What we have been listening to: November 2025

This month, our playlist examines the dilemmas, negotiations and lived realities shaping the war in Ukraine. We begin with an exploration of Ukraine’s defensive challenges and decisions on the battlefield, then move to discussions about possible peace deals, including leaked US–Russia proposals and questions over whether a settlement is close. We also hear directly from a Ukrainian soldier about life at the front, and reflect on US strategy at the end of the Cold War. Whether you’re interested in strategy, diplomacy or the human experience of conflict, these episodes offer plenty to explore. Here’s what we’ve been listening to this month:

The Last Stand Dilemma in Ukraine

When should Ukraine commit more forces to a perhaps desperate stand to hold ground it will likely lose? And when is it the difficult but correct choice to

War on the RocksLawrence Freedman

BBC News - Ukrainecast, Could a peace deal be close?

Ukraine has called for a Trump-Zelensky meeting in the US this week.

BBC

BBC News - Ukrainecast, What’s in the leaked US-Russia peace plan?

Ukraine’s President Zelensky says he will “propose alternatives”

BBC

Being a Ukrainian soldier - what is it like? - with Vladyslav Urubkov

How is the life of a soldier different from that of a civilian? Which aspects of it are hardest for civilians to understand?

UkraineWorld

Episode 4: US Cold War Endgame Strategy: Zbigniew Brzezinski, with Edward Luce

Edward Luce discusses how Zbigniew Brzezinski, National Security Advisor to President Carter, sought to bring down the USSR and end the Cold War by magnifying the Politburo’s dilemmas.

Royal United Services Institute