Ukraine: The Latest

Day 1,541.Today, after the two days of near continuous strikes against Ukraine with over 1,600 drones and missiles fired on the country – with at least 12 killed by a single projectile – we hear the latest round of American withdrawals of thousands of troops from Europe, and a sobering assessment from experts at Chatham House about the direction of the war. Then we have an extraordinary exclusive interview with a Russian FSB agent who claims he fled Moscow in a dead cow.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.Roland Oliphant (Chief Foreign Analyst). @RolandOliphant on X.Hayley Dixon (Special Correspondent). @HaylesDixon on X.NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest  CONTENT REFERENCED:‘Putin won’t last’: Russian agent who fled Moscow in a dead cow (The Telegraph):Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ng7-LI7VK8MLong Read: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/05/14/dmitry-senin-russia-fsb-escaped-putin-in-dead-cow/ Pentagon cancels deployment of thousands of troops to Europe (The Telegraph):https://kyivindependent.com/us-cancels-planned-deployment-of-4-000-troops-to-poland/?mc_cid=d10bd88d37&mc_eid=08d0680a95 Russia issues Ben Wallace with arrest warrant for ‘justifying terrorism’ (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/05/13/russia-ben-wallace-arrest-warrant-justifying-terrorism/ How a Ukrainian air assault on Russia led to the resignation of a Latvian prime minister (Kyiv Independent):https://kyivindependent.com/how-2-ukrainian-drones-sparked-political-turmoil-in-latvia/ EMAIL US:Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk . We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many on air and in our newsletter as possible.HIGHLIGHTS:Exclusive: ‘Putin won’t last’ – Russian agent who fled Moscow in a dead cowZelensky’s ‘revenge’ attacks after three days of huge strikes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,540.Today, as Russia pummels Ukraine with over 1500 missiles and drones since yesterday, targeting civilians and energy infrastructure, Ukraine hits three energy facilities in Russia. We then focus on the issue of children who have been deported from Ukraine to Russia or to unknown locations in the occupied territories. The EU and UK announced further sanctions while the high-level meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukraine Children on Monday in Brussels pledged funds and support towards tracing, tracking and returning children from Russia.Contributors:Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Co-host of Ukraine: The Latest). @adeliepjz on X. Johanna Baxter, Labour MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire South. @JohannaBaxter on X. Maksym Maksymov, director of Bring Kids Back. @BringKidsBackUA on X.CONTENT REFERENCED:Returning the Stolen Children of Ukraine, Johanna Baxter, UK Friends of Ukrainehttps://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/582a1916-4c98-42de-936a-f74780c73b02/downloads/6c23bef6-a43d-4acd-a781-3b749bb46174/Report_%20Returning%20the%20Stolen%20Children%20of%20Ukrai.pdf?ver=1750937088779Bringing Ukraine's kids back: Almost 60 countries unite to stop Russia's genocidal kidnapping of children (Kyiv Independent)https://kyivindependent.com/bringing-ukraines-kids-back-almost-60-countries-unite-to-stop-russias-genocidal-kidnapping-of-children/EMAIL US:Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk . We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many on air and in our newsletter as possible.HIGHLIGHTS:- 'Longest massive attack': Russia fires 2000 drones and missiles in 24 hours- 60 nations sign historic pledge to 'track down' 20,000 stolen kids Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,539.Today, while Russia unleashes another huge aerial assault across Ukraine – as President Donald Trump insists the war could end soon – we examine Kyiv’s race to develop a new weapon and report on a deadly strike that the United Nations says hit one of its trucks. Then we bring you the latest from the NATO Eastern Flank summit in Romania as allies confront mounting fears over regional security, before looking at an investigation into a sunken Russian ship that was allegedly carrying nuclear reactors to North Korea. And later, in a special report from Kherson, a Telegraph journalist is forced to flee for cover as Russian drones hunt targets above the city.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.Adrian Blomfield (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @Adrianblomfield on X.CONTENT REFERENCED:I was hunted in Russia’s 'drone safari' in Kherson (Adrian Blomfield for The Telegraph):Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNQSY6NaPhY Long Read: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/72-Hours-in-Kherson-red-zone/ Is Ukraine winning the war? The three facets of the 2026 counter-offensive (Dom’s film for The Telegraph incl. discussion of Kyiv's use of data):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-LWZtJBCwY German soldiers attacked at Nato base ‘by masked assailants’ (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/05/12/german-soldiers-attacked-nato-base-masked-assailants/ Zelenskiy meets Palantir CEO as Ukraine expands use of AI in war (Reuters):https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/zelenskiy-meets-palantir-ceo-ukraine-expands-use-ai-war-2026-05-12/ A Russian ship sank in mysterious circumstances. It may have been carrying submarine nuclear reactors to North Korea (CNN):https://edition.cnn.com/2026/05/12/world/a-russian-ship-sank-in-mysterious-circumstances-it-may-have-been-carrying-nuclear-reactors-to-north-korea NATO’s frontline countries jockey for US troops after Trump’s Germany withdrawal (POLITICO):https://www.politico.eu/article/nato-frontline-countries-jockey-for-us-troops-after-donald-trump-germany-withdrawal/ Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk . We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many on air and in our newsletter as possible.HIGHLIGHTS:-  Exclusive: 72 hours dodging Russia’s ‘drone safari’ in Kherson- Did NATO sink this Russian ship carrying nuclear reactors to North Korea? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,538Today, as Andrii Yermak is charged with money laundering, we ask: should President Zelensky be disappointed in his former chief of staff or worried that the scandal is coming closer to him? We report that Poland has moved first and secured a third of the 150 billion Euro SAFE funding and we get our regular view from James Kilner of what’s happening inside Russia. Plus, we take a short foray into Africa, asking what Russia’s ejection from Mali says about the Kremlin's international appeal. Contributors:Dom Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on XAlex Nichol (Telegraph Journalist)James Kilner (Russia Expert ). @jkjourno on XCONTENT REFERENCED:Inside the Ukrainian war room turning the tide on Russiahttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/05/12/ukraine-war-drones-tech-russian-soldier-attacks/Too paranoid to meet strangers, Putin fakes a street chat for cameras, by Antonia Langfordhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/05/12/putin-fakes-a-street-chat-for-cameras/Putin expands world’s largest drone factory as it ramps up exports to Iranhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/05/11/putin-expands-worlds-largest-drone-factory/Help shape the future of Ukraine: The Latest. Share your thoughts in this quick survey:https://tinyurl.com/ukrainethelatestContact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk . We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many on air and in our newsletter as possible.HIGHLIGHTS:- Zelensky former 'right-hand man' charged with corruption - WhatRussia’s ejection from Mali says about the Kremlin's international appeal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,537Today, as the final day draws to a close of the ceasefire supposedly brokered by the US to see Russia’s Victory Day parade on Saturday pass unscathed, we ask: what happened to the supposed prisoner swap that had been part of the deal? Plus Brussels Correspondent Joe Barnes asks Estonia’s PM and a Ukrainian defence analyst what the weekend’s events - or lack thereof - tells us about the state of the war. And we also hear updates on the work of the Come Back Alive charity, the organisation securing battle-winning technology for Ukraine, and a firm favourite of this podcast’s creator, David Knowles. Contributors:Dom Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X. Joe Barnes (The Telegraph's Brussels Correspondent) @Barnes_Joe on XMykola Bielieskov (Defence Analyst) @MBielieskov on XHelp shape the future of Ukraine: The Latest. Share your thoughts in this quick survey:https://tinyurl.com/ukrainethelatestCONTENT REFERENCED:Don’t abandon Nato’s eastern flank, Estonian PM tells Starmerhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/05/10/dont-leave-nato-eastern-flank-defenceless-estonia-starmer/Help shape the future of Ukraine: The Latest. Share your thoughts in this quick survey:https://tinyurl.com/ukrainethelatestContact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk . We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many on air and in our newsletter as possible.HIGHLIGHTS:- EU dismisses 'sham' offer for Putin’s 'buddy' to be mediator in Ukraine peace talks- With no tanks or missiles on parade, Putin claims 'this matter is coming to an end' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,534.Today, as President Zelensky said he "doesn't recommend" that foreign representatives attend tomorrow’s May Day parade in Moscow, we report on the Kremlin’s cool and measured response to the threat of Ukrainian strikes, with Russian State Duma deputies threatening the use of Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missiles against Kyiv whilst, for reasons known only to them, warning that these statements are Russia’s “last warning to Brussels”. And, as the Azov Corps say they have returned to occupied Mariupol - albeit using strike drones - somewhat fittingly we have our regular update of resistance activity in the occupied areas. Help shape the future of Ukraine: The Latest. Share your thoughts in this quick survey:https://tinyurl.com/ukrainethelatestContributors:Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @adeliepjz on X. Dom Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.Dr Jade McGlynn (Occupied Territories Expert, King’s College London).NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest  CONTENT REFERENCED:Will Ukrainian drones spoil Putin’s Victory Day parade? (The Spectator)https://spectator.com/article/will-ukrainian-drones-spoil-putins-victory-day-parade/Rosenberg: Russia's Victory Day parade with no tanks a sign Ukraine war not going to plan (BBC)https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwy2gj2jlr8oIs Frustration With Armenia’s Pashinyan Enough to Bring the Pro-Russia Opposition to Power? (Carnegie Endowment)https://carnegieendowment.org/russia-eurasia/politika/2026/04/vojna-mir-i-socseti-kuda-vedet-predvybornaya-kampaniya-v-armenii'They are stealing the election': How Armenia became the next Russia-EU battlefieldhttps://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20260419-stealing-election-how-armenia-became-next-russia-eu-battlefieldEU prepares for ‘potential’ talks with Vladimir Putin, says official (Financial Times) https://www.ft.com/content/b093dae1-939b-47b4-96e4-40f212e87430?shareType=nongift&syn-25a6b1a6=1Ukraine war 'led me to surrogacy' to earn money but a new law could end those plans (BBC)https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/clyp4kp687goEMAIL US:Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk . We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many on air and in our newsletter as possible.HIGHLIGHTS:Putin running scared with pared back V-Day parade plans Zelensky visits brigades on the frontline Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,533.Today, as Russia refused to follow Kyiv’s proposed ceasefire, killing at least 26 civilians, Kyiv responded by hitting targets 1500 km into Russia’s territory. Meanwhile, the corruption scandal uncovered in Ukraine last summer continues to send shockwaves across the country, possibly touching Zelensky himself. Ukraine’s Chief negotiator, Rustem Umerov, himself under investigation in the probe, arrives in Miami for the first talks since the beginning of the war against Iran. Finally, we dive into Russia’s latest online disinformation campaign.Help shape the future of Ukraine: The Latest. Share your thoughts in this quick survey:https://tinyurl.com/ukrainethelatestContributors:Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @adeliepjz on X. Dom Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X. Stephanie Baker (Investigative Journalist, Bloomberg). @StephaniBaker on X.NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest  CONTENT REFERENCED:United Nations: At least 70 killed and over 500 injured in attacks across Ukraine since 1 Mayhttps://ukraine.ohchr.org/en/At-least-70-killed-and-over-500-injured-in-attacks-across-Ukraine-since-1-May?brid=YWdncwHX0NkpD1nGtCFuHnR85dYKThe corruption scandal Volodymyr Zelensky won't confront, (Kyiv Independent)https://kyivindependent.com/corruption-scandal-closes-in-zelensky-looks-away/Stephanie Baker’s investigation: Russia’s Disinformation War Most Potent Weapon is Bending Realities (Bloomberg): https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2026-russia-disinformation-storm-1516-videos/?accessToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJzb3VyY2UiOiJTdWJzY3JpYmVyR2lmdGVkQXJ0aWNsZSIsImlhdCI6MTc3ODE2NTI0OCwiZXhwIjoxNzc4NzcwMDQ4LCJhcnRpY2xlSWQiOiJURTY3T0lLR1pBTE4wMCIsImJjb25uZWN0SWQiOiJCNDdEQUVDNEVGNDE0NzBGOTAzNzRFM0U3NTNCQzg2QyJ9.TxyN9Bm4h-wlv29fjwocnYUdF0Q33zG8veGgtjMq49oHow To Spot a Russian Deefake, Bloomberg: https://youtu.be/X9GQiouEdJ8?si=9Tuc4AK0KpGsxk4HStephanie Baker’s work: https://stephaniebakerwriter.com/Adélie’s event with the Ukrainian Institute, London: The Newest Testament - Literature as Testimony to Ukraine's Defence.https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-newest-testament-literature-as-testimony-to-ukraines-defence-tickets-1986991762851?aff=oddtdtcreator&_gl=1*97sdgn*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTU3NTk1NjMyNC4xNzc4MTc0MDM1*_ga_TQVES5V6SH*czE3NzgxNzQwMzQkbzEkZzAkdDE3NzgxNzQwMzQkajYwJGwwJGgwEMAIL US:Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk . We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many on air and in our newsletter as possible.HIGHLIGHTS:Ukraine strikes refinery 1500 km inside Russia violates ceasefire 1,820 timesLeaked tapes from Ukraine’s widest corruption scandal cast doubt on Zelensky Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,532.Today, Vladimir Putin gives his answer to President Zelensky’s offer of an open-ended ceasefire: a brutal attack on the civilians of Ukraine which killed 20, including 12 in a single strike. What does this mean for the likelihood of a ceasefire over May 8 and 9th for Moscow’s Victory Day parade? Then we hear the latest from Kyiv, and hear the latest from Russia, including how Putin has banned staff from using phones amid assassination fears.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.James Kilner (Russia Analyst). @Jkjourno on X.With thanks to freelance journalist Antonia Langford in Kyiv.NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest  CONTENT REFERENCED:Help shape the future of Ukraine: The Latest. Share your thoughts in this quick survey:https://tinyurl.com/ukrainethelatest As Ukraine strikes deeper inside Russia, Putin retreats further into paranoia (Antonia Langford in The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/05/05/paranoid-putin-cornered-ukrain-morphing-deep-strike-tactics/ Putin bans staff from using phones amid assassination fears (Antonia Langford in The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/05/04/putin-bans-staff-using-phones-assassination-fears/ EMAIL US:Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk . We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many on air and in our newsletter as possible.HIGHLIGHTS: Vladimir Putin gives his answer to President Zelensky’s ceasefire offer A brutal attack on the civilians of Ukraine kills 20, including 12 in a single strike Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,531.Today, after a weekend in which Zelensky joined more than 30 European leaders – along with the prime minister of Canada – at the European Political Community summit in Armenia, a country Moscow considers a close ally in the South Caucasus, and Ukraine calls Russia’s bluff over “ceasefires”, we report on further shadow fleet sanctions activity – from new regulations to unexplained explosions. And later, we look ahead to May Day celebrations in Russia and ask whether a Ukrainian drone penetrating Moscow’s layers of air defence suggests the parade could go off with a real bang.Contributors:Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.Adelie Pojzman-Pontay (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @Adeliepjz on X.With thanks to Yuliya Sotska of Ukrainian charity ‘Children of Heroes’.NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest  CONTENT REFERENCED:Learn more about ‘Children of Heroes’:https://childrenheroes.org/en/ Francis’s Long Interview with Silicon Curtain:Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vopvERNHGtg Audio: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0qwPAXSkPTvScvGtdKa2rmZelensky challenges Putin to new ceasefire (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/05/04/zelensky-challenges-putin-to-new-ceasefire/ Starmer to lobby Macron for closer EU ties (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/05/03/keir-starmer-join-eu-defence-fund-loan-ukraine/ Zelensky has scrapped open-ended military contracts to attract new recruits (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/05/01/zelensky-scraps-indefinite-contracts-soldiers-recruits/ Europe fears Putin’s ‘window of opportunity’ is now (Politico):https://www.politico.eu/article/europe-fears-valdimir-putin-window-opportunity-nato-test/EMAIL US:Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk . We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many on air and in our newsletter as possible.HIGHLIGHTS: Putin challenged to new ceasefire by Zelensky Fears NATO 'disintegrating' as Trump pulls thousands of troops from Europe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,527.Today, we take you to Lviv and hear an update from Dom’s week in the west of the country – including a visit to a prisoner of war camp and speaking to soldiers who fought for Russia. Then we bring you the latest on strikes by both sides, as Tuapse refinery is hit for the fourth time in a fortnight, before discussing the end of what’s being called the biggest military exercise involving European forces since the end of the Cold War.NOTE: Monday is a bank holiday in the UK. Normal service will resume on Tuesday.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest  CONTENT REFERENCED:Russia's Leningrad Oblast 'now a front-line region,' local governor says (Kyiv Independent):https://kyivindependent.com/russias-leningrad-oblast-now-a-frontline-region-local-governor-says-following-recent-ukrainian-attacks/ Venice Biennale jury resigns after row over Russian entry (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/30/venice-biennale-jury-resigns-row-russian-artists/ EMAIL US:Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk . We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many on air and in our newsletter as possible.HIGHLIGHTS:Exclusive: ‘My face-to-face with Russian prisoners of war’ Europe ends largest military drill since the Cold War Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,526.Today, as President Putin once again dangles a ceasefire in front of President Trump to avoid any risk of disruption to his Victory Day commemorations, he discuss reports that US president might be considering pulling American forces out of Germany while, at the same, the Pentagon finally unlocks a $400 million military aid package. We also bring you the latest on Ukraine’s strike campaign and how it’s turned one of Russia’s strengths – its size – into a weakness, before hearing from a Ukrainian Olympian diver about the decision by World Aquatics to permit Russian athletics to compete under the Russian flag once more.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.With thanks to Telegraph reporters Lily Shanagher and Alisa Butterwick, plus Ukrainian Olympic diver Oleksiy Sereda.NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest  CONTENT REFERENCED:Ukrainian drones destroy £18m Russian helicopters behind enemy lines (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/30/ukrainian-drones-destroy-18m-russian-helicopters/ Trump threatens to pull troops out of Germany (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2026/04/29/trump-germany-troops-friedrich-merz/ Putin’s ‘altar boy’ is finally in Ukraine’s sights (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/30/putin-altar-boy-finally-in-ukraine-sights/ Japanese drone maker doubles down on Ukraine as Tokyo eases arms rules (The Kyiv Independent):https://kyivindependent.com/terra-drone-moves-deeper-into-ukraine-with-second-investment-as-tokyo-loosens-arms-rules/ EMAIL US:Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk . We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many on air and in our newsletter as possible.HIGHLIGHTS:Ukraine ‘vaporises’ Russian helicopters mid-flight behind enemy linesPutin proposes ‘brief’ ceasefire in Trump call Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,525.Today, following a 1500 kilometer Ukrainian deep strike on a Russian oil facility, we hear how – for the first time in 18 years – Moscow’s Victory Day parade will feature no military kit as Vladimir Putin’s paranoia continues. Then we take you to Washington, where King Charles III sought to charm the Trump administration by deploying pomp, circumstance, and a sprinkling of history, before speaking to a war artist about what it’s like painting soldiers on the frontline in an active warzone.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.James Kilner (Russia Analyst). @Jkjourno on X.With thanks to war artist Max Denison-Pender. NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest  CONTENT REFERENCED:Learn more about Max Denison-Pender’s war art:https://www.denisonpender.com/ukraine ‘If France can seize Russia’s oil tankers, so can Britain’ (Joe Barnes in The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/29/ukraine-tells-starmer-to-hunt-russian-shadow-fleet/ King brings the House down on day of jokes, ovations and warm words (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2026/04/28/king-state-visit-congress-trump-house-down-jokes/ Hezbollah attacks Israeli military helicopter with fibre optic drones (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/28/hezbollah-attack-israeli-idf-helicopter-fibre-optic-drones/b US ambassador to Ukraine to leave over differences with Donald Trump (Financial Times):https://www.ft.com/content/33d5d8d4-a7db-4647-9751-c21de8ebecb8?syn-25a6b1a6=1EMAIL US:Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk . We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many on air and in our newsletter as possible.HIGHLIGHTS:Moscow’s Victory Day parade will feature no military kitKing Charles III charms the Trump administration Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,524.At what point do frontline soldiers in Ukraine reach a breaking point?Today, as Russia’s Tuapse oil refinery is hit yet again, we discuss a new study underscoring the strain on troops in Ukraine, with many now serving longer in “the kill zone” than in some of the deadliest wars of the 20th century. We also report on a new museum in North Korea dedicated to soldiers killed fighting for Russia in Ukraine, highlighting deepening ties between Moscow and Pyongyang. And later, Joe Barnes speaks to Ukraine’s international sanctions representative about what more can be done to tighten sanctions on Russia and weaken the Kremlin’s war effort.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.Joe Barnes (Brussels Correspondent). @Barnes_Joe on X.With thanks to Vladyslav Vlasiuk, Presidential Commissioner for Sanctions Policy of Ukraine.NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest  CONTENT REFERENCED:Joe Barnes’s Pieces for The Telegraph:‘Britain and France should lead new European Nato, says ex-chief’ –https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/25/britain-france-european-nato-coalition-willing-ukraine/ Britain and allies could pool weapons funding in ‘defence bank’ – https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/26/britain-allies-pool-weapons-fund/ Putin humiliated as Russian mercenaries in Africa forced to withdraw (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/27/putin-humiliated-after-russian-mercenaries-africa-withdraw/ The heroic postmen of war-torn Ukraine putting Royal Mail to shame (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/consumer-affairs/heroic-postmen-of-ukraine-delivering-faster-royal-mail/ North Korea Displays US M1A1 and Leopard 2A4 Tanks Likely Sourced from Russia for Study of Western Armor (Army Recognition Group):https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/2026/north-korea-displays-us-m1a1-and-leopard-2a4-tanks-likely-sourced-from-russia-for-study-of-western-armor EMAIL US:Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk . We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many on air and in our newsletter as possible.HIGHLIGHTS:Frontline psychological 'breaking point' discovered Exclusive interview with Ukraine sanctions chief Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,523.Today, after one of the deadliest bombardments Ukraine has endured this year, we hear of new Russian infiltration missions on the frontlines, how a masked Ukrainian soldier crashed a Zoom call at a Russian military recruitment event – telling students he would be forced to kill them if they joined the army – and more evidence that the US seeks to bring Moscow out of the cold by inviting them to the G20. Then we bring you a special update from the world of chess, and how names familiar to us – like Peskov and Shoigu – are involved in the Chess Federation, while the game is utilised as a tool of control in the occupied territories.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.Malcolm Pein (Telegraph Chess Correspondent). @TelegraphChess on X.With thanks to the former coach of two chess world champions – and a Grandmaster himself – Peter Heine Nielsen.NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest  CONTENT REFERENCED:Robot rescues Ukrainian pensioner from front-line village (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/27/robot-rescues-ukrainian-pensioner-front-line-village-russia/ I was in the room with Trump as the shots rang out (Connor Stringer in The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2026/04/26/donald-trump-white-house-correspondents-dinner Ukrainian soldier crashes Zoom call with Russian recruits (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/24/ukrainian-soldier-crashes-zoom-call-with-russian-recruits/ British fighter jets scrambled after Russian strike on Nato border (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/25/british-fighter-jets-scrambled-after-russian-strike-on-nato/ EMAIL US:Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk . We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many on air and in our newsletter as possible.HIGHLIGHTS: Ukrainian soldier hacks Zoom call with Russian recruitsHow chess is weaponised in the occupied territories Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,520.Today, as black rain continues to fall over the Russian city of Tuapse following Ukrainian strikes on an oil refinery, some residents are drawing comparisons to Hiroshima. We examine the latest developments in drone warfare, including new interceptor drones launched from fixed-wing aircraft in flight, and report on Prince Harry’s visit to a demining charity in Ukraine after his recent rebuke by Donald Trump. And later, we bring you our regular update on resistance activity in Russian-occupied Ukraine, along with a special report marking the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster.Contributors:Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.Adelie Pojzman-Pontay (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @Adeliepjz on X.With thanks to Dr Jade McGlynn of King’s College, London, and Simon Evans, director of the Chornobyl Program at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest  CONTENT REFERENCED:Dom’s Video with Ukrainian Resistance leader:https://youtu.be/nLERq02oexs Dom’s long read on the Resistance: ‘The Ukrainian saboteur waging a revenge war on Russia’ (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/24/the-ukrainian-saboteur-waging-a-revenge-war-on-russia/Ukraine kills 12 Russian FSB officers in drone strike (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/23/ukraine-kills-12-russian-fsb-officers-in-drone-strike/ Married pensioners killed in Russian strikes on Ukraine (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/24/married-pensioners-killed-russian-strikes-on-ukraine/ The €500mn hole in Chernobyl’s roof (The Financial Times)https://www.ft.com/content/c0f1ff87-cd28-4e7f-8f4c-6e4799ce53e5?syn-25a6b1a6=1EMAIL US:Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk . We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many on air and in our newsletter as possible.HIGHLIGHTS:Russian refinery inferno spews black rainUkraine kills 12 Russian FSB officers in strike Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,519.Today, in a global first, we bring you an exclusive interview with a leading member of Ukraine’s resistance movement operating inside Russian-occupied territory. We also give you updates as President Zelensky arrives in Cyprus met with confirmation that the European Union has not only formally approved the €90 billion loan for Ukraine, but also a 20th package of sanctions against Russia. We report on Ukrainian strikes against a major Russian counterintelligence unit, before examining how the US military has begun deploying Ukrainian counter-drone technology at an air base in Saudi Arabia to defend against Iran.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.With thanks to Petro of the Ukrainian resistance, and Dr Jade McGlynn and the Centre for Statecraft and National Security at King’s College London for assisting with this interview.NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest  CONTENT REFERENCED:Dom’s Video Interview: ‘Inside the Ukrainian resistance in Russia’s occupied territories’:https://youtu.be/nLERq02oexs My grandfather ended Stalinism – now Putin has labelled me a ‘foreign agent’ (Iona Cleave in The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/21/nina-khrushcheva-putin-bringing-back-stalinism-russia/ US turns to Ukrainian counter-drone tech after Iran attacks, sources say (Reuters):https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/us-turns-ukrainian-counter-drone-tech-after-iran-attacks-sources-say-2026-04-22/ Russia could be ready for NATO conflict year after Ukraine, Dutch warn (Defense News):https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2026/04/22/russia-could-be-ready-for-nato-conflict-year-after-ukraine-dutch-warn/Public Annual Report 2025 Military Intelligence and Security Service (Dutch Intelligence):https://www.defensie.nl/documenten/2026/04/21/openbaar-jaarverslag-2025-militaire-inlichtingen--en-veiligheidsdienstEMAIL US:Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk . We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many on air and in our newsletter as possible.HIGHLIGHTS:First ever interview with a Ukrainian resistance leader Updates as Zelensky finally gets EU’s €90bn loan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,518.Today, after months of back-room negotiations, delays and doubts, we go live to Brussels as the EU finally approves the €90 billion loan for Ukraine. How significant is this decision for Kyiv’s war effort – and what happens now that the funding is secured? We also report on the proposal of “Donnyland”, a suggested name for territory in Donbas Ukraine may dedicate to Donald Trump. Then we round up the latest headlines from Russia and Central Asia.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.Joe Barnes (Brussels Correspondent). @Barnes_Joe on X.James Kilner (Russia Analyst). @Jkjourno on X.NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest  CONTENT REFERENCED:Ukraine to launch EU-funded weapons spending spree after Orban defeat (Joe Barnes in The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/21/ukraine-to-spend-90bn-eu-windfall-on-patriots-and-storm-sha/ The Ukrainian negotiator who can silence Russia’s guns with one call (Joe Barnes in The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/20/ukrainian-peacemaker-swapping-prisoners Ukraine proposes creating ‘Donnyland’ to satisfy Trump (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/22/ukraine-proposes-creating-donnyland-to-satisfy-trump/ A banking crisis made in the Kremlin is gripping Russia (Melissa Lawford in The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2026/04/22/a-banking-crisis-made-in-the-kremlin-is-gripping-russia/ Putin closes major oil pipeline to Germany (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2026/04/22/putin-stokes-european-fuel-crisis-cutting-off-oil-germany/ Russian economy is faltering despite oil windfall, Sweden warns (Financial Times):https://www.ft.com/content/04a9d05d-2502-44d4-b7e0-041aaa4f83cd?syn-25a6b1a6=1 ‘Donnyland’? Ukraine Proposes Naming Part of the Donbas in Trump’s Honor (New York Times):https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/21/us/politics/donnyland-ukraine-donbas-trump.html Russia and North Korea Celebrate Joining of First Road Bridge (Moscow Times):https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/21/russia-and-north-korea-celebrate-joining-of-first-road-bridge-a92556 New biography on author Mikhail Bulgakov labeled under 'drug propaganda' law in Russia (Kyiv Independent):https://kyivindependent.com/amid-growing-censorship-laws-book-on-author-mikhail-bulgakov-labeled-drug-propaganda-in-russia/?mc_cid=9364e648a5&mc_eid=08d0680a95 EMAIL US:Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk . We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many on air and in our newsletter as possible.HIGHLIGHTS: EU approves €90 billion loan for Ukraine.A territory in the Donbas region of Ukraine may be named ‘Donnyland’ in tribute to Donald Trump. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,517.Today, amid another exchange of drone and missile strikes between Ukraine and Russia, we report on growing speculation that the European Union’s €90 billion loan for Kyiv could finally be approved as early as tomorrow. We also examine Ukraine’s efforts to develop its own alternative to US-made Patriot air defence systems. Then, later, we take a deep dive into a major new Western film, The Wizard of the Kremlin, exploring how accurately it portrays Vladimir Putin’s rise to power – and the wider questions raised by telling Russia’s story through a pre-war, fictional lens.Contributors:Adelie Pojzman-Pontay (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @Adeliepjz on X.Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.With thanks to Chief Film Critic at The Telegraph Robbie Collin and political scientist Anna Colin Lebedev.NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest  CONTENT REFERENCED:Exclusive interview: World faces new nuclear arms race (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/20/world-faces-new-nuclear-arms-race-head-of-un-atomic-agency/ Former tank commander reviews Challenger 3 (Hamish de Bretton-Gordon in The Telegraph):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PLOyJKtGKw Russian nursery-school children taught to fly drones (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/21/russia-nursery-school-children-fly-drones/ Jude Law as Vladimir Putin? It’s a strangely flattering choice (Robbie Collin in The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/0/review-wizard-kremlin-putin-jude-law/ (Hom)mage du Kremlin, Anna Colin Lebedev: In French: https://colinlebedev.fr/2026/01/22/hommage-du-kremlin/In English: https://www.europe-solidaire.org/spip.php?article77848Personal Website: colinlebedev.frJude Law plays Putin in a film shot in Riga. Latvian officials say it serves Kremlin propaganda (Meduza):https://meduza.io/en/feature/2026/03/07/jude-law-plays-putin-in-a-film-shot-in-riga-latvian-officials-say-it-serves-kremlin-propaganda The History Bureau, Putin and the Apartment Bombs (BBC):https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m002q5dkUkraine pushing to produce home-grown ballistic defense system 'within a year,' Zelensky says (Kyiv Independent):https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-pushing-to-produce-home-grown-ballistic-defense-system-within-a-year-zelensky-says/EMAIL US:Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk . We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many on air and in our newsletter as possible.HIGHLIGHTS: Russian nursery-school children ‘taught to fly drones’Reviewing new film 'The Wizard of the Kremlin' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,516.Today, as President Zelensky warns of increased Russian military activity in neighbouring Belarus, we discuss weekend Ukrainian air raids targeting oil refineries around Moscow. We then examine a shock election result that has brought another pro-Russia leader to power within both the EU and NATO, following in the footsteps of Hungary’s Viktor Orbán. And later, we speak to a veteran foreign correspondent who spent 25 years in Russia – and has made more than a dozen trips to Ukraine since the full-scale invasion – for his memories of how Vladimir Putin built a system of ever greater repression and violence.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.With thanks to Marc Bennetts – foreign correspondent at The Times of London. NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest  CONTENT REFERENCED:Marc Bennetts’ book, ‘The Descent: Witnessing Russia's Spiral into Madness Under Putin’:https://amzn.eu/d/0euJ6Dc6 Pro-Russian fighter pilot wins crushing victory in Bulgaria election (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/20/rumen-radev-bulgaria-election-win-pro-russia-progressive Moscow-born gunman kills six in Kyiv supermarket ‘terror attack’ (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/18/moscow-born-gunman-shoots-five-people-dead-in-kyiv-attack/ BBC’s Steve Rosenberg: I’m walking a tightrope in Russia. It could all end tomorrow (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/04/20/steve-rosenberg-on-putins-russia/EMAIL US:Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk . We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many on air and in our newsletter as possible. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,513.Today, as Hungary’s new prime minister Péter Magyar signals he will not veto the €90 billion European Union loan for Ukraine – and Slovakia’s opposition to the package appears to be crumbling – we ask whether Brussels can finally get the funding approved. We report on a continued surge in Ukrainian airstrikes against high-value Russian targets, and consider whether the air war in Russia’s war against Ukraine is beginning to tilt in Kyiv’s favour. We also examine developments in Ukraine’s domestic politics, as former presidential aide Andriy Yermak faces scrutiny from the country’s anti-corruption authorities. And later, we bring you a special interview from Adélie’s recent trip to Ukraine with Asami Terajima on the military’s efforts to prevent troops going AWOL and visiting a Kharkiv morgue.Contributors:Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.Adelie Pojzman-Pontay (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @Adeliepjz on X.With thanks to Asami Terajima – frontline reporter at the Kyiv Independent.NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest  CONTENT REFERENCED:Top Zelensky allies Yermak, Arakhamia targeted in new searches, summons, source says (Kyiv Independent):https://kyivindependent.com/yermak/ The Mushroom Captivating Wartime Ukraine (New Lines):https://newlinesmag.com/reportage/the-mushroom-captivating-wartime-ukraine/ Russian air defenses are collapsing. Now Ukrainian warplanes can hit harder (Euromaidan):https://euromaidanpress.com/2026/04/15/donetsk-airport-raid/Inside Ukraine's AWOL and military desertion crisishttps://kyivindependent.com/inside-ukraines-awol-and-desertion-crisis/As Ukraine war deaths mount, Kharkiv morgue strains to identify the truthhttps://kyivindependent.com/you-cant-turn-off-your-emotion-inside-a-ukrainian-morgue-as-war-deaths-mount/Coming of age during war, where mistakes can cost a lifehttps://kyivindependent.com/coming-of-age-during-war-where-mistakes-can-cost-a-life/War Notes Newsletterhttps://kyivindependent.com/newsletters/war-notes/The Kyiv Independent doesn’t have a paywall or an owner and is supported by acommunity of readers who make this work possible: https://kyivindependent.com/membership/?utm_source=membership-offline-arcola-theatre&utm_medium=offline&utm_campaign=prEMAIL US:Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk . We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many on air and in our newsletter as possible. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.