Dispatch from the Donbas & why the Russian Orthodox Church backs Putin | Ukraine: The Latest | Pod

Day 343.
Today, we continue our reporting from the ground in Donbas with Roland Oliphant, bring you diplomatic updates from across the world and discuss the role of the Russian Orthodox Church and its ties to the regime.
Contributors:
David Knowles (Host). @DJKnowles22 on Twitter.
Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor, Defence). @DomNicholls on Twitter.
Francis Dearnley (Assistant Comment Editor). @FrancisDearnley on Twitter.
Roland Oliphant (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @RolandOliphant on Twitter.
With thanks to Olga Lautman, analyst and researcher and a Senior Fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis. @OlgaNYC1211 on Twitter.
Subscribe to The Telegraph: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest
Email: [e-mail]
Telegraph.co.uk and / telegraphtv are websites of The Telegraph, the UK's best-selling quality daily newspaper providing news and analysis on UK and world events, business, sport, lifestyle and culture.

[@christinemarshall1366]

I can't bear to hear the stories of these elderly people who shouldn't have to suffer like this at the end of their lives. I hate the Russians with a vengeance.

[@Rod732]

Same 😞😞😞

[@cheriemorey4728]

Yes it is very sad, but a good aspect is that they got to be elderly, which is not the case for a lot of younger Ukrainian people.

[@hal7ter]

@@cheriemorey4728 How about the thousands of elderly Russians that the Azov Battalion has bombed out of their homes in the Donbass for the last ten years?

[@deselby6669]

@@hal7ter The AZOV battalion didn't exist 10 years ago.The Azov battalion was founded in 2014 to oppose the pro Russian forces that had illegally seized control of Ukrainian Donbas.

[@cheriemorey4728]

@@hal7ter that was Ukranian country wasn't it before the Russians invaded? NATO and America should have helped them then, like they are now.

[@Vonfleet]

I'm so glad to have found this resource on KZbin. I'm just an average middle class American from Southeastern Ohio but I can't quit thinking about what the people of Ukraine are going through everyday. I completely relate to Roland's comments and he shouldn't apologize for getting emotional. I am ashamed that the collective West did not rise up immediately and crush this Russian belligerence from the start. The comments regarding Hitler were completely appropriate. It's sad to imagine the lives that would have been saved if Hitler would have been met head on from the start especially while his military was still weak. What well meaning peace loving people can't seem to learn from history is that immediate and overwhelming force applied to unprovoked aggression could save more lives than it costs.

[@SL-sd3sg]

Yes, we should have sat up in 2014.

[@0Cico0]

I agree with Roland. Few tanks after a year? Abrams another year until delivery? They should start training long ago. Are we really dedicated to help them win or not? Everyone is saying that Putin understand only the power, but we are afraid. No country should be allowed to do what Russia is doing in Ukraine, but because it is Russia... And some countries do not care, business as usual. African countries, what they have against Ukraine? They are independent for so many years, yet they still blame the West for colonialism. How they think Russia became so big, with friendly diplomacy?

[@clarkeorchard2304]

Totally. V frustrating

[@gordonfrickers5592]

A review of Russian history and recent events shows us a clear and consistent pattern of how Putin's Russians operate their propaganda, subversion and conduct their wars. The large majority of western leaders have not learned the lesson.

[@hal7ter]

Ukraine had a huge army at the beginning. Had they honored the Minsk accords and declared neutrality they would still have a nation - a s it is, they do not have long. America and the West have no money, weapons or patience left.

[@aajas]

Just like kirill and the orthodox church links to Russian intelligence - they did the same thing within Ukraine (because of course they did). There is the "Ukrainian Orthodox Church" which is loyal to Moscow, drawing up lists for the Russian police occupiers... totally different from the "Orthodox Church of Ukraine", faithful to Ukrainians It's pretty messed up to have to make that distinction, but war is war

[@MrSandancer]

Looks like the Russians are going for operational targets like roads. Wonder if logistics is their weakness; given the fact that the preparation was for 3-4 days I may have a point. Also, a big shout for Poland as well as Finland and Baltic States. Definitely punching above their weight. Respect from UK.🇫🇴🇪🇺🇳🇿🇬🇧🇺🇸🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@linmal2242]

Yes indeed. Respect and cheers for Poland from AUS .

[@clarkeorchard2304]

Logistics from the railhead to the front is the weakness

[@tvwatcher1883]

-we need to take a close look at the russian unorthodox “church” and it’s operations in the world

[@simonlee8889]

It's called ROCOR and it's been used by the West for decades as part of the IO psyops against Russia at every opportunity... Do try to keep up.

[@kevinnightingale1852]

is it on tv?

[@tvwatcher1883]

@@kevinnightingale1852 i don’t just watch TV i also work, and i love when i get paid and i see my federal tax deduction, and i know that some of those tax dollars are going to neutralize russians -it puts a big smile on my face -FYI this Friday is a payday for me 😎

[@maxsuicide4767]

58:00 - yup. 20 years of the warning signs appearing with increasing regularity. Little action taken. In fact, outright wilful ignorance on the part of many western nations (hi Germany) until we get so deep in a hole it becomes very painful to climb out of it. The government are still resistant to the idea of boosting the defence budget that their creative accounting has hidden further cuts on this past decade. We should be almost on a war footing to support this effort, not complaining about domestic 'wokeism' and all that bollocks here at home.

[@clarkeorchard2304]

I agree. I would also add that many people are still ignorant of what will be required. It's simply not enough and slow. The quicker we pull out finger out the better.

[@simonlee8889]

No, 20 years of reneging on agreements and reckless unipolar dismantlement of arms agreement - plus the financialisation and de-industrialisation of all western economies - oh and let's not forget the continued venal disingenuous failure of the MIC to develop and produce latest generation weapons that are actually needed and that actually work... (we'll draw a discreet veil over all the vile warmongering and destructive bombing and the awful toll in human life, shall we?) Now we complain because the Russians saw this all coming and actually developed armaments that are much better than ours, that do work, that they can produce efficiently in the required quantity when needed and don't break the bank..) But yeah! We have LBGTWXYZ etc etc troops. Ura!

[@ashcarrier6606]

Within the last decade there seemed to be an impetus to rehabilitate the WW2 image of the Red Army as one that DID fight with tactical and operational flexibilty and adaptation, rather than Orc-like, dumb frontal assaults and rigid dogma. There seemed to be an idea the German officers who survived the war and created the West's understanding of that front were being unfairly dismissive of the Russians. After the last year, I'm thinking the German assessment was probably right.

[@linmal2242]

Yes, I would believe the Germans than any alternative view.

[@matthewrussell8590]

My understanding (through reading) is that the red army emerged to be one of the greatest armies of all time a few years after operation barbarossa. This is the narrative spun by modern historians and one that I have believed. I've always found the Eastern front much more Interesting than the western front. I'd love to know the truth

[@williammorris584]

Read Glantz. It was a bit of both, an army with thousands of penal battalions as well as the Fifth Guards Tank Army and skilled predecessors of Spetsnaz. But above all, it was an artillery army, an artillery army with lots and lots of tanks.

[@simonlee8889]

@@williammorris584 And that is what is needed over such a vast terrain. And that is what Russia has. Plus total control of the air and extremely modern effective missiles for long range targeting. And this is why they are winning at a pace and a price to suit them. All this plucky Ukraine reporting is obscene, frankly.

[@matthewrussell8590]

@@simonlee8889 those that take MSM and podcast such as these as complete truth are going to be sorely disappointed. I've called this podcast out plenty of times in the past for It's one sided journalism and ommiting certain truths. I still listen several times a week. its just a shame they went down the propagandist route.

[@theeffectiveprogressive]

I especially appreciate the insights provided by the guest. The information helps to add depth to the listener’s understanding of the wider situation. Mahalo

[@CatalystD9]

Heroyam Slava 🙏🇺🇦💙💛

[@jiefflerenard1228]

What an amazing piece of information, brilliant, so much research, knowledge and work !

[@elenagekker1739]

BS of propaganda?

[@CatalystD9]

Bahkmut Holds 🙏💙💛🇺🇦🌻

[@Niall101a]

Not for long

[@christopherreding4862]

Really like this channel, the most neutral insights I have come across. What would improve it further would be a visual on the studio

[@philipmarwood9327]

This is not neutral. It merely promulgates the spin that msm is being forced feed us with. We are never told of Russia successes. Are we ever told of realistic Ukraine casualties? Reasonable sources suggest the've lost the equivalence of their original forces strength. Are we ever shown the videos their troops are sending home declaring despair, freezing, starving, diseased conditions, left to their own disappearing resources, with no help for their wounded?

[@jamesewanchook2276]

Heavy long range missiles, tanks and jets. Chase that bear back to hell. Slava Ukraine! 🇨🇦🇺🇦

[@samsungtap4183]

Ok tinkabell !

[@linmal2242]

@@samsungtap4183 With the magic wand to wave away pesky Ruskie orcs !

[@patrickgibbon7657]

Brilliant insight as always. Thanks guys.

[@liberty_and_justice67]

The Russian church advocating war and genocide is not surprising. Brutality is integral to Russian culture and society.

[@davidpenn1123]

Invaluable coverage. Never miss an episode!

[@philipmarwood9327]

Yeah. Watch out for all the usual spin though. They can't help it, same as all the msm

[@Edo9River]

I would be interested in a collective piece on the volunteers😊😊😊😊😊

[@SL-sd3sg]

There are many on YT.

[@CatalystD9]

Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦 🙏💙💛

[@prrrromotiongiven1075]

Because Orthodox Christianity is a Caesaropapist (try saying that three times fast) religion, what that meant in ancient times is that the Roman, Byzantine, and eventually Russian emperors appointed the Patriarchs of the Orthodox faith and ultimately the Emperor had final say on what the Church could and couldn't say or do. Emperors and Tsars may be gone, but this tradition of political leaders controlling Orthodox religious leaders still remains.

[@lettucesalad3560]

Number of Russian soldiers lost Putin cares about: Still Zero

[@lettucesalad3560]

@Shadow Banned News Thanks for your unqualified opinion which I'll ignore.

[@robertsteele474]

@@lettucesalad3560 I give your opinion an unqualified recommendation.

[@linmal2242]

@@lettucesalad3560 Good

[@OleHippy]

This broadcast is the gold standard for thoughtful electronic journalism.

[@soepdurp]

Stop Putler.

[@CatalystD9]

Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦

[@Rod732]

Thanks for your hard work and glory to Ukraine 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦❤️❤️❤️

[@matthewrussell8590]

Who would have thought Ruby Wax would have such a deep insight into the Russian state church. Amazing.

[@simonlee8889]

yeah, amazing.. And a friend of Victor Pinchuk too!

[@thelifeofplay7435]

The only solution for these Russian tactics are more ammunitions . Sorry for being harsh but some people don’t understand when they aren’t wanted.

[@michaelwoods1924]

And better Ukrainian generals

[@franciscomarcelino1251]

@@michaelwoods1924 are u supposed to shoot them with the power of the mind?

[@annbjorn]

Im in Norway and married to a Ukrainian. So biased I guess. I did enjoy the podcast.

[@tubthump]

2:27 yes Russia has been attacking Bakhmut for nearly a year now. But Ukraine spent 8 years fortifying it.

[@tubthump]

@E KL my point is that Russian progress in this region is inevitably slow because their enemy is dug into entrenchments and fortifications which have been 8 years in the making.

[@FrancisHegarty]

@E KL And every day they hold onto a piece of ground, hundreds more Ukrainians die unnecessarily.

[@MSnow-pu4qs]

>fortifying for 8 years >Claims that Russia has been attacking for only nearly a year So what were Ukrainians fighting 8 years? Paper planes?

[@tubthump]

@@MSnow-pu4qs Ukraine's military joined in the civil war and the bombing of civilians in Donetsk city

[@neptune5728]

Every occasion might have a hidden treasure: at least the reluctance of the West means that the Russians keep underestimating. They have to forget their tactics for the next mobilization, because they didn't count on those tanks. And then they optimistically expect that it won't come to anything with the F-16, and they again have to find another tactic. Their confusion about the West being confused is also a tactic :)

[@SL-sd3sg]

💙💛🇬🇧

[@samsungtap4183]

Love this sight, these guys can put a spin on anything !

[@atrain5197]

site spin tankie

[@madeanaccounttospillthebor9568]

Cant put a spin on this: Russia launches missiles what target civilians. Kiev is very restraint compared to the terrorists in Moscow

[@linmal2242]

Are all the Western Intel/Security Services ramped up to deal with this threat from the (Soviet union) sorry Russia ! This reportage about Kiril and the Ruskie Orthodox Church is very topical and so indicative of the perversion of state institutions and sovciety ! (That really was an unintentional typo !)

[@mikeavery4098]

Madison Wisconsin.

[@steve-real]

I finally saw what Roland looks like. He’s one brave man. It’s good to put face on the cast of characters on this pod. I still haven’t seen some of my other favorites yet.

[@davidelliott5843]

Russian Orthodox Church survived the Soviet era. They back Putin today because the line of least resistance is how they survive. The Church of England has gone woke but is that really any different?

[@darrenbolam1798]

🇦🇺👍

[@davidelliott5843]

Russia has lost all of its experienced troops. They have nobody to train new troops. However, they don’t have Sergeants so who knows how they were ever going to train their soldiers.

[@Niall101a]

Sure thing Dave, keep drinking the Kool-Aid.

[@davidelliott5843]

Some say that USA should provide ATACMS rockets. These have the range. But Russia can shoot them down and the effects of cluster bombs will politically damage Ukraine.

[@niklaswikholm514]

Good work, good guests, good for ukraina

[@righteousbyfaithinChrist]

Because kgb buddy.

[@duncanstewart6381]

In the sky we salute the Green Comet. Not seen since 50,000 years ago. 10° up from the Polaris North Star.

[@linmal2242]

All I can see is the Southern Cross !

[@yuriprigozin7497]

This hideous and barbaric venture

[@Aaron-rw3lv]

I wish these evacuation stories could penetrate into the Russian space. They have to know they are the bad guys right?

[@Koryogden]

"The road to hell is paved with good intentions" Everybody evil , thinks they aren't

[@mikefallwell1301]

Germans were completely blind to the Holocaust

[@libertinoradio4597]

Is it possible to employ people that can manage a whole sentence without saying "y'know"?

[@jamesewanchook2276]

my thought as well!

[@louise7347]

"Um..."

[@yuriprigozin7497]

Solidar will be interesting once the tanks arrive I bet

[@jacobrandall4891]

Soledar has been lost and I don't see the advantage of retaking the Donbas towns. better use of western weapons is to take Zaphoriszha region

[@linmal2242]

@@jacobrandall4891 And secure the coast around Odessa for Shipping.

[@robertricketts5467]

Stay safe Roland.

[@jannarkiewicz633]

I don't know the guy but yeah.... I'm worried about him. And worried about all Ukrainians.

[@davidcox8945]

Ugh!

[@stumpe9662]

Rare no locked comments?

[@simonlee8889]

first time I've bothered to listen to this twaddle... Not surprised if they do block comments.. I mean, it's garbage..

[@robmessenger6895]

We're a step closer to WW3 - serious question. UK has 225 nuclear war heads, so exactly who has last say on whether some of those warheads are launched at Moscow - UK PM or UK King?

[@FrancisHegarty]

If it comes to that, your question will be irrelevant.

[@dearmas9068]

No nukes are going to fly.

[@goldcoasttime]

this is propaganda radio

[@bishopofsahs]

🤷🏼‍♂️🚬🍺

[@markshields6997]

Go raibh mile for sticking with the story. No war reportage fatigue with ye folk. It's no less important, tragic, horrific, shocking now than it was when Russian forces invaded. Calm, sane, big picture, evidential commentary. A huge tragedy for Russian people also. Ruled by vainglorious, deluded callous idiots. Ukraine Abu.

[@AcuteTomato]

Olga is an American, what a surprise. Not!

[@silvio1176]

Русская Православная Церковь ВИНТАЕТ НАЗАД

[@Interglacial_optimist]

Didn't NATO put sanctions on Russian exports which caused the energy problems? Germany was happy with the energy they were getting from Russia.

[@skoookum]

Telegraph is trash

[@dearmas9068]

This pod is outstanding and informative.

[@user-bp5dm4tp6c]

All fake

[@SerenityMae11]

Your birth was fake

[@Koryogden]

It's 2023 why the low-effort troll?

[@mathildestoltz4260]

What is fake?

[@simonlee8889]

@@mathildestoltz4260 just about all of it.... but not 'fake', just hopelessly biased and inaccurate... but that's their job. If they didn't peddle this rubbish, they wouldn't have one...

[@FrancisHegarty]

@Simon Lee It's not biased or even propaganda. They are just outright liars. They think they have banned oppositional voices and people aren't able to find more accurate news.

[@simstar6564]

How would England like a Chinese base in Scotland, happy about that

[@dearmas9068]

Not relevant and it doesnt matter. Ukraine is a sovereign country and is allowed to join any alliance it pleases. Russia doesnt have the right to do or say anything about it, and even though they're trying to, they're going to lose this war, and Ukraine will get what it wants.

[@simstar6564]

@@dearmas9068 Russia is not losing this war, more and more towns are falling every week, how are they doing that if they are losing, the west doesnt want to send there weapons anymore, I suspect the Americans will never send tanks to Ukraine, so much of the western news is propaganda, too many Ukrainians and Russians are dying for nothing

[@Anna-xc7vz]

Strange perspective.

[@dearmas9068]

Not even remotely strange

[@Interglacial_optimist]

I think Ukraine probably will join NATO after the war if the new border of Ukraine is the dnipro River.

[@FrancisHegarty]

No they won't.

[@Interglacial_optimist]

@@FrancisHegarty yes they will

[@dearmas9068]

There will not be a new border. The old one is correct. And yes, Ukraine will join NATO once Russia is forced to beg for peace.

[@sergueimikhail9654]

Ви не зрозуміли, любі діти. Якщо я сьогодні стану президентом Росії, і росіяни, і українці почнуть називати Путіна Володимиром Добрим. Я надеру вам дупи так сильно, що жодна дурна думка ніколи не спаде вам на думку.😊

[@franciscomarcelino1251]

🤣🤣🤣

[@MSnow-pu4qs]

@@dearmas9068 it's ukrainian language, man

[@devilishdeed]

Ukraine is losing.

[@franciscomarcelino1251]

They are not.

[@Niall101a]

@@franciscomarcelino1251 This is your brain on western media

[@docchiro100]

Yes they are but Telegraph reporters have to stay online with the Western narrative. End of February Russia gets its new assault divisions.

[@FrancisHegarty]

@Francisco Marcelino Altogether now. Oh! yes they are. 😊