Ukraine: The Latest

Day 1,420.Today, as reports emerge that a Russian air-defence missile has struck a residential building in the city of Rostov-on-Don, we examine claims that France is pushing to prevent Ukraine from purchasing American weapons, then look at the criminal charges brought against a prominent figure in Ukraine’s modern history. Later, we turn to Moscow’s media landscape to hear how the Russian press is interpreting potentially momentous developments in Iran, Venezuela, and Greenland.ContributorsFrancis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.James Kilner (Russia Analyst). @jkjourno on X.SIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER: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.CONTENT REFERENCED:France pushes to block Ukraine from buying US weapons (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/01/13/france-blocks-ukraine-from-buying-us-weapons/Starmer poised to hammer out Ukraine peace plan in Davos (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/01/13/starmer-poised-talks-ukraine-peace-deal-davos-war-russia-uk/ Scottish independence accounts go dark after Iran internet blackout (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2026/01/12/scottish-independence-accounts-dark-iran-internet-blackout/America abandoned this Arctic silo 60 years ago. Now, it could solve Nato’s Greenland problem (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/01/13/nuclear-option-america-nato-greenland/ Marco Rubio, Trump's Foreign-Policy Enabler (The New Yorker):https://www.newyorker.com/newsletter/the-daily/marco-rubio-trumps-foreign-policy-enabler Ukraine officially awards lithium deposit to Trump-linked investors, $179 million set for development (Kyiv Independent):https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-to-attract-179-million-u-s-investment-in-key-lithium-deposit/ Ukraine war: UN appeals for $2.3 billion to support aid teams’ ‘heroic work’ (United Nations):https://news.un.org/en/story/2026/01/1166749?_gl=1*15f56p1*_ga*NzU3NDczMzg2LjE3NjgzOTI4NDc.*_ga_TK9BQL5X7Z*czE3NjgzOTI4NDYkbzEkZzAkdDE3NjgzOTI4NDYkajYwJGwwJGgwLISTEN TO THIS PODCAST 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/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,419.Today, as much of Kyiv continues to live without power, so too does a region of Russia, as the United States accuses Moscow of making a mockery of peace through its continued attacks. Then, we explore the emerging phenomenon of so-called ‘dark tourism’ in Ukraine, and what it reveals about how the war is being remembered. Later, in an exclusive interview, we speak to Moldovan President Maia Sandu, who reflects on a tumultuous five years in office – including last year’s dramatic election campaign, which delivered Vladimir Putin one of his most significant political setbacks of the year.ContributorsDominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Adrian Blomfield (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @adrianblomfield on X.Anna Emmett-Martin (Journalist). With thanks to Moldovan President Maia Sandu.SIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER: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.CONTENT REFERENCED:Full Exclusive Telegraph Video Interview with Moldovan President Maia Sandu:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRnZUTGo1MI Francis’s Video Documentary on Moldova:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZC5FvDt-u0 Panel with Dr Jack Watling discussing legal avenues for stopping the shadow fleet:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQqHFlA6m6o UN Homepage:https://www.un.org/en/UN Story – Deadly Russian strikes push civilians deeper into winter crisis:https://news.un.org/en/story/2026/01/1166748 Live Blog as Parliament votes on government reshuffle (Kyiv Independent):https://kyivindependent.com/parliament-votes-on-government-reshuffle-live/ Ukraine and Moldova Quietly Cut Off Russia’s Hidden Army at Midnight on New Year’s Day (United 24):https://united24media.com/latest-news/ukraine-and-moldova-quietly-cut-off-russias-hidden-army-at-midnight-on-new-years-day-14932 LISTEN TO THIS PODCAST 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/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,418.Today, as thousands remain without power in Kyiv, we examine President Zelensky’s pledge to carry out more operations “inside” Russia and analyse Moscow’s latest tank and weapons innovations. We then unpack an extraordinary outburst from a Russian spokesperson, who dismissed the “wet dreams of British perverts”, before considering what the fall of Iran’s regime would mean for the war in Ukraine. Later, we return to the issue of Ukraine’s stolen children, with new details on the military training they are being forced to undergo.ContributorsFrancis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Journalist and Producer). @adeliepjz on X.With thanks to Olesia Bida (Journalist, The Kyiv Independent's War Crimes investigations). @olesyabida on X.SIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER: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.CONTENT REFERENCED:Our sister podcast Battle Lines’ episode discussing flashpoints in 2026:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3aQpnrqUDE UK Defence Secretary John Healey: “I would kidnap Putin” (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/01/10/john-healey-i-would-kidnap-vladimir-putin/ Britain to spend £200m preparing troops for Ukraine (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/01/09/britain-200m-spend-troops-ukraine-deployment/ Russia’s ‘dandelion’ tank armour might just work (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/01/10/russia-bizarre-tank-defences-dandelion-ukraine-war-turtle/ Zelensky hopes reshuffle will give him a better hand at home and away (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/01/11/zelensky-hedges-his-bets-with-cabinet-reshuffle/v Investigating Russia's military camp system for children (Kyiv Independent documentary): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZGmv2EQdGkRussian spies target £70-a-night hotel near Nato HQ (The i):https://inews.co.uk/news/nato-warns-of-russian-spies-4145755 LISTEN TO THIS PODCAST 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/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,415. Today, the world responds to Putin’s latest outrage that has seen a nuclear-capable ballistic missile fired by Russia hit Ukraine just 50km from Nato’s border, with one leading European politician saying the pressure on Putin must now be “turned up to the maximum and made unbearable.” We hear from the man who recently interviewed Oleksandr Kamyshin, a key aide to President Zelensky and get Francis’s final thoughts from Hungary. Later, we interview the commander of Operation Interflex, the British-led military effort to train Ukrainian recruits.ContributorsDominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Lily Shanagher (Foreign Reporter). @LilyShanagher on X.Tom Mutch (Journalist). @Tomthescribe on X.Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.With thanks to Colonel Andrew Boardman (Commanding Officer of Operation Interflex).SIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER: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.CONTENT REFERENCED:United24Media: Ukraine’s Drone Strikes Hit Up to 100,000 Russian Troops in Late 2025—2026 Plans Aim Higherhttps://united24media.com/war-in-ukraine/ukraines-drone-strikes-hit-up-to-100000-russian-troops-in-late-2025-2026-plans-aim-higher-14798LISTEN TO THIS PODCAST 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/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,414. Today, as yet another Russian shadow fleet tanker makes the news, but this time after an explosion by a suspected Ukrainian drone in the Black Sea forced it to divert to Turkey, we hear live from Ukraine where overnight strikes left two regions without power as temperatures plummet below zero. We report how the value of defence company shares have surged after comments by Donald Trump - but not if they’re based in the US - and we hear from Ukraine's International Legion about proposed changes that have left some soldiers in “total bewilderment”. ContributorsDominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Lily Shanagher (Foreign Correspondent). @LilyShanagher on X.With thanks to Anna Conkling, Freelance journalist & contributor to the news app Noosphere. @ConklingAnna on X.SIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER: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.CONTENT REFERENCED:Noosphere - news apphttps://www.noosphere.app/author/anna/'Everyone's in shock' — Ground Forces reorganization leaves International Legion soldiers in limbohttps://kyivindependent.com/everyones-in-shock-ground-forces-reorganization-leaves-international-legion-soldiers-in-limbo/Ukraine now has the fortress belt it wishes it had in 2022https://www.economist.com/europe/2026/01/07/ukraine-now-has-the-fortress-belt-it-wishes-it-had-in-2022LISTEN TO THIS PODCAST 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/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,413. Today, we report on the details of the latest Coalition of the Willing summit in Paris, asking how significant was the strong US presence and input. We get an update from Francis in Hungary and, later, we have an interview with Sir Ben Wallace, Britain’s former defence secretary who says it's just wishful thinking that Donald Trump would put any weight behind a backstop because Putin knows, in Sir Ben’s words, that he's got a guy in the White House aligned to Russia.ContributorsDominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Venetia Rainey (Co-host Battle Lines podcast). @venetiarainey on X.Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnleyon X.With thanks to Sir Ben Wallace, Britain’s former defence secretary. @BenWallace70 on X.SIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER: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.CONTENT REFERENCED:Putin’s secret bargain to trade Ukraine for Venezuelahttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/01/06/putins-bargain-trade-ukraine-for-venezuela/LISTEN TO THIS PODCAST 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/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,412. Today, as military and political chiefs from the Coalition of the Willing meet in Paris, President Zelensky continues to reshuffle his top team, including the replacement of the man behind Operation Spiderweb, a move that has been criticised in Ukraine. We have a look at how 2026 is being reported in the Russian media and, later, we speak to an analyst from the RAND corporation about how AI is now being fielded on drones in the war.ContributorsDominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Lily Shanagher (Foreign Reporter). @LilyShanagher on X.Michael Bohnert (Engineer & Researcher, RAND Corporation). @mbohnert on X.SIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER: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.LISTEN TO THIS PODCAST 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/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,411. Today, as the world reacts to America’s operation in Venezuela over the weekend, we explore Moscow’s notably muted response - a silence that hints at the tension inside the Kremlin between defending an ally and condemning US action, risking Donald Trump’s wrath, or quietly applauding an example of international intervention. We also hear from Hungary, where Francis puts questions to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.ContributorsDominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.James Kilner (Russia Analyst). @jkjourno on XSIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER: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.CONTENT REFERENCED:Telegraph Live Blog (featuring updates from Francis in Budapest):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/01/05/venezuela-latest-news-nicolas-maduro-court-new-york/ Luxury SUV taken from Latvian drunk driver now among 21 vehicles bound for Ukraine military (Euromaidan):https://euromaidanpress.com/2026/01/04/luxury-suv-taken-from-latvian-drunk-driver-now-among-21-vehicles-bound-for-ukraine-military/The weightlifting champion jailed by Russia for ‘plotting sabotage and assassinations’ (The Guardian):https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/05/yulia-lemeshchenko-weightlifting-champion-jailed-by-russia-for-plotting-sabotage-and-assassinations LISTEN TO THIS PODCAST 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/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,408. At the start of the fifth calendar year of the full scale invasion, attacks across Ukraine saw the beginning of 2026 marked with yet more death, injury and destruction across Ukraine. It has also seen General Budanov named as Andrii Yermak’s replacement, a remarkable double-cross operation by Budanov’s military intelligence department and a rebuttal by the CIA into claims by Moscow earlier this week that Ukraine tried to attack Putin directly. We report how Australian tanks have been in action around Pokrovsk, Chechen warlord Ramzan Kadyrov has been rushed to hospital and Finnish authorities have boarded and seized a Russian vessel in the Baltic. Plus, we have an interview with a journalist looking at Colombian fighters who have joined Ukraine’s foreign legion.   ContributorsDominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Journalist and Producer). @adeliepjz on X.With thanks to Natalie Gallon (Journalist). @natalielgallon on Insta.SIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER: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.CONTENT REFERENCED:Colombian soldiers fighting for Ukraine, WLRNhttps://www.wlrn.org/americas/2025-10-28/ukraine-russia-war-colombia-soldiersA Colombian amputee soccer player’s new battle in Ukraine, WLRNhttps://www.wlrn.org/americas/2025-10-29/ukraine-russia-war-colombian-soldiers-soccer-amputeeFrontline report: Australian Abrams tanks enter combat at Pokrovsk, bolstering Ukrainian counterattackshttps://euromaidanpress.com/2026/01/01/frontline-report-2025-12-31/LISTEN TO THIS PODCAST 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/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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=enDruk Centre in Kharkiv: https://www.druk.space/statti-en/druk-and-kharkiv-art-a-space-for-interactionSIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER: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.Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. ContributorsDominic 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.SIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER: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.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=4a5b852913LISTEN TO THIS PODCAST 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/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 ImagesContributorsVenetia 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: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.CONTENT REFERENCED:Listen to Adelie Pojzman-Pontay reflect on Russia and China’s relationship on our sister podcast Battle Lines: https://linktr.ee/BattleLinesZelensky 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/LISTEN TO THIS PODCAST 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/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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-stormJames Butterwick. Ukrainian and Russian Art Expert: https://www.jamesbutterwick.com/PinchukArtCentre Prize 2025: https://prize.pinchukartcentre.org/enSIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER: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.Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 ImagesContributors: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  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.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-scarfUN report: Weekend attacks in Ukraine bring more casualties, damage infrastructurehttps://news.un.org/en/story/2025/12/1166652?_gl=1*l4bfr6*_ga*MTIwMjkxNTk1MC4xNzY1ODAyMzEw*_ga_TK9BQL5X7Z*czE3NjY0OTE4MjQkbzMkZzEkdDE3NjY0OTE4OTgkajYwJGwwJGgwMiyamoto article: Addressing Ukraine’s Asbestos Crisishttps://miyamotointernational.com/addressing-ukraines-asbestos-crisis/Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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-vZshCP4nYSIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER: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.CONTENT REFERENCED:Steve Rosenberg’s actual question to Putin:https://x.com/BBCSteveR/status/2002328372253503933?s=20Russian TV’s interaction with the fake Steve Rosenberg:https://x.com/BBCSteveR/status/2002804837486850215?s=20Russia is Losing – Time for Putin's 2026 Hybrid Escalationhttps://www.rusi.org/explore-our-research/publications/commentary/russia-losing-time-putins-2026-hybrid-escalationReuters: 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/Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.ContributorsDominic 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.SIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER: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.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/LISTEN TO THIS PODCAST 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/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.ContributorsDominic 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  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.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: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/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.ContributorsFrancis 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: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.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: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/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.ContributorsFrancis 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: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.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):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/12/11/mariupol-theatre-putin-ukraine-plans/ LISTEN TO THIS PODCAST 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/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,390.Today, after another weekend of intense diplomatic activity, we take you to Berlin, where President Zelensky is meeting the American delegation – joined by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz – as Europe seeks to reassert itself in the peace process. We also examine the surge in military activity over the weekend, which saw multiple cities plunged into blackout, before turning to Germany’s rapidly evolving position, where comparisons are increasingly being drawn between today and the events that sparked the Second World War.ContributorsFrancis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.James Rothwell (Berlin Correspondent). @JamesERothwell on X.SIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER: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.CONTENT REFERENCED:Zelensky gives up Nato ambitions in peace deal concession (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/12/14/zelensky-gives-up-nato-ambitions-in-peace-deal-concession/ MI6 chief warns Putin: We won’t abandon Ukraine (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/12/15/mi6-chief-warns-putin-we-wont-abandon-ukraine/ FBI boss met with Ukraine’s top peace negotiators (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2025/12/12/fbi-boss-ukraine-top-peace-negotiators/ Lithuania in state of emergency over smuggler balloons linked to Russia (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/12/09/lithuania-in-state-of-emergency-over-smuggler-balloons-link/ German tank-shaped Christmas calendar ‘glorifying war’ (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/12/10/german-tank-shaped-christmas-calendar-glorifying-war/ New Ukrainian Polling:https://kiis.com.ua/ Chess-FIDE reinstates Russian and Belarusian teams in official contests (Reuters):https://www.reuters.com/sports/chess-fide-reinstates-russian-belarusian-teams-official-contests-2025-12-15/ ‘Disrupting Russian Air Defence Production: Reclaiming the Sky’ (RUSI):https://www.rusi.org/explore-our-research/publications/research-papers/disrupting-russian-air-defence-production-reclaiming-skyComprehensive approach to security: Federal Council launches consultation on Switzerland's security policy strategy (Swiss Government)https://www.news.admin.ch/en/newnsb/BLkWfUbUsXtBFoSj-krgUUN Press Page:https://press.un.org/enLISTEN TO THIS PODCAST 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/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.