Day 1,286.

Today, we offer the most comprehensive version yet of the peace plan taking shape behind closed doors, as the Europeans ask Donald Trump to deploy a private army of military firms to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire. Plus we report on the significance of the meeting between Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, and Narendra Modi. Later, with Professor Phillips O'Brien, we discuss the gravest strategic miscalculations made by both sides in the war.

Contributors:

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

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

With thanks to Professor Phillips O'Brien (professor of Strategic Studies at University of St Andrews). @phillipspobrien on X.

Content Referenced:

Phillips O'Brien’s Book, ‘War and Power: Who Wins Wars ― and Why’:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/War-Power-Who-Wins-Wars/dp/0241744032 

Trump in talks to deploy private army to Ukraine (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/08/30/trump-talks-deploy-private-army-ukraine/ 

White House ‘thinks Europe is undermining Ukraine peace efforts’ (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/politics/2025/08/30/white-house-thinks-europe-undermining-ukraine-peace-effort/ 

Xi welcomes Putin to secretive summit for ‘axis of upheaval’ (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/08/31/xi-welcomes-putin-secretive-summit/ 

Ukrainian politician shot dead ‘by man disguised as courier’ (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/08/30/ukrainian-politician-shot-dead-man-disguised-courier/ 

The deadliest year yet: Russia has lost more than 200,000 soldiers in its war against Ukraine

(Meduza/Mediazona):

https://meduza.io/en/feature/2025/08/29/the-deadliest-year-yet?utm_source=email&utm_medium=briefly&utm_campaign=2025-08-29&mc_cid=d8640930a3&mc_eid=f485e69e69 

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