In this gripping episode, we hear a detailed account from an eyewitness right at the heart of the tense NATO and Russian confrontation in Kosovo in 1999 at Pristina Airport. NATO General Wesley Clark had ordered the British to use force to remove Russian forces, however British General Mike Jackson refused with the immortal words “Sir, I’m not going to start World War Three for you”. Former BRIXMIS officer Stephen Harrison was a British Army liaison officer to the Russians and the translator at the complex and fraught negotiations at the airport. He provides a blow-by-blow account from the detailed notes he took at the time. Further info and videos https://coldwarconversations.com/episode402/ Stephen's previous episodes: Arrested 11 times, plus 3 shooting incidents - a BRIXMIS officer's diary Pt 1 https://pod.fo/e/13af96 Imprisoned in a Soviet Military gaol - a BRIXMIS officer's diary Pt 2 https://pod.fo/e/13ca90 The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history. You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, and get a sought-after CWC coaster as a thank you and you’ll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history. Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, we welcome one-off donations via the same link. Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/ Follow us on BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/coldwarpod.bsky.social Follow us on Threads https://www.threads.net/@coldwarconversations Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Love history? Join Intohistory https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
