419. Zelensky’s Spectacular Own Goal
About this episode
The episode discusses Ukraine's military successes overshadowed by a political crisis following Zelensky's dismissal of key ministers.
A week of major military successes for Ukraine is overshadowed by a self-inflicted political crisis in Kyiv. Hosts Saul David and Patrick Bishop break down President Volodymyr Zelensky's highly controversial dismissal of both his Prime Minister, Yulia Svyrydenko, and the young, popular, and deeply effective Defence Minister, Mykhailo Fedorov. The hosts explain why this move is being called Zelensky's "biggest mistake since the start of the full-scale invasion," sparking mass protests across Ukraine. On a brighter note, the hosts look at a massive new defence pact with France, which has handed Ukraine the blueprints to co-produce SCALP EG cruise missiles and Aster air defence missiles. Meanwhile, Ukraine's relentless drone campaign triggers a massive Russian fuel deficit, causing fistfights at petrol pumps and halting shipping routes. Quick Highlights: The Fedorov Sacking: Why Zelenskyy ousted his widely praised defence minister over a rumoured power struggle and popularity jealousy, threatening Kyiv's international status. France's SCALP Blueprint: The details of a major new pact allowing Ukraine to build French SCALP cruise missiles, Aster missiles, and precision-guided bombs…
More episodes of Battleground
- 418. Battleground Big Picture: Power Struggles in Kyiv - The Story Behind the Government Reshuffle
- 417. "Make Your Own": Trump's Answer to the Patriot Interceptor Shortage
- 416. The Atomised Empire: Passivity, Cash, and the Fate of Putin’s Russia
- 415. Choking the Russian War Machine
- 414. Reflections from Lviv: The Highs, Lows, and Hard Truths of a "Forever War"
- 413. Trump’s G7 Bombshell, the Battle for Kostiantynivka, and Russia’s Desperate Draft Raids
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Battleground podcast page.