Ukraine: The Latest

Latest Episodes:

Russia ‘disguised’ its war dead as Ukrainians & Trump ‘may’ meet Zelensky at key NATO summit in The Hague Jun 24, 2025

Show notes

Day 1,217.

Today, as the NATO summit gets underway in The Hague, we look at how the alliance is shifting the goalposts on how members’ contributions should be counted. We report on last night’s closed door session with President Zelensky - which we attended - and we hear the panel event Francis moderated recently at the Black Sea Security Forum in Odesa.

Contributors:

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

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

With thanks to our panel: Tony Abbott, Vadym Prystaiko, Dr Robert Seely and Richard Kemp.

Content Referenced:

See us at Chalke History Festival THIS FRIDAY (27th):

https://www.chalkefestival.com/

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

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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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Email: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk

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Putin claims 'all of Ukraine is ours' and threatens nuclear strike Jun 23, 2025

Show notes

Day 1,216.

Today, we discuss the ramifications of the historic American strike on Iran’s nuclear sites, and how we should read Tehran's Foreign Minister’s scramble to Moscow. Plus we feature a special dispatch from Gotland, Sweden, to meet the Armed Forces’ newest outfit protecting Europe’s strategic Baltic outpost from Russia.

Contributors:

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

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

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

Content Referenced:

The tiny Swedish island regiment tasked with protecting Europe from Russia (Venetia Rainey in The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/06/17/the-tiny-swedish-island-regiment-tasked-protecting-europe/

Our sister podcast Battle Lines, covering wider geopolitical affairs, including Iran:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/05/14/battle-lines-foreign-policy-geopolitics-conflict-podcast/

Spain exempt from Nato’s 5pc spending target (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/06/22/spain-exempt-from-nato-five-percent-spending-target-gdp/

'My husband is free' — Belarus opposition leader Siarhei Tsikhanouski freed after US envoy visits Minsk (The Kyiv Independent):

https://kyivindependent.com/in-highest-level-visit-in-years-lukashenko-meets-us-envoy-kellogg-in-minsk/?mc_cid=bdc69312ea&mc_eid=08d0680a95

Putin spies an opportunity in Trump’s attack on Iran (The Spectator):

https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/putin-spies-an-opportunity-in-trumps-attack-on-iran/

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Email: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk

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'Weak' Putin pressured to declare 'full war' & Russia accidentally admits to huge troop losses Jun 20, 2025

Show notes

Day 1,213.

Today, we discuss our exclusive reporting into insider Russian reaction to Operation Spider’s Web, hear from someone just on the frontline in Donetsk, and relay the latest acts of resistance in the occupied territories. Plus, you’ll hear Dom’s panel from the Black Sea Security Forum in Odesa featuring former British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and former Minister of State for Security, Tom Tugendhat, reflecting on key decisions made in the war.

Contributors:

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

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

Memphis Barker (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @memphisbarker on X.

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

With thanks to Tom Tugendhat (Member of Parliament for Tonbridge) and Ben Wallace (Former British Defence Secretary).

Content Referenced:

Putin told to declare full war on Ukraine as Kremlin hardliners despair (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/06/18/putin-under-pressure-declare-war-ukraine-nationalists-kyiv/

I abandoned my unit in Ukraine. Now I’m going back to war (Memphis Barker in The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/06/16/ukraine-russia-soldiers-abscondment-donetsk-kyiv/

'Putin doesn't want negotiations' - interview with Zelensky's 'power broker' Andriy Yermak (The Telegraph):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CneThrXUHSI

Russia accidentally admitted to its staggering troop losses in Ukraine (Kyiv Independent):

https://kyivindependent.com/russia-just-accidentally-admitted-to-its-staggering-troop-losses-in-ukraine/?mc_cid=8c2eeadbda&mc_eid=08d0680a95

Washington has had it with Andriy Yermak (POLITICO):

https://www.politico.com/news/2025/06/19/ukraine-andriy-yermak-frustrates-trump-administration-00414197

Links relating to Dr Jade McGlynn’s segment:

https://t.me/samotniyskhid/6332

https://t.me/informnapalm/24948

Daily T episode mentioned in final thoughts:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/06/19/the-daily-t-trump-iran-attack-britain-fit-for-battle/

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk

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Russia resorts to 'golf buggies, civilian cars, and motorcycles' in new failed assaults & Europe to stockpile landmines Jun 19, 2025

Show notes

Day 1,212.

Today, as we pass 100 days since Ukraine unconditionally accepted the US peace proposal for a total cease fire, we report how Russia continues to kill civilians across the country. We look at how much effort Russian officials are putting into telling the world sanctions are having no impact whatsoever on their economy, and report on Finland’s exit from the Ottawa Treaty. And we hear a number of voices from our recent trip to Odesa in southern Ukraine.

Contributors:

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

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

With thanks to Dalibor Rohac, Melinda Haring, and Ugo Poletti.

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

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

Content Referenced:

EU devises scheme to squeeze more profit from Russian frozen assets (POLITICO):

https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-russia-frozen-assets-moscow-money-war-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.

Drone hit apartment block in deadly Russian raid on Kyiv & North Korea sends troops to help Putin rebuild Kursk Jun 18, 2025

Show notes

Day 1,211.

Today, as the death toll from Monday night’s strike on Kyiv climbs, we report reaction from the United States, plus why we should be paying attention to the St Petersburg Economic Forum and how Moscow has taken aim at Britain’s new head of MI6.

Contributors:

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

Hamish De Bretton-Gordon (Former British Army Tank Commander). @HamishDBG on X

James Kilner (Foreign Correspondent). @jkjourno on X.

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

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Content Referenced:

Kim Jong-un will send troops to help Putin rebuild Kursk (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/06/18/kim-jong-un-will-send-troops-to-help-putin-rebuild-kursk/

Ukraine's parliament passes state asset agency reform crucial for EU funding (Kyiv Independent):

https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-parliament-passes-state-asset-agency-reform-key-to-eu-funding/

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk

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Banned cluster munitions used in 'horrific' attack on Kyiv & Russia demands Ukraine destroy all its Western weaponry Jun 17, 2025

Show notes

Day 1,210.

Today, as a day of mourning is announced in Kyiv after a severe night’s bombardment – leaving at least 16 dead and over a 100 injured – we consider Moscow’s demands that Ukraine destroy all its western weaponry, and further ramifications of the Israel-Iran crisis for the war. Then we take you to the Black Sea Forum in Odesa, hearing the first interviews we recorded there, and describing some of the sights that greeted us when crossing the border.

Contributors:

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

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

With thanks to Lord Ashcroft (@LordAshcroft on X) and Kira Rudik (@kiraincongress on X).

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

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Content Referenced:

Russia demands that Ukraine destroys all western weaponry (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/06/16/russia-demands-ukraine-destroy-all-western-weaponry/

How Iran’s support for Russia could tear the regime apart (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/03/13/iran-russia-mohammad-javad-sacked-zarif-ayatollah-khamenei/

Exclusive: Trump administration disbands group focused on pressuring Russia (Reuters):

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/trump-administration-disbands-group-focused-pressuring-russia-sources-say-2025-06-17/

Zelensky's trust rating drops 11 points to 65%, poll shows (Kyiv Independent):

https://kyivindependent.com/zelenskys-approval-drops-11-points/?mc_cid=2bda39f5c4&mc_eid=08d0680a95

Not all German politicians want to freeze out Putin (The Times):

https://www.thetimes.com/world/europe/article/german-coalition-call-for-cooperation-with-putin-7j9wsjqcg

The first trial of its kind: A Russian soldier takes the stand for an execution (BBC):

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cp8ylx534j0o

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk

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Satellite images reveal Russian nuclear sites near Europe 'expanding' & sabotage operation by Ukrainian secret agents causes millions in damage Jun 16, 2025

Show notes

Day 1,209.

Today, after Russia launches a combined missile and drone attack against Kremenchuk – right in the centre of Ukraine – we consider an intelligence operation in the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad which caused $5 million worth of damage. Then we hear about a new play that has just opened in London about Ukraine's experience, after a deep dive into how Moscow hired African farmers to make shampoo, before sending them to war.

Contributors:

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

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

Ben Farmer (Africa correspondent). @benfarmer on X.

With thanks to Josephine Burton and Simeon Kylsyi at Dash Arts.

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

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

Content Referenced:

‘The Reckoning’ at the Arcola Theatre until 28th June:

https://www.arcolatheatre.com/whats-on/the-reckoning/

You can learn more and contact the team at:

https://www.dasharts.org.uk/contact

Russia hired African farmers to make shampoo, then sent them to war (Ben Farmer in The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/06/09/russia-sent-african-shampoo-makers-die-ukraine-front-line/

The Russia affair in the Swiss secret service (Swiss Info):

https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/foreign-affairs/the-russia-affair-in-the-swiss-secret-service/89461415

How Russia recruited a teenage Canadian spy (Reuters):

https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/europe-espionage-teen-spy/

Ukrainian intelligence agents attack Russian substation causing $5 million in damage (Kyiv Independent):

https://kyivindependent.com/hur-agents-ignite-substation-in-russias-kaliningrad-in-sabotage-operation/

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk

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

What Israel's attack on Iran means for Ukraine & Russian-occupied Crimea shaken by explosions, say partisans Jun 13, 2025

Show notes

Day 1,206.

Today, as explosions are heard across Crimea, we discuss the impact of Israel’s attack on Iran on the war in Ukraine, especially on drone procurement. Then we do a deep dive into Ukrainian food, visiting a special charity in Kharkiv making salt, and interviewing a bestselling cookery writer about her family’s remarkable experiences over the past century, and the recipes passed down the generations.

Contributors:

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

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

With thanks to Olia Hercules (best selling cookery writer). @Olia_Hercules on X.

Content Referenced:

Join Us for Live Podcast at Chalke Valley (29 June):

https://www.chalkefestival.com/

Join Us for Live Podcast at Scarborough Fair (9 July):

https://scarboroughfair.uk/events/putins-folly-the-war-in-ukraine-three-years-on/

Charities Mentioned in Kharkiv Segment:

https://www.instagram.com/lavka_deokupatsii/?igsh=dG4wNzVnZjBsdDZy#

https://www.instagram.com/volonterska_ua/?igsh=M2Q3ZmJ3YXRhMHlz#

Olia Hercules’s Book - ‘Strong Roots: A Ukrainian Family Story of War, Exile and Hope’:

https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/strong-roots-9781526662965/

Nato drafts one-page communiqué to suit Trump’s attention span (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/06/13/nato-drawing-up-trump-one-page-communique/

France blocking Britain from EU’s massive defence fund (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/06/12/france-blocking-britain-from-eu-massive-defence-fund/

Pro-Orbán propagandist’s ties to Russian intelligence exposed during national security screening (Direkt36):

https://www.direkt36.hu/en/fideszes-propagandista-orosz-titkosszolgalati-kapcsolatai-buktak-ki-egy-nemzetbiztonsagi-ellenorzesen/

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

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Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk

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

Russia's most valuable warplanes exiled 'as far away from Ukraine as possible' & US intelligence chief warns of 'nuclear holocaust' Jun 12, 2025

Show notes

Day 1,205.

Today, as Russian casualties reportedly pass one million, we assess an extraordinary press release by the Trump administration marking ‘Russia Day’, and examine the mentality underpinning the United States’s stance on the war. Then we hear again from a Ukrainian winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, and discuss Margaret Thatcher’s attitude towards Russia with the Iron Lady’s definitive biographer and confidant.

Contributors:

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

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

Charles Moore, Baron Moore of Etchingham (Member of the House of Lords and former editor of The Daily Telegraph). @CharlesHMoore on X.

Olseandra Matviichuk (Ukrainian Human Rights Lawyer and Head of Centre for Civil Liberties). @avalaina on X.

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

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

Content Referenced:

Oleksandra’s list of some trusted NGOs and charities supporting Ukraine:

https://www.ukraineshortlist.com/

Russia sends its most valuable planes as far away from Ukraine as possible (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/06/11/russia-sends-nuclear-bombers-further-after-ukraine-drone/

“They are hunting us”: systematic drone attacks targeting civilians in Kherson (Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine): https://www.ohchr.org/en/hr-bodies/hrc/iicihr-ukraine/index

NOW AVAILABLE IN NEW LANGUAGES:

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk

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Explosions at Russian gunpowder plant & 'scores' of casualties after drone barrage batters Kharkiv Jun 11, 2025

Show notes

Day 1,204.

Today, as Russia continues to attack civilians in Ukraine – two weeks after Donald Trump said it would take him a fortnight to work out if Vladimir Putin was serious about peace or just ‘tapping’ him along – we take the temperature in Brussels where more sanctions have been announced, and also hear from a senior Ukrainian defence official.

Contributors:

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

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

Yulia Marushevska (Head of the Reforms Support Office in Ukraine's Ministry of Defense). @MarushevskaY on X.

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.