The Story of Ukraine's Foreign Legion - a modern day Homage to Catalonia

The Story of Ukraine's Foreign Legion - a modern day Homage to Catalonia

Author: Mark McNamee June 25, 2026 Duration: 0:00
If you want a fascinating look into the stories of why those in the West gave up their lives and came to Ukraine to fight, then have a listen to this episode. I had the pleasure of speaking with the British journalist Colin Freeman who did extensive interviews, trips, and research into the stories of foreign fighters who joined Ukraine's foreign legion. Who are these guys? Why did they join? What do the American fighters think about Trump's policy towards Ukraine? About the Guest Colin Freeman is a former chief foreign correspondent of The Sunday Telegraph, now a freelance foreign affairs journalist. He writes features, comment and book reviews for The Daily Telegraph, as well as for The Spectator, The Economist, and The National in Abu Dhabi. He contributes regularly to BBC Radio Four. He is the author of The Mad and the Brave: The Untold Story of Ukraine's Foreign Legion You can find his book on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mad-Brave-Untold-Ukraines-Foreign/dp/0008722463 To learn more, visit: https://ubn.network/ To connect and message with Mark on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mark-mcnamee-58950910 Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/Mark-McNamee/

We are living through events that will define our century, and History in the Making: The War in Ukraine is an attempt to make sense of them as they unfold. Host Mark McNamee brings his deep knowledge of Eastern Europe to the fore, not just to recount headlines, but to untangle the complex historical, cultural, and political threads that led to this moment. This isn't a dry recitation of facts; it's a grounded exploration of how a conflict reshapes a nation's identity and the global order. Each episode moves between the sweeping strategic picture and the intimate, human stories of those living through the war, highlighting a profound resilience. You'll hear analysis that connects past empires to present-day battles, and conversations that reveal the personal cost and extraordinary fortitude within Ukraine. The goal of this podcast is to provide context and clarity, offering a nuanced perspective that goes beyond the news cycle. By focusing on the people, the history, and the on-the-ground reality, Mark creates a vital record of a world changing in real time. Tune in for a thoughtful, comprehensive guide to understanding not just what is happening, but why it matters for all of us.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

History in the Making: The War in Ukraine
Podcast Episodes
Venezuela - what happens next and how will it impact Ukraine? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:35
So what now in Venezuela? Trump has put himself in dangerous territory by removing a foreign leader and now vowing to "run" the country, precisely what he has promised his MAGA support base the US under him would no long…
Fighting the Information War - a Ukrainian in the USA [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:36
There's an information war going on related to the War in Ukraine, and unfortunately Russia has been very successful in spreading its propaganda into the West and influencing popular perceptions and also policy-makers th…
The critical role of electronic warfare (EW) in saving lives [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:03
What is electronic warfare (EW), and how important is it to protecting Ukraine? How does EW work to detect and jam drones? How has EW evolved during the war, and how will it develop in the future? Serhii Skoryk, Commerci…
Battle of Pokrovsk: How problematic is it for Ukraine? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:56
Is Pokrovsk going to fall, and if so what does it mean for Ukraine? There have been lots of doomsday scenarios arising about the loss of Pokrovsk and how it could lead to a collapse of the front for Ukraine. But is that…