logo
episode-header-image
Oct 2021
25m 18s

What are Vladimir Putin's mercenaries do...

THE TIMES
About this episode

When a cargo plane containing four helicopters and a large consignment of military hardware touched down in the capital of Mali last month, observers raised an eyebrow. The kit was definitely from Russia – but was this the Russian army, or something else?

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today and get one month free at: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes.

Guest: Roger Boyes, diplomatic editor, The Times.

Host: Manveen Rana.

Clips: Al Jazeera, BBC, NBC, Euronews, France 24, Reuters.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Up next
Yesterday
How The Populists Are Coming (From Left And Right)
This week the political masterminds consider what's happening on the populist left and right, with more Tories defecting to Reform UK and talk of a new party led by Jeremy Corbyn. How small has the Conservative coalition become, do the voters expect Keir Starmer to wield a 'magic ... Show More
42m 21s
Jul 10
What Virginia Giuffre’s diary tells us about the Epstein files
This week, the FBI investigation that Trump promised would reveal all about Jeffrey Epstein concluded there was no evidence to implicate anyone else in his abuse. But diaries from Epstein’s most prominent victim, Virginia Giuffre, released exclusively to The Times, tell a differe ... Show More
27m 15s
Jul 9
Are we close to a Gaza ceasefire?
With people around the world calling for a lasting peace in Gaza, Israeli PM Binyamin Netanyahu has been schmoozing US President Donald Trump. What chance is there that the two will bring an end to the bloody conflict? And what hope that any peace will hold?This podcast was broug ... Show More
30m 15s
Recommended Episodes
Sep 2023
Inside Ukraine’s Drone Attacks on Russia
As Ukraine’s counteroffensive grinds on, it’s increasingly turning to a secret drone program that is hitting targets deep inside Russian territory. At least three different Ukrainian-made drones have been used in attacks inside Russia, including on Moscow, according to an analysi ... Show More
37 m
Jun 2021
Why are Russian mercenaries in the CAR?
What is Russia's game plan in the Central African Republic? A private military firm from Russia has been hired to help defend the country. But, in recent months, UN experts have accused the company of various human rights abuses. So, what exactly are they doing there? And why?Hos ... Show More
16 m
Apr 2022
The Cost of Dissidence in Russia
Nearly two months into the war in Ukraine, many Russians have gone from shock and denial to support for their troops and anger at the West.What is behind this shifting view, and what does it mean for those who go against it?Guest: Anton Troianovski, the Moscow bureau chief for Th ... Show More
23m 18s
Feb 2022
Russian Troops Advance
This episode contains strong language.On Monday night, as tensions deepened between Russia and Ukraine, President Vladimir V. Putin sent troops into two regions in eastern Ukraine where separatist forces are friendly to Moscow.With dispatches from our reporters on the ground, we ... Show More
25m 13s
Apr 2022
The Next Phase of the War in Ukraine
After a disastrous defeat in northern Ukraine, Russia has begun a high-stakes battle for the east, while Western allies arm Ukrainian fighters determined to stave off the attack.After Moscow’s pivot, what lies in store in the coming weeks?Guest: Eric Schmitt, a senior writer cove ... Show More
27m 53s
Jul 2022
What do Russians think of the war in Ukraine?
Five months ago, Russia invaded Ukraine. Since then, we have heard President Vladimir Putin’s claim on the country and his pledge to fight Nazis there but what do Russians think? We hear from some voices you may not have heard from before: one Russian "Super Putin" fan and creato ... Show More
22m 45s
May 2024
Frontline special - Major General Tim Cross (EXTENDED)
Major General Tim Cross discusses Russia's push in northeast Ukraine and the arrival of American weapons in Ukraine. The Times' daily podcast dedicated to global security. Expert analysis of war, diplomatic relations and cyber security from The Times' foreign correspondents and m ... Show More
24m 37s
Apr 2024
Ukraine launches ‘massive’ drone attack on Russian airfield & Putin's army ‘advances into crucial city’ in Donetsk
Day 769. Today, we bring you the latest news from the battlefront as Ukraine launches a massive attack on a Russian airbase while reports come in that Russian troops have reached the suburbs of Chasiv Yar. Contributors:David Knowles (Head of Audio Development). @djknowles22 on X. ... Show More
51m 50s
May 2024
Frontline special - Maxim Tucker, The Times' correspondent in Ukraine (EXTENDED)
Maxim Tucker, The Times' correspondent in Ukraine discusses what it was like reporting from Kharkiv during the latest Russian offensive. The Times' daily podcast dedicated to global security. Expert analysis of war, diplomatic relations and cyber security from The Times' foreign ... Show More
19m 42s
Jul 2024
The American Journalist on Trial in Russia
Evan Gershkovich, an American journalist for The Wall Street Journal, was detained in Russia more than a year ago. He has been locked up in a high-security prison and accused of spying for the U.S. government.His trial, held in secret, is now underway.Anton Troianovski, the Mosco ... Show More
31m 4s