Voices from the Front Podcast

Russia is escalating.Ukraine is escalating.The weapons packages are becoming larger, more complex and increasingly capable.Yet despite the threats, missile launches and endless nuclear rhetoric, one uncomfortable reality is emerging for the Kremlin:Russia appears to be running out of options.In this week’s discussion, filmed after my interview with Ukrainian drone warfare expert Dimko, Chris Sampson and I examine why the battlefield of 2026 looks fundamentally different from the battlefield of 2022, continuing the discussion. We discuss the growing pressure on Crimea, Ukraine’s campaign against Russian logistics, the vulnerability of the southern land corridor, and why drones are transforming warfare in ways military planners around the world are only beginning to understand.As Dimko observed during our interview:“The world now realises you don’t need planes to have another 9/11.”That single statement captures a much bigger shift taking place across the battlefield.Russia still possesses enormous military power, but its ability to achieve meaningful strategic victories appears increasingly limited. Crimea remains central to the conflict, Russian logistics are under sustained pressure, and Moscow’s traditional threats no longer seem to carry the same weight they once did.Which leaves one question hanging over the war:If Russia cannot achieve its objectives, yet refuses to abandon them, where does it escalate next?Thank you It’s Time 🇺🇦, Donna Dupont, HoldingTheLine(HTL), PaulM, Debórah, and many others for tuning into our live video! Join us for our next live video in the app. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shaunpinner.substack.com/subscribe

🎙️Voices From The Front | In this episode, I sit down with Dimko Zhluktenko, soldier, author, drone warfare expert and founder of DzygaspawKnown for his insights into modern warfare and Ukraine’s drone revolution, Dimko reflects on a journey that began far from the battlefield. From the digital nomad lifestyle and running one of Ukraine’s most successful volunteer initiatives, to serving in uniform and helping shape the future of warfare, this is the story of an ordinary man thrust into extraordinary circumstances.We discuss family life during wartime, the evolution of drone warfare, Russia’s recruitment challenges, the battle for Crimea, NATO’s lessons from Ukraine, information warfare, and the sacrifices required to defend freedom.Most importantly, we explore the human side of war, the difficult choices, personal costs and unwavering commitment of those who chose to stay and fight for Ukraine’s future.Freedom isn’t free. Dimko explains why.Dimko’s Book - Ordinary Guy At War : A Ukrainian’s JourneyDimko’s Organization - https://dzygaspaw.com/aboutMike thanks to Chris Sampson of The Wire Tap for assisting with production.#VoicesFromTheFront #Ukraine #DroneWarfare #Dimko #UkraineWar #TheWireTap #ChrisSampson This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shaunpinner.substack.com/subscribe

AZOV WAS NEVER NAZIS | Live with Former Congressman Adam Kinzinger & Shaun PinnerIn this episode of Voices from the Front, I sit down with former U.S. Congressman Adam Kinzinger for a wide-ranging conversation on Ukraine, modern warfare, Russian propaganda, and one of the most persistent myths of the war: the narrative surrounding Azov.Drawing on my own experience serving with Azov in Mariupol between 2018 and 2020, we examine how a unit of roughly 2,000 personnel became the centrepiece of a Russian information campaign used to justify the invasion of Ukraine. We discuss what Azov actually was, how the reality differed from the narrative, and why that misinformation continues to influence Western audiences today.We also explore:▪️ My journey from the British Army to Ukraine and life in Mariupol before the full-scale invasion▪️ The defence of Mariupol and my experience in Russian captivity▪️ How drone warfare has transformed the battlefield since 2022▪️ Ukraine's growing ability to strike deep inside Russia▪️ Operation Spiderweb and the future of modern warfare▪️ Why Ukraine has seized the initiative after a difficult period in 2025▪️ Crimea, the southern land corridor and the path to ending the war▪️ The Russian economy, military losses and mounting pressure on the Kremlin▪️ The view of America from Ukraine and the impact of shifting Western politics▪️ Why Ukrainians continue to demand justice, not simply peaceAdam also shares his perspective on U.S. support for Ukraine, the changing nature of the conflict, and why many of the assumptions made at the start of the war have proven dramatically wrong.A candid and often personal discussion about war, resilience, propaganda, and the realities of living through Europe's largest conflict since World War II. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shaunpinner.substack.com/subscribe

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shaunpinner.substack.com/subscribe

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shaunpinner.substack.com/subscribe

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shaunpinner.substack.com/subscribe

🎙️Voices From The Front & The Wire Tap – Sunday Edition – Missile AttacksIn this powerful Sunday Edition of Voices From The Front & The Wire Tap, Shaun Pinner and Chris Sampson broadcast live from Ukraine as air raid sirens, missile threats and Russian drone attacks continue across Kyiv and Dnipro.The episode covers the reality of life under bombardment, including discussions surrounding Russia’s latest missile strikes, Shahed drones, Zircon missiles, alleged Oreshnik launches and the ongoing pressure placed on Ukrainian air defences. Shaun and Chris break down the growing escalation, frontline realities and how civilians continue to endure constant terror attacks targeting cities and infrastructure.The conversation then shifts to one of the most disturbing topics of the war: Russian captivity, torture and POW testimonies. Following attendance at the “Made in Russia, Delivered to Captivity” conference in Kyiv, Shaun reflects on hearing firsthand accounts from Ukrainian prisoners of war, survivors of Russian detention and victims of systematic torture.Topics include:• POW torture testimonies from Russian captivity• Russian war crimes and systemic abuse allegations• Foreign volunteers captured by Russia• The role of the Red Cross, UN and international organisations• Missile attacks on Kyiv and Dnipro• Ukraine air defence and frontline realities• Russian propaganda and information warfare• Life during air raid sirens in Ukraine• Mariupol, Azov and captivity experiences• Ongoing prisoner exchanges and international pressureFeaturing Shaun Pinner, former British-Ukrainian Marine and Mariupol defender, alongside journalist and commentator Chris Sampson in Kyiv.Subscribe for frontline reporting, uncensored discussion and real-time perspectives from inside Ukraine.Thank you It’s Time 🇺🇦, Richard, Sheryl, PaulM, Laura K, and many others for tuning into our live video with Chris Sampson & myself! Join us for our next live video in the app. on Friday. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shaunpinner.substack.com/subscribe

🎙️In this episode of Voices From The Front & The Wire Tap, Shaun Pinner and Chris Sampson, we break down the growing reality that the war in Ukraine is not slowing down, it’s escalating. Using frontline experience, on-the-ground observations from Dnipro & Kyiv, and analysis of recent Russian strikes, we discuss why claims of an imminent peace deal or Putin is considering quitting, are detached from the reality Ukrainians are living every day.The discussion covers the increasing scale of Russian drone and missile attacks across Ukraine, including strikes on civilian infrastructure, apartment blocks, transport hubs, and even a UN convoy despite prior warnings being given to Russia. Shaun describes hearing a Shahed drone fly directly over his garden in Dnipro while mowing the lawn, highlighting how ordinary life and war now overlap constantly for civilians living inside Ukraine.The episode also examines Russia’s growing terror campaign against civilians, Ukraine’s expanding long-range drone strikes inside Russia, and how the battlefield has evolved into a deeply asymmetric war driven by drone innovation, AI, and hybrid warfare. The pair discuss Russia’s Victory Day parade, Ukrainian strikes disrupting Russian infrastructure ahead of it, and why Putin’s inability to achieve his original objectives leaves him politically unable to stop the war.Other topics include:* Russian propaganda and coordinated bot attacks targeting Ukrainian accounts online* The psychological impact of constant air raids and drone warfare on civilians and children* Ukraine’s growing military innovation and defensive capabilities* Concerns surrounding Belarus and the possibility of a northern front* Russia’s use of mines, booby traps, and attacks on civilians* International responses to the war, including criticism of the UN and debate surrounding US policy toward Ukraine and Russia* Shaun’s landmark UK court case against the Russian Federation and the broader push for accountability, international tribunals, and war crimes investigationsFrom frontline realities to geopolitical analysis, this episode offers an unfiltered look at a war that continues to evolve far beyond the trenches, and why many inside Ukraine believe the conflict is entering an even more dangerous phase. 🇺🇦Thank you It’s Time 🇺🇦, Sheryl, PaulM, Laurel Fairchild, Bob Fleischman, and many others for tuning into my live video, Join us again next week. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shaunpinner.substack.com/subscribe

🎙️Ukraine’s war is no longer confined to the frontline. In this explosive episode of Voices from the Front, Shaun Pinner and Chris, The Wire Tap, break down how Ukraine is now putting unprecedented pressure on Russia ahead of Putin’s Victory Day Parade, with drone strikes, airport shutdowns, burning oil infrastructure, and Moscow scrambling air defences across the country. From Rostov-on-Don to Crimea, we examine how the battlefield has shifted and why Russia’s carefully staged image of strength is beginning to crack.Our regular chat each Friday.Recorded from Ukraine during ongoing air raid alerts, “Raining on Putin’s Parade” dives deep into the reality behind Russia’s so-called ceasefire, escalating civilian attacks, and the growing belief inside Ukraine that the momentum of the war is changing. I reflect on returning from Canada to a country still under drone and missile attack, while also discussing how Ukrainian innovation, from FPV drones to laser air defence systems, is reshaping modern warfare itself.The episode also tackles one of the most controversial topics in the war: the Western media’s repeated misuse of the words “mercenary” and “foreign fighter” when describing international volunteers serving in Ukraine’s armed forces.Chris & Myself, a former British Army soldier turned Ukrainian Marine and Mariupol defender, explains why these labels are not only legally inaccurate under the Geneva Conventions, but can actively endanger prisoners of war and feed Russian propaganda narratives.We discuss:* Ukraine’s strikes deep inside Russia* Moscow airport shutdowns and oil depot attacks* Putin’s Victory Day Parade and Kremlin paranoia* Why Ukraine avoided symbolic attacks on Red Square* Russia’s escalating attacks on civilians in Kherson, Sumy and Kramatorsk* The reality of living in Dnipro during the war* Drone warfare, laser weapons and the future battlefield* POWs still held by Russia after four years* Why the war may ultimately be decided economically and politically, not militarilyThis is frontline analysis from inside Ukraine, no studio spin, no recycled talking points, just raw discussion from people living through the war every day.Thank you Jennifer Wells, Lynn Thigpen 🇺🇦, Chris, Martin Zeilig, Cris Palomino and many others for tuning into our live video chat. Join us for my next week for our next live video update. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shaunpinner.substack.com/subscribe

🎙️Voices from the Front & The Wire Tap |Three days travelling back from Canada… straight into drones over the train station and air defence firing above our heads.This is the reality of Ukraine.In this episode of Voices from the Front & The Wire Tap, we break down what “Victory Day” has become, not a moment of remembrance, but a stage for propaganda. From firsthand experience, including being held in a Russian black site during Victory Day 2022, the meaning of that day has been stripped away and replaced with theatre.We discuss:* Returning from abroad straight back into missile and drone attacks* Russia’s escalating strikes on civilians, including attacks far from the frontline* The reality behind Victory Day and how it’s being repurposed* The growing disconnect between Western political narratives and what’s happening on the ground* The role of propaganda, media distortion, and political influence shaping the warFrom Dnipro to Donetsk, from diaspora support in Canada to frontline reality, this isn’t theory.We live it. 🎙️ Reporting from Ukraine📍 Voices from the Front & The Wire TapThank you It’s Time 🇺🇦, HoldingTheLine(HTL), Lynn Thigpen 🇺🇦, Dann, Campbell Welsh, and many others for tuning into our live chat, join us next next week for our live talk discussing the weeks news from Ukraine. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shaunpinner.substack.com/subscribe

🎙️ Voices from the Front & The Wire Tap | Live from UkraineIn this episode, we break down what’s really happening on the ground, far beyond the headlines and political spin. From the streets of Kyiv to life in Dnipro, this is the reality of a country entering its fourth year of full-scale war and why so many still don’t understand what that actually means.We cover the growing disconnect between Western political narratives and frontline truth. When politicians talk about “a few square kilometers” or “negotiated peace,” they ignore the human reality behind those words, millions displaced, families torn apart, homes destroyed, and entire communities living under occupation.⚔️ What We Discuss:* Why calling this war “haggling over territory” is dangerously misleading* The reality of occupation — filtration, coercion, forced passports, and resistance* Russia’s escalating terror campaign targeting civilians, infrastructure, and transport* How disinformation continues to distort the history of Ukraine, including figures like Yanukovych* The concept of “convergent actors” and why it matters in modern geopolitics* Life inside Ukraine after four years of war, what changes, what doesn’t, and what the world still misses* Why occupation doesn’t end war, it just changes its form📍 Live from UkraineThis episode is recorded in real time, from inside a country still under attack.Air raid sirens, power cuts, and uncertainty remain part of daily life, but so does resilience.🎬 Chapters 00:00 – Winter Returns to Ukraine 🇺🇦 | War Conditions & Power StrainSnow in April, energy pressure, and daily life during wartime01:00 – Disinformation & Yanukovych Explained | Ukraine 2013 TruthDebunking Kremlin narratives and revisiting the EU deal reversal03:30 – “Convergent Actors” vs Kremlin Puppets | Russia InfluenceUnderstanding political alignment, influence, and strategic actors07:20 – Western Voices Echoing Russian Talking PointsMisinformation pipelines, analysts, and narrative failures09:30 – Live from Kyiv & Dnipro 🎙️ | Frontline Ukraine UpdateReal-time perspective from inside Ukraine10:30 – Has the War Shifted? Iran, Russia & Global EscalationHow Middle East tensions impact Russia’s war strategy11:40 – Russia’s Expanding Terror Campaign | Civilian TargetsStrikes on infrastructure, transport, and residential areas13:30 – Silence from the UN & International Response FailureLack of condemnation and global inaction14:30 – Life in Ukraine Right Now | War Reality 2026Quiet fronts, constant threat, adaptation under fire16:00 – Blackouts & Energy War | Civilian ResilienceHow Ukrainians survive power outages and infrastructure attacks18:30 – Frontline Reality vs Civilian DiscomfortWar perspective vs everyday hardship21:30 – 4 Years of War | Psychological Impact on UkraineHow prolonged war reshapes mindset and survival instincts23:00 – “Just a Few Kilometers” | Ukraine Territory DebateWhy Western framing ignores human cost24:30 – What Russian Occupation Really MeansFiltration camps, forced conscription, loss of identity27:00 – Mariupol & Capture | Frontline Reality 2022Encirclement, survival, and personal experience28:30 – Losing Homes, Losing Everything | War CostDisplacement, destruction, and human impact30:30 – Occupation Doesn’t End War | Resistance ContinuesPartisans, insurgency, and ongoing conflict33:00 – Trump, Iran & Strategic DistractionGlobal politics colliding with Ukraine war36:30 – Information Warfare & Propaganda BattlesHow narratives are shaped and manipulated39:00 – Ukraine Now vs 2022 | Military & Strategy ShiftStronger, more self-reliant, adapting under pressure41:00 – Media Failure & Missing ContextWhy mainstream coverage falls short42:30 – Diplomacy, Deals & Saudi MediationBehind-the-scenes negotiations and geopolitical influenceThank you Christine Nobbs, Pamela Day, Barbara Postel, Dann, Campbell Welsh, and many others for tuning into our chat, Please join us next week for our next live video chat. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shaunpinner.substack.com/subscribe

🎙️Voices from the Front & The Wire Tap Russia’s long-promised spring offensive has stalled — or is it already failing before it’s even begun?In this episode of 🎙️Voices from the Front & The Wire Tap, we break down what’s really happening on the battlefield as the war enters its fifth year. From the ground in Ukraine, the picture looks very different to the narrative still pushed in parts of the international media.Despite sustained assaults, Russian forces are struggling to make meaningful gains. Ukrainian resistance has stabilised key sectors of the frontline, with President Zelensky noting this is the most stable position in nearly 10 months. Meanwhile, Russian losses continue to mount, with casualty rates exceeding recruitment for consecutive months, exposing the limits of Moscow’s manpower strategy.📉 A Failed Offensive, Not a BreakthroughWhat was meant to be a decisive push has instead become a war of attrition Russia is increasingly losing.* Heavy losses in failed assaults* Minimal territorial gains* Continued fighting in key areas like Pokrovsk* Over 400 km² reportedly reclaimed by Ukrainian forcesThis isn’t momentum, but stagnation.Russia’s battlefield reality is now defined by desperation tactics: “flag runs,” poorly trained troops sent forward for symbolic gains, often at extreme human cost with drones now dominate the battlefield, replacing artillery in many areas, striking with pinpoint accuracy, and turning the frontline into a vast, lethal “grey zone.”Ukraine is not just defending, it’s innovating:* Deep strikes into Russian territory* Targeting refineries, logistics hubs, and command nodes* Expanding drone warfare capabilities at scaleThis is no longer a conventional war but a technological arms race — and Ukraine is leading in adaptation.🌍 The Bigger Picture: Pressure Mounting on PutinBehind the frontlines, pressure on the Kremlin is intensifying:* Economic strain and sanctions impact* Increasing domestic repression* Propaganda narratives beginning to crack* Communication blackouts tightening control inside RussiaThe “swagger” of Russian messaging is fading, replaced by control, censorship, and fear.🌐 The War Beyond UkraineThis episode also dives into the geopolitical layer shaping the war:* The impact of shifting U.S. policy and sanctions* How decisions in Washington are benefiting Moscow* Russia’s growing ties with Iran* The global consequences of a prolonged conflictAt a time when Ukraine is adapting and holding the line, political decisions abroad are increasingly influencing the battlefield.🎯 The RealityThis war is not ending, but evolving.Russia is not winning, but it is not stopping.Ukraine is not collapsing, it is adapting.And as the pressure builds, the risk is not de-escalation…but something far more dangerous.🔴 Watch / Listen Now📺 YouTube | 🎧 Spotify | 🍏 Apple Podcasts📡 Live every Friday, 21:00 Kyiv time on SubstackThank you It’s Time 🇺🇦, Mary Kostanski, Dann, Campbell Welsh, Martin Zeilig, and many others for tuning into our live chat, and my thanks to Chris Sampson! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shaunpinner.substack.com/subscribe

🎙️ Voices from the Front & The Wire Tap | Trump’s Capitulation Last Friday on Voices from the Front & The Wire Tap, Shaun Pinner and Chris Sampson broke down one of the most consequential weeks in the war in Ukraine — a week defined not just by events on the battlefield, but by political decisions that may shape the war’s outcome.Broadcast live from Ukraine, including updates from Kyiv and near the frontline, this episode dives into what we call “Trump’s Capitulation” — a growing pattern of decisions from Donald Trump that, taken together, appear to benefit Russia strategically, economically, and politically.What We Cover in This EpisodeFrom the ground in Ukraine to the geopolitical stage, we unpack the reality behind the headlines:* Battlefield Reality vs Political NarrativeWhile Russian forces continue heavy assaults, including a costly and faltering spring–summer offensive, Ukrainian forces are systematically degrading logistics, striking deep behind the lines, and holding firm under relentless pressure.* Mass Drone Attacks & Civilian TargetingWe discuss the unprecedented scale of Russian aerial attacks — including waves of drones targeting cities like Kyiv, Dnipro, and Lviv — and what this reveals about Russia’s failures on the battlefield and its return to Soviet-style terror tactics.* Sanctions, Oil & War FundingThe episode explores how wavering sanctions and shifting U.S. policy may be injecting billions back into Russia’s war economy — potentially prolonging the conflict and increasing casualties.* The Iran Factor & Global SpilloverWe break down how escalating tensions in the Middle East — and U.S. involvement — intersect with Ukraine, particularly through Iran’s drone supply to Russia and the wider strategic consequences.* NATO, Allies & Political FracturesFrom Hungary’s obstructionism to shifting U.S. priorities, we examine cracks within the Western alliance — and why internal division is now one of the biggest risks to Ukraine’s war effort.* Information Warfare & Narrative ControlWe expose how political messaging, media manipulation, and selective outrage are shaping public perception — particularly in the U.S., where fatigue and misinformation are masking the scale of what’s at stake.Why This Episode MattersThis isn’t just another weekly update.This episode connects the dots between frontline reality and political decision-making, showing how actions taken thousands of miles away are directly influencing survival on the battlefield.From humanitarian aid cuts to intelligence disruptions and shifting military priorities, we explain how these decisions are not abstract — they translate into time, territory, and lives lost.From the Frontline — Not the StudioUnlike traditional analysis, this conversation is grounded in real-time experience:* Reporting from Kyiv during active drone attacks* Firsthand insight from frontline areas like Sloviansk and Kramatorsk* Ongoing Combat Lifesaver (CLS) training and preparation for frontline reportingThe Bottom LineWhen you step back and look at the full picture — not just isolated headlines — a clear pattern emerges:* Russia is struggling on the battlefield* Ukraine is adapting and striking deeper* But political decisions in the West risk undermining that progressAt some point, it stops being coincidence.Watch, Listen, and Join Us Live🎙️ Voices from the Front & The Wire Tap goes live every Friday at 21:00 Kyiv time.Join us live or catch the replay on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.Thank you Lisa Ruiz-Buchwalter, Mary Boudreau, Dann, Nancy Elise Pulliam, Campbell Welsh, and many others for tuning in with Chris Sampson! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shaunpinner.substack.com/subscribe

🎙️Voices From The Front & The Wire Tap | In this episode we have a deeply personal conversation about capture, survival, and what it means to endure captivity.⚠️ Warning: The following contains graphic descriptions of torture that some viewers/ listeners may find distressing.As someone who went through SERE training in the British Army, I talk about what that preparation is designed to do, and more importantly, what it cannot prepare you for. Training teaches you principles: resistance, survival, discipline under interrogation, but real captivity is something entirely different. When the rules disappear, when there are no Geneva Conventions being respected, and when torture becomes part of a system rather than an exception, the reality is far removed from the controlled environment of any training exercise.We discuss the difference between military preparation and the reality of Russian captivity, where a system of coercion, humiliation, and violence has become widely documented. Physical torture to psychological pressure and forced confessions, the goal is often not information but submission and propaganda.But this conversation is not just about Russia. We also examine the Ukrainian approach to prisoners, the legal framework they operate under, and why adherence to international law matters, not only morally, but strategically. The contrast between the two systems raises difficult but important questions about standards in war, accountability, and the long-term consequences of abandoning them.This episode also explores something rarely spoken about publicly: what captivity does to a person psychologically. We share stories from those who have returned — their experiences, their coping mechanisms, and the quiet resilience required simply to endure day after day not knowing if you will survive.For me, this discussion is personal. I reflect on my own experience of captivity, the moments that stay with you long after release, and the realities that soldiers and volunteers must face if they are taken prisoner.This is not a sensational conversation, it is an honest one.Because behind every headline about prisoner exchanges or captured fighters are human beings enduring something few people can truly understand.And the question that sits at the centre of it all remainsWhat is the breaking point?Thank you It’s Time, Pamela Day, Christine Nobbs, Denise Lachance-Ward, Dann, and many others for tuning into our live video, join us next friday discussing the weeks events and specific topics from the ground in Ukraine. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shaunpinner.substack.com/subscribe

🎙️Voices From The Front & The Wire Tap | Ukraine War Analysis: Drones & Expensive WarsThank you Lexie Reid, Dann, Mary Boudreau, Lisa Ruiz-Buchwalter, Martin Zeilig, and many others for tuning into our live video. In this episode of Voices From The Front & The Wire Tap, we break down one of the defining realities of the modern battlefield: cheap drones versus expensive military systems. As the Russia–Ukraine war continues, Ukraine has become a testing ground for the future of warfare — where a $700 FPV drone can destroy a multi-million-dollar tank or armored vehicle.Drawing from frontline experience and current events, we examine how Ukraine’s fight against Russia has transformed the country into a global laboratory for modern warfare, from drone technology and electronic warfare (EW) to long-range strikes targeting Russian oil infrastructure and logistics hubs deep inside Russia.In this episode we discuss:* The rise of drone warfare in Ukraine and how it is changing modern military strategy* How cheap FPV drones and Shahed-style attack drones are overwhelming traditional air defenses* Why Ukraine’s battlefield innovations are now being studied by militaries across NATO and the West* The expanding Iran conflict and its global implications for security and energy markets* Growing geopolitical tensions involving NATO, Russia, and the wider global conflict landscape* The reality of war on the ground — including prisoner exchanges, captivity, and the human cost of the Russia-Ukraine warAs Ukraine continues to defend itself against Russia’s invasion, the war is rapidly reshaping global military doctrine, drone strategy, and the future of modern combat. The lessons learned on the Ukrainian battlefield are now influencing defense planners, military strategists, and policymakers around the world.This episode provides frontline insight into the evolving war in Ukraine, the rise of drone-dominated warfare, and why the conflict is becoming a defining moment in 21st-century military history. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shaunpinner.substack.com/subscribe

🎙️Voices from the Front & The Wire Tap — Episode 3/ Part 2 (Sunday Bonus)Frontline Reality vs Political Spin | Ukraine War Analysis | Trump, Witkoff & Russia’s Narrative ShiftIn Episode 3 of Voices from the Front and The Wire Tap, we cut through the noise and examine the widening gap between battlefield reality in Ukraine and the political narratives forming in Washington and Moscow.Four years after Russia’s so-called “three-day operation,” the war has exposed the collapse of Kremlin assumptions, the strain on manpower, and the limits of military power. Yet while missiles and drones continue to strike Ukrainian cities, a different battle is unfolding — one of messaging, diplomacy, and legitimacy.We discuss:* The four-year mark of the full-scale invasion and what Russia actually has to show for it* Mobilisation, manpower shortages, and why infantry still decides wars* The growing distrust in proposed peace processes* The role of U.S. political figures including Donald Trump, Steve Witkoff, and shifting narratives around negotiations* Attempts to downplay or “whitewash” atrocities under the banner of peacemaking* Russia’s propaganda pivot — from expansion to defensive rhetoric* Why avoiding diplomatic protocol and backchannels raises serious oversight questionsThis episode also reflects on the human dimension — the families of captured defenders who never get a day off, the psychological toll of war, and the importance of staying useful, informed, and grounded while events unfold.If you want sober, frontline-grounded analysis rather than recycled talking points, this is the conversation you need to hear.📍 Join us live every Friday at 21:00 Kyiv time🔔 Subscribe on Substack for full episodes, analysis, and updates🎥 Watch live, engage in chat, and be part of the discussionWar doesn’t pause for politics, and narratives don’t always reflect reality.See you Friday. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shaunpinner.substack.com/subscribe

🎙️ Voices from the Front & The Wire Tap | Episode 3Ukraine War Update | Kremlin Propaganda Failing | Putin’s Shrinking Options | Global Power PoliticsThank you to Naomi Walsby and everyone who joined us live for Episode 2 of Voices from the Front and The Wire Tap. Your engagement, questions, and support help keep these conversations grounded in reality rather than spin.Four years into Russia’s full-scale invasion, the battlefield, the political landscape, and the global power balance are all shifting — and not in the way the Kremlin originally planned.In this episode, we break down:* Ongoing concerns about platform “silencing,” live notifications, and independent voices covering Ukraine* Reflections on the Heavenly Hundred anniversary and the legacy of Maidan* Updates from Dnipro, international political engagement, and the harsh realities of a Ukrainian winter* The current frontline picture: limited Russian advances, heavy losses, and Ukraine’s adaptive counter-moves* Communications disruption, including Starlink vulnerabilities and Russian reliance on Telegram* The growing cracks in Kremlin propaganda as repression increases and audiences shrink* The wider geopolitical chessboard — Ukraine, Iran, Venezuela, Cuba, and the broader struggle for influence* How Vladimir Putin’s original ambitions of taking Kyiv have faded into attempts to barter for limited gains in Donetsk* Why pressure from Volodymyr Zelensky matters now more than ever — and why Putin urgently needs something he can present as a “win”We also examine how technology platforms like Starlink have changed modern warfare — and what happens when communications, narrative control, and battlefield logistics collide.This is not recycled commentary. It’s frontline-informed analysis, grounded in lived experience and a sober reading of the strategic picture.If you’re looking for clarity on where the war stands now — militarily, politically, and globally — this episode connects the dots.📍 Join us live in the app for our next broadcast on Sunday.🔔 Subscribe for in-depth Ukraine war analysis, geopolitical breakdowns, and frontline perspective. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shaunpinner.substack.com/subscribe

🎙️Voices From The Front & The Wire Tap | SOVIET PLAYBOOK - have you tried turning it off and on?Another great chat with Chris in Kyiv discussing the weeks shenanigans. In this week’s Voices from the Front & The Wire Tap, Chris & myself break down the biggest developments from Ukraine in a no-nonsense review of the week, recorded live with our audience. +140 and growingWe dig into Lavrov’s latest Kremlin deflections, the reality of Russia bombing Ukraine while blaming America, the Starlink (“Sky Link”) controversy, and what happened in Mariupol and the 501st Battalion? Chris also rounds things off with a dose of culture to close the show.This is independent reporting from the ground, cutting through propaganda and spin. If you find this valuable, please subscribe to our channels and support the work.Hope you enjoy the episode — and join us again next Friday at 21:00 Kyiv Time This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shaunpinner.substack.com/subscribe

🎙️ Voices from the Front & The Wire Tap — On the Ground in UkraineEvery Friday, journalist Chris Sampson and former British serviceman turned Ukrainian Marine and journalist Shaun Pinner sit down to talk honestly about Ukraine, the war, geopolitics, Russian propaganda, media narratives, and life on the ground.This isn’t studio punditry. We live and work in Ukraine. We see what’s happening, we deal with the consequences, and we cut through the noise to explain what really matters — from frontline realities and information warfare to Western politics, Trump, Russia’s abuse of Interpol, and the human cost of war.On this Substack, you’ll get:🎧 Early access to every episode before YouTube📰 On-the-ground analysis from inside Ukraine🛰️ Deep dives into Russian propaganda & disinformation🌍 Honest conversations about geopolitics, media, and war🧭 Real stories from people living the conflict, not commenting from afarWe cover:Ukraine war updates • Frontline reporting • Russian information warfare • Western politics & Ukraine • Journalism vs propaganda • Prisoner exchanges • Life under air raids • The reality behind the headlines📅 New episodes every Friday at 21:00 Kyiv / 19:00 UKIf you’re looking for ground-truth reporting, unfiltered discussion, and serious insight into Ukraine and the war with Russia, you’re in the right place.No fluff. No spin. Voices From the Front with some Wire Taps This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shaunpinner.substack.com/subscribe

🎙️Voices from the Front - Trilateral Theatre & the PromisesTalks in Abu Dhabi could mark the first time Ukrainian, Russian, and American delegations have been involved in negotiations at the same table since Moscow’s full-scale invasion nearly four years ago. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has described the negotiations as being in the “last mile.” Yet despite that optimism, deep divisions remain, particularly over eastern Ukraine and the fundamental question of territory.Russia is sending a military delegation, a signal in itself. The focus appears to be on holding captured territory and pressing for a Ukrainian withdrawal, rather than compromise. With positions still far apart and no clear enforcement mechanisms publicly outlined, the war’s fourth anniversary may arrive without an end in sight.In this episode, I step back from the headlines to ask a harder question: who are the promises being made in these talks really for?This is not about dismissing diplomacy. It is about examining the conflicting interests, political incentives, and risks that emerge when speed is prioritized over structure in an active war.Peace negotiations are not just about announcements or optics. They are about security guarantees, legitimacy, accountability, and long-term stability. When each party defines “peace” differently, a quick fix can become dangerously fragile.This is not an argument against talks, it is a call for caution, clarity, and realism.History shows that peace deals built on weak promises rarely hold, and when they fail, the cost is paid by civilians.🎥 Recorded analysis from Ukraine, informed by firsthand experience and on-the-ground reporting.If you value sober analysis beyond soundbites and spin, consider subscribing, sharing, and joining the conversation.Reuters - https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/us-links-security-guarantees-ukraine-peace-deal-ceding-donbas-ft-reports-2026-01-27/💙 SUPPORT OUR WORK🎙️ Voices from the Front Crowdfunder👉 https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/qr/Dy...💳 PayPal: @ShaunPinner🔗 LINKS👉 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...💬 Follow & Support👉 X (Twitter): @olddog100ua👉 Bluesky: @olddogua.bsky.social👉 Instagram: @snowy_ua📘 My Book — Live.Fight.Survive👉 https://shaunpinner.com/book🔗 Linktree👉 https://linktr.ee/old_dog_ua This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shaunpinner.substack.com/subscribe

🎙️ Voices from the Front — Where Will Putin Get His Win? Russia’s so-called “3-Day Special Military Operation” has become one of the greatest strategic failures of the modern era. The SMO has now outlasted the Soviet Union’s own defining war. The Great Patriotic War against Nazi Germany ran from 1941 to 1945. What was sold in February 2022 as a lightning campaign has dragged on far longer, and, crucially, it did not begin in 2022 at all. Years into the Ukraine war, Vladimir Putin is no longer pursuing victory — he’s searching for something he can sell as a win, his propaganda is working damage limitation, as his allies get smaller and Russian's are now starting to ask why?In this episode of Voices from the Front, I break down where Putin might try to manufacture success, why he may actually now sign a peace deal, why real military victory in Ukraine is no longer achievable, and how propaganda, escalation, and symbolic gains have replaced strategy.From Russia’s battlefield losses, manpower shortages, sanctions pressure, and dependence on North Korea, Iran, and China, to collapsing influence in Syria, Venezuela, and the wider Global South, the Kremlin’s options are narrowing fast. This is no longer a war of expansion — it’s a war of damage control.Recorded from inside Ukraine, this episode cuts through Kremlin talking points and Western complacency to explain what “winning” even means for Russia now — and why it keeps slipping further away.👇 In this episode• We continue from the Power Shift Episode & Russia’s shrinking war aims in Ukraine• Why Putin needs symbolic victories, not real ones• Military failure vs propaganda survival• How this war reshaped global power dynamics & how Putin's allies are shrinking. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shaunpinner.substack.com/subscribe

🎙️ Voices from the Front — Russia Wants Ukraine to Succeed?This weekend, Donald Trump made a claim so detached from reality it caused more than a few people to spit out their tea:“Russia wants Ukraine to succeed.”That statement didn’t land in a vacuum. It came while Russia was actively launching missiles, drones, and artillery strikes across Ukraine — hitting civilians, critical infrastructure, and cities far from the front line.This wasn’t a gaffe.This wasn’t sloppy wording.This was a reframing of the war.And that reframing aligns almost perfectly with long-running Kremlin narratives — narratives designed to blur responsibility, exhaust Western resolve, and normalize aggression.⚠️ The More Dangerous QuestionThe real issue isn’t outrage. It’s credibility.If a former US president can so casually invert aggressor and victim, what does that signal about the reliability of US security guarantees — not just for Ukraine, but globally?What message does it send to:• Venezuela, watching how far international consequences really go• Taiwan, measuring whether deterrence is firm or conditional• Allies, who rely on NATO commitments being more than just rhetoricLanguage matters.And adversaries are always listening.🧭 In This EpisodeCormac Smith, former British diplomat to Ukraine, and I discuss:• Why this statement is strategically dangerous, not merely controversial• Where the US now sits in the global perception battle• Why Russia needs Western figures to say exactly this• How propaganda works without uniforms, state TV, or slogans• What this means for Ukraine, NATO credibility, and global security guarantees🌍 The Bigger PictureWars aren’t only fought with tanks and drones.They’re fought with words, legitimacy, and perception.And when senior Western figures repeat narratives that absolve the aggressor, the cost isn’t theoretical.People die because of it.❤️ Support the WorkIf you care about truth, accountability, and stopping propaganda from becoming policy, consider supporting independent journalism and sharing this episode.👉 Like👉 Subscribe👉 ShareLeave a comment — it helps push this work past noise and algorithmic suppression.How You Can Help🎙️ Voices from the Front Crowdfunder👉 https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/qr/Dy42zRgW💳 PayPal: @ShaunPinnerYour support helps fund:* Veteran support* Independent reporting* Legal efforts pursuing accountability for Russian war crimesListen & Read More📰 Further Analysis & WritingSubstack: https://substack.com/@pinnerpatter📘 Book — Live. Fight. Survive.https://shaunpinner.com/book🔗 All Linkshttps://linktr.ee/old_dog_ua This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shaunpinner.substack.com/subscribe

🎙️ Voices from the Front | For far too long, coverage of the war in Ukraine has been trapped in map-watching, false balance, and the lazy language of stalemate.This piece breaks that frame.The most important change in this war is not measured in kilometres gained or lost.It is measured in tempo, cost, and who is being forced to react.That dynamic has changed.I’m not suggesting Ukraine is about to retake Mariupol tomorrow.What I am saying is that Russia is no longer operating on the offensive terms it set in 2022 — and it can no longer impose its will at scale.Russia is now defending everything, everywhere, all of the time.1. Tempo & InitiativeWars are not decided by headlines or daily map updates.They are decided by who controls the pace.Ukraine is increasingly forcing Russia into a reactive cycle — dictating when, where, and how Moscow must respond. Every reaction consumes time, resources, and attention. Over time, that erosion matters more than any single advance or withdrawal.Control the tempo, and you shape the war.2. Defence EverywhereRussia is now stretched across multiple defensive demands simultaneously:* Oil refineries and energy nodes* Airfields and logistics hubs* Border regions and rear areas* Critical domestic infrastructureA force defending everything is a force concentrating nowhere.This is not a sign of strength. It is a symptom of overextension.3. Cost Imposition & Strategic DrainWinning modern wars is not about destroying everything.It is about making the war unsustainable for the aggressor.Ukraine is imposing asymmetric costs by:* Using cheaper systems to force expensive defensive responses* Pulling scarce Russian assets away from the front* Creating long-term strain on manpower, maintenance, and readinessAttrition is no longer just about casualties — it’s about systems, logistics, and economic endurance.4. The Myth of “Stalemate”“Stalemate” is often the word used when analysts fail to explain complexity.This war is not frozen.It is evolving.And evolution favours the side that adapts faster, learns quicker, and forces its opponent to respond rather than act.5. Pressure Inside RussiaThe battlefield no longer stops at Ukraine’s borders.When rear areas are no longer safe — when infrastructure, logistics, and internal security all require constant protection — strategic assumptions collapse.Depth used to be protection.It no longer is.6. Information & Narrative WarfareOutdated narratives benefit Moscow.When observers fail to recognise how the war is changing, they misread leverage, misjudge resilience, and misunderstand where pressure is actually being applied.Recognising the power shift matters — politically, economically, and militarily.This is not prediction.It is pattern recognition.It draws on:* Publicly available reporting* Observable operational trends* Historical comparisons from modern conflictsNo sensationalism.No classified claims.Just the reality of how wars actually turn. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shaunpinner.substack.com/subscribe

🎙️Voices from the Front | Oksana Pechenyuk is a Ukrainian naval officer cadet and a trailblazer in modern European military history.She is the first Ukrainian woman to graduate from the United Kingdom’s Royal Naval College, marking a historic milestone in UK–Ukraine defence cooperation and women’s leadership in the armed forces. Born and raised in Ukraine, Oksana chose a military path shaped by duty, discipline, and the reality of a nation at war.Her training in the UK exposed her to Western naval doctrine, leadership development, and professional military culture — experience she now carries back into Ukraine’s Navy at a time when the country’s survival depends on a new generation of capable, globally trained officers. Beyond the uniform, Oksana represents a wider shift taking place within Ukraine’s armed forces: one defined by merit, resilience, and the breaking of long-standing barriers.Her story is not just about being first, but about responsibility, service, and leadership under pressure.🎧 In this Podcast In this episode, Breaking Waves, I’m joined by Oksana Pechenyuk — the first Ukrainian woman to graduate from the UK’s Royal Naval College.We talk about her journey from Ukraine to the United Kingdom, what it was like to train within a Western naval system, and how that experience has shaped her outlook as a Ukrainian naval officer cadet during wartime. Oksana shares her ambitions, the pressures of being a “first,” and what it means to return home to a country fighting for its future.This conversation goes beyond titles and milestones. It’s about resilience, responsibility, and breaking barriers while your nation is under constant threat. Oksana also reflects on life in the UK, what she misses, and why service was never optional for her.Voices from the Front brings forward-facing voices from Ukraine — not pundits or politicians, but people living this war in real time.Also Available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.The Sun - https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/37549571/ukrainian-graduate-putin-oksana-pecheniuk/My Book,Live Fight Survive: https://shaunpinner.com/bookSupport the Future of Ukraine’s Officer CorpsVIYKOR is a public organization formed by Ukraine’s current and future officers — including officer cadets — with one clear mission: to build a new Ukrainian officer corps based on modern standards, proven leadership, and battlefield reality.Through innovation in military education, VIYKOR works to ensure that Ukraine’s future commanders are trained not only in theory, but through the hard lessons of war. Their focus is on analysing real combat experience, integrating it into officer training programs, and teaching future leaders to study and apply the lessons of past conflicts — so mistakes are not repeated at the cost of lives.This work is not symbolic. VIYKOR operates with strong institutional support from the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine and the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, helping bridge frontline experience and professional military education.If you value professionalism, accountability, and the long-term strength of Ukraine’s armed forces, please consider supporting VIYKOR. Your donation helps develop competent, resilient officers who will lead Ukraine through this war — and safeguard its future beyond it.On behalf of Oksana Pechenyuk and the team at VIYKOR, thank you for standing with those preparing tomorrow’s commanders today and for watching. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shaunpinner.substack.com/subscribe

🎙️Voices From the Front — Why Ukrainian Resilience Will Outlast Putin | Report from DniproUkraine keeps going, even when the world isn’t looking.In this new episode, I take you to Dnipro, a city that isn’t officially on the frontline, yet lives with the war inching closer every month. Despite ballistic attacks, drone swarms, rolling blackouts, and the constant hum of generators, life continues. People adapt. Communities rebuild. The resilience is real, and it’s earned.You’ll see:• How Ukrainians pick up the pieces after every strike• The grey public shelters quietly waiting across the city• What daily life looks like in a place under pressure• How the spirit of a nation endures despite exhaustion, loss, and uncertaintyBut resilience has limits. Ukraine’s partners must understand this moment: support now will shape the outcome of this war, and the cost of hesitation will be far greater later.I end with a simple wish — one shaped by everything I’ve seen here, and by the belief that Ukraine’s courage is stronger than Russia’s brutality.If this episode resonates, please share it. Visibility saves lives.My Book: Live, Fight, Survive https://shaunpinner.com/bookhttps://www.amazon.co.uk/Live-Fight-Survive-ex-British-resistance/dp/0241668085👉 Support the campaign here: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/qr/Dy42zRgW?utm_campaign=sharemodal&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=shortlinkor donate via Paypal: @shaunpinnerYou can also become a paid subscriber here on Substack or on X, all funds go directly toward supporting Voices from the Front and our work on the ground. Our podcast ‘Voices From the Front’ is also available on Spotify and Apple podcast if that’s more your thing.Follow my articles for London Loves: Business:https://londonlovesbusiness.com/author/shaunpinner/Thank YouShaun This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shaunpinner.substack.com/subscribe

🎙️Voices from the Front — Pokrovsk: Where Putin Smashed His Teeth 🪖 The battle for Pokrovsk isn’t just another frontline update, it’s the moment Putin’s invasion hit a wall. After four years of full-scale war and over a million Russian casualties, Moscow’s so-called “second strongest army in the world” is grinding itself into the Donetsk dirt.When I was there a year ago, the Russians were eight kilometers away. Fast-forward twelve months, they’ve lost thousands of men just trying to close that gap. Pokrovsk has become a symbol of what happens when Russia throws everything it has and still can’t break through.My Book Live. Fight, Survive: https://shaunpinner.com/bookMy Published Articles: The Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA) https://cepa.org/article/pokrovsk-where-putin-shattered-his-teeth/London Loves Business: https://londonlovesbusiness.com/the-man-russia-tried-to-break-part-three-the-reconstruction-of-a-man/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shaunpinner.substack.com/subscribe

🎙️ Voices from the Front — Former POWs reunited, raw truths from the frontline of Ukraine.In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Alex Drueke — a U.S. Army veteran & former POW captured by Russian forces in Ukraine. Alex and I were exchanged together. He is a very humble man and funny guy, with a clear understanding of what Russia is.Today, we speak openly about: Why an American volunteered to fight for Ukraine ⚔️ Combat, capture & surviving Russian captivity 🧠 Psychological warfare & propaganda 💥 What the world still gets wrong about this war 🎗 Rebuilding identity after releaseHow Americans truly see Ukraine now and why truth-telling matters in a world drowning in disinformation, now, more than ever. This isn’t theory. This is lived experience. No filters. No Kremlin narratives. Just reality. If you value independent reporting from Ukraine, support the mission & help us take this truth to America in Spring. 🎧 Listen / Watch on All Platforms Substack — Early Access + Full articles https://substack.com/@pinnerpatter SpotifyYouTube: Twitter / X (Real-time frontline updates) https://twitter.com/OldDogUA Instagram https://instagram.com/old_dog_ua Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/olddogua.bsky.social Also available on Apple Podcast & Spotify🙏 Support the Mission Signed book — Live. Fight. Survive: https://shaunpinner.com/book Support the U.S. speaking tour & legal fight: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/qr/Dy42zRgW Become a paid Substack or X subscriber to help keep this work alive. 📢 Join the community 📌 Subscribe for frontline truth & POW voices 💬 Comment — your engagement breaks the algorithm chokehold 🔔 Members get early access + behind-the-scenes content Truth needs allies — not audiences.#Ukraine #VoicesFromTheFront #POW #UkraineWar #AlexDrueke #ShaunPinner #UkrainePodcast #StopRussianAggression #IndependentJournalism #Mariupol #Veterans #TruthMatters This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shaunpinner.substack.com/subscribe

🎙Voices from the Front — In Believers, Killers & Runaways, former British soldier and Ukrainian Marine Shaun Pinner unpacks one of the most misunderstood aspects of the war in Ukraine — the foreign volunteers who came to fight.Who were they? What drove them — conviction, adrenaline, or survival? I separate myth from reality in this bite-size episode, exploring the chaos, courage, and controversy surrounding Ukraine’s international legion — and the Russian narrative that falsely brands them as mercenaries.Part memoir, part frontline reporting, and part psychological study, Believers, Killers & Runaways reveals the hidden truths behind the headlines. From the idealists who came to defend democracy, to those seeking purpose after a lifetime of conflict, and the ones who ran when war got real — this series asks uncomfortable questions about motivation, morality, and what happens when war strips everything else away.Through first-hand accounts and my own brutal experience in Mariupol and captivity, I paint a raw, human portrait of modern warfare — and the choices that define us when everything is on the line.🎙 From the team behind “Voices from the Front.” Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & Substack.#BelieversKillersRunaways #VoicesFromTheFront #UkraineWar #ShaunPinner #Survival This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shaunpinner.substack.com/subscribe

🎙 Voices from the Front: “TRUMP, ORBAN & PUTIN” | with Cormac SmithThe week Europe blinked — sanctions, summits, and the strongmen who want to shape the world.In this powerful episode of Voices from the Front, I sit down with Cormac Smith, former UK Government Adviser and Communications Strategist, to dissect a week that sent political shockwaves across Europe and beyond.Trump’s Sanctions: What do the new U.S. sanctions on Rosneft and other Russian oil giants really mean? Are they a serious move to choke Moscow’s war economy, or political theatre aimed at domestic voters?Orban’s Flip-Flop: Hungary’s Viktor Orban went from hosting a “peace summit” with Russia to backing out entirely within days. What happened behind closed doors? Was this the week Orban’s tightrope walk between Moscow and Brussels finally snapped?Putin’s Gamble: As Russia faces economic collapse, refinery strikes, and over a million casualties, Putin’s propaganda machine is spinning faster than ever. We break down the Kremlin’s desperation, the collapse of its alliances with North Korea, Iran, and China, and what it means for Ukraine’s fight for survival.This episode isn’t just analysis, it’s a front-line conversation about power, propaganda, and the price of freedom.🔔 Subscribe to Voices from the Front for first-hand accounts on Substack or on X, deep geopolitical dives, and interviews with those shaping the narrative on the ground and those living it everyday.👉 YouTube.com/@ShaunPinnerVoicesFromTheFront🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts: Voices from the Front📖 Read more on Substack: https://voicesfromthefront.substack.com💪 Support the mission: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/voicesfromthefrontEvery penny raised from subscribers goes directly to support our work:🎧 producing frontline podcasts📹 filming stories from Ukraine⚖️ funding legal cases against the Russian state🕊️ giving a voice to those who can’t speak for themselves#Ukraine #Trump #Putin #Orban #Russia #WarInUkraine #VoicesFromTheFront #ShaunPinner #CormacSmith #UkraineWar #Sanctions #Geopolitics #RussianOil #Rosneft #EU #NATO #Democracy #Freedom #UkraineFrontline #UkrainianVoices #Mariupol #UkrainianWar #PoliticalAnalysis #Podcast #WarCrimes #Europe #Dictatorship #GlobalPolitics #HybridWarfare #UkraineWillWin This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shaunpinner.substack.com/subscribe

🎙️ Voices from the Front — Prebeg is a Croatian veteran and Ukrainian Marine who became one of the most high-profile foreign POWs in Russia’s war against Ukraine. A former soldier in the Croatian Army, Prebeg joined Ukraine’s 36th Marine Brigade in 2020, serving in Mariupol when Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. During the brutal siege of Mariupol, Prebeg and his comrades endured weeks of relentless bombardment, dwindling supplies, and encirclement by Russian forces. In April 2022, as the city’s defenses collapsed, he was among a group of Ukrainian Marines who attempted a daring breakout from the encirclement. The plan was high-risk. Traverse 260 km of Russian-held territory to link up with friendly forces. Moving mostly at night, they navigated minefields, evaded patrols, and relied on whatever food and water they could scavenge. After days on the run, their luck ran out — Prebeg was captured near the village of Staromlynivka. What followed was a grim descent into the machinery of Russia’s proxy “justice” in occupied Donetsk. Transferred to the so-called “Donetsk People’s Republic” (DPR), Prebeg was paraded on Russian state media as a “mercenary,” despite serving in Ukraine’s regular armed forces, a clear violation of the Geneva Conventions. In September 2022, he faced a sham trial alongside other foreign fighters, including Britons Aiden Aslin and myself, where he was falsely accused of terrorism and plotting violent acts. The DPR court placed him on trial but it was halted, later sentencing him in absentia and in Russia after his exchange, a verdict designed for propaganda and to pressure Ukraine’s allies. Behind the scenes, Prebeg was subjected to torture and inhumane treatment, beatings, mock executions, starvation, and psychological abuse intended to break his will and force false confessions. His captors deprived him of medical care and kept him in solitary confinement for long stretches, breaking his nose, all while Russia used his case as a bargaining chip in political negotiations. He remained in captivity under harsh conditions until late September 2022, when he was released as part of a high-profile prisoner exchange brokered by the Prince of Saudi Arabia, Ukrainian Government & Roman Abramovich, the former Chelsea Football Club owner. Prebeg’s story is one of endurance against impossible odds: a soldier who risked everything in Mariupol, survived a desperate escape attempt, endured the brutality of Russian captivity, and lived to tell the world about the reality of this war. His testimony sheds light on Russia’s war crimes, the fate of Ukrainian POWs, and the resilience of those who refuse to give in to tyranny. In this podcast, Vjekoslav opens up about his time in Mariupol, his 260 km escape attempt, the sham trial, and the torture he endured — and why, despite it all, he still believes in Ukraine’s fight for freedom. My Book: Live. Fight. Survive: https://shaunpinner.com/bookPrebeg Trial: https://www.rferl.org/a/five-foreign-nationals-tried-absentia-russia-ukraine-/32426240.html Podcast (in Croatian) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shaunpinner.substack.com/subscribe

🎙️ Voices from the Front — Russia’s war against Ukraine is entering a critical phase, and Vladimir Putin is under immense strain at home and abroad. In this powerful interview, I sit down with Cormac Smith, a former British diplomat and expert on international affairs, to break down the forces shaping today’s conflict and where it might all lead. Cormac brings a rare insider perspective on diplomacy, disinformation, and how leaders across Europe and beyond are interpreting the war. Together, we tackle the big questions about Putin’s position, his desperate projection of strength, and the future of Ukraine. What We Discuss in This Episode: 🔹 Putin’s projection of strength – how the Kremlin’s image of control masks deep cracks: battlefield failures, a fractured economy, disillusioned elites, and open dissent from figures like Igor Girkin. 🔹 The pressure cooker effect – mounting strikes on Russian oil refineries, the crippling impact of Western sanctions, and how this feeds instability inside Russia. 🔹 Putin in Beijing – the significance of his visit to China, what it reveals about Russia’s dependency on Beijing, and whether this alliance can last. 🔹 Ukraine hitting back – from deep-strike drone attacks on refineries to Special Operations Forces dismantling S-400 systems, Ukraine is proving it can push Russia further onto the defensive. 🔹 Domestic pressures – how over a million casualties, conscription issues, and protests are forcing Putin to double down on repression while selling illusions of strength to his population. 🔹 The bigger picture – Igor Girkin’s prison letters, NATO’s evolving posture, Trump’s rhetoric, and whether appeasement by Western leaders risks giving Putin oxygen to continue his genocidal war. About Cormac Smith Cormac Smith is a former UK diplomat with extensive experience advising governments, including Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. His insights cut through political spin, offering a clear picture of what’s at stake not only for Ukraine but for the entire democratic world. Why This Matters Putin has failed to achieve his primary goals in Ukraine. Instead of peace, he has escalated the war, creating distractions and projecting false strength to maintain his grip on power. The world faces a choice: continue appeasement and watch aggression grow, or stand firmly with Ukraine to ensure justice, accountability, and security for Europe and beyond. This conversation with Cormac Smith is essential listening for anyone who wants to understand the forces shaping the next phase of this war. My Work & How You Can Support 📖 Read my book: Live. Fight. Survive: https://shaunpinner.com/ UK & International: https://amzn.to/3QdqTGy Ukraine: https://kniga.biz.ua/book/LiveFightSurvive 🎥 Watch more episodes: Believers, Killers & Runaways Captured 🙏 Support our work & help Ukrainian POWs Crowdfunder: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/help-ukrainian-pows Your contributions go directly toward legal representation, advocacy, and support for Ukrainian prisoners of war and their families. Every donation makes a difference. #Ukraine #StandWithUkraine #Putin #Russia #UkraineWar #Geopolitics #ShaunPinner #CormacSmith #PutinsPressureCooker #UkrainianPOWs #LiveFightSurvive #NATO #China #Sanctions #RussiaIsATerroristState This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shaunpinner.substack.com/subscribe

🎙️Voices from the Front - In Part Two of my conversation with Brahim Saadoun, we go deeper into what happened after the headlines faded — the months in Russian captivity, the mockery of justice that followed, and the psychological scars left by a system designed to break the human spirit.Brahim opens up about life inside a Russian prison, the so-called “trial” that sentenced him to death, and the moment he realized the world was watching. We also talk about what came next — his eventual release, the ongoing restrictions he faces in Morocco, and the long shadow of Kremlin influence that still haunts him today.This isn’t just a story about survival; it’s about identity, propaganda, and the cost of standing up for freedom.Real stories. Real people. Voices from the Front.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube🔗 Subscribe on Substack for exclusive updates, early access, and behind-the-scenes stories. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shaunpinner.substack.com/subscribe

🎙️ Voices from the Front — with Brahim Saadoun & Shaun PinnerA powerful conversation between two former prisoners of war, united by survival and purpose. Shaun Pinner and Brahim Saadoun share their first-hand experiences of captivity under Russian forces, their reflections on resilience, and their mission to expose the truth behind Putin’s war. Honest, raw, and deeply human, this is a dialogue about endurance, justice, and what it means to keep fighting long after the battlefield.Brahim Saadoun — Still Stuck in MoroccoAfter surviving Russian captivity, my friend and fellow defender of Ukraine, Brahim Saadoun, now faces another kind of imprisonment, this time, a bureaucratic one.Despite his bravery and the ordeal he endured as a Ukrainian soldier taken prisoner by Russian forces, Brahim remains stuck in Morocco, unable to return to Ukraine or continue his education and advocacy. Political pressure, paperwork, and diplomatic silence have left him stranded, free, but not free to move forward.We talk about resilience, survival, and freedom a lot on this podcast. But Brahim’s situation is a reminder that freedom doesn’t always come when the war ends. Sometimes, it’s the system that holds you hostage.He deserves better. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shaunpinner.substack.com/subscribe