Russian army experiences bloodiest month of the entire war | Ukraine: The Latest | Podcast

Day 997.

Today, we assess the state of the Russian army, hear new revelations from inside the Biden administration, and look deeper at the impact of this war in other theatres, such as Korea and Africa.

Contributors:
Francis Dearnley (Assistant Comment Editor). @FrancisDearnley on X.
Roland Oliphant (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @RolandOliphant on X.
With thanks to Dr Samual Ramani of the Royal United Services Institute and Oxford University. @SamRamani2 on X. Dr Samuel Ramani's latest book is Putin's War on Ukraine:

Articles Referenced:
The best books on Ukraine in 2024, from Chernobyl to Zelensky (Ada Wordsworth in The Telegraph):

Record Death Toll: What We Know About Russia's Losses in Ukraine by November (BBC):

The ‘Deathonomics’ Powering Russia’s War Machine (Wall Street Journal):

Biden’s escalation paralysis has devastated Ukraine (The Hill):

Former Governor Confirms Russian Military Engaged in Looting in Kursk Region Villages (Meduza):

Putin cuts payments for wounded in war against Ukraine (Kyiv Independent)

In echo of Soviet era, Russians are informing on each other over Ukraine (Reuters)

[htalps]

I love this show, the comprehensive coverage, the insights, the discrete humor, there’s nothing in the wild web with this level of quality w.r.t. the Ukraine war.

[letsroll]

Ukraine cannot be won until Europe, the majority of Europe, truly rises to its defense. Increase military budgets to 4% of GDP. Follow the example of Poland.

[bro_dBow]

I cannot help but think North Korea's level of support for Russia will prompt South Korea to give direct military support to Ukraine. Of course, Ukraine will keep communication with South Korea wide open.

[seancidy]

No one outside Kyiv and the Kremlin knows what the casualties are; that is very sensitive information on both sides.

[Digigraphie]

There are over $15 trillion worth of gas, coal, titanium and other valuable minerals in eastern Ukraine. War is very profitable. It is about power over these resources, not NATO.

[Mrvictor]

Very informative. More people need to hear this podcast

[bro_dBow]

South Korea may make constitutional change on an issue so critical as military support for Ukraine.

[davidpenn]

Ugh, that bit on Gen Milley was just brutal. This generation of military leaders is just not up to it.

[TheTraveller]

Today I'm listening mostly from a hotel bar outside Cambridge, finishing the last quarter hour from my parents' home in Surrey. Normally, I listen from my own home in Auckland, NZ.

[noahbrooksphoto]

Been supporting Ukraine since 2014. I was fortunate enough to document life in places like Avdiivka and Mariupol.

[johnwilliams]

Thanks for your podcasts they are very informative. If Europe is so worried about illegal migration from Africa, why don't they do more to remove destabilising influences like Wagner?

[johnwest]

trump likes to put others between himself and any problem. It's always good to have someone to blame for failure.

[physically]

Ruzzia bots overrunning the comments. Sad!

[pondacres]

Samual Ramani was a great guest, interesting perspective.

[JakeCKim-shdz]

Dr. Ramani clearly doesn't have the capability to read the domestic political landscape or public opinions in South Korea. The current administration has an approval rating of around 20%, disapproval rating above 50%, albeit largely for domestic issues, and there is no mandate or public support for any intervention in what's happening in Ukraine beyond ongoing arms SALES to its neighbors.
Much of policy directions will depend on what Trump does after he is inaugurated. If South Korea "takes matters into its own hands", that simply means doubling down on the defense of its homeland and maybe going nuclear if the U.S. withdraws from the defense pact. It doesn't include emptying out warehouses to send the best kits to Ukraine.

[TommyTCGT]

Wot a load of rollocks.. try Scott Ritter or Col Doug MacGregor.

[Ode-to-Odysseus]

If Russia says they can not lose on the battlefield without using nukes then we need to call that bluff.

[charlygriffin]

I wonder why people have stop believing mainstream media...

[DswbootsBoots]

And the Ukraine soldiers sing together Bauhaus I’m bored in the flat field.

[jimcypher]

My friend heard this and asked if (Sam) was Truman Capote! (similar voices)