaks to his Biographer Tim Spicer who tells his story of the complicated intrigues of the world of intelligence, and the remarkable achievements he managed to achieve in the Second World War.
If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.com
Producer: James Hodgson
X (Twitter): @PodBattleground
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161. Battleground '44 - A Suspicion of Spies

With all eyes on Kharkiv and the battle to the east of Ukraine’s second city, Saul and Patrick assess this latest development as it takes on huge political, military and symbolic significance.
They also look at the recent shake up at the top of the Russian military hierarchy with Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu being replaced with a relative unknown Andrei Belousov. 
If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.com
Producer: James Hodgson
X (Twitter): @PodBattleground
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160. All eyes on Kharkiv

On this episode of Battleground '44 Saul speaks to friend of the show Evan Mawdsley about the subject of his new book -The Battle of the Philippine Sea.  The often overlooked battle was one of the major naval battles of World War II that eliminated the Imperial Japanese Navy's ability to conduct large-scale carrier actions. It took place during the United States' amphibious invasion of the Mariana Islands during the Pacific War.
﻿If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.com
Producer: James Hodgson
X (Twitter): @PodBattleground
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159.  Battleground '44 - The Battle of the Philippine Sea

This week Saul is joined by Roger Moorhouse who is stepping in for Patrick to discuss this week's news coming from the war in Ukraine. The big story is that Ukraine’s intelligence service has foiled a Russian-led plot to assassinate President Zelensky by arresting two colonels in the president’s security team.
If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.com
Producer: James Hodgson
X (Twitter): @PodBattleground
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158. Zelensky avoids Assassination plot

In our latest instalment of our Warlords series, Saul speaks to good friend of the show expert historian and occasional co-host of Battleground Roger Moorhouse about the most infamous of all the war leaders from the Second World War - Adolf Hitler.
If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.com
Producer: James Hodgson
X (Twitter): @PodBattleground
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142. An exercise in fake democracy

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