Ukraine: The Latest

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected]. 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 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected]. 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 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]. 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 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected]

EMAIL US:

Contact the team on [email protected]. 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 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 [email protected]. 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 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 [email protected]

EMAIL US:

Contact the team on [email protected]. 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 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 [email protected]. 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 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:

Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls 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 [email protected]

EMAIL US:

Contact the team on [email protected]. 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 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 [email protected]

EMAIL US:

Contact the team on [email protected]. 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 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 [email protected]. 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 acast.com/privacy for more information.