Ukraine: The Latest

Day 1,710.

Today, as Russian carnage leaves dead and injured across Ukraine, including at an aid distribution site and a medical facility, Steve Witkoff says trilateral peace negotiations between Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S. will be held a week today in Abu Dhabi. We hear directly from Kyiv after disturbing scenes last night when violence broke out at a facility housing people forcibly drafted into the Ukrainian military. As voting continues in the US midterm elections, we catch up with one former State Department official about the likely consequences of the vote, and hear about tensions between the White House and the so-called ‘deep state’.

Contributors:

Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.

Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.

With thanks to Francis Farrell of the Kyiv Independent and Eliot Cohen, contributing writer at The Atlantic and former counselor to the head of the US State Department.

Producer: Phil Atkins

Senior Producer: Lilian Fawcett

Video Producer: Sophie O’Sullivan

Social Producer: Tom Steed

Studio Director: Meghan Searle

Executive Editor: Francis Dearnley

Created by David Knowles

SUPPORT US – JOIN OUR MEMBERS’ CLUB

For more from the team, join UTL+. For a small monthly fee, you’ll get behind-the-scenes content, bonus videos, and discounted tickets to live events and merch: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdHjleMvPSs-JEjiQ8_D2cA/join

If you joined shortly after we launched the membership scheme on Monday 26th October, email ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk with your YouTube handle and mailing address. If you’re one of the first 50, we’ll send you a free mug!

You can also join in the conversation on our YouTube community page (it’s free!): https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest/community

NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:

Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest

CONTENT REFERENCED:

Protesters, National Guard hold tense standoff over detainment of service members, draftees (Kyiv Independent)

https://kyivindependent.com/confrontation-involving-national-guard-soldiers-unfolds-near-kyiv-police-deny-hostage-reports/

Francis Farrell’s thread on X about the National Guard incident:

https://x.com/francisjfarrell/status/2117415987251380273?s=46

Eliot A Cohen’s book, ‘The Strategist: How to Think About War and Politics’:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Strategist-How-Think-About-Politics/dp/0691269440

‘Desert Rats’ soldiers to train for peace in Ukraine (The Telegraph)

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/11/03/ukraine-war-british-uk-army-soldiers-desert-rats/

EMAIL US:

Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Ukrainians clash with riot police over mobilisation
• Trump envoy confirms peace talks in Abu Dhabi next week

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

Day 1,709.

Today, after nearly 800 people make it back to Ukraine having endured years of Russian occupation in Oleshky, President Zelensky thanked First Lady Melania Trump for her efforts, and then sent a message of a different sort to her husband the president, by bombing three Russian oil refineries over the weekend; an act that had the Kremlin complaining to the US President that he’d been ‘disobeyed’. We report on possibly a hack against the Ukrainian emergency air alert app, followed almost immediately by a similar system being hit in Russia. Later, we hear directly from Kyiv from the commander of the only expat-manned air defence unit in the Ukrainian armed forces.

Contributors:

Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.

Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @Adeliepjz on X.

Connor Stringer (Chief Washington Correspondent). @connorstringer on X.

With thanks to the International Volunteer Air Defence Project, to Dr Jade McGlynn and to Antonia Langford.

Producer: Rachel Porter

Senior Producer: Lilian Fawcett

Video Producer: Sophie O’Sullivan

Social Producer: Tom Steed

Studio Director: Meghan Searle

Executive Editor: Francis Dearnley

Created by David Knowles

SUPPORT US – JOIN OUR MEMBERS’ CLUB

For more from the team, join UTL+. For a small monthly fee, you’ll get behind-the-scenes content, bonus videos, and discounted tickets to live events and merch: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdHjleMvPSs-JEjiQ8_D2cA/join

If you joined shortly after we launched the membership scheme on Monday 26th October, email ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk with your YouTube handle and mailing address. If you’re one of the first 50, we’ll send you a free mug!

You can also join in the conversation on our YouTube community page (it’s free!): https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest/community

NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:

Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest

CONTENT REFERENCED:

Ukraine never agreed to pause strikes on Russian refineries, sources confirm (Kyiv Independent)

https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-never-agreed-to-pause-strikes-on-russian-refineries-sources-confirm/

Ukraine's air raid alert system hacked, Russian system targeted hours later (Kyiv Independent)

https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-air-raid-alert-system-hacked-air-force-says-as-false-nuclear-chemical-warnings-sound/

Pentagon tells Europeans to cool their rhetoric on Russia, sources say (Reuters)

https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/pentagon-tells-europeans-cool-their-rhetoric-russia-sources-say-2026-10-30/

How Russian military used Oleshky ceasefire to bring in troops, hardware and supplies (Sky News)

https://youtu.be/O1QLJGc-MXU?si=3NMlDZPxaEljrLdm

EMAIL US:

Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Hoax nuclear alerts after cyber attacks on Russia and Ukraine
• Russia loses territory for second month in a row

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

Day 1,706.

As the first buses evacuate residents in Russian-occupied Oleshky, Dr Jade McGlynn puts us on the ground with reports from local sources. During a brief local ceasefire, brokered by US first lady Melania Trump, she tells us about residents’ mistrust of the process and fear of Russian authorities, to the point that some may prefer to stay in the starved city. In Russia’s Samara oblast, a Ukrainian strike transforms an oil refinery into an apocalyptic landscape, amid reports that Kyiv defied President Trump’s energy truce. Finally, we discuss Washington’s latest plans to ease sanctions on Moscow and the closure of the last independent Russian newspaper, Novaya Gazeta.

Contributors:

Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @Adeliepjz on X.

Jade McGlynn (Senior Research Fellow, King’s College London). @DrJadeMcGlynn on X.

Sophie O’Sullivan (Telegraph journalist).

Producer: Rachel Porter

Senior Producer: Lilian Fawcett

Video Producer: Sophie O’Sullivan

Social Producer: Tom Steed

Studio Director: Meghan Searle

Executive Editor: Francis Dearnley

Created by David Knowles

SUPPORT US – JOIN OUR MEMBERS’ CLUB

For more from the team, join UTL+. For a small monthly fee, you’ll get behind-the-scenes content, bonus videos, and discounted tickets to live events and merch: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdHjleMvPSs-JEjiQ8_D2cA/join

If you joined shortly after we launched the membership scheme on Monday 26th October, email ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk with your YouTube handle and mailing address. If you’re one of the first 50, we’ll send you a mug!

You can also join in the conversation on our YouTube community page (it’s free!): https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest/community

Buy tickets to War Room, a new interactive event in London:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph-events/the-war-room/

Members of UTL+ can read the members-only YouTube post here to find out how they could win a free ticket:

https://www.youtube.com/post/UgkxqSgx1mio5cviI1WrQnrbAdIurGr7AxyO

NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:

Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest

CONTENT REFERENCED:

Listen to Adélie’s interview with the mother of a Ukrainian child adopted by Putin ally

On Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/nato-and-russia-edge-closer-to-standoff-exclusive/id1612424182?i=1000728072996

On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5qaTQOZyq5jVUK1B2U7Cqh?si=bL1xPwIMT_CbT1xUlTPd8g

Residents leave devastated Russian-occupied Oleshky as evacuation corridor opens (BBC)

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c60me298k1yeo

Melania’s ceasefire is cover for major offensive, say Ukrainian soldiers (The Telegraph)

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/30/melania-trump-pope-ceasefire-oleshky-southern-ukraine/

Ukraine Hits Russian Oil Refinery, Ending Pause and Defying Trump (Wall Street Journal)

https://www.wsj.com/world/europe/ukraine-hits-russian-oil-refinery-ending-a-pause-and-defying-trump-be68eeff?mod=hp_lead_pos2

South Korean ‘tilt’ towards Russia alarms European allies (Financial Times)

https://www.ft.com/content/91f45684-1e10-4aa1-b1d5-019fc41ff1c5

EU governments helpless as energy prices soar to four-year highs (Politico)

https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-energy-prices-fossil-fuels-gas-middle-east-four-year-high/

Ukrainian composer Lubomyr Melnyk

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7KVIfxOuAwtuVaWejKmKuA

EMAIL US:

Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Inside Oleshky’s chaotic evacuation as Russia ‘prepares fresh offensive’
• Ukraine ‘defies Trump’s energy truce’ with major strike on Russian refinery

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

Day 1,705.

Today, as civilians prepare to leave occupied Oleshky while the ceasefire holds, we ask whether all is as it seems, with reports suggesting Putin approached Melania Trump to help broker the ceasefire. Meanwhile, as Moscow hosts representatives from 48 African countries, we hear Putin describe Elon Musk as “a genius”. Plus, Britain’s former Defence Secretary, now in charge of the nation’s finances, announces fresh support for Ukraine. But does it go far enough? Then, later, we shine a spotlight on one extraordinary volunteer.

Contributors:

Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.

Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.

Lilian Fawcett (Telegraph Journalist and Senior Producer on Ukraine: The Latest). @LilianFawcett on X.

With thanks to Peter and his family, as well as photographer William Jones-Warner (www.williamjoneswarner.com).

Producer: Rachel Porter

Senior Producer: Lilian Fawcett

Video Producer: Sophie O’Sullivan and Tom Steed

Social Producer: Natalia Makohon and Lilian Fawcett

Studio Director: Meghan Searle

Executive Editor: Francis Dearnley

Created by David Knowles

SUPPORT US – JOIN OUR MEMBERS’ CLUB

For more from the team, join UTL+. For a small monthly fee, you’ll get behind-the-scenes content, bonus videos, and discounted tickets to live events and merch: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdHjleMvPSs-JEjiQ8_D2cA/join

If you joined shortly after we launched the membership scheme yesterday (Monday 26th), email ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk with your YouTube handle and mailing address. If you’re one of the first 50, we’ll send you a mug!

NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:

Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest

CONTENT REFERENCED:

Buy tickets to War Room, a new interactive event in London:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph-events/the-war-room/

Members of UTL+ can read the members-only YouTube post here to find out how they could win a free ticket:

https://www.youtube.com/post/UgkxqSgx1mio5cviI1WrQnrbAdIurGr7AxyO

Read about the charity that Peter and his family work with, Stand For U Brighton & Hove:

https://www.standforukrainebnh.org/

Join our Members’ Club, UTL+:

For a small monthly fee, you’ll get behind-the-scenes content, bonus videos, and discounted tickets to live events and merch: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdHjleMvPSs-JEjiQ8_D2cA/join

Exclusive: Putin 'wanted very much' for Melania Trump to broker Oleshky ceasefire, first lady adviser says (Kyiv Independent):

https://kyivindependent.com/exclusive-putin-wanted-very-much-for-melania-trump-to-broker-oleshky-ceasefire-first-lady-adviser-says/

Volodymyr Zelenskyy opens door to security guarantees for Russia (Financial Times)

https://www.ft.com/content/8ec7d6f2-403a-4f80-89fc-5ed5e75fed63?syn-25a6b1a6=1

Russia turns to Arctic WW2 route to export grain (Reuters)

https://www.reuters.com/business/russia-turns-arctic-ww2-route-export-grain-2026-10-28/

Putin hails Musk as ‘real genius’ after Starlink slowdown (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/29/putin-hails-musk-real-genius-starlink-slowdown/

EMAIL US:

Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Putin hails Musk the 'genius' as Moscow builds its own version of Starlink
• Russian president 'wanted very much' for Melania Trump to broker Oleshky ceasefire

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

Day 1,704.

Today, as the ceasefire in occupied Oleshky is extended across the wider region, we discuss disturbing reports that Ukrainian civilians evacuating the town may be taken to Russia. Then, we bring you reports of a row between the Ukrainian delegation and Donald Trump’s envoys when the latter tabled a peace plan that would see Russian oil and gas flow through Ukrainian pipelines. Later, we bring you the next of our regular deep drives into Russian politics and the economy, and details of the conversation between Putin and the leaders of Norway and Finland. Finally, we hear about a visit of Ukrainian drones companies showcasing their abilities here in Britain as the government warns of the possibility of war with Moscow.

Contributors:

Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.

James Kilner (Russia Analyst). @Jkjourno on X.

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

Senior Producer: Lilian Fawcett

Video Producer: Sophie O’Sullivan

Social Producer: Tom Steed

Studio Director: Meghan Searle

Executive Editor: Francis Dearnley

Created by David Knowles

SUPPORT US – JOIN OUR MEMBERS’ CLUB:

For more from the team, join UTL+. For a small monthly fee, you’ll get behind-the-scenes content, bonus videos, and discounted tickets to live events and merch: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdHjleMvPSs-JEjiQ8_D2cA/join

If you joined shortly after we launched the membership scheme yesterday (Monday 26th), email ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk with your YouTube handle and mailing address. If you’re one of the first 50, we’ll send you a mug!

NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:

Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest

CONTENT REFERENCED:

If you’re interested in sponsoring Dom’s upcoming defence event, email our colleagues at events@telegraph.co.uk

Ukrainian refugees will be sent to Russia under Melania Trump’s ceasefire (Joe Barnes, Antonia Langford and Emily Smith for The Telegraph)

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2026/10/27/melania-trump-ceasefire-ukrainians-russia/

Derrière le revirement de Donald Trump en faveur de la Russie, les promesses d’affaires juteuses de Kirill Dmitriev, l’habile VRP de Vladimir Poutine (Le Monde, in French):

https://www.lemonde.fr/international/article/2026/10/27/derriere-le-revirement-de-donald-trump-en-faveur-de-la-russie-les-promesses-d-affaires-juteuses-de-kirill-dmitriev-l-habile-vrp-de-vladimir-poutine_6801086_3210.html

Washington discusses Russian deals for US oil majors in Ukraine peace talks (Financial Times)

https://www.ft.com/content/d703aaae-f607-4b30-9830-ac2a25472d44?syn-25a6b1a6=1

Fabian Hoffmann’s post on X:

https://x.com/FRHoffmann1/status/2115004747736383861?a=gbidbOnqXHOkn-Y5_HI&s=20

My pregnancy triggered an autoimmune disease that left me needing major surgery (Danielle Sheridan in The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/health-fitness/parenting/pregnancy/pregnancy-triggered-graves-disease-thyroid/

EMAIL US:

Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Oleshky ceasefire extended across Kherson oblast
• Ukraine's frontline positions their strongest in a long time, Zelensky says

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

Day 1,703.

Today, as the ceasefire in occupied Oleshky – brokered by Melania Trump and the Pope – seems to be holding, we report how the Kremlin is already looking to exploit the rare outbreak of genuine humanitarian news. Europe deploys the Trump-whisperer Alexander Stubb to speak to Putin ahead of peace talks in Abu Dhabi. Meanwhile, the UN accuses Russia of war crimes and US vice president JD Vance rails against ‘tin pot dictators’ forcing up gas prices in America. And later, Adelie looks at one unexplored consequence of the war on Ukrainian children: the thousands of Ukrainian teenagers that are growing up in Europe…alone.

Contributors:

Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.

Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.

Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @Adeliepjz on X.

With thanks to Gabriella Jozwiak (@GabriellaJ on X) and Gabriella Ramirez (@higabyramirez on X).

Producer: Phil Atkins

Senior Producer: Lilian Fawcett

Video Producer: Sophie O’Sullivan

Social Producer: Tom Steed

Studio Director: Meghan Searle

Executive Editor: Francis Dearnley

Created by David Knowles

SUPPORT US – JOIN OUR MEMBERS’ CLUB:

For more from the team, join UTL+. For a small monthly fee, you’ll get behind-the-scenes content, bonus videos, and discounted tickets to live events and merch: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdHjleMvPSs-JEjiQ8_D2cA/join

If you joined shortly after we launched the membership scheme yesterday (Monday 26th), email ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk with your YouTube handle and mailing address. If you’re one of the first 50, we’ll send you a mug!

NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:

Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest

CONTENT REFERENCED:

The Ukrainian children struggling to survive alone in Europe (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/terror-and-security/ukrainian-children-struggling-to-survive-alone-in-europe/

If you’re interested in sponsoring Dom’s upcoming defence event, email our colleagues at events@telegraph.co.uk

EMAIL US:

Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Guns fall silent in besieged Oleshky after Melania Trump-brokered ceasefire
• Putin holds phone call with Norwegian and Finnish leaders

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

Day 1,702.

Today, as the Kremlin prioritises Putin’s lakeside retreat for additional air defence systems, the impact is felt elsewhere with multiple Ukrainian strikes across the rest of Russia over the weekend, some by new stocks of British Storm Shadow cruise missiles. Then we discuss the latest on the ceasefire agreed for the people of the besieged city of Oleshky and consider whether the White House is taking credit for something brokered by others. Plus, we reveal a new way to support our work and access behind-the-scenes content from us: become a member of the Ukraine: The Latest club.

Contributors:

Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.

Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.

Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @Adeliepjz on X.

Producer: Rachel Porter

Senior Producer: Lilian Fawcett

Video Producer: Sophie O’Sullivan

Social Producer: Lucy Hadlow

Studio Director: Meghan Searle

Executive Editor: Francis Dearnley

Created by David Knowles

SUPPORT US – JOIN OUR MEMBERS’ CLUB

For more from the team, join UTL+. For a small monthly fee, you’ll get behind-the-scenes content, bonus videos, and discounted tickets to live events and merch: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdHjleMvPSs-JEjiQ8_D2cA/join

NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:

Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest

CONTENT REFERENCED:

Support our work and access behind-the-scenes and bonus content by joining our members’ club: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest/membership

New air defense towers have appeared around Putin's residence, their number has exceeded 50 – OSINT analysis (Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, in Ukrainian)

https://www.radiosvoboda.org/a/news-valdaj-putin-novi-vezhi-ppo/33883907.html

Zelensky’s interview with ABC

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWyYHGC0tkA

Ukraine’s Starlink back on after Trump dispute (The Telegraph)

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/24/ukraines-starlink-back-on-after-trump-dispute/

The Man in the Middle of Trump’s Deeply Conflicted Ukraine Policy (The Atlantic)

https://www.theatlantic.com/national-security/2026/10/ukraine-russia-trump-john-ratcliffe/689090/

In U.S. Gas Talks With Kremlin, Hidden Financing for Alaska Project Emerges (New York Times)

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/10/23/us/politics/in-us-gas-talks-with-kremlin-hidden-financing-for-alaska-project-emerges.html

Hegseth wanted Eisenhower’s globe in his office. His staff broke it (Washington Post)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2026/10/22/hegseth-wanted-eisenhowers-globe-his-office-his-staff-broke-it/

CBS documentary on Eisenhower: CBS Reports (1964): "D-Day Plus 20 Years - Eisenhower Returns to Normandy"

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

Hemingway Knows Nothing by Artur Dron

https://www.jantarpublishing.com/product-page/hemingway-knows-nothing

Hemingway n'y connaît rien (French translation of Artur Dron’s poetry collection Hemingway Knows Nothing)

https://les-editions-bleu-et-jaune.sumupstore.com/product/hemingway-ny-connait-rien

EMAIL US:

Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Musk admits shutting off Starlink at Zelensky confirms it’s back online
• Moscow boosts defences at Putin’s dacha as Ukraine strikes across Russia

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

Day 1,699.

Today, we start with a breaking story: First Lady Melania Trump has brokered a localised ceasefire in the city of Oleshky, the White House says, after weeks of humanitarian emergency in the occupied city. Then, we continue to untangle the big story of this week: Starlink. Who cut it, and why? Has it been restored? In Brussels, European leaders are being auditioned for a brand new role: Europe’s new negotiator to Russia, as Germany says the country is targeted by an intensive espionage campaign. And finally, we go to Warsaw for the premiere of a brand new opera: The Mothers of Kherson.

Contributors:

Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @Adeliepjz on X.

Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.

With thanks to the creators of ‘The Mothers of Kherson’. The recording of the opera will be available on arte.tv for two weeks starting November 24 in Germany, France, Poland, and Ukraine.

Producer: Rachel Porter

Senior Producer: Lilian Fawcett

Video Producer: Sophie O’Sullivan

Social Producer: Lucy Hadlow

Studio Director: Meghan Searle

Executive Editor: Francis Dearnley

Created by David Knowles

NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:

Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest

CONTENT REFERENCED:

Russia's methodical use of starvation in Oleshky (Kyiv Independent):

https://kyivindependent.com/russias-methodical-use-of-starvation-in-oleshky-2/

Kyiv denies reports that Trump, Musk have restored Starlink speeds in Ukraine (Kyiv Independent):

https://kyivindependent.com/kyiv-denies-reports-that-trump-musk-have-restored-starlink-speeds-in-ukraine/

The healthiest foods to stockpile for an apocalypse (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/health-fitness/diet/nutrition/healthiest-foods-to-stockpile-for-an-apocalypse/

Ukraine to buy military supplies via Nato agency (Financial Times):

https://www.ft.com/content/991ac37c-289b-40e5-b2e6-220ee2aebe5d?syn-25a6b1a6=1

Our interview with Czech president Petr Pavel, from earlier this summer:

On YouTube: https://youtu.be/9Vw290vlifU

On Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/make-them-yourself-trump-unlocks-patriot-missile-blueprints/id1612424182?i=1000776015561

On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4ulg9DLpc21t0YQDNJTrcD?si=77cf7439b0c345e0

Tickets for 'The Mothers of Kherson' opera in Warsaw:

https://teatrwielki.pl/en/calendar/2026-2027/matki-chersonia

Watch ‘The Mothers of Kherson’ on Arte, available for two weeks from October 24th:

https://www.arte.tv/en/videos/134660-000-A/the-mothers-of-kherson/

If you’re interested in sponsoring Dom’s upcoming defence event, email our colleagues at events@telegraph.co.uk

EMAIL US:

Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• US First Lady Melania Trump brokers surprise ceasefire in occupied city of Oleshky
• Trump tells Musk ‘lift Starlink restrictions’ on Ukraine forces

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

Day 1,698.

Today, as Russia’s ‘humanitarian’ ballistic missiles land in Kyiv, diplomatic efforts continue to try to get a trilateral meeting between Zelensky, Putin and Trump, with the latter saying "we are closer to peace than ever". And as Ukraine’s General Staff says Russia suffered the highest daily loss since the start of the full-scale invasion, Kyiv also claims to have advanced behind Russian lines around Kupiansk. And we have a Telegraph exclusive that shows how Russia is using civilian fishing trawlers to spy on the UK’s critical undersea cables, with one NATO official telling us: “Some of these ships have never seen a single fish on their deck”.

Contributors:

Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.

Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.

Gareth Corfield (Transport correspondent). @GazTheJourno on X.

Producer: Phil Atkins

Senior Producer: Lilian Fawcett

Video Producer: Sophie O’Sullivan

Social Producer: Natalia Makohon

Studio Director: Meghan Searle

Executive Editor: Francis Dearnley

Created by David Knowles

NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:

Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest

CONTENT REFERENCED:

Buy tickets to War Room, a new interactive event in London:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph-events/the-war-room/

Exclusive: Putin sends fishing trawlers to spy on Britain (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/10/21/exclusive-putin-sends-fishing-trawlers-to-spy-on-britain/

Exclusive: Putin sends fishing trawlers to spy on Britain (Gareth Corfield for The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/10/21/exclusive-putin-sends-fishing-trawlers-to-spy-on-britain/

RAF reports mystery drones over Britain (Gareth Corfield and Rozina Sabur for The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/10/16/raf-mystery-drones-britain/

Zelensky’s ex-aide argues she’s not a Russian spy – but Ukraine should surrender (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2026/10/17/iuliia-mendel-zelensky-aide-who-wants-ukraine-surrender/

Europe’s dependence on America in space is hard to escape (The Economist):

https://www.economist.com/europe/2026/10/20/europes-dependence-on-america-in-space-is-hard-to-escape

Watch out Brussels and Kyiv, Poland’s conservatives are veering right (Politico):

https://www.politico.eu/article/poland-pis-split-right-wing-parties-2027-election/

EMAIL US:

Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Revealed: How Putin is using civilian fishing ships to spy on Britain
• Russia suffers highest daily casualty toll of the war

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

Day 1,697.

Today, Steve Witkoff arrives in Russia to meet Vladimir Putin, after fresh peace talks in Oslo. Trump’s envoy describes the Russian president, extraordinarily, as a “humanitarian”. The Kremlin releases US pensioner Stephen James Hubbard, just in time for the midterms, and says the first tanker included in the Russian diesel deal will leave tomorrow. Elsewhere, the saga over the Starlink switch-off continues, and Nato deploys drones to the Black Sea. Later, Dom and Alex speak to Antonia Langord – usually based in Kyiv – in our London studio.

Contributors:

Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.

Alex Nichol (Telegraph Journalist).

Antonia Langford (Freelance Journalist in Kyiv). @Antonialford on X.

Senior Producer: Lilian Fawcett

Video Producer: Sophie O’Sullivan

Social Producer: Natalia Makohon

Studio Director: Meghan Searle

Executive Editor: Francis Dearnley

Created by David Knowles

NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:

Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest

CONTENT REFERENCED:

Tickets for 'The Mothers of Kherson' opera in Warsaw:

https://teatrwielki.pl/en/calendar/2026-2027/matki-chersonia

'Everything was in ruins' — At least 2 killed, 2 injured in Russian drone attack on Kyiv (Kyiv Independent) https://kyivindependent.com/at-least-2-killed-2-injured-in-russian-drone-attack-on-kyiv/

Ukrainians turn on US after Russian strike kills baby in pram (Antonia Langford for The Telegraph)

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/21/ukrainians-turn-on-us-russian-strike-kills-baby-pram/

How an Italian journalist is whitewashing Putin’s worst war crime (Nick Squires and Antonia Langford for the Telegraph)

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/18/how-italian-journalist-whitewashing-putins-worst-war-crimes/

She survived the front line, but a Russian missile found her at home (Antonia Langford for The Telegraph)

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/09/20/ukraine-combat-medic-survives-front-line-to-die-near-home/

Antonia’s interview with Robert 'Madyar' Brovdi - Ukraine’s Drone Chief: Putin is Sending 300,000 Troops to the Slaughter | Exclusive

https://youtu.be/xWRn_oltbgY

If you’re interested in sponsoring Dom’s upcoming defence event, email our colleagues at events@telegraph.co.uk

EMAIL US:

Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Wikoff praises Putin the 'humanitarian’ after Kremlin releases US prisoner
• Nato deploys drones to the Black Sea

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

Day 1,696.

Today, as President Trump says Putin isn’t “doing much” in Ukraine, we hear how the Russian President has sought to make Trump an offer he can’t refuse: a trilateral meeting with him and President Xi of China to settle all family business. Then we bring you a Telegraph exclusive on how Moscow is buying up holiday homes near NATO bases for nefarious purposes, before an in-depth look at the consequences of Ukraine losing access to the Starlink/Starfield, including for firefighters battling the destruction wrought by Russian missiles and drones.

Contributors:

Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.

Sophie O'Sullivan (Telegraph Journalist)

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

With thanks to freelance journalist Tom Watling.

Producer: Phil Atkins

Senior Producer: Lilian Fawcett

Video Producer: Sophie O’Sullivan

Social Producer: Natalia Makohon

Studio Director: Meghan Searle

Executive Editor: Francis Dearnley

Created by David Knowles

NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:

Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest

CONTENT REFERENCED:

ENGIn Interview on ‘Ukraine: The Latest’:

https://youtu.be/7FC4cyBmwdE?si=9pG6b70MDh6G4uWN&t=1430

ENGIn Volunteering:

https://www.enginprogram.org/

Russia buys ‘holiday homes’ around Nato bases (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/20/russia-wages-hybrid-war-on-nato-from-holiday-homes/

Putin asks Trump for summit with Xi to decide Ukraine’s fate (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/19/putin-asks-trump-for-summit-with-xi-to-decide-ukraines-fate/

White House blocks transfer of Patriots to Ukraine (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/20/white-house-blocks-transfer-of-patriot-missiles-to-ukraine/

European telecoms groups join forces to challenge Elon Musk’s Starlink (Financial Times):

https://www.ft.com/content/555bbf91-4c38-43ce-94b6-90f7fc04e82c?syn-25a6b1a6=1

Zelensky appeals to US lawmakers for answers as White House turns on Kyiv (Kyiv Independent):

https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-appeals-to-us-lawmakers-for-answers-as-white-house-turns-on-kyiv/

New Survey Shows 61% of Ukrainians Oppose Land for Peace Deal (Kyiv Post):

https://www.kyivpost.com/post/87527

How Putin devastated the crucial steel plant in Zelensky’s home town (Tom Watling in The Times):

https://www.thetimes.com/world/russia-ukraine-war/article/steel-plant-zelenskys-hometown-shuts-2w2np677q

A week with the Kyiv firefighters battling Russian drone strikes (Tom Watling in The Times):

https://www.thetimes.com/world/russia-ukraine-war/article/kyiv-firefighters-drone-danger-cjt36hfdq

If you’re interested in sponsoring Dom’s upcoming defence event, email our colleagues at events@telegraph.co.uk

EMAIL US:

Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible.

HIGHLIGHTS:

– Russia buys ‘holiday homes’ near NATO bases

– Putin asks Trump for summit with Xi

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

Day 1,695.

Today, following the temporary Starlink-Starshield shutdown last week, we reveal how Musk approached President Trump to slow down Starlink in Ukraine. Meanwhile, the U.S. Ambassador to the EU – following Trump’s last minute executive order to block the bipartisan, Russian sanctions act – warns European companies face "devastating" retaliation from Washington if Brussels moves forward with plans to restrict American tech rivals. Meanwhile, with the so-called “energy ceasefire” a distant memory, we report on the continued attacks by both Russia and Ukraine, including a major strike on an oil terminal in St Petersburg. Finally, we turn to the fundamental questions facing Europe: who will be leading it in a few months' time, and how can pro-Ukraine politicians prepare for the worst case scenarios?

Contributors:

Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.

Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.

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

Producer: Rachel Porter

Senior Producer: Lilian Fawcett

Video Producer: Tom Steed

Social Producer: Natalia Makohon

Studio Director: Meghan Searle

Executive Editor: Francis Dearnley

Created by David Knowles

NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:

Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest

CONTENT REFERENCED:

Buy tickets to War Room, a new interactive event in London:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph-events/the-war-room/

Exclusive: Musk approached Trump to slow down Starlink in Ukraine (Joe Barnes for The Telegraph)

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/16/musk-approached-trump-slow-down-starlink-help-ukraine/

US threatens European companies over Starlink restrictions (Financial Times)

https://www.ft.com/content/d1e28d93-8574-4a46-946a-b261c401d6fa?syn-25a6b1a6=1

Zelenskyy says Ukraine 'will not prevail’ if U.S. takes Russia's side: Full interview (NBC)

https://www.nbcnews.com/meet-the-press/video/zelenskyy-says-ukraine-will-not-prevail-if-u-s-takes-russia-s-side-full-interview-271776837876

Europe’s populist Right has a Russia problem (James Crisp, Joe Barnes, James Rothwell, Henry Samuel and Meike Eijsberg for The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/19/putin-ukraine-dividing-europe-populist-right-le-pen-afd/

EU rushes to sanction Russia in case Le Pen takes power (The Telegraph)

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/18/eu-rushes-to-sanction-russia-in-case-le-pen-takes-power/

Trump: Zelensky never wanted to end Ukraine war (The Telegraph)

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/18/rubio-nobody-ordered-starlink-slowdown-in-ukraine/

Latvia calls for visa ban on Russians (Financial Times)

https://www.ft.com/content/75a42e7d-1497-4760-bd75-1cbd083fc9a4?syn-25a6b1a6=1

Learn more about ‘Ukraine Focus’:

https://ukrainefocus.org/about/

EMAIL US:

Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Zelensky defies Trump with ‘massive’ raid on sites across St Petersburg
• Exclusive: Elon Musk approached Trump about limiting Starlink in Ukraine

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

Day 1,692.

Today, as President Zelensky arrives for talks with European leaders in Brussels, Russia embodies the geopolitical equivalent of running to teacher to say big boys took their football, by complaining that Ukraine has hit another one of their oil refineries. Donald Trump is accused of betrayal, for the second time this week, but this time from a most unlikely source, and NAFO gets a shout out in the Irish Parliament. And, as we mention football, we end this torrid week with something a bit brighter: a dispatch with Ukraine’s number one football team as they start their Champions League campaign.

Contributors:

Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.

Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.

Tom Steed (Telegraph Journalist).

Producer: Rachel Porter

Senior Producer: Lilian Fawcett

Video Producer: Sophie O’Sullivan

Social Producer: Tom Steed

Studio Director: Meghan Searle

Executive Editor: Francis Dearnley

Created by David Knowles

NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:

Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest

CONTENT REFERENCED:

Sign up to the ‘Characters’ newsletter:

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

Arthur Gibson, philosopher who rose from poverty to become the cleverest man in Britain (Telegraph Obituary):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/obituaries/2026/09/18/arthur-gibson-genius-philosopher-who-rose-died-obituary/

Trump: Zelensky is destroying Ukraine (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/16/trump-zelensky-destroying-ukraine-russia-putin-diesel/

Ukraine Finds a New Set of Targets (The Atlantic):

https://www.theatlantic.com/national-security/2026/10/ukraine-russia-trump-putin-war/689002/

The Defector: A Russian Officer Turned Against His Country and Helped Ukraine Kill Hundreds (Wall Street Journal):

https://www.wsj.com/world/russian-defector-deadly-sabotage-campaign-a95d163c

Netherlands denies visas to 3 Russian athletes, barring them from world championships (Kyiv Independent):

https://kyivindependent.com/netherlands-denies-visas-to-3-russian-athletes-barring-them-fro

m-world-championships/?mc_cid=6920a0d80d&mc_eid=08d0680a95

EMAIL US:

Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible.

HIGHLIGHTS:

– Trump: Zelensky is destroying Ukraine

– Starlink restored to Ukrainian troops

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

Day 1,691.

Today, as the blame game over who limited Ukraine’s use of Starlink and Starshield reaches fever pitch, we hear Elon Musk’s rebuttal while White House officials point the finger at him. Meanwhile, President Zelensky breaks cover and admits he feels “betrayed” by President Trump. Later, Dom sits down for an exclusive interview with Estonia’s Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, who says Russia is “boiling Europe like a frog”.

Contributors:

Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.

Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.

With thanks to Margus Tsahkna, foreign minister of Estonia.

Producer: Rachel Porter

Senior Producer: Lilian Fawcett

Video Producer: Sophie O’Sullivan

Social Producer: Natalia Makohon

Studio Director: Meghan Searle

Executive Editor: Francis Dearnley

Created by David Knowles

NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:

Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest

CONTENT REFERENCED:

Buy tickets to ‘The War Room’, a new interactive event in London, hosted by Dom:

https://www.squadup.com/events/the-war-room

US floats unfreezing some Russian assets to restart Ukraine peace talks (Financial TImes)

https://www.ft.com/content/54353d3a-afed-4fec-985a-50f3dfb9be8e?shareType=nongift&syn-25a6b1a6=1

If you’re interested in sponsoring Dom’s upcoming defence event, email our colleagues at events@telegraph.co.uk

EMAIL US:

Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible.

Zelensky clips credit: Piers Morgan Uncensored

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Zelensky accuses Trump of 'betrayal' amid bitter Elon Musk Starlink row
• Estonian foreign minister Margus Tsahkna: “Russia is boiling Europe like a frog”

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

Day 1,690.

Today, just as President Zelensky arrives in London and British Prime Minister Andy Burnham promises to speed up missile deliveries, the speed of the Starlink service to Ukraine’s troops has mysteriously slowed down. Donald Trump insists the US is still providing intelligence support to Ukraine even as Russian ballistic missiles kill people without warning. Plus, to show in what high regard they hold Mr Trump’s opinion, the Russians continue to observe his apparent energy ceasefire by firing missiles at power plants, causing more civilian deaths and leaving 600,000 in the dark. And later, we have an interview with the EU’s Ambassador to Ukraine who speaks of the tensions between Brussels and Kyiv ahead of an anticipated tough winter.

Contributors:

Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.

Sophie O’Sullivan (Telegraph Journalist).

Adelie Pojzman-Pontay (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @Adeliepjz on X.

With thanks for Katerina Mathernova, EU ambassador to Kyiv.

NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:

Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest

CONTENT REFERENCED:

Buy tickets to ‘War Room’, a new interactive event in London, hosted by Dom:

https://www.squadup.com/events/the-war-room

Use code UTL20 for 20% off (first 30 users only)

'This cannot be a coincidence' — Ukraine's Starlink access restricted without warning, Zelensky adviser says (Kyiv Independent)

https://kyivindependent.com/this-cannot-be-a-coincidence-ukraines-starlink-access-restricted-without-warning-zelensky-adviser-says/

U.S. official: Trump cut deal with Putin after Zelensky ignored his requests (Axios)

https://www.axios.com/2026/10/10/trump-zelensky-putin-diesel-deal-war

Russia’s Rassvet Satellites Could Give Drones Space-Based Control, Former HUR Official Warns (Kyiv Post)

https://www.kyivpost.com/post/86955

The awkward truth about Europe’s biggest sabotage attack (James Rothwell and Per Hinrichs for The Telegraph)

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/14/the-awkward-truth-about-europes-biggest-sabotage-attack/

Adélie’s previous interview with EU Ambassador to Kyiv, Katerina Mathernova, explaining Ukraine’s EU accession talks:

On YouTube: https://youtu.be/A0nW1-Csp_g

On Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ukraine-the-latest/id1612424182?i=1000774369916

On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/11K2YjDjkCc7yVJkD1PKMy?si=9dc0ebba02bb47fd

If you’re interested in sponsoring Dom’s upcoming defence event, email our colleagues at events@telegraph.co.uk

EMAIL US:

Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Elon Musk turns on Ukraine by limiting Starlink
• Operation Vivaldi concludes, liberating final 100 sq km of territory

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

Day 1,689.

Today, as Moscow continues to strike Ukrainian energy infrastructure despite President Donald Trump's so-called ceasefire, we hear the further fallout from the US President's decision to purchase Russian diesel while – at the same time – Vladimir Putin is openly providing technology to Iran with the aim of killing Americans. We then bring you a new interceptor reportedly capable of shooting down some of the fastest Russian drones, and hear for the first time Kyiv's former Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi defend his record. Lastly, a special dispatch from Francis dedicated to mine-hunting on the Black Sea.

Contributors:

Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.

With thanks to the servicemen and women of the Royal Navy and Ukrainian Navy.

Producer: Phil Atkins

Senior Producer: Lilian Fawcett

Video Producer: Sophie O’Sullivan

Social Producer: Tom Steed

Studio Director: Meghan Searle

Executive Editor: Francis Dearnley

Created by David Knowles

NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:

Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest

CONTENT REFERENCED:

Buy tickets to ‘War Room’, a new interactive event in London, hosted by Dom:

https://www.squadup.com/events/the-war-room

Use code UTL20 for 20% off (first 30 users only)

Zelensky: Russia has hit six energy sites since Trump ‘ceasefire’ (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/13/russia-hits-six-energy-sites-since-trump-ceasefire-zelensky/

Russia's offensive ability is broken, Kyiv's former top general tells BBC (BBC):

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9y7lgg2vdggo

Russia secretly helping Iran develop supersonic cruise missiles (The Telegraph):

https://www.ft.com/content/6cf367bc-95b0-4f1f-b149-a25684adefc3?syn-25a6b1a6=1

If you’re interested in sponsoring Dom’s upcoming defence event, email our colleagues at events@telegraph.co.uk

EMAIL US:

Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible.

HIGHLIGHTS:

– Putin answers Trump’s ceasefire call with missile barrage

– Francis joins mine-hunting mission with Ukrainian navy

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

Day 1,688.

Today, after a weekend that has surely seen America’s global moral authority fundamentally weakened, we try to make sense of the dizzying news reports and developments in the war. President Zelensky called Donald Trump’s extraordinary decision to buy fuel from Russia “weak” which, coming after he failed to secure the Nobel Peace prize – again – Mr Trump took in a typically gracious and statesmanlike manner. Then, despite claims from the US President that he’d brokered an energy ceasefire, neither side took any notice. We try to work out what it all means, and whether all that has actually been achieved this weekend is that US taxpayers' dollars will now go directly to kill Ukrainian civilians.

Contributors:

Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.

Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.

Producer: Rachel Porter

Senior Producer: Lilian Fawcett

Video Producer: Sophie O’Sullivan

Social Producer: Tom Steed

Studio Director: Meghan Searle

Executive Editor: Francis Dearnley

Created by David Knowles

NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:

Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest

CONTENT REFERENCED:

Russia attacks Ukrainian power plant hours after Trump ‘ceasefire’ (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/11/donald-trump-energy-ceasefire-ukraine-russia-zelensky/

Republicans turn on Trump over Putin deal (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/11/trump-facing-backlash-over-putin-deal/

Trump: Zelensky must be ousted (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/10/donald-trump-russia-oil-deal-putin-zelensky-ukraine/

Trump threatens to cut off Ukraine’s weapon supplies (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/12/trump-threatens-to-cut-off-weapons-for-ukraine/

Paul Ronzheimer Interview w. former Kyiv Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JhpyhImRLY

Learn more about the ‘Get Reading Appeal’:

https://bookaid.org/support-us/the-sunday-times-get-ukraine-reading-appeal/

If you’re interested in sponsoring Dom’s upcoming defence event, email our colleagues at events@telegraph.co.uk

EMAIL US:

Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible.

HIGHLIGHTS:

– Trump: Zelensky must be ousted

– Russia attacks Ukrainian power plant hours after ‘energy ceasefire’

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

Day 1,685.

Today, as reports emerge of a possible Ukrainian advance in the Donbas with some Russians saying they are ‘doomed’, Dom asks: is this Vivaldi’s fourth season? Russia continues its campaign of state terrorism with a drone strike on a kindergarten and we report powerful testimony from inside the besieged and occupied town of Oleshky. Meanwhile, the Trump Administration is said to be trying to negotiate a deal with Russia to reopen the Nord Stream pipeline, just as a Ukrainian delegation arrives in Florida to try to negotiate a deal to end the war. And later, Adelie speaks to a human rights lawyer about recent reports of children from territories occupied since 2022 being drafted into the Russian army.

Image: Ukrainian service members cross a river outside the city of Sievierodonetsk in 2022.

Contributors:

Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.

Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @Adeliepjz on X.

Mykola Bielieskov (Research Fellow at Ukraine’s National Institute for Strategic Studies). @MBielieskov on X.

With thanks to Kateryna Rashevska.

Producer: Rachel Porter

Senior Producer: Lilian Fawcett

Video Producer: Tom Steed and Sophie O'Sullivan

Social Producer: Natalia Makohon

Studio Director: Meghan Searle

Executive Editor: Francis Dearnley

Created by David Knowles

NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:

Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest

CONTENT REFERENCED:

Buy tickets to ‘War Room’, a new interactive event in London, hosted by Dom:

https://www.squadup.com/events/the-war-room

Use code UTL20 for 20% off (first 30 users only)

If you’re interested in sponsoring Dom’s upcoming defence event, email our colleagues at events@telegraph.co.uk

Regional Center for Human Rights:

https://rchr.org.ua/en/

EMAIL US:

Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible.

HIGHLIGHTS:

– Ukrainian troops ‘cross river’ as Donbas advance continues

– Russia drafts children from occupied territories into army

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

Day 1,684.

Today, Russia continues its war against civilians in Ukraine, killing 33 in a single strike on a Kramatorsk bus stop. UKraine hits deep in Russia, targeting at least one oil refinery and a data centre, and as Moldova says it will install bomb shelters at border crossings following repeated Russian attacks, the UK has sanctioned its 645th shadow fleet vessel. And later, we answer your questions about the technical and tactical side of the war with the help of an expert on weapons technology.

Contributors:

Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.

With thanks to RAND engineer Michael Bohnert, @mbohnert on X.

Producer: Phil Atkins

Senior Producer: Lilian Fawcett

Video Producer: Sophie O’Sullivan

Social Producer: Tom Steed

Studio Director: Meghan Searle

Executive Editor: Francis Dearnley

Created by David Knowles

NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:

Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest

CONTENT REFERENCED:

Russian strike on Ukrainian buses kills 33 (The Telegraph)

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/08/russian-strike-on-ukrainian-buses-kills-33/

If you’re interested in sponsoring Dom’s upcoming defence event, email our colleagues at events@telegraph.co.uk

EMAIL US:

Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Russia kills 33 in ‘targeted’ Kramatorsk bus stop missile strike
• Dom answers your questions with RAND engineer Michael Bohnert

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

Day 1,683.

Today, as Putin marks his 74th birthday, Ukraine is hit by deadly attacks exposing Europe’s vulnerability to ballistic missiles and drones. We hear of one proposal being debated in London, before turning to an extraordinary development in Germany: the arrest of the country’s former spy chief on treason charges. Plus, Ukrainian naval drones reportedly strike a tanker near the Russia port city of Sochi, setting it ablaze. Then, updates from our Russia analyst James Kilner: post-election tax raids, growing fears of mobilisation, and the latest of the alleged plague outbreak that prompted several countries to adopt precautionary measures.

Contributors:

Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.

Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.

James Kilner (Russia Analyst). @Jkjourno on X.

Senior Producer: Lilian Fawcett

Video Producer: Sophie O’Sullivan

Social Producer: Tom Steed

Studio Director: Meghan Searle

Executive Editor: Francis Dearnley

Created by David Knowles

NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:

Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest

CONTENT REFERENCED:

Dom’s Panel, ‘Bytes, bots or bayonets: Is Britain ready for the future of warfare?’:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKIdJcsXiqs&t=2977s&pp=0gcJCTUMAYcqIYzv

Kim Jong-un wishes ‘dearest friend’ Putin a happy birthday (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/07/kim-jong-un-vladimir-putin-happy-birthday/

Journalist Evan Gershkovich: ‘Being jailed in Russia was pure fear’ (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/07/journalist-evan-gershkovich-putin-russia-prison/

MI6 fears German spy chief leaked British secrets (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/10/06/mi6-fears-german-spy-chief-leaked-british-secrets/

Golden naked Trump statue unveiled at European Parliament (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/07/golden-naked-donald-trump-statue-european-parliament/

EMAIL US:

Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Huge blaze as naval drone hits oil tanker off Russian resort city Sochi
• Former German spy chief arrested for treason

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