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The Brink
The War the Mainstream Media Doesn’t Show You: The Brink in Ukraine
Season 1, Ep. 28
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Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/the-war-the-mainstream-media-doesnt?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
In this special episode of The Brink, recorded in Kyiv to mark the fourth anniversary of Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion, Andrew and Jake bring you a powerful double interview from the front line of Europe’s most consequential war.
In the first half, we are joined by Colonel Ruslan Miroshnichenko, known by Santa, founder and commander of Ukraine’s Second International Legion. He tells the extraordinary story of building a multinational fighting force from scratch in the first chaotic weeks of the invasion, drawing volunteers from more than 30 countries. From British and American veterans to Colombian, Georgian, and Australian fighters, Santa explains what motivated them to leave their lives behind and fight for Ukraine.
He describes the brutal reality of trench warfare in the Serebriansky Forest, the evolution of drone and electronic warfare, and the moral weight of commanding both seasoned soldiers and inexperienced young volunteers. We also hear gripping stories from the front line, including the capture of Russian prisoners, the human cost of the war, and the responsibility he feels towards the families of fallen international fighters.
In the second half, we are joined by Heorhii Tykhyi, former war correspondent and now a senior diplomat at Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Georgi reflects on the staggering casualty figures on both sides and argues that despite Russia’s vast losses, Vladimir Putin has failed strategically. We discuss the state of the peace process, the role of the United States under President Trump, and whether Washington remains a reliable partner for Kyiv.
The conversation broadens to the emerging axis of Russia, Iran, North Korea, and China, and why Ukraine sees itself not as a recipient of Western charity but as a battle-hardened asset to European security. Georgi makes the case that Ukraine’s experience, technology, and resilience are essential to the future defence of the West.
This is a sobering and urgent episode from the Ukrainian capital, combining battlefield reality with geopolitical strategy, and asking what it will truly take to secure peace in Europe.
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction
03:05 Zelensky’s Call and the Birth of the International Legion
04:55 Who Joined? 30–40 Nations on the Front Line
09:34 Motivation: Idealism, Not Money
13:31 What Modern War in Ukraine Actually Looks Like
16:01 “Now You’re the Taliban” – Firepower Reality Check
17:49 Amateurs at War: Can You Train Civilians Fast Enough?
21:26 Holding the Sebriansky Forest: 13 Months Under Fire
23:18 Russia’s “Meat Grinder” Tactics Explained
24:29 Capturing Russian POWs: Drunk, Lost, and Mobilised
29:06 Respecting the Enemy and Adapting to Russian Tactics
31:42 Electronic Warfare and Intelligence Games
33:47 The Burden of Command: Speaking to Bereaved Families
35:56 Kyiv’s War Memorial and the Cost of Sacrifice
37:10 Casualty Figures: A Million Russian Losses?
39:30 Is This a Strategic Failure for Putin?
40:44 World War II Comparisons and Russian Myth-Making
42:26 The Peace Process: Pressure, Ultimatums and Reality
43:29 America’s Role: Partner, Powerbroker or Problem?
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