Battleground

In the final episode of our Battleground '45 series Saul and Patrick tie up some loose ends by answering listeners' questions on all things Second World War-related.

Together they discuss why Spain remained neutral, the role of Latin American countries in the war, and why the Luftwaffe was nowhere to be seen when 617 Squadron of the RAF sank the Tirpitz in November 1944.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

X (Twitter): @PodBattleground

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In this episode, host Patrick Bishop welcomes back friend of the show and veteran journalist, Julius Strauss. Just back from the Donbas in Eastern Ukraine, Julius shares his account of the current situation on the ground and the mood

They also dissect the recent geopolitical manoeuvres, breaking down the implications of the controversial Trump-Putin summit, and analysing the results, if any, of the widely covered meeting in The White House on Monday.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

X (Twitter): @PodBattleground

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In this episode of Battleground 45, Saul and Patrick delve into the dark history of the ratlines, a system of escape routes used by high-ranking Nazi officials and collaborators to flee Europe after World War II.

We explore how these fugitives, including infamous figures like Adolf Eichmann and Klaus Barbie, evaded justice by traveling through a network that stretched from Germany to safe havens in South America and the Middle East.

Together they uncover the organisations and individuals, from sympathetic clergy to intelligence agencies, that aided their escape and the enduring legacy of their unpunished crimes.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

X (Twitter): @PodBattleground

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In this special reaction episode, we break down the key takeaways from the White House meeting, including the surprising possibility of a Putin-Zelenskyy face-to-face, Trump's sudden openness to security guarantees for Ukraine.

We also explore the fascinating diplomatic charm offensive launched by Zelenskyy to win over his American hosts. Is this a real breakthrough or simply "smoke and mirrors"?

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

X (Twitter): @PodBattleground

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Welcome to Battleground! In this special episode, Patrick Bishop and Saul David unpack the stunning outcome of the Alaska summit between President Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.

After waiting for details to emerge, the hosts react to what was quickly dubbed "the anticlimax in Anchorage." While there was no ceasefire, the meeting was hugely important—and not in a good way. Together they discuss how the stage was set for a Putin victory, starting with DT's "baffling" decision to welcome him as an equal.

They analyse the bizarre post-summit silence from Trump, contrast it with Putin's historical narrative, and dissect the disturbing details that have since come to light. They also cover Russia's demand for all of Donetsk, Trump's alleged pressure on Zelenskyy to accept a deal, and the implications for Zelenskyy's upcoming visit to Washington.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

X (Twitter): @PodBattleground

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As Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin prepare to meet, Patrick and Saul dissect the unsettling details of a proposed peace deal for Ukraine, including Trump's suggested "land-swapping," which could force Ukraine to cede critical territory, including the heavily fortified "fortress belt" in Donetsk.

They also discuss a controversial proposal to model the deal after Israel's occupation of the West Bank and analyse what this would mean for President Zelenskyy, Ukraine's constitution, and the future of the war

Also on the podcast is a fascinating report from the frontline Donbas city of Kramatorsk by friends of the Podcast Julius Strauss, Boldi Gyori, and Kimberley Reczek.

Keep an eye out for our special reaction show to the Trump Putin talks on Saturday.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

X (Twitter): @PodBattleground

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In this episode of Battleground 45, Saul and Patrick explore the Nuremberg Trials, examining their significance in delivering justice after World War II.

Join us as we delve into the courtroom proceedings, the key figures involved, and the lasting impact of these landmark trials on international law and human rights.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

X (Twitter): @PodBattleground

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Join Saul and Patrick as they recap the latest news from Ukraine in what was a rather chaotic week that saw Trump deploy US nuclear submarines after a tense online spat with former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.

They’ll also analyse why Trump is targeting India with new tariffs, while seemingly avoiding China, and the surprising diplomatic progress made between his envoy and Putin.

Plus, we'll cover the latest battlefield developments, including a successful Ukrainian special forces raid and the fall of Chasiv Yar. Finally, we'll be joined by Hungarian war reporter Boldi Gyori, who will share his firsthand accounts from the frontlines.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

X (Twitter): @PodBattleground

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In this episode of Battleground 45 Saul is joined by Evan Mawdsley to examine the final weeks of World War II from the perspective of the Soviet Union.

Together they explore Stalin’s strategic goals at the Potsdam Conference, his reaction to the successful test of the atomic bomb, and the subsequent decision to accelerate the invasion of Manchuria.

They look at why the Soviet declaration of war on Japan on August 8, 1945, may have been the decisive factor for the Japanese leadership's surrender. We'll delve into the lightning-fast invasion of Manchuria and Korea, the Soviet's thwarted plans to co-occupy Japan, and what the end of the fighting meant for the Soviet Union's future geopolitical ambitions.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

X (Twitter): @PodBattleground

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This week, Patrick Bishop and Saul David tackle the latest Ukraine news starting with a look at Donald Trump's dramatic new deadline for Putin – a mere "ten or 12 days" to achieve peace in Ukraine.

Plus, they get a unique glimpse into the war's human side with Colin Freeman, author of "The Mad and The Brave: The Untold Story of Ukraine’s Foreign Legion." Colin shares his insights into the foreign volunteers fighting on the front lines, including what motivates them and how effective are they for the Ukrainians.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

X (Twitter): @PodBattleground

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.