Battleground: Ukraine

This week Saul and Patrick react to the huge development that Germany is finally releasing its Leopard II Tank's, and that the US is following suit by sending their M1 Abrams Tanks as well. Patrick also speaks to old friend and experienced war reporter Julius Strauss, who gives an excellent report from in and around the front linesnear Bakhmut.If you have any questions you'd like to ask Patrick and Saul, please send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.comDisclaimer - episode contains some graphic descriptions over the handling of dead bodies, and is not suitable for children.Producer: James HodgsonTwitter: @PodBattleground

With Britain now sending Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine, Patrick and Saul discuss what impact this decision could have, and ask why other military equipment such as German made Leopard tanks have been held back. They also speak to Ukrainian historian and writer Dr Olesya Khromeychuk - author of The Death of a Soldier, Told by His Sister, who shares her experiences and gives her thoughts on the reaction of the western world to this conflict. Any questions? - send them to battlegroundukraine@gmail.comProducer: James HodgsonTwitter: @PodBattleground

This week, Saul and Patrick speak to perhaps the most high profile British Army officer since the Second World War - the former head of the British Army - Sir Mike Jackson. Sir Mike shared his views on the institutional weaknesses in the Russian Military, why he won't rule out Russia turning the tide, and his reaction to recent comments by Prince Harry about his time in Afghanistan. Saul and Patrick also discuss the big announcement by the US, France, and Germany that they are sending armoured fighting vehicles to Ukraine, and the latest battlefield developments on the ground near Bakhmut.