Ukraine: The Latest

Latest Episodes:

SPECIAL: 'Theatre Under Fire' - fighting for the artistic soul of frontline Kharkiv Dec 31, 2025

Show notes

Today, in a special pre-recorded episode, we take you back to Kharkiv, where Francis and Adélie met a young theatre company called Ocheret. Proud heirs to a city with a long tradition of artists defending Ukrainian identity, and one that is primarily Russian-speaking, these performers are part of Kharkiv’s cultural frontline. With the city lying just kilometres from active fighting, the members of the company, all in their early twenties, remain unflinching in their decision to carry on Kharkiv’s artistic legacy, creating theatre in the midst of war. We hear their reflections, and then an update on what has happened in the months since.

Theatre Ocheret: https://www.instagram.com/ocheret.theatre.kh/?hl=en

Druk Centre in Kharkiv: https://www.druk.space/statti-en/druk-and-kharkiv-art-a-space-for-interaction

http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainenewsletter

Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It’s free for everyone, including non-subscribers.

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'Another round of lies' warns Zelensky as Russia provides no evidence of drone attack on Putin Dec 30, 2025

Show notes

Day 1,405.

Today, as the Kremlin tries to divert attention from President Zelensky’s seemingly successful meeting with Donald Trump in Florida with un-evidenced claims of an attempt on Putin’s life, we report on Russian advances in Zapporizhia oblast that may lead to legal difficulties for a Ukrainian commander. And, later, Francis watches, and reports on, Ukrainian TV and I take a brief look back at the main events of 2025.

Contributors

Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.

Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Journalist and Producer). @adeliepjz on X.

Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.

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http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainenewsletter

CONTENT REFERENCED:

Exclusive: 'Be careful' — European leaders warned Zelensky to assess Trump's real stance at Mar-a-Lago, Kyiv Independent:

https://kyivindependent.com/european-leaders-warned-zelensky-to-assess-real-us-stance-at-trump-meeting/?mc_cid=9ce9652bd4&mc_eid=4a5b852913

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The Telegraph has launched translated versions of Ukraine: The Latest in Ukrainian and Russian, making its reporting accessible to audiences on both sides of the battle lines and across the wider region, including Central Asia and the Caucasus. Just search Україна: Останні Новини (Ukr) and Украина: Последние Новости (Ru) on your on your preferred podcast app to find them. Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatest

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Trump 15-year security guarantee not enough to keep Russia away, says Zelensky after Mar-a-Lago talks Dec 29, 2025

Show notes

Day 1,404.

Today, President Volodymyr Zelensky appears to have secured a 15-year American security guarantee from President Donald Trump after their meeting in Mar-a-Lago. But questions remain over the other key sticking points of a potential peace deal.

Plus, a postcard from Kyiv’s first marathon since the full-blown war began. Journalist Benjamin Lynch ran the half-marathon with a recorder alongside 13,000 other people to give us a flavour of the event.

Pic credit: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Contributors

Venetia Rainey (Co-host Battle Lines podcast). @venetiarainey on X.

Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.

With thanks to Ben Lynch (Journalist). @ben_lynch99 on X.

SIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:

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CONTENT REFERENCED:

Listen to Adelie Pojzman-Pontay reflect on Russia and China’s relationship on our sister podcast Battle Lines:

https://linktr.ee/BattleLines

Zelensky asks Trump for 50 years of US security guarantees:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/12/29/zelensky-asks-trump-for-50-years-of-security-guarantees/

Roland’s Oliphant’s comment piece on Mariupol Theatre being reopened:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/12/11/mariupol-theatre-putin-ukraine-plans/

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US to take Zelensky’s peace plan to Russia & From Trenches to Trailblazers - Ukraine’s Art Revolution Dec 24, 2025

Show notes

Day 1,399.

Today, President Zelensky has revealed details of the proposed peace plan worked out between US and Ukraine delegations last weekend in Miami, that is due to be put to Russia later today.

Plus, since it's Christmas Eve, something a little different: a special look at the Ukrainian art scene, past and present.

We begin with the generation of Ukrainian artists at the dawn of the 20th century who helped drive the Modernist movement, breaking with centuries of figurative tradition and pushing art decisively into modernity. We examine how artists are later reclaimed by national narratives – and why – as well as how the full-scale invasion has reshaped the global art market. We then turn to Ukraine’s contemporary art scene, focusing on one young, emerging artist and exploring how their generation, and their creativity, is being transformed by the war.

CONTENT REFERENCED:

In the Eye of the Storm, Modernism in Ukraine, 1900–1930s, Royal Academy of Arts: https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/exhibition/eye-of-the-storm

James Butterwick. Ukrainian and Russian Art Expert: https://www.jamesbutterwick.com/

PinchukArtCentre Prize 2025: https://prize.pinchukartcentre.org/en

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Fresh Russian offensive in Sumy & Putin's pre-Christmas strikes target 'entire infrastructure of life' Dec 23, 2025

Show notes

Day 1,398.

Today, as reports come in of a renewed Russian cross-border incursion in the north east of the country, Ukraine is clearing up after another massive overnight aerial attack which has left thousands without power. We report the diplomatic fallout from the inconclusive talks in Miami and Later, we have an interview with Ukrainian artist and designer, Mariya Dykalo, the Creative Director of Aspinal of London.

Pic credit: The Russian Ministry of Defense/Anadolu via Getty Images

Contributors:

Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.

Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.

With thanks to Ukrainian artist and designer, Mariya Dykalo (Creative Director of Aspinal of London). @MariyaASPINAL on X.

SIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:

http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainenewsletter

CONTENT REFERENCED:

Learn more about Mariya Dykalo's work:

https://mariyadykalo.com/

The scarf given to Melania Trump designed by Ukrainian children:

https://www.aspinaloflondon.com/products/we-can-dream-again-silk-scarf

UN report: Weekend attacks in Ukraine bring more casualties, damage infrastructure

https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/12/1166652?_gl=1*l4bfr6*_ga*MTIwMjkxNTk1MC4xNzY1ODAyMzEw*_ga_TK9BQL5X7Z*czE3NjY0OTE4MjQkbzMkZzEkdDE3NjY0OTE4OTgkajYwJGwwJGgw

Miyamoto article: Addressing Ukraine’s Asbestos Crisis

https://miyamotointernational.com/addressing-ukraines-asbestos-crisis/

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Moscow car bomb kills Russian General & Miami weekend talks “do not improve” peace proposal Dec 22, 2025

Show notes

Day 1,397.

Today, as three days of talks in Miami between the US, Ukraine and Russia fail to produce anything of substance, we report how Emmanuel Macron may pick up the diplomatic baton with a potential phone call this week with Vladimir Putin. We report the breaking news of a car bombing in Moscow that has killed another senior Russian General and of another Ukrainian strike against Russian energy facilities in the Caspian Sea. And later, you’ll hear a report from our last trip to Ukraine when we visited a prosthetics factory in Odesa.

Contributors:

Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.

With thanks to video producer Jack Leather.

Video version of our report on the prosthetics factory in Odesa:

https://youtu.be/m-vZshCP4nY

SIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:

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CONTENT REFERENCED:

Steve Rosenberg’s actual question to Putin:

https://x.com/BBCSteveR/status/2002328372253503933?s=20

Russian TV’s interaction with the fake Steve Rosenberg:

https://x.com/BBCSteveR/status/2002804837486850215?s=20

Russia is Losing – Time for Putin's 2026 Hybrid Escalation

https://www.rusi.org/explore-our-research/publications/commentary/russia-losing-time-putins-2026-hybrid-escalation

Reuters: US intelligence indicates Putin's war aims in Ukraine are unchanged:

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/us-intelligence-indicates-putins-war-aims-ukraine-are-unchanged-2025-12-19/

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Email: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk

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Putin vows revenge after oil tanker blown up in Mediterranean & EU plugs Kyiv’s €90bn budget black hole Dec 19, 2025

Show notes

Day 1,394.

Today, as the dust settles on the critical overnight deal in Brussels to loan €90 billion to Ukraine, we report on another strike against a vessel in Russia’s shadow fleet – this time in the Mediterranean Sea. And later, we offer clear answers to the hardy perennial questions you’re likely to hear at Christmas parties from those who haven’t been following the war, before opening our podcast Secret Santa presents.

Contributors

Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.

Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.

Joe Barnes (Brussels Correspondent). @Barnes_Joe on X.

Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Journalist and Producer). @adeliepjz on X.

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CONTENT REFERENCED:

EU agrees €90bn loan for Ukraine – but won’t use frozen Russian assets (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/12/19/european-union-agrees-loan-ukraine/

Russia won’t get back frozen $300bn assets under latest peace plan (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/12/18/russia-wont-get-frozen-300bn-assets-latest-peace-ukraine/

Ukrainian drones blow up Russian oil tanker in Mediterranean (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/12/19/ukraine-strikes-russian-oil-tanker-in-mediterranean/

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Putin: European leaders are ‘pigs’ who will be replaced & the race against time to plug Ukraine’s financial black hole Dec 18, 2025

Show notes

Day 1,393.

Today, as EU leaders meet to decide what – if anything – to do with frozen Russian assets, we examine just how consequential this moment could be for the bloc and for European security more broadly. We also analyse how Vladimir Putin has deliberately shifted his language to appeal to Donald Trump, and track another attack on a Russian oil tanker as Moscow’s Black Sea Fleet appears to have blockaded itself inside Novorossiysk rather than risk further Ukrainian drone strikes.

Contributors

Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.

Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.

Joe Barnes (Brussels Correspondent). @Barnes_Joe on X.

SIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:

http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainenewsletter

CONTENT REFERENCED:

Putin: European leaders are ‘pigs’ who will be replaced (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/12/17/putin-european-leaders-are-pigs-who-will-be-replaced/

Zelensky’s race against time to plug £48bn war black hole (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/12/18/the-budget-black-hole-that-threatens-the-future-of-ukraine/

How Putin’s favourite pop star became ‘most hated woman in Russia’ (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/12/16/putins-favourite-pop-star-most-hated-woman-russia/

LISTEN TO THIS PODCAST IN NEW LANGUAGES:

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk

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Russia: Trump has ‘promised us Ukrainian territory’ Dec 17, 2025

Show notes

Day 1,392.

Today, as Russia attempts to insist that one of its $400 million submarines was not destroyed by a Ukrainian sea drone — in a manner that appears to prove the opposite — we bring you inside reporting from the American and Ukrainian negotiating teams at this pivotal moment. We also look ahead to a crunch European vote on whether to unlock and use frozen Russian state assets.

Contributors

Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.

Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.

Michael Weiss (Editor of The Insider). @michaeldweiss on X.

SIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:

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CONTENT REFERENCED:

Russia: US has promised us Ukrainian territory (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/12/16/russia-us-promised-ukrainian-territory-war-sergei-lavrov/

Susie Wiles, JD Vance, and the “Junkyard Dogs”: The White House Chief of Staff on Trump’s Second Term (Vanity Fair):

https://www.vanityfair.com/news/story/trump-susie-wiles-interview-exclusive-part-1

Ukraine Support Tracker (Kiel Institute):

https://www.kielinstitut.de/topics/war-against-ukraine/ukraine-support-tracker/

How Europe Can Defend Itself with Less America (CSIS Report):

https://www.csis.org/analysis/how-europe-can-defend-itself-less-america

Canadian military intelligence officer allegedly shared classified information with Ukraine (Globe & Mail):

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-canadian-forces-intelligence-officer-classified-information-ukraine/?intcmp=gift_share

Swedish Navy spots armed Russian military personnel aboard shadow fleet tankers in Baltic Sea (Euromaidan):

https://euromaidanpress.com/2025/12/16/swedish-navy-spots-russian-military-aboard-shadow-fleet/

LISTEN TO THIS PODCAST IN NEW LANGUAGES:

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk

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US offers Ukraine ‘platinum’ NATO-style security guarantees in ‘breakthrough’ & Kyiv blows up $400m Russian submarine with underwater drones Dec 16, 2025

Show notes

Day 1,391.

Today, we assess what some are calling a “breakthrough” in talks between Europe, Ukraine, and the United States, after reports that Washington is offering Kyiv security guarantees equivalent to NATO’s Article 5. But is the proposal all it appears to be – and would Vladimir Putin ever accept it? We then report a first in military history: the sinking of a submarine in port by a drone, before examining internal pressures within Russian society, and reflecting on what Moscow has done to the Ukrainian city of Mariupol, reopening its destroyed theatre with a performance many see as shockingly insensitive.

Contributors

Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.

Roland Oliphant (Chief Foreign Analyst). @RolandOliphant on X.

James Kilner (Russian Analyst). @jkjourno on X.

SIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:

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CONTENT REFERENCED:

US tells Ukraine: Take our ‘platinum’ security guarantees or lose them (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/12/15/germany-witkoff-and-kushner-far-from-ideal-negotiators/

Ukraine ‘blows up £300m Russian submarine’ with underwater drones (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/12/15/ukraine-blows-up-300m-russian-submarine-underwater-drones/

The bedroom farce at the centre of a Russian war-crime propaganda plot (Roland Oliphant on Maruipol in The Telegraph):