Ukraine: The Latest

Latest Episodes:

Over 330 Russian troops 'killed in failed attack' & Zelensky says African and Asian mercenaries fighting for Putin Aug 05, 2025

Show notes

Day 1,259.

Today, as President Trump’s deadline fast approaches, we discuss renewed bombardments in Kharkiv and elsewhere, before looking at the media landscape in the United States and considering the vital role of international volunteers in the war effort. Plus, we hear Adelie’s latest dispatch from her trip to Ukraine.

Contributors:

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

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

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

Content Referenced:

Ukraine flags Indian-made parts in drones used by Russian forces (Hindustan Times):

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ukraine-flags-indian-made-parts-in-drones-used-by-russian-forces-101754335825281.html

Tortured Ukrainian POW branded with ‘Glory to Russia’ vows to return to battle after recovery: ‘Thirst for revenge’ (New York Post):

https://nypost.com/2025/08/04/world-news/tortured-ukrainian-pow-branded-with-glory-to-russia-vows-to-return-to-battle

The Hidden War Over Ukraine’s Lost Children (TIME):

https://time.com/7302345/ukraine-lost-children-russia-war/

20 Russian properties in Vienna could be auctioned off, with proceeds going to Ukraine (Der Standard):

https://www.derstandard.at/story/3000000282204/20-russische-immobilien-in-wien-koennten-zwangsversteigert-werden-erloes-wuerde-an-ukraine-gehen

China Is Choking Supply of Critical Minerals to Western Defense Companies (Wall Street Journal):

https://www.wsj.com/world/asia/china-western-defense-industry-critical-minerals-3971ec51

NATO Should Not Replace Traditional Firepower with ‘Drones’ (RUSI): https://www.rusi.org/explore-our-research/publications/rusi-defence-systems/nato-should-not-replace-traditional-firepower-drones

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

https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/

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.

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Russian resort city 'ablaze' after Ukrainian air raid & Trump calls nuclear bluff of Putin’s hawk-in-chief Aug 04, 2025

Show notes

Day 1,258.

Today, after a weekend in which Ukrainian drones brought the war to Russian tourists flying into the Black Sea resort of Sochi, the week starts with news of another long-range strike against Russian air assets. Plus, we look ahead at what is likely to be another lively week on the diplomatic front, before hearing the second of our two-part dispatch on military innovation in US Army Europe.

Contributors:

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

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

With thanks to the 173rd Bayonet Innovation Team of the U.S. Army.

Content Referenced:

Ukraine uncovers drone procurement corruption scheme (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/08/02/ukraine-uncovers-drone-procurement-corruption-scheme/

Russia’s advance in Ukraine accelerates for fourth straight month (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/08/01/russias-advance-ukraine-accelerates-fourth-straight-month/

Trump’s Ukraine Policy Deserves a Reassessment (Eliot Cohen in The Atlantic):

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2025/07/trump-ukraine/683661/

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

https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/

NOW AVAILABLE IN NEW LANGUAGES:

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

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'Disgusting' attack on Kyiv deadliest of 2025 & Russia’s nuclear submarine base 'damaged by tsunami’ Aug 01, 2025

Show notes

Day 1,255.

Today, as the death toll from this week’s massive strike on Kyiv edges upwards, we look at the pressure now being applied to President Zelensky’s chief advisor over the anti-corruption bill that proved so controversial. Plus, we have our regular segment on resistance activities in the occupied territories, and hear from Adélie on the ground in Ukraine.

Contributors:

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

Memphis Barker (Senior foreign correspondent). @memphisbarkeron X.

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

Dr. Jade McGlynn (War Studies Department of King's College). @DrJadeMcGlynn on X.

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

Content Referenced:

Nikita’s Telegram channel: Telegram channel: https://t.me/svoypatsan861/61

Nikita’s TokTok channel: https://www.tiktok.com/@svoypatsan861?_t=ZS-8ySvtVzMreE&_r=1

Defense News article on drones: https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2025/07/31/behind-attacks-on-ukrainian-cities-russia-is-building-a-drone-empire/

Learn more about Fire Aid: fire-aid.org

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

https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/

NOW AVAILABLE IN NEW LANGUAGES:

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ukrainian MPs brawl after Zelensky reverses anti-corruption law & Russia deploys rocket-powered drones Jul 31, 2025

Show notes

Day 1,254.

Today, after protestors once again gathered across Ukraine, we look at today’s parliamentary vote to reinstate the independence of anti-corruption agencies. Plus, as Donald Trump’s latest deadline for a ceasefire approaches, we ask if his patience is actually running out as he warns Dmitry Medvedev is “entering dangerous territory” by criticising the President’s words. Later, Francis Dearnley speaks to one of the small teams of American servicemen and women quietly experimenting with the future of warfare.

Contributors:

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

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

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

With thanks to the United States Army Europe and Africa.

Content Referenced:

‘Ukrainian MPs brawl after Zelensky reverses anti-corruption law’ (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/07/31/ukraine-russia-war-latest-news-kyiv-drone-strikes/

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

https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/

NOW AVAILABLE IN NEW LANGUAGES:

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Elon Musk ‘ordered Starlink shutdown’ during Ukraine counterattack & special forces raid island in Black Sea Jul 30, 2025

Show notes

Day 1,253.

Today, after a quieter night in the skies, we turn our focus to renewed tank movements on the ground and covert operations at sea – before sitting down with the director of the Oscar-winning ‘20 Days in Mariupol’ to discuss his new film, ‘2000 Metres to Andriivka’. Plus we share how Elon Musk reportedly stopped Starlink operations during an important Ukrainian counterattack.

Contributors:

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

Hamish de Bretton Gordon (Former Tank Commander). @HamishDBG on X.

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

With thanks to our guest, Mstyslav Chernov.

Content Referenced:

Learn More’ About 2000 Meters To Andriivka’:

https://releasing.dogwoof.com/2000-meters-to-andriivka

Musk ordered shutdown of Starlink satellite service as Ukraine retook territory from Russia (Reuters):

https://www.reuters.com/investigations/musk-ordered-shutdown-starlink-satellite-service-ukraine-retook-territory-russia-2025-07-25/

Why Ukraine can't afford to demobilize its soldiers (Kyiv Independent):

https://kyivindependent.com/why-ukraine-cant-afford-to-demobilize-its-soldiers/

Understanding Russia’s Black Sea strategy (Chatham House):

https://www.chathamhouse.org/2025/07/understanding-russias-black-sea-strategy

100 years of Telegraph Puzzles: Can you complete our first ever crossword?:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/07/28/100-years-the-telegraph-crossword-week-long-celebration/

Puzzles Main Page:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/puzzles/

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

https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Russian fuel train 'erupts in fireball' at strategic railway hub & Trump abruptly shortens Putin's ceasefire deadline Jul 29, 2025

Show notes

Day 1,252.

Today, after another 24 hours of heavy civilian losses in Ukraine, and significant strikes on Russian railway infrastructure, we assess Trump’s claim that he is shortening the 50-day deadline for a ceasefire. Then, we hear the latest on German military reforms and return to the Black Sea for a second dispatch with the Ukrainian navy.

Contributors:

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

James Rothwell (Berlin Correspondent). @JamesERothwell on X.

Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNichollson X.

With thanks to Igor and Pavlo, representatives from 39th Coastal Brigade of the 30th Marine Corps.

Content Referenced:

Dom’s Video Dispatch from the Black Sea:

https://youtu.be/w2YjuuQz414

Longer Audio Version, with more voices:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2X5CXYgUvXpVfUblBBu5DF

Germany passes ‘Bundeswehrbeschaffungsbeschleunigungsgesetz’ law to streamline army (James Rothwell in The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/07/23/germany-bundeswehrbeschaffungsbeschleunigungsgesetz-law/

Britain and Germany to develop super missile (James Rothwell in The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/07/17/britain-germany-develop-super-taurus-long-range-missile/

EU warns Kyiv it will halt funding unless anti-corruption agencies' independence is restored (Ukrainian Pravda):

https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2025/07/29/7523882/

Europe’s roads and rail unfit for war with Russia, EU transport chief warns (Financial Times)

https://www.ft.com/content/d77d4c1d-da26-4624-8b77-2178d4ac1125

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

https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tank assault 'repelled' in Donetsk by Ukrainian brigade & saboteurs use 'Molotov cocktail' to torch Russian fighter jet Jul 28, 2025

Show notes

Day 1,251.

Today, as Russia continues its mechanised push in the Donetsk region, we continue reporting on the corruption bill that has shaken Ukraine, as some MPs fear ‘revenge’ if they were to reinstate anti-corruption agencies. Meanwhile, Russia cancels its annual Navy Day parade for security reasons, Russian tourists continue flocking to Europe for their holidays, and we hear Ukraine’s ambassador to Australia and New Zealand.

Contributors:

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

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

James Crisp (Europe Editor). @JamesCrisp6 on X.

Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNichollson X.

With thanks to Myroshnychenko Vasyl, Ukraine’s Ambassador to Australia and New Zealand.

Content Referenced:

Russian tourists flock back to Europe (James Crisp in The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/07/27/russian-tourists-flock-back-to-europe/

Russian Navy Day parade cancelled for ‘security reasons’ (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/07/27/russian-navy-parade-cancelled-for-security-reasons/

How effective were Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies targeted by Zelensky, and who were they investigating? (Kyiv Independent):

https://kyivindependent.com/how-effective-were-ukraines-anti-corruption-agencies-targeted-by-zelensky-and-who-were-they-investigating/

Klymenko's exclusive interview about limiting the powers of the SAPO (Sulpilne):

https://suspilne.media/1074785-mi-rozberemo-proces-uhvalenna-zakonu-no12414-posekundno-ekskluzivne-intervu-kerivnika-sap-oleksandra-klimenka/

Zelensky MPs balk at restoring anti-corruption bodies over ‘revenge’ fears (Financial Times):

https://www.ft.com/content/d8c2bb18-b62a-47af-8ede-984d75ab1acc/

‘That idiot Putin wants to take it all’: Russia’s kamikaze tactics fuel a slow advance in Ukraine (The Guardian):

https://www.theguardian.com/news/ng-interactive/2025/jul/27/that-idiot-putin-wants-to-take-it-all-russias-kamikaze-tactics-fuel-a-slow-advance-in-ukraine

Confessions of police officers and government officials in Russia’s borderlands (The Insider):

https://theins.ru/en/confession/283510

The Dogs of Mariupol: Russia’s Invasion and the Forging of Ukraine’s Iron Generation (Tom Mutch’s book):

https://www.bitebackpublishing.com/books/the-dogs-of-mariupol

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Revealed: The untold story of Trump’s U-turn on Ukraine & fully Chinese-made drone found for first time Jul 25, 2025

Show notes

Day 1,248.

Today, we reveal new Patriot air-defence systems have already arrived in Ukraine, and provide the full, extraordinary story of the events leading up to President Trump’s u-turn which made that possible. Then we speak to a former US fighter pilot about the significance of such weapons deliveries in the air war, and about the mood in the United States, before a short dispatch from Wembley on the night Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk became undisputed heavyweight champion.

Contributors:

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

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

Terry Virts (former NASA astronaut and Colonel in the US Air Force). @AstroTerry on X.

Maria Romanenko (Ukrainian Journalist). @rommari on X.

Content Referenced:

‘The full, untold story of Trump’s U-turn on Ukraine’ (Joe Barnes in The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/07/25/full-untold-story-donald-trump-u-turn-ukraine-war-us-russia/

Ukrainian soldiers cut off from Musk’s Starlink after blackout (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/07/25/ukrainian-soldiers-cut-off-from-musks-starlink-after-outage/

Zelensky defied US order to scrap controversial corruption law (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/politics/2025/07/25/zelensky-defied-senior-us-officials-on-corruption-law/

Fully Chinese-made drone found in Ukraine for first time (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/07/23/fully-chinese-made-drone-found-in-ukraine-for-first-time/

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

https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/

NOW AVAILABLE IN NEW LANGUAGES:

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Backlash grows as Zelensky 'retreats' after mass protests over bill & Trump approves $322 million package including HAWK and Bradleys Jul 24, 2025

Show notes

Day 1,247.

Today, as Zelensky seeks to make concessions to those protesting a bill many argue threatens the independence of Ukraine’s anti-corruption bodies, we assess the significance of Trump’s new $332 million military package, then resume our two-part dispatch from Moldova, sometimes described as a frontline in Cold War II.

Contributors:

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

Jimmy Rushton (Kyiv-based Foreign Policy/Security Analyst). @JimmySecUK on X.

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

With thanks to Andrei Curararu of Watchdog MD.

Content Referenced:

VIDEO DISPATCH: 'Moldova is worse than Ukraine': My clash with Russian sympathisers on the frontline of Cold War Two (Francis Dearnley for The Telegraph): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZC5FvDt-u0

Zelensky backtracks on corruption reform in attempt to end protests(Jimmy Rushton in The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/07/23/ukraine-intelligence-chief-zelensky-tear-country-apart/

Exclusive: Chinese engines, shipped as 'cooling units', power Russian drones used in Ukraine (Reuters):

https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/chinese-engines-shipped-cooling-units-power-russian-drones-used-ukraine-2025-07-23/

‘A fatal mistake’ — Ukrainian soldiers slam Zelensky’s anti-corruption crackdown (Kyiv Independent):

https://kyivindependent.com/a-fatal-mistake-ukrainian-soldiers-slam-zelenskys-anti-corruption-crackdown/

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

https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/

NOW AVAILABLE IN NEW LANGUAGES:

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anti-government protests break out in Kyiv & our clash with Russian sympathisers on the frontline of Cold War II Jul 23, 2025

Show notes

Day 1,246.

Today, after a historic vote in the Ukrainian parliament which sparked the country’s biggest protest in wartime, we assess the damage to President Zelensky’s credibility following his decision to approve a bill some argue has gifted Putin a propaganda victory. Then we take you to Moldova – a nation on Europe’s edge, with the first of a two-part dispatch that includes our clash with Russian-sympathising politicians outside of the parliament.

Contributors:

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

Svitlana Morenets (Staff writer at The Spectator). @SvMorenets on X.

With thanks to Radu Marian, Member of Parliament of Moldova.

Content Referenced:

VIDEO DISPATCH: 'Moldova is worse than Ukraine': My clash with Russian sympathisers on the frontline of Cold War Two (Francis Dearnley for The Telegraph):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZC5FvDt-u0

Anti-government protests break out in Kyiv (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/07/22/zelensky-destroys-ukraine-anti-corruption-agencies/

Zelensky dismantles Ukraine's anti-corruption infrastructure, brings law enforcement agencies under his thumb (Kyiv Independent): https://kyivindependent.com/potential-elimination-of-ukraines-anti-graft-infrastructure-signals-slide-into-authoritarianism-may-block-eu-integration/

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.