Ukraine Russia War Talk

Episode 29. We Are Back: The Situation On The Battlefield In Ukraine and The Strategic Air War

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Hi Everyone,

Phillips O'Brien and Mykola Bielieskov are back with another instalment of the Ukraine-Russia War Talk podcast. Its been a while, so we start with a detailed survey of the battlefield. Mykola has spent some time visiting brigades at the front and has first hand knowledge of the situation.

Then we discuss the strategic air war on both sides--Russian attacks against Ukrainian cities and Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries in particular.

As always, this episode is free and without commercials. If you would like to make a donation, we suggest the excellent Ukrainian charity, Come Back Alive.
https://savelife.in.ua/en/

Edited by Zofia Guertin
Produced by Phillips O'Brien

Episode 28. Drones and Defensive War; Is Trump Pivoting To Help Ukraine

Thu, 08 May 2025 04:00:00 -0400

Hi All, Mykola and Phillips are back with the latest episode. We start with a detailed discussion of how the tactical war at the front has evolved, in particular with the growth of drones as a weapon of war. We discuss how this has hampered movement and logistics, and what that means for how Ukraine is fighting.

We then discuss the geopolitical situation with the war--with a sceptical eye towards the claims that Trump is pivoting towards Ukraine.

Episode 27. The Battlefield, Trump, Europe and Ukraine

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 01:00:00 -0400

Hi All, Phillips and Mykola are back with the latest episode. We start with a detailed discussion of what is going on in the battlefield, from Kursk to the Donbas. We then move into geopolitics and discuss both how Donald Trump is changing the war and then how European states are or are not changing enough to counteract this.

Episode 26. Trump Cannot Be Trusted and What That Means: The State of the War

Sun, 02 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Hello All, Mykola and I are back with the latest episode of the Ukraine-Russia War Talk Podcast. We start with a detailed discussion of what Trump aligning so closely with Putin means for Ukraine and the war. Even though this was recorded right before Trump ambushed Zelensky in the Oval Office, we have no illusions that Trump was to be trusted.

Also, we discuss the state of the war, how Ukraine has slowed Russian advances a great deal and how the "collapse" narratives of 2024 were nonsense.

Episode 25. Trump and Ukraine, The Battlefield, Ranged Strike

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Hi All, Mykola and I are back with another episode of the Ukraine-Russia War Talk Podcast. Belated apologies its taken so long! We start with a discussion about what the new Trump administration means for Ukraine and the war. We then move on to discuss the state of the war in the Donbas and Kursk. We end with an overview of Ukraine's ranged strike campaign against Russian oil production.

Episode 24. False Narratives, Conscription, Ranged Fire

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 01:00:00 -0500

Hi All, Phillips and Mykola are back with a discussion of the war with a Ukrainian slant. We cover three main issues here. First we run through the situation on the battlefield, and try to put the ongoing discussion of a Ukrainian "collapse" in perspective. Then we discuss Ukraine and Russia and the difficulty of generating new forces--and touch upon the tricky question of conscription. Finally, we discuss Ukraine being given very limited ability to strike Russian military targets in Russia with US equipment.

As always, this episode is free and without commercials. If you would like to make a donation, we suggest the excellent Ukrainian charity, Come Back Alive.
https://savelife.in.ua/en/

Edited by Zofia Guertin
Produced by Phillips O'Brien

Episode 23: Trump is Back and What it might Mean

Sat, 16 Nov 2024 02:00:00 -0500

Hello everyone, Phillips and Mykola are back with their latest episode of the Ukraine-Russia War Talk Podcast. The big story is obviously the election of Donald Trump. To set up the discussion of this, we first discuss the situation on the battlefield, then Trump and what his election might mean. Finally, we segway into a discussion of the different victory or "peace" plans being mentioned these days.

As always, this episode is free and without commercials. If you would like to make a donation, we suggest the excellent Ukrainian charity, Come Back Alive.
https://savelife.in.ua/en/

Edited by Zofia Guertin
Produced by Phillips O'Brien

Episode 22. The Front Line, The Ukrainian Victory Plan, North Korean Troops Arrive

Sat, 02 Nov 2024 04:00:00 -0400

Hi All,

After a little break because of different travel schedules, Phillips and Mykola are back with the latest episode of the Ukraine-Russia War Talk podcast. We have lots to catch up on.

We start with the situation on the battlefield, then switch to the Ukrainian Victory Strategy, and finally discuss the arrival of North Korean troops to fight for Russia. We wont have such a long-break again. Promise!

As always, this episode is free and without commercials. If you would like to make a donation, we suggest the excellent Ukrainian charity, Come Back Alive.
https://savelife.in.ua/en/

Edited by Zofia Guertin
Produced by Phillips O'Brien

Episode 21. Donbas and Kursk

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 23:00:00 -0400

Hello All, Phillips and Mykola and back with our latest episode.

We start with a detailed discussion of what is happening on the battlefield. We move first from the Donbas and then to the Ukrainian offensive into Kursk.

Then we go into Ukrainian and US politics. We discuss the changes that President Zelensky is making in the Ukrainian government and how Ukraine is figuring in the US presidential race.

As always, this episode is free and without commercials. If you would like to make a donation, we suggest the excellent Ukrainian charity, Come Back Alive.
https://savelife.in.ua/en/

Edited by Zofia Guertin
Produced by Phillips O'Brien

Part 2: Interview with Shaun Pinner

Sat, 24 Aug 2024 03:00:00 -0400

This is part 2 of a special episode of Ukraine Russia War Talk. In it, Phil interviews Shaun Pinner. Shaun served as a Ukrainian Marine for years and is married to and lives in Ukraine. He fought from the start of the Russian Full-Scale Invasion and was one of those Ukrainian troops who was surrounded and then captured by the Russians in the ruins of Mariupol.

We discuss his experiences in the Ukrainian military, what is was like to be a Russian POW, what life is like in Ukraine today, and his views on the war.

As always, this episode is free and without commercials. If you would like to make a donation, we suggest the excellent Ukrainian charity, Come Back Alive.
https://savelife.in.ua/en/

Edited by Zofia Guertin
Produced by Phillips O'Brien

Part 1: Interview with Shaun Pinner

Sat, 24 Aug 2024 03:00:00 -0400

This is part 1 of a special episode of Ukraine Russia War Talk. In it, Phil interviews Shaun Pinner. Shaun served as a Ukrainian Marine for years and is married to and lives in Ukraine. He fought from the start of the Russian Full-Scale Invasion and was one of those Ukrainian troops who was surrounded and then captured by the Russians in the ruins of Mariupol.

We discuss his experiences in the Ukrainian military, what is was like to be a Russian POW, what life is like in Ukraine today, and his views on the war.

As always, this episode is free and without commercials. If you would like to make a donation, we suggest the excellent Ukrainian charity, Come Back Alive.
https://savelife.in.ua/en/

Edited by Zofia Guertin
Produced by Phillips O'Brien

Episode 20: The Ukrainian Kursk Offensive

Sat, 10 Aug 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Hello All, Phillips and Mykola and back with our latest episode. The biggest story of the last few days was definitely the Ukrainian offensive into Russia. We discuss the latest news and what we think is important about it. We also compare it to the doom-laden analysis that much of the press has had about the Donbas.

Also, we follow that with some reflections on the ongoing Ukrainian ranged campaign against Russian airfields, and the arrival of F-16s and their employment into combat. Hope you enjoy.

As always, this episode is free and without commercials. If you would like to make a donation, we suggest the excellent Ukrainian charity, Come Back Alive.
https://savelife.in.ua/en/

Edited by Zofia Guertin
Produced by Phillips O'Brien

Episode 19: A Battlefield Roundup and Ukrainian Strategy Going Forward

Fri, 19 Jul 2024 16:00:00 -0400

Hello All, Phil and Mykola are back with the latest episode of Ukraine-Russia War Talk. We discuss the battlefield situation in depth, with analysis of what Ukrainian and Russian strategy seems to be now and going forward.

Then we discuss the Washington NATO Summit, which was a very modest improvement on last year's Vilnius Summit. Then we end with a discussion of US politics and what it might mean for Ukraine,

As always, this episode is free and without commercials. If you would like to make a donation, we suggest the excellent Ukrainian charity, Come Back Alive.
https://savelife.in.ua/en/

Edited by Zofia Guertin
Produced by Phillips O'Brien

Episode 18: Ukraine and NATO: The Situation at the Front

Thu, 04 Jul 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Hello All, Phillips and Mykola are back with the latest episode. We start with a discussion of the upcoming NATO summit, and our frustration with the dithering about Ukrainian membership. Then we talk about the US presidential crisis and how it might effect Ukraine. Finally a survey of what is happening at the front line (plus a little rant at the end).

As always, this episode is free and without commercials. If you would like to make a donation, we suggest the excellent Ukrainian charity, Come Back Alive.
https://savelife.in.ua/en/

Edited by Zofia Guertin
Produced by Phillips O'Brien

Episode 17: Mykola Meets with Ukrainian Intelligence

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 15:00:00 -0400

Hi All. latest episode from Mykola and Phil. We start this one with a description (within limits) of Mykola's experience attending a briefing session with Ukrainian intelligence. Then we discuss the situation on the front line, particularly the Donbas and the Russian Kharkiv Offensive. Finally some (not terribly enthusiastic) discussion of the recent security agreements that have been offered to Ukraine.

As always, this episode is free and without commercials. If you would like to make a donation, we suggest the excellent Ukrainian charity, Come Back Alive.
https://savelife.in.ua/en/

Edited by Zofia Guertin
Produced by Phillips O'Brien

Episode 16: The Biden Administration Allows Ukraine to Attack Into Russia (Finally)

Sat, 01 Jun 2024 17:00:00 -0400

Mykola and Phillips are back with their latest Ukraine-Russia War Talk Podcast. We go into detail about the big story of the week, the decision by the Biden Administration to allow Ukraine (to a limited degree) to fire into Russia. We discuss how its taken so long, what it might do, and Ukrainian opinion on the matter.

Then we discuss Ukrainian strategy going forward in the war, and in particular this article by Mykola, in which he lays out one.

https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/05/29/what-is-ukraines-victory-strategy-we-need-to-discuss-it-now/

As always, this episode is free and without commercials. If you would like to make a donation, we suggest the excellent Ukrainian charity, Come Back Alive.
https://savelife.in.ua/en/

Edited by Zofia Guertin
Produced by Phillips O'Brien

Episode 15: The Russian Kharkiv Offensive

Tue, 21 May 2024 17:00:00 -0400

We start by discussing the developments since May 10, when the Russian offensive towards Kharkiv commenced. We then move into the ranged campaign with Ukrainian attacks in Crimea and against Russian oil refineries. We also delve into (rather angrily) the US policy of forbidding Ukraine from using US-made systems to attack military targets in Russia. This is making the war longer, bloodier and more difficult for Ukraine.

As always, this episode is free and without commercials. If you would like to make a donation, we suggest the excellent Ukrainian charity, Come Back Alive.
https://savelife.in.ua/en/

Edited by Zofia Guertin
Produced by Phillips O'Brien

Episode 14:The Situation on the Front Line

Thu, 02 May 2024 17:00:00 -0400

Hello All, Mykola and Phil are back with the latest episode. In it we delve into the situation on the front line. There has been some amazingly pessimistic reporting from the front line over the last few weeks, and we try to put what is happening into perspective. The Russians are showing, even with massive fire advantage, the ability to make only small advances.

Finally, we talk about the resumption of US aid, and how Ukraine might use ATACMS in the coming months.

As always, this episode is free and without commercials. If you would like to make a donation, we suggest the excellent Ukrainian charity, Come Back Alive.
https://savelife.in.ua/en/

Edited by Zofia Guertin
Produced by Phillips O'Brien

Episode 13: US Aid is (finally) about to be approved.

Sat, 20 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Hello all, a week later than normal, Phillips and Mykola are back with our latest episode. For the first time in months, there (seems to be) good news about US aid being approved. We talk about what this means for Ukraine, and what the many months without aid have done. We then discuss the situation on the battlefield and the continuation of Ukraine's growing ranged campaign against Russia--this time with ATACMs seemingly used on targets in Crimea.

As always, this episode is free and without commercials. If you would like to make a donation, we suggest the excellent Ukrainian charity, Come Back Alive.
https://savelife.in.ua/en/

Edited by Zofia Guertin
Produced by Phillips O'Brien

Episode 12: Ukraine's Strategic Air War--which the US wants to stop

Sat, 30 Mar 2024 02:00:00 -0400

Mykola and Phillips are back with another instalment of the Ukraine-Russia War Talk Podcast. This episode starts with a detailed discussion of the Ukrainian strategic air campaign, particularly against Russian fuel. We then segway into a discussion of the US government (bizarrely) asking Ukraine to stop it.

Then we move into a discussion of more changes at the top of the Ukrainian national security tree. President Zelensky has made some major changes recently.

Finally an overview of the fighting on the battlefield. Despite some widespread discussions of doom--Ukraine is holding better than many expected.

As always, this episode is free and without commercials. If you would like to make a donation, we suggest the excellent Ukrainian charity, Come Back Alive.
https://savelife.in.ua/en/

Edited by Zofia Guertin
Produced by Phillips O'Brien

Episode 11: Europe Seems to be Waking Up

Sat, 16 Mar 2024 19:00:00 -0400

Hello All. Mykola and Phillips are back with a new episode surveying what we think are the biggest stories in the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. This week we start with a detailed discussion of the outside world, in particular focussing on the important change in tone coming from Europe over the last 2 weeks. President Macron seems to have had a conversion.

Then we discuss two New York Times stories that we found particularly problematic, including one in which anonymous Washington sources (again) tried to claim something for which there was no evidence. Lastly, we survey the battlefield. Ukrainian lines are holding with very little ammunition. Its impressive, but more ammo needs to arrive soon.

As always, this podcast is free and without commercials, but if you want to support our work, you can always make a donation to Come Back Alive: https://savelife.in.ua/en/donate-en/#donate-army-card-monthly

Thank you listening, and make sure to 'like' and subscribe so you don't miss an episode.

The show is produced by Phillips O'Brien.
Sound editing credits to Zofia Guertin.

Episode 10: Situation on the Battlefield with Ukraine on the defensive

Sat, 02 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Mykola and Phil start this podcast with a detailed discussion of the state of the battlefield with Ukraine on the defensive. We then discuss the air war with Ukraine shooting down a very large number of Russian jets. Finally, a discussion of the state of play when it comes to getting Ukraine the aid it needs--complete with a short rant by Phil

As always, this podcast is free and without commercials, but if you want to support our work, you can always make a donation to Come Back Alive: https://savelife.in.ua/en/donate-en/#donate-army-card-monthly

Thank you listening, and make sure to 'like' and subscribe so you don't miss an episode.

The show is produced by Phillips O'Brien.
Sound editing credits to Zofia Guertin.

Episode 9: Changes in Ukrainian Command, Avdiivka and Ukrainan Defense, Another Russian Warship Sunk

Fri, 16 Feb 2024 11:00:00 -0500

Phil and Mykola are back to go over the most important stories of the last two weeks. Its been extremely eventful, starting with President Zelensky's decision to remove General Zaluzhny from command and replace him with General Syrskyi. This has heralded a major shake-up throughout Ukrainian command. We also discuss the fighting around Avdiivka and Ukrainian defensive strategy. Without western aid, it will be too expensive to try and hold the town. Finally, another major Russian warship was sunk this week, showing once again how vulnerable Russian control of Crimea really is.

As always, this podcast is free and without commercials, but if you want to support our work, you can always make a donation to Come Back Alive: https://savelife.in.ua/en/donate-en/#donate-army-card-monthly

Thank you listening, and make sure to 'like' and subscribe so you don't miss an episode.

The show is produced by Phillips O'Brien.
Sound editing credits to Zofia Guertin.

Episode 8: Command Crisis, the state of the war, Americans telling Ukraine what to do

Sat, 03 Feb 2024 04:00:00 -0500

Hello All, Mykola and Phillips are back with a discussion ranging around the most important stories in the Russo-Ukraine War over the last two weeks. We start with a detailed discussion of the political crisis over the command of Ukrainian forces which seems to be happening between President Zelensky and General Zaluzhny. Whatever happens, it would be good if this were resolved soon.

Then we survey that different fronts, looking at Ukraine's continuing success against the Russian Black Sea Fleet and Russian forces in Crimea. The land war, however, remains relatively stable, though Ukraine seems to be running short of ammunition with the US suspending aid.

Finally, turning to the US we discuss the strange situation where different American sources like to tell Ukraine what to do (when the Ukrainians already know)--and all the while the US has stopped giving aid.

Episode 7: The State of the Fighting, UK Defense Commitments to Ukraine, and Needles for a Porcupine.

Fri, 19 Jan 2024 08:00:00 -0500

Just released the latest episode from Mykola Bielieskov and myself of the Ukraine-Russia War Talk podcast. We range over three main stories in this episode. First, the status of the fighting including the Ukrainians shooting down of the A 50 and the course of Ukrainian Active Defense on the front line. Next we go into the UK defense commitments to Ukraine, what we think is important and what might be overstated. Finally, we discuss one of Mykola’s papers on Ukrainian defense, Needles for a Porcupine, which you can download on the Come Back Alive website.

https://savelife.in.ua/en/materials/research-en/needles-for-a-porcupine-en/

Episode 6: What are Russians and Ukrainians attacking? Ukrainian Strategy, Reporting

Thu, 04 Jan 2024 18:00:00 -0500

At the start of the episode we discuss Come Back Alive, and announce our plan to have a UAV operator who has worked with them to speak on the next episode (hopefully). Then we go over the stepped up Russian missile/UAV attacks on Ukraine, what are they doing and hoping to accomplish. As part of this we discuss Ukrainian life under these attacjs.

We then contrast that with Ukrainian attacks on Russian military targets in Crimea, before moving onto Ukrainian strategy. Finally we discuss western reporting and the war, in particular New York Times reporting on Putin's desire for a deal.

As always, this podcast is free and without commercials, but if you want to support our work, you can always make a donation to Come Back Alive: https://savelife.in.ua/en/donate-en/#donate-army-card-monthly

Thank you listening, and make sure to 'like' and subscribe so you don't miss an episode.

The show is produced by Phillips O'Brien.
Sound editing credits to Zofia Guertin.

Episode 5, Russia on the offensive, Ukrainian strategy in 2024, air defense and what it means.

Fri, 22 Dec 2023 09:00:00 -0500

We wrap up 2023 by delving into three stories. First, we discuss the situation on the front line, in particular the Russian offensive against Avdiivka and other places. Next, we try to outline the different options for Ukraine's strategy in 2024. Finally we examine the relative success of Ukrainian air defense this winter compared to last, and show how important it is for Ukraine to be supplied properly. Finally, we have a brief chat about Christmas in Ukraine.

As always, this podcast is free and without commercials, but if you want to support our work, you can always make a donation to Come Back Alive: https://savelife.in.ua/en/donate-en/#donate-army-card-monthly

Thank you listening, and make sure to 'like' and subscribe so you don't miss an episode.

The show is produced by Phillips O'Brien.
Sound editing credits to Zofia Guertin.

Episode 2: Ukraine Strikes Crimea, the Naval War, and Much Else

Sat, 09 Dec 2023 07:00:00 -0500

We discuss the Ukrainian campaign against Russian military targets in Crimea, which is one of the most important in the war. As part of this we branch out into the naval war as a whole, which is seeing Ukraine push Russian naval power out of the western Black Sea.

We then discuss the Ukrainian and Russian fight to procure artillery ammunition, the delicate state of Ukrainian-Polish relations, and the state of the counteroffensive.

As always, this podcast is free and without commercials, but if you want to support our work, you can always make a donation to Come Back Alive: https://savelife.in.ua/en/donate-en/#donate-army-card-monthly

Thank you listening, and make sure to 'like' and subscribe so you don't miss an episode.

Episode1: Introducing Ukraine-Russia War Talk

Sat, 09 Dec 2023 07:00:00 -0500

We announce our new podcast and ask that everyone who wants to help our efforts think about donating to Come Back Alive, the Ukrainian charity we both strongly support.

For the subject of the first week, we look at how the Counteroffensive has developed and survey the state of the war in general.

As always, this podcast is free and without commercials, but if you want to support our work, you can always make a donation to Come Back Alive: https://savelife.in.ua/en/donate-en/#donate-army-card-monthly

Thank you listening, and make sure to 'like' and subscribe so you don't miss an episode.

Episode 4: A look around the war, recent articles, and what's going on with US aid.

Fri, 08 Dec 2023 18:00:00 -0500

Mykola and Phillips delve into 3 different stories in this episode. First, we survey the situation in the battlefield, from the front line to Crimea. Second, we spend some time analyzing a number of the most prominent news stories of the last week which discuss the war, including the controversial Washington Post story on the counteroffensive. Finally, we discuss the very difficult and troubling situation that has emerged surrounding US aid to Ukraine and whether it will be cut off immediately.

As always, this podcast is free and without commercials, but if you want to support our work, you can always make a donation to Come Back Alive: https://savelife.in.ua/en/donate-en/#donate-army-card-monthly

Thank you listening, and make sure to 'like' and subscribe so you don't miss an episode.

The show is produced by Phillips O'Brien.
Sound editing credits to Zofia Guertin.

Episode 3: Avdiivka, Kherson, Crimea: Plus General Zaluzhny's ideas on how Ukraine can win the war

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 18:00:00 -0500