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Apr 2025
40m 6s

34. Putin's War: The Battle for Kyiv (Ep...

Goalhanger
About this episode

What did the West know about Russia’s invasion before it happened? How did Ukraine prepare for a war they weren’t sure would come? And why did Moscow underestimate its opponent so disastrously?


Western intelligence agencies warned that Russia was preparing to invade Ukraine - but even they were surprised by how badly Moscow’s strategy would unravel. From supply chain breakdowns to failed attempts at a decapitation strike on Kyiv, the war’s first days exposed deep weaknesses in Russia’s military machine.


Listen as Gordon and David conclude their series on the Russia-Ukraine War and reveal the hidden intelligence failures and military miscalculations that shaped the war’s opening moments.


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Order a signed edition of David's latest book, The Seventh Floor, via this link.


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Assistant Producer: Becki Hills


Producer: Callum Hill


Senior Producer: Dom Johnson


Exec Producer: Tony Pastor

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