Ukraine: The Latest

Latest Episodes:

Putin breaks Trump's ceasefire 'within 1 hour' & Ukraine launches new incursion into Russia Mar 19, 2025

Show notes

Day 1,120.

Today, we discuss the Russian bombardments on Ukraine that began within hours of the "immediate ceasefire” on energy and infrastructure allegedly agreed between Trump and Putin, the European reaction to the call between the two presidents, and the latest military battlefield updates, including in Kursk and a new incursion launched into Belgorod.

Contributors:

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

Roland Oliphant (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @RolandOliphant on X.

With thanks to Svitlana Morenets. @SvMorenets on X.

Content Referenced:

Follow our sister podcast Battle Lines, which covers wider global affairs:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/battle-lines/

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/battle-lines/id1712903296

https://open.spotify.com/show/7gPBO0qnZI1YBi25zaVT1c

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, or click the links below.

Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatest

Learn more about the tech: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/02/24/ukraine-the-latest-podcast-russian-ukrainian-ai-translation/

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk

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Putin rejects ceasefire (again) in 'no breakthrough' phone call with Trump Mar 18, 2025

Show notes

Day 1,119.

Today, following another historic call between Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, we bring you immediate reaction. Plus, we discuss the latest measures adopted by Europe to signal preparedness for war, and hear about the significance of major protests in the Balkans.

Contributors:

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

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

David Blair (Chief Foreign Affairs Commentator). @davidblairdt on X.

Ivana Stradner (Special Correspondent at the Kyiv Post). @ivanastradner on X.

Content Referenced:

Telegraph Ukraine Live Blog:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/03/18/russia-ukraine-zelensky-putin-peace-talks-war-latest-news/

Bundestag prepares to vote on historic borrowing package in key test for Merz (The Guardian):

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/18/friedrich-merz-bundestag-vote-germany-borrowing-plan

Trump will make — or break — Europe’s Russia sanctions (POLITICO):

https://www.politico.eu/article/donald-trump-europe-russia-moscow-goods-energy-oil-latvia/

NOW AVAILABLE IN NEW LANGUAGES:

Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatest

Learn more about the tech: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/02/24/ukraine-the-latest-podcast-russian-ukrainian-ai-translation/

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk

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Troops cling to ‘sliver’ of Russian territory in Kursk & Trump talks of trading ‘power plants’ Mar 17, 2025

Show notes

Day 1,118.

Today, as another call is scheduled between Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, we analyse the latest developments in Kursk, where Ukrainian forces continue to hold a sliver of Russian territory. Meanwhile, European leaders weigh their next steps, with French President Emmanuel Macron declaring that Russia would have "no say" if Western peacekeeping troops were deployed in Ukraine.

Contributors:

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

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

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

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

Content Referenced:

U.S. to Withdraw From Group Investigating Responsibility for Ukraine Invasion (New York Times):

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/17/us/politics/trump-ukraine-invasion-accountability.html

No more lost territory, return of deported children — Kyiv names red lines for peace deal (Kyiv Independent):

https://kyivindependent.com/no-more-lost-territory-return-of-deported-children-kyiv-names-red-lines-for-peace-deal-independent-reports/

France Should Join NATO’s Nuclear Sharing Arrangements To Strengthen Deterrence (Chatham House Report):

https://www.chathamhouse.org/2025/03/france-should-join-natos-nuclear-sharing-arrangements-strengthen-european-deterrence?utm_source=twitter.com&utm_medium=organic-social&utm_campaign=france&utm_content=nato

Hamish de Bretton-Gordon’s article in The Telegraph:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/03/15/putin-peace-trump-nato-war-ukraine/

NOW AVAILABLE IN NEW LANGUAGES:

Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatest

Learn more about the tech: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/02/24/ukraine-the-latest-podcast-russian-ukrainian-ai-translation/

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk

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

Fierce fighting in Russia as Ukrainian troops ‘hold on’ & Trump asks Putin to 'spare surrounded forces’ Mar 14, 2025

Show notes

Day 1,115.

Today, as Ukraine holds on in Russia’s Kursk region, we analyse Moscow’s evolving strategy following Vladimir Putin’s rejection of Donald Trump’s ceasefire proposal—and what further concessions the U.S. might consider. We also uncover the realities of life under Russian occupation, the latest resistance efforts, and the impact of France’s post-World War II defense policies on today’s global security landscape.

Contributors:

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

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

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

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

With thanks to Elie Tenenbaum (Head of Institut français des relations internationales Security Studies Center). @ElieTenenbaum on X.

Content Referenced:

Telegraph Ukraine Live Blog:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/03/14/russia-ukraine-peace-ceasefire-zelensky-putin-latest-news/

Putin is using a classic Russian negotiating tactic to delay a ceasefire (Roland Oliphant in The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/03/13/putin-is-choosing-to-drag-out-the-war-in-ukraine/

US toughens sanctions on Russian energy payments (Kyiv Independent):

https://kyivindependent.com/us-toughens-sanctions-on-russian-energy-payments/?mc_cid=faec38e356&mc_eid=08d0680a95

NOW AVAILABLE IN NEW LANGUAGES:

Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatest

Learn more about the tech: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/02/24/ukraine-the-latest-podcast-russian-ukrainian-ai-translation/

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk

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

Putin rejects Trump’s ceasefire proposal 'without changes' Mar 13, 2025

Show notes

Day 1,114.

Today, as Russia signals its intent to reject a ceasefire, we analyse the Kremlin’s objectives – particularly in Kursk – and what they reveal about the next phase of US-Russia negotiations. From the major defense summit in Paris, we bring key insights into new plans for Ukrainian security guarantees. Plus, we break down the evolving strategic landscape and what it means for the future of global security in this pivotal moment in modern history.

Contributors:

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

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

Phillips O'Brien (Professor of Strategic Studies at the University of St Andrews). @PhillipsPOBrien on X.

Content Referenced:

What will Trump do if Russia says no to a ceasefire? (Memphis Barker in The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/03/12/donald-trump-russia-putin-no-ceasefire-ukraine-war/

Document prepared for Kremlin outlines hard-line negotiating stance (Washington Post):

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/03/12/trump-russia-ukraine-negotiations-fsb-document/

Poland’s president urges US to move nuclear warheads to Polish territory (Financial Times):

https://www.ft.com/content/f9e5f2a9-5d81-4557-af6d-ed3a33eecf1a

Hungary threatens to cancel sanctions on 2,000 Russians unless EU exempts Mikhail Fridman (Financial Times):

https://www.ft.com/content/8d9a8b40-79fe-4604-bacc-70311620780c?shareType=nongift

NOW AVAILABLE IN NEW LANGUAGES:

Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatest

Learn more about the tech: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/02/24/ukraine-the-latest-podcast-russian-ukrainian-ai-translation/

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk

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

Putin 'resisting' ceasefire & Kursk front collapses Mar 12, 2025

Show notes

Day 1,113.

Today, we break down the latest updates from Saudi Arabia, where US and Ukrainian officials held intense 8-hour negotiations on a proposed ceasefire deal. Next, we head to Paris, where European Defence Secretaries and military leaders are meeting to discuss the ‘coalition of the willing’ and its impact on Ukraine’s defense strategy. Finally, we explore the future of Ukrainian refugees worldwide—will they ever return home?

Contributors:

Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Narrative Podcast Producer). @adeliepjz on X.

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

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

With thanks to Olga Tokariuk.

Content Referenced:

Telegraph Ukraine Live Blog:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/03/12/russia-ukraine-peace-talks-zelensky-putin-war-latest-news/

Olga's Report on Ukrainian Refugees for Chatham House:

https://www.chathamhouse.org/publications/the-world-today/2025-03/ukrainian-refugees-being-called-home

NOW AVAILABLE IN NEW LANGUAGES:

Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatest

Learn more about the tech: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/02/24/ukraine-the-latest-podcast-russian-ukrainian-ai-translation/

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk

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

Moscow hit by largest drone attack in history Mar 11, 2025

Show notes

Day 1,112.

Today, we dive into the aftermath of the largest drone attack on Moscow during the ongoing war, marking a historic moment in the conflict. We explore its implications for the critical discussions between Ukraine and the United States in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, we uncover a revealing story that exposes Russian spycraft tactics and delve into the perspectives of ordinary Russians on the war.

Contributors:

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

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

Hayley Dixon (Special Correspondent). @haylesdixon on X.

Howard Amos (Journalist and Author). @howardamos on X.

Content Referenced:

Listen: The tech boss who was Russia’s secret spy (Hayley Dixon's Telegraph investigation):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/0/listen-the-tech-boss-who-was-russias-secret-spy/

Ukraine launches largest-ever drone attack on Russia (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/03/11/ukraine-launches-largest-ever-drone-attack-russia/

Ukraine ‘ready to do everything for peace’ in Saudi truce talks (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/03/11/ukraine-russia-war-latest-news-ceasefire-talks-us/

Howard Amos's Book - 'Russia Starts Here: Real Lives in the Ruins of Empire':

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Russia-Starts-Here-Lives-Empire/dp/1472991346#

NOW AVAILABLE IN NEW LANGUAGES:

Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatest

Learn more about the tech: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/02/24/ukraine-the-latest-podcast-russian-ukrainian-ai-translation/

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk

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

Kursk pocket closes as Ukraine advances in Donbas Mar 10, 2025

Show notes

Day 1,111.

Today, on the military front - Russian forces move forward in Kursk oblast and close in on the town of Sudzha while Ukraine hits another oil refinery in Russia’s Samara oblast and Ukrainian troops made some small advances in the Donbas. Meanwhile, we hear how France’s commitment to defence has played out domestically and we look ahead to several military and defence meetings happening in Paris this week. Later, we’ll hear an interview with the Governor of Kherson’s oblast, Oleksandr Prokudin, and we dive into the murky world of a Bulgarian spy ring operating in the UK, on behalf of the Kremlin.

Contributors:

Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Narrative Podcast Producer). @adeliepjz on X.

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

Marion Solletty (Editor At Large @POLITICOEurope). @MSolletty on X.

Roland Oliphant (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @RolandOliphant on X.

With thanks to Oleksandr Prokudin (Governor of Kherson’s oblast).

Content Referenced:

Russia’s push for bridgeheads could leave Ukrainian city split like Berlin

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/03/08/russias-push-bridgeheads-ukraine-berlin-style-split/

JD Vance’s cousin is fighting in Ukraine - Le Figaro

https://www.lefigaro.fr/en/world/le-figaro-speaks-with-nate-jd-vance-s-first-cousin-and-a-volunteer-fighter-in-ukraine-20250310

Tech boss is Russian spymaster who has led cells across Europe ... and is now on the run. Listen to Hayley Dixon’s journey:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/03/07/marsalek-russian-spymaster-wirecard/

And read the rest of Hayley Dixon’s investigation:

Russian agents found guilty in Britain’s biggest spy investigation

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/03/07/russian-agents-found-guilty-britains-spy-ring/

NOW AVAILABLE IN NEW LANGUAGES:

Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatest

Learn more about the tech: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/02/24/ukraine-the-latest-podcast-russian-ukrainian-ai-translation/

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk

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

Russia surges to border in Kursk as Ukraine holds line in Donbas Mar 07, 2025

Show notes

Day 1,108.

Today, Russian forces split Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region and advance towards the border. Meanwhile, Russia targets a Ukrainian gas facility with missiles and drones just after Zelensky calls for a truce on attacks on infrastructure. On the political side, we discuss the consequences of the withdrawal of US intelligence to Ukraine, the French nuclear shield offer, and Russia’s response to the idea of European peacekeeping forces in Ukraine. We also look to Washington for the Hegseth and Healey summit. Lastly, we sit down with Sir Bill Browder and Yuliya Ziskina to discuss why Russian frozen assets should be transferred to Ukraine for defence spending and reparations.

Contributors:

Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Narrative Podcast Producer). @adeliepjz on X.

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

Danielle Sheridan (Defence Editor). @SheridanDani on X.

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

With thanks to Sir William Browder KCMG (Head of Global Magnitsky Justice campaign and author) @Billbrowder on X, and Juliya Ziskina (Senior Legal Fellow at Razom for Ukraine). @jziskina on X.

NOW AVAILABLE IN NEW LANGUAGES:

Listen here

Learn more about the tech

Content Referenced:

Danielle Sheridan in QWashington DC on the Hegseth-Healy summit

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/03/06/calling-trump-pro-russia-garbage-hegesth-ukraine/

Hamish De Bretton-Gordon in the Telegraph, ‘Trump is behaving like a businessman, not a Commander-in-Chief’

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/03/06/trump-behaving-like-businessman-not-commander-in-chief/

The Telegraph on the US intelligence blackout

Le Monde’s interview with Oleksyi, commander in an air defence unit near Odesa with US cutting military aid

Le Monde on Chinese citizens enrolling in Russian forces

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk

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

Trump turns off Ukraine’s missiles - can new 'sky shield' stop Russian air strikes? Mar 06, 2025

Show notes

Day 1,107.

Today, as former President Donald Trump takes action to block Ukrainian missiles, we provide the latest updates from the crucial defence summit in Brussels, and discuss proposals for a "sky shield" over Ukraine. Additionally, we explore the political shifts in Germany following its recent election, analysing whether the changes are truly transformative.

Contributors:

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

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

Jade McGlynn (Research Fellow at The Department of War Studies at King's College London) @DrJadeMcGlynn on X.

Franzisca Davies (Assistant Professor of Eastern and Central Eastern European History). @EFDavies on X.

NOW AVAILABLE IN NEW LANGUAGES:

Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatest

Learn more about the tech: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/02/24/ukraine-the-latest-podcast-russian-ukrainian-ai-translation/

Content Referenced:

European-led Ukraine air ‘Sky Shield’ protection plan could halt Russian missile attacks (The Guardian, with link to the full proposal):

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/06/european-led-ukraine-air-protection-plan-could-halt-russian-missile-attacks

Dr. Franziska Davies' Substack: