Ep 1 – Welcome to Ukraine Military History — Sam Cook & Rob Lee

Sam Cook, founder and executive director of the Ukraine Military History Institute, launches the inaugural episode of the Ukraine Military History Podcast. A former US Army officer and West Point history instructor, Sam shares his deep passion for military history and his personal commitment to Ukraine, where he has lived for eight years. He explains how this podcast is a culmination of his life's work, aimed at using military history for nation-building and fostering a strong national identity in his adopted home, a mission that predates Ukraine's recent global prominence. For this foundational first episode, Sam sits down with Rob Lee, the podcast's editor-at-large and co-host. Rob is introduced as a highly respected military analyst, particularly known for his on-the-ground tactical insights into the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Together, Sam and Rob delve into the "big idea" behind the podcast, outlining their shared goals, the intended structure of future episodes, and the diverse themes they plan to explore. Listeners will get an insider's view into the vision driving this ambitious project. The episode also touches upon the vital role of the Borderlands Foundation, established by Sam, which serves as the funding source for the Ukraine Military History Institute. The Institute's core mission, highlighted early in the episode, is to translate Ukraine's rich military history from Ukrainian into English, making it accessible for a global audience of military officers, historians, and professionals. This podcast aims to bridge a critical knowledge gap, ensuring Ukraine's heroes are remembered and its strategic lessons are understood worldwide.

0:00 - Welcome to Ukraine Military History

5:23 - Introducing the Vision and Mission

8:11 - Meeting Rob Lee the Analyst

12:15 - Tracking the Russian Buildup

16:22 - Open Source Intelligence Revolution

20:26 - Reading the Warning Signs

24:41 - Putin's Strategic Miscalculation

28:26 - Tactical Failures and Adaptations

32:47 - Innovation on the Battlefield

36:30 - Ukraine's Resilience Under Fire

40:58 - Global Stakes and Implications

44:55 - Learning Military Lessons

49:10 - Partnership with Ukrainian Historians

53:22 - Future Episodes and Case Studies

57:08 - Building Ukraine's Military Legacy

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📩 Two Marines (Rob & Dmytro): https://ukrainemilitaryhistory.s.gy/wt9OCKCreated by the Borderlands Foundation.#Ukraine #UkraineWar #DroneWarfare #MilitaryHistory #RobLee