{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/6a22b52017f169d6433fb960/6ae9f0896bf03d95801c17d5?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Operation Veles: Inside the Khartiia Corps' Subterranean Offensive","description":"<p>In this episode of <em>Battleground: The Big Picture</em>, Saul is joined once again by Volodymyr Dehtyarov, spokesperson for the Khartia Corps, to discuss the brutal realities of modern combat heading into the sixth year of the war.</p><p>The discussion centres on <strong>Operation Veles</strong>, an extraordinary underground campaign where the Kharkiv Corps utilised gas pipelines to push Russian forces back 15 kilometres. Volodymyr details what it is like fighting in the cramped, high-stakes environment below ground—drawing parallels to historical tunnel warfare—while highlighting how innovative technologies like UGVs, drones, and electric scooters are transforming subterranean battlefields.</p><p><br></p><p>The conversation also covers the broader strategic landscape:</p><ul><li><strong>The evolving frontline:</strong> Assessing Ukraine&#39;s momentum in 2026, record Russian casualty numbers, and the shifting dynamics in Kharkiv and Kupiansk.</li><li><strong>Technological constraints &amp; infrastructure:</strong> The localised impacts of US satellite limits on air defence, and relentless Russian targeting of civilian and energy infrastructure in the rear.</li><li><strong>Recruitment and foreign fighters:</strong> How Khartia is managing personnel demands through specialised tech roles and the National Guard&#39;s new international recruitment centre.</li><li><strong>Geopolitics and peace:</strong> Why hope is considered a &quot;bad strategy,&quot; pushing Ukraine to double down on European defence partnerships and domestic military production.</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Join the Conversation: If you have a question about the war in Ukraine or any of the conflicts we cover, email us at podbattleground@gmail.com</p><p>Follow us on:</p><p>X - @PodBattleground</p><p>Instagram - podbattleground</p><p>Producer: James Hodgson</p><p>A Goalhanger Podcast</p>","author_name":"Goalhanger"}