431. Hell in Kherson – Life under the Drones & CIA's Secret Moscow Mission

In this episode of Battleground, Patrick Bishop and Saul David delve into high-stakes diplomacy and the gruelling realities of life on the front lines.

First, the hosts analyse the sudden, clandestine visit of CIA Director John Ratcliffe to Moscow. What brought a US military aircraft to Russia's capital for an eight-hour stay, and what does it mean for the future of Western support for Ukraine? Patrick and Saul debate whether the trip was a stern warning against Russian sabotage in NATO countries or an attempt by Washington to enlist Moscow’s help in resolving tensions with Iran.

They also look at Europe's shifting defence posture, including news of joint nuclear deterrence talks between Germany, Britain, and France.

Then, Patrick and Saul are joined by Hungarian journalist and filmmaker Emma Strauss, fresh off a reporting trip to the frontline city of Kherson. Emma delivers an extraordinary and harrowing eyewitness account of a civilian population living under constant terror. Located just three kilometres from Russian positions, Kherson is bombarded daily by FPV and fibre-optic drones targeting movement in the streets. Emma shares stories of local hospital workers walking to work in constant fear, the hidden danger of air-dropped mines, and her own heart-stopping experience coming under direct drone attack.

You can find Emma Strauss on Instagram by following her: @emastrauss

Finally, the hosts answer listener questions covering political rifts within Kyiv's top leadership, the strategic viability of Russian mobilisation efforts, and potential Ukrainian targets on Russian supply lines.

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Producer: James Hodgson

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