Heavy fighting engulfs the frontlines | Ukraine: The Latest | Podcast

Day 215.
Today, we report on brutal fighting across Ukraine, discuss the fallout from Italy’s election & and analyse Russia’s faltering attempts to mobilise hundreds of thousands of its people to send to Ukraine.
Contributors:
David Knowles (Host). Follow David on Twitter @djknowles22
Francis Dearnley (Assistant Comment Editor). Follow Francis on Twitter @FrancisDearnley.
Dom Nicholls (Defence & Security Editor). Follow Dom on Twitter @DomNicholls.
Joe Barnes (Brussels correspondent).
Email: [e-mail]
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[@American-In-Mykolaiv]

The most comprehensible, most sensible podcast on KZbin - understandable by any bystander - thanks for this!

[@marklisa17]

Simply the most professional and brilliant summary of all facets connected with the war in the Ukraine. Keep up the good work fellas ! ~ Mark, Brisbane, Australia. 👍

[@buddyrojek9417]

I am an Aussie in Ukraine . Back to Melbourne Sunday. I am getting out. The Russian "cockkups" on the call up of the reservists and conscripts is simple administrative mistakes. They happen. Those "rusty"guns , the Kalishniikov machine gun can operate in mud water and abuse, it is simply disassebled and oiled. It is just media hype and mocking which does not undermine the fact that a majority of the Russian soldiers fighting can live in 1. extreme weather, 2. can pull a trigger, 3. can walk forward. Ukraine is not preparing its general population to fight such a simple gun war, nobody is training and the fields are getting boggy, so the millitary assistance will not be as effective. SO I am getting out.

[@robertferguson851]

We cannot concern ourselves with how the Russians think and feel about events. I think it is folly to approach the conduct of this war in that way. This war at this point must be decided on the battlefield.

[@feralinc.8693]

How the Russians feel about events are incredibly relevant. Regardless of how things go on the battlefield, as long as putin is in power, there will continue to be more troops and more bombings. The Russians are the only ones who have a direct and relevant impact on Putin himself. Once the facade of the Kremlin's lies is torn down for all of Russia to see, Putin will have no more options left.

[@feralinc.8693]

and to add for the sake of not sounding contrarian: Putin can squash the majority of pro-ukranian sentiment. What he can't squash is the failures that are shown to the Russian people, and their outrage at being forced into fighting. Russians are reaching a breaking point, and when they are pushed too far, Putin will lose the power to wage his war when the Russian people stand up to him.

[@TheUncommonShaman]

💯

[@Slapdab]

But a war of attrition is often decided by public sentiment. If people grow tired of attending funerals, they stop fighting. If people feel proud of every life list on the front lines, they continue.

[@georgemiller151]

@@Slapdab This is no longer a war of attrition and will probably not be a war of attrition in the future, if Ukraine can continue to avoid such a fruitless strategy.

[@kyliestorm_music]

Glory to Ukraine ✌ 🇺🇦

[@b.rocket]

We haven't a clue as to what Putin's psychological status is. We can't afford to be taken captive by whatever he may or may not do.

[@pastorDbow]

Very sane commentary and worth listening to, good job!

[@AskDrG]

These are some of my favorite podcasts! 🇺🇲🇺🇦🇬🇧

[@jenniferconroy4517]

Very informative..with yea...

[@johnvissenga328]

These are ------------- my favourite podcasts 🙂

[@Slapdab]

Best place for in-depth up-to-date coverage.

[@internetresearchagency2238]

Pure propaganda

[@berndbrot7044]

@@internetresearchagency2238 If the Internet Research Agency says so, i guess it‘s proven.

[@rossmurray6849]

I have a request. Please divide the KZbin versions of these podcasts into chapters.

[@zopEnglandzip]

Yup, small KZbinrs manager chapters, no reason why these guys can't do the same

[@rossmurray6849]

@@zopEnglandzip Thanks, Jimbo. This is the second time I've made this request.

[@letXeqX]

@@rossmurray6849 I'll third it. I tend to listen from beginning to end to this podcast because it's that good. But for those who don't have the time to do that, or want to re-listen to certain parts, which I do, it's very helpful.

[@DS9TREK]

Try DMing them on Twitter. I'm not convinced they read KZbin comments

[@daviddevilliers8063]

From Sydney Australia. Really appreciate this podcast.

[@buddyrojek9417]

hey I am an Aussie, see my comment above. I am surprised I never hear any analysis of what I discussed above

[@trikepilot101]

FYI, I listen from Canada.

[@tractorpoodle]

The USAF performed a live fire reliability test on a randomly selected Minuteman III from one of the missile wings. This happened last month at Vandenberg - fired 6000 miles into the Atlantic.

[@buddyrojek9417]

that's a lot of wasted money. I think we need to ban all weapons manufacture, just keep a UN army to go in and clean up the recalcitrant regimes.

[@charlesleger6787]

@@buddyrojek9417 with printed money?

[@tomhoefling]

Thanks for these great broadcasts. They're much appreciated.

[@MartinBrenner]

Love the videos from Roland's visit to Ukraine!

[@StephenFarthing]

I’m listening to this from Budapest though I’m a U.K. national with a fair knowledge of Hungary and I’ve some military experience . Firstly I’m against the Russian invasion of Ukraine totally and unequivocally. And, despite being a tad left of the Telegraph’s normal readership, I think your coverage is the best there is. However, apart from the ethnic Russians, I don’t think anyone has covered the position of the other ethnic minorities which make up about 30 percent of the Ukrainian population. As well as the 150,000 ethnic Hungarians, there are significant numbers of ethnic Romanians, Greeks, Belorussians, Tartars, Jews and Gypsies and others. Some in these communities feel they have been discriminated against. There is quite a lot of Ill feeling here in Hungary about the way the Hungarian minority were treated pre war and quite an anti Ukrainian sentiment as a result. As one well educated Hungarian said to me “the only good thing about Ukraine is that it separates us from Russia”. Memories of the Russian invasion of Hungary in 1956 are still fresh here. Any chance of some coverage on this interesting issue?

[@Umpt]

Good point. However UA is a young country and still evolving.. having Russia constantly interfering and provoking to cause internal breakage is not helping….. first things Russia out and no interference… then tackle all the internal challenges with guidance from EU…. Other point is that every country has minorities…. And UK is no angel in treating it’s minorities (try to be one of those)… my view is Hungarians want to be more Hungarian then they can go to Hungary…. Simple

[@larrysteinke1839]

great analysis and insights into the complexities of this situation. thanks

[@Aothis]

Aw yes my morning coffee in the form of political podcast just in time for work 🇺🇸

[@colinshaw4863]

Listening from Adelaide, South Australia

[@msmith6713]

Ok, ok, ok, that's worth a comment! That's good journalism! Keep up the good work! Cheers from Toronto , Canada!

[@RaBob]

300,000 fresh slabs of Russian "smoked meat" being sent into Ukraine on the "Cannon Fodder Express" train.

[@philgee7249]

I thought russia was running out of artillery shells around the end of August, thereabouts? They still seem to have plenty of munitions at their disposal.

[@markdaniel5784]

I am going to start saying "bunga punga parties" in my everyday life at least one a day- starting today

[@heatrayzvideo3007]

Slava Ukraine all day, everyday

[@robertbrennan2268]

Godspeed brave Ukraine's counter-offensives against the Russian invaders and occupiers. Slava Ukraini!

[@edwardsianski725]

May the Miraculous Kursk Root Mother of God icon intercede with the Almighty for the rapid removal of Putin, Lavrov, Shoigu and their minions from power. May Ukraine be blessed with a just peace

[@MrMortsnerd]

At the 30 minute mark, Joe Barnes described how von der Layen could use the "tool" of denying Italy some 200 billion euros if she thinks that Italy has gone too far. I can think of no other more effective means to push Italy into the arms of Putin than doing this. The Italian people, whatever their political leanings, would quite rightly see this as a declaration of war against the Italian nation by Brussels.

[@buddyrojek9417]

I am Aussie in Ukraine, I think Ukraine made a mistake aspiring to be part of the EU. Only the big businessmen could gain, by being able to supply the EU market, and comply with rules. Ukraine is a safe country, with low crime, the mass of Middle Eastern and African immigrants who would commit crimes would negate any benefits of joining. The Ukrainians wanted independence for years, only to join another "union"

[@Minnienotamouse1]

This is by far the most informative and concise pod cast out there - thankyou so very, very much for your tenacity and insights and bringing us real news every day ... just incredible (I listen from the UK/USA/Fra)

[@davidandrew348]

good analysts!

[@kzlorenz]

Italy is one of biggest net contributors to the EU

[@MDavis.A25]

Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦♥

[@mediz3981]

Great podcast. Sadly I've found it just a few weeks ago :(

[@doctorsloth213]

good one

[@junahn1907]

There is a real case to be made that this fight, to Russia, is existential. Alexander Dugin suggested that if Russia loses the fight to regain "novorussia" it effectively dies. There may be some truth to this as the model of Russia as a nation state has not evolved beyond a 19th century colonial empire that grinds up ethnic Dagestanis and Buryatis in order to propagate a myth of ethnic Slavic cultural significance. It relies on territorial expansion and cannot survive without it. Russia, in its current state, is a cancer cell. And the world has no use for it and cannot afford a continuing Russian empire.

[@STW1964]

The significance of the so called referendums and the certain rapid announcement that these are now Russian territory is more significant from the Russian perspective. Once these areas are now 'Russia', Putin can send conscript recruits to the war. Conscripts are legally forbidden from serving abroad, but they can be sent to any part of Russia. I think this is the main reason for this.

[@Brisbaneman]

Putin is machiavellian.

[@obriets]

Taiwan should recognize the sham referendums and announce that they are contemplating their own.

[@DS9TREK]

That would force Taiwan's Western allies into opposing it.

[@obriets]

@@DS9TREK but it would force China to pressure the Russians.

[@justinneill5003]

It’s fair enough to consider how Putin may be deterred from using nukes in Ukraine, but w have to consider “what if?” The smart money would be a strike on a major Ukrainian city, eg Kyiv, because on the battle lines, tactical nukes would not gain much advantage. My feeling, reading between the lines, is that there would not be a retaliatory nuclear strike from the west, but a conventional response on a scale that would have crossed the lines that existed earlier (a massive uptick in supply of conventional weapons, including missile systems, NATO aircraft deployed over Ukraine, even forces on the ground in Ukraine.) Lord Dannatt highlighted the fact that NATO has the capability of destroying the entire Russian Black Sea Fleet, and that is not an inconceivable option short of a nuclear strike. So, if Russia targets Ukraine with nukes, I don’t foresee a retaliatory nuclear strike from the west, but a retaliatory measure within Ukraine that includes just about anything and everything else. Obviously if Putin went completely “full tonto” with a strike on a NATO member, that will signal the end of the human race, and it would be counterproductive to a Russia purporting to defend itself to take a measure which would result in the end of its existence; for that reason I doubt whether such an insane impulse from Putin would be supported by those around him.

[@Grannathinks]

I don't agree. Putin has received a communication directly from the White House regarding use of any type of nuclear weapon will result in decisive guaranteed response from the USA. I have to say one MOAB will completely wipe out Moscow and several suburbs. Drop a few of those in Russia it will be nothing but deep craters. This war is over won by Ukraine. With a little help from her friends. Our allies already agree 💯 with the plan. That of course means that USA will once again be the "bad guys" in the eyes of some as well as whatever we do being seen as threat to other countries. I agree that we won't use any nukes. I don't believe Russia will either! The threats have been coming from Putin almost as soon as he became whatever he is in Russia. They have a President who has much less power. Actually all power in Russia is in the hands of one man.

[@buddyrojek9417]

In my opinion, if Putin dropped a nuke on Kyiv he would disable Ukraine, it is too top heavy directed from Kyiv. They started to give local government more autonomy, repairing roads, right to raise money to pay for local government services, but its low level rubbish collection water supply. ANd America will do nothing. Putin will say we had to save our soldiers lives, the same argument used by Truman.. I am an Aussie, I am getting ojut, because if the 300,000 soldiers concripted don't dent Kyiv's resolve, a nuke will. Putin has not used his last card.

[@davidelliott5843]

Nuclear weapons cannot do anything about a spread out front line. It Putin does use a nuclear weapon, if will be against a Ukraine city or large infrastructure. Kyiv, any other large conurbation and dams are all at risk.

[@m.a.0830]

If Putin use his nuke in Ukraine, useless his invasion, it will become Chernobyl. It takes a year to step up in this place and when time comes, maybe Putin is old enough or already 6 feet under the ground

[@nickcockayne7880]

Kyiv is regarded as the birthplace of modern Russia. If Putin was stupid enough to destroy it the Russian people would not stand for that and he’d be hated and vilified for the rest of history.

[@markcundiff1697]

Various countries such as Italy and Germany have made decisions which have resulted in their current state of affairs (i.e. gas and oil). Rather than admit they screwed up politics demand they find a way to blame others. Western ideals should guide, not dictate to individual states. The EU is trending towards a lust for more power and control. That is a mistake which will result in a great deal of push back, if not conflict.

[@ginniemess]

These countries put other countries in great danger. It doesn't make sense to have a "union" where there's no united stance on some fundamental values. We have seen quite a few examples of how simply "guiding" doesn't work in some cases and the consequences of certain actions affect us all.

[@guidobolke5618]

Sorry, germany is blaming who?

[@Sergeant_Fury]

Someone, somewhere in Russia in a position of power is wondering if risking a world war is worth supporting Putin.

[@colinshaw4863]

It seems to me that the EU needs to step up and respond to Russia in terms of the nuclear threat (as they will be impacted the most, not the USA), I think they should lay it out and tell Putin, that if he uses nuclear then NATO will mobilise ground troops in Ukraine and end the war.

[@RonJohn63]

16:52 Probably not, because of the Kessler effect (cascading destruction of satellites due to expanding bits of other destroyed satellites).

[@hgm8337]

exactly, smash up a half a dozen or so satellites into tens of thousands of fragments and say 'goodbye' to GPS, weather/telecommunication satellites, or future manned space travel.

[@jimgraham6722]

@@hgm8337 Kessler is mainly a low earth orbit issue, typically 500-1000 km. This is the realm of reconnisance satellites. Navigation satellites orbit between 19,000km and 23,000km. The density of satellites and other objects they could run into at that altitude is far lower.

[@buddyrojek9417]

good point

[@buddyrojek9417]

@@jimgraham6722 most of the GPS ammunition helping Ukraine win this war is now defunct, due to muddy conditions. They can't shoot and scoot. like they did. The Russians on foot will do what they did to the bogged Germans in 1942. The solar cycle is at a minimum, increasing cloud cover and rain. It will be a wet few months soon. It will be foot soldiers and trench warfare. Ukraine does not have the manpower. I am getting out

[@sunkistlbc]

Hello

[@jimjohnson3609]

We could take Belarus quick and hard and have a referendum vote and they could be the fifty first state sorry being very sarcastic lol

[@davidelliott5843]

Sounds like a great idea. The EU would be seriously P-d off.

[@hgm8337]

@@davidelliott5843 The UK would likely help however :D

[@RaBob]

There is only one way to deal with Russian Fascism. SPEAK SOFTLY AND CARRY A BIGGER STICK!!! Z = KYPBA.

[@johnstewart7022]

I respectfully disagree with Mr. Ferguson. I agree that Russian public opinion is the critical factor here. If the Russians stop supporting the war, then it will be tantamount to victory for the Ukrainians. If Russians keep supporting, the war can continue indefinitely even if the Ukrainians push the Russians all the way back to the earlier border. The Russians can wait a while, gather strength and give it another go.

[@TheRogueEmpire]

its so sad how italy has fallen back into fascism. they used to be such a good country. its like they have completly forgotten where it got them in ww2.

[@SL-sd3sg]

💙💛🇬🇧

[@realitycheck1883]

For some actual informed analysis try Alexander Mercouris

[@EppingBlogger]

I wionder if Russia helped Iran develop the drones

[@alabamacajun7791]

Great news and info which I'm confident in it's content. Breath! Please slow down and take time to read your material so it does not sound like a race with lots of stalls and ah's. Please continue to bring the great content.

[@garymelnyk7910]

Totally agree! Don’t need that intro either. We’re all very busy.

[@alabamacajun7791]

@@garymelnyk7910 Your hard work is appreciated. I hit the thumbs-up often to promote the channel.

[@reinhartvonzschock357]

Strange how the English still think they have any say in the EU. Strange.

[@DS9TREK]

We don't, because we never did. We were always outvoted and ignored

[@rogerflack415]

A challenge - talk about right of centre governments without using the word 'populist'.

[@kzlorenz]

Most Italians are ready for ExIT

[@kocyszemaitis2310]

Please stop patting yourselves on the back by saying "that' (the report) is incredibly comprehensive". Otherwise, I am an avid daily listener. Cheers.

[@walterbenjamin9681]

The line : populisme, then fascism, then war , here russians are.....

[@davidelliott5843]

Fascism results from totalitarian regimes which result from the unavoidable contradictions of hard socialist government.

[@grahamnicholson2481]

P U T I N not P Y U T I N like Winnie the POO POOTIN........is that SO difficult to pronounce?

[@jimgraham6722]

Kiev = Minsk, Kharkiv = Sevastapol, Odessa = Kaliningrad, ......????

[@douglasmorin7061]

Mr Bernard is legit and his method works like magic I keep on earning every single week with his new strategy

[@sknauft]

I'm totally looking forward to the fact that Italy has just elected the least fascist government since Benito Mussolini. It is the European Union that carries on fascism and your podcast did a wonderful job of highlighting this fact.

[@AbcDino843]

There's a lot of wishful thinking analysis in this podcast, entertaining non the less. However, in all probability, Russia will manage whatever moderate dissent there may be, and they seem to be ready to go all in, with adequate support from the population. Europe is on a path of intensifying economic and political problems, and is decreasingly in a position to supply Ukraine sufficiently. This may turn into "Slava Halychyni" soon if Ukraine is not careful, and that is if the Polish don't decide to go "oh well", and take it back.

[@zuizui696]

Путин братан вперёд только вперёд

[@ParksIII]

Putin has lost the war! He Just does not know it yet!

[@HungryGhost999]

Yeah baby steps. Little man syndrome

[@frusia123]

I would like to see Putin on the front line leading people by example. Perhaps that would boost the Russian morale. But he won't because he's a thug and the greatest coward of all

[@time1066]

God bless russia

[@TheUncommonShaman]

No. Fix it.

[@douglasmorin7061]

Mr Bernard is legit and his method works like magic I keep on earning every single week with his new strategy

[@dennisrahman6839]

Mr Bernard is legit and his method works like magic I keep on earning every single week with his new strategy