3 brilliant podcasts about the war in Ukraine that will (massively) broaden your horizons

When events are developing rapidly or information about the war is extremely contradictory and confusing, it is worth taking a (virtual) step back and listening to real experts.

I deliberately only use the masculine form here. Unfortunately, there is a shortage of female experts when it comes to public assessments of the war in Ukraine.*

Below I present three podcasts that will broaden your horizons. The gifted storytellers know how to convey their knowledge and practical experiences to the audience in a very exciting way. And who knows, even some “Putin scouts” will see the light.

*At least in podcast form. The editors would like to receive tips about female podcasts via the comment function.

The tabloid journalist who goes where it hurts

“Ronzheimer” 🇩🇪

I didn’t think I’d be recommending anything related to what is probably the worst tabloid in the German-speaking world. But an exception is necessary for Paul Ronzheimer.

The 38-year-old war reporter is actually “closer to the people in the war in Ukraine than almost anyone” in Western Europe. He is intelligent and sensitive in his frontline reporting and interviews. And he does not shy away from taboo subjects.

In one of the latest episodes, Ronzheimer speaks with the former Ukrainian ambassador to Germany, Andriy Melnyk. We know the undiplomatic diplomat from his public appearances and angry tweets. With Ronzheimer he shows his vulnerable side.

Ronzheimer, deputy editor-in-chief of ‘Bild’, also gives voice to ‘ordinary’ people who are committed to Ukraine and the people there in the podcast. For example, a young German who used to be in the Bundeswehr and is now in a Ukrainian special unit. Or Russian-born neo-Nazi Denis Nikitin, who is fighting Putin for very questionable reasons.

New episodes: every Wednesday.

The experienced soldier who will change your view of NATO

“What should you do, General?” 🇩🇪

This retired general (off duty) is a real bomb. And in a positive sense: the German military expert Erhard Bühler has enormous specialist knowledge and a lot of life experience. Week after week he assesses the war and discusses the security situation in the world.

Bühler does this in an intelligent, calm manner and leaves no doubt that Ukraine must be supported in its fight for survival against the Russian invaders. As a former commander of the European NATO High Command in Brunssum, Netherlands, the now 67-year-old also speaks to rampant NATO skepticism and anti-Americanism. But he is miles away from any form of hurray patriotism.

According to the editors, it is the most informative German-language podcast about the war in Ukraine. This is not least thanks to the gifted moderator, MDR editor Tim Deisinger, who leads the conversations in a pleasantly calm manner and answers almost every user question.

New episodes: usually Tuesday or Wednesday.

The Putin scout who really deserves this name

«In the shadow of Moscow» 🇬🇧

‘In the shadow of Moscow’ is what Mark Galeotti calls his podcast. If you are looking for an experienced Russia expert and Putin expert, you cannot ignore the British history professor, analyst and author.

Unfortunately, the podcast is only available in English. But those who dare will be rewarded with incredibly good monologues about the Russian despot and his serious criminal activities. Galeotti constantly surprises with Kremlin expertise and historical references, but also contains a dose of black humor.

And now you!

What is your favorite podcast about the war in Ukraine?

Write to us via the comment function!

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