The Secret History of the War in Ukraine with Adam Entous

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22d ago 1:06:14

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What happens when American military expertise meets Ukrainian battlefield determination? The answer lies in one of the most extraordinary untold stories of the Russia-Ukraine war.
When Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, few expected Ukraine to survive. Behind the scenes, American military leaders faced an unprecedented challenge: how to support Ukraine without triggering World War III. Their solution was revolutionary – a secret command center in Wiesbaden, Germany, nicknamed the "V-spot," where U.S. generals remotely guided Ukrainian forces without ever setting foot on Ukrainian soil.
At the heart of this story are the remarkable personalities who forged an unlikely brotherhood. General CD Donahue, described as having "the ability to befriend inanimate objects," formed an immediate bond with Ukrainian General Zabrodsky that transcended military and cultural differences. This human connection proved just as crucial as the sophisticated weaponry that followed – from M777 howitzers to satellite-guided HIMARS systems that transformed the battlefield.
The partnership achieved stunning successes, including devastating attacks on Russia's Black Sea Fleet that forced its retreat from Crimean waters. Yet the relationship later fractured during Ukraine's failed 2023 counteroffensive when Ukrainian internal divisions led to a fateful splitting of forces against American advice. The resulting failure created mutual recriminations that continue to this day.
New York Times investigative reporter Adam Entous brings unprecedented insights into this secret military alliance, revealing how personal trust, technological innovation, and strategic disagreements shaped the war's trajectory. As Ukraine now faces an uncertain future under a new American administration, understanding this remarkable partnership has never been more important. Join us for this exclusive deep dive into the hidden command structure that changed modern warfare.
Subscribe now to hear more extraordinary stories from the front lines of global conflict and the shadowy world of military intelligence.

Chapters

1. Introduction to Secret War History (00:00:00)

2. The V-Spot and Ukrainian Cell (00:02:16)

3. Building Trust Between Military Forces (00:07:48)

4. First Combat Tests and M777 Success (00:16:22)

5. HIMARs and Drone Technology Deployment (00:27:33)

6. 2023 Counteroffensive Planning (00:32:19)

7. Breakdown of Strategy and Trust (00:43:40)

8. Future of US-Ukraine Military Relations (00:54:24)

9. Reflections on War Leadership (01:04:10)

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