In this episode of Battleground Saul and Roger conclude their two-part examination of the Battle for Okinawa. Together they analyse the strategic importance of securing the island for the planned invasion of Japan and discuss how the ferocious resistance influenced the decision to use atomic weapons. They explore the arguments for and against this controversial link, taking new historiography into account, alongside the immediate and long-term consequences of the battle itself.

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Producer: James Hodgson

X: @PodBattleground

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In this episode Saul is joined by Roger to discuss the latest news surrounding the war in Ukraine, including Trump's frustrated remarks aimed at the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin which may signal a shift in the US administration's stance towards Russia.

Saul is also joined by friend of the podcast Askold Krushelnycky, to discuss what the latest mood music is regarding the dramatic developments of the past few weeks from both Ukraine and Washington.

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Producer: James Hodgson

X: @PodBattleground

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In this first of a two-part special, Saul David is joined by Roger Moorhouse to dissect the first phase of the Battle of Okinawa. They explore the island's crucial role in the Pacific theater, the immense scale of the fighting, and the unique challenges faced by both Allied and Japanese forces.

From the initial landings to the fierce defence of the inland, and a dive into the strategic rationale behind the invasion of Japanese territory, this episode looks at a battle that shaped the final months of World War II.

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Producer: James Hodgson

X: @PodBattleground

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This week Saul David is joined by Roger Moorhouse to dissect the announcement of a fragile ceasefire in the Black Sea agreed separately by both sides with the US in Riyadh.

They also delve into the alarming pro-Russian rhetoric emerging from Trump's circle, and explore Zelensky's growing distrust of US support and ask the question if genuine peace is even possible.

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

Producer: James Hodgson

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In this episode Saul David is joined by Roger Moorhouse to discuss the grim realities of the Siege of Breslau, a city trapped by Hitler's desperate, suicidal strategy which transformed Breslau into a killing ground.

They also delve into the human cost of total war, and Breslau's post-war transformation into Polish Wrocław.

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Producer: James Hodgson

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This week, Saul David and Roger Moorhouse dissect the latest diplomatic manoeuvres and frontline developments in the Ukraine war. Donald Trump's much-anticipated phone call with Vladimir Putin, aimed at securing a 30-day ceasefire, resulted in a swift rejection and immediate Russian escalation.

Additionally, we have an update from the frontlines with war reporter and friend of the podcast Boldizsar Gyori, who describes the reality for the Ukrainian soldiers fighting in Kursk.

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Producer: James Hodgson

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In this episode of Battleground '45 Saul is joined by Roger Moorhouse to take a deep dive into a host of fascinating listeners questions on the second world war.

These include a look into Switzerland's stance during the war, why the allies sent back soviet prisoners to Stalin, and a look into whether Japan would have surrendered if there were no atomic bombs.

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, we bring you a remarkable interview where Patrick spoke with special operations unit commander Kateryna Ratyshna, a young woman from Kharkiv who has been fighting on the front lines since the very beginning of the full-scale invasion.

Kateryna, who also appears in - Porcelain War - a recent Oscar-nominated documentary about the war, shares her deeply personal experiences and the motivations that drive her fight.

This is a truly humbling conversation that offers a unique insight into the dedication and resilience of Ukraine's frontline soldiers, and their unwavering determination to keep their country free.

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Producer: James Hodgson

X: @PodBattleground

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The ceasefire deal agreed between the US and Ukraine faces immediate hurdles. Patrick Bishop and Saul David dissect the news surrounding this fragile agreement, taking a look at Russia's "eye-watering" demands.

They also analyse the Trump administration's tariff war and its impact, featuring insights from friend of the show and Canadian Resident and National Julius Strauss.

Plus, we hear an extract of Patrick's interview with special forces unit commander, Kateryna Ratyshna, who stared in the award winning documentary film Porcelain War, and has now returned to Kharkiv after attending the Oscars award ceremony in Los Angeles.

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

Producer: James Hodgson

X: @PodBattleground

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This week on Battleground, Saul David and Patrick Bishop dissect Operation Varsity, the audacious Allied airborne operation across the Rhine in March 1945. They explore the strategic aims, the intense fighting, and the controversial outcomes of this massive undertaking, examining the paratroopers' experiences and the operation's impact on the war's final stages.

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

Producer: James Hodgson

X: @PodBattleground

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