Day 1,129.

Today, amid reports of precision strikes on Russia’s Belgorod region – the site of Ukraine’s latest incursion – we discuss news from the Paris defence summit, Trump’s new minerals deal proposal, and hear the latest acts of resistance in the occupied territories. Later, we discuss the lessons from the Napoleonic era for ceasefires and peace treaties.

Contributors:

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

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

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

With thanks to Thomas Clausen (Historian). @DrThomasClausen on X.

Content Referenced:

Revealed: Trump’s plan to force Ukraine to restore Putin’s gas empire (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/03/27/revealed-trump-plan-force-ukraine-restore-putin-gas-empire/

Ukrainian forces destroy strategic bridges in Russian Belgorod Oblast (Euromaiden Press):

https://euromaidanpress.com/2025/03/28/ukrainian-forces-destroy-strategic-bridges-in-russian-belgorod-oblast/ 

Trump reverses termination of program tracking mass child abductions in Ukraine (Washington Post):

https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/03/27/trump-ukraine-russia-child-abductions/ 

He Fought for Ukraine. Now Morocco is Punishing Him (Kyiv Post):

https://www.kyivpost.com/post/49104

Ukrainian lions - now in Kent!

https://x.com/ZaluzhnyiUA/status/1904867664826167686

NOW AVAILABLE IN NEW LANGUAGES:

The Telegraph has launched translated versions of Ukraine: The Latest in Ukrainian and Russian, making its reporting accessible to audiences on both sides of the battle lines and across the wider region, including Central Asia and the Caucasus. Just search Україна: Останні Новини (Ukr) and Украина: Последние Новости (Ru) on your on your preferred podcast app to find them, or click the links below.

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

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

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: [email protected]

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

Day 1,128.

Today, as reports allege Moscow lost 96 cruise missiles as a result of last week’s strike on Russia’s Engels airbase, we assess the latest bombardments of the past 24 hours, and the next defence summit of European leaders taking place in Paris today. Then, later, we discuss the gargantuan task of archiving source material relating to the war.

Contributors:

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

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

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

With thanks to Maksym Demydenko of the Ukraine War Archive.

Content Referenced:

Learn more about the Ukraine War Archive:

https://ukrainewararchive.org/eng/

They are contactable at [email protected] 

Telegraph Live Blog of the Paris Summit:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/03/27/russia-ukraine-peace-zelensky-putin-war-latest-news/

Ukraine ceasefire on brink as EU refuses to lift Russia sanctions (James Crisp in The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/03/26/ukraine-ceasefire-brink-eu-refuses-lift-russia-sanctions/

Brussels urges citizens to stockpile food in case of invasion (James Crisp in The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/03/26/eu-urges-citizens-to-stockpile-food-in-case-of-invasion/

NOW AVAILABLE IN NEW LANGUAGES:

The Telegraph has launched translated versions of Ukraine: The Latest in Ukrainian and Russian, making its reporting accessible to audiences on both sides of the battle lines and across the wider region, including Central Asia and the Caucasus. Just search Україна: Останні Новини (Ukr) and Украина: Последние Новости (Ru) on your on your preferred podcast app to find them, or click the links below.

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

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

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: [email protected]

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

Day 1,127.

Today, as the White House’s Signal data breach controversy unfolds, we examine the details of the alleged Black Sea ceasefire deal, which has sparked differing interpretations from Ukraine and Russia. We also explore the possibility of a secret agreement between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.

Contributors:

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

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

Hamish de Bretton-Gordon (Chemical Weapons Expert and Former Tank Commander). @HamishDBG on X.

Content Referenced:

Briefings & Statements (The White House):

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/ 

Here Are the Attack Plans That Trump’s Advisers Shared on Signal (The Atlantic):

https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2025/03/signal-group-chat-attack-plans-hegseth-goldberg/682176/

Putin is beaten in the Black Sea. Of course he wants a ceasefire there (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/03/25/putin-defeated-black-sea-ceasefire-naval-victory-ukraine/ 

Europe’s War in Ukraine (Jack Watling in Foreign Affairs):

https://www.foreignaffairs.com/ukraine/europes-war-ukraine 

EU ethical rules blocking £100bn defence spending boom (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/03/24/eu-ethical-rules-blocking-100bn-from-defence-industry/

How Europe can hurt Russia’s economy (The Economist):

https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2025/03/24/how-europe-can-hurt-russias-economy

Lukoil Profits Drop Nearly 30% (The Moscow Times):

https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/03/26/lukoil-profits-drop-nearly-30-in-2024-amid-asset-losses-higher-taxes-a88485 

Inside Russia’s Gazprom (The Financial Times):

https://www.ft.com/content/5da44f55-d28a-4965-b7a5-bf014d685036?shareType=nongift 

Oleg Gordievsky: the loneliest and bravest man I ever met (The Times):

https://www.thetimes.com/world/europe/article/oleg-gordievsky-kgb-double-agent-8cxbpkctk

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: [email protected]

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

Day 1,126.

Today, following the latest updates from the battlefront, we look at the extraordinary security breach that saw a journalist invited into a secret chat group for Donald Trump’s war cabinet, and then hear about the mood of Ukrainian soldiers at the front.

Contributors:

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

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

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

Verity Bowman (Foreign Correspondent). @VerityBowman on X.

Content Referenced:

The Trump Administration Accidentally Texted Me Its War Plans (The Atlantic):

https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2025/03/trump-administration-accidentally-texted-me-its-war-plans/682151/

Francis’s Video Interview on Silicon Curtain:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25uu4_YHgPQ&t=586s

Verity’s Telegraph Pieces:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/v/va-ve/verity-bowman/ 

Trump cabinet complained about ‘free-loading Europe’ in top secret group chat (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/politics/2025/03/24/trump-cabinet-complained-free-loading-europe-secret-chat/

Zelensky on Trump, Putin, and the Endgame in Ukraine (TIME):

https://time.com/7270880/zelensky-trump-putin-ukraine-endgame-interview/

What the Kremlin Wants in New Talks with the U.S. on Ukraine (The Moscow Times):

https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/03/23/playing-for-time-what-the-kremlin-wants-in-new-talks-with-the-us-on-ukraine-a88445

NOW AVAILABLE IN NEW LANGUAGES:

The Telegraph has launched translated versions of Ukraine: The Latest in Ukrainian and Russian, making its reporting accessible to audiences on both sides of the battle lines and across the wider region, including Central Asia and the Caucasus. Just search Україна: Останні Новини (Ukr) and Украина: Последние Новости (Ru) on your on your preferred podcast app to find them, or click the links below.

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

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

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: [email protected]

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

Day 1,125.

Today, amid ongoing US-mediated proximity talks in Saudi Arabia between Ukraine and Russia, we discuss the remarks of US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to Tucker Carlson, and what they tell us about the mentality of Donald Trump’s administration. Plus we interview the author of a new United Nations report shedding light on alarming 'widespread and systematic' war crimes committed against civilians.

Contributors:

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

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

With thanks to Pablo de Greiff (Colombian academic and human rights activist, and Commissioner of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine to United Nations Security Council).

War Crimes Report by the United Nations:

https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2025/03/ukraine-enforced-disappearances-committed-russian-authorities-amount-crimes

Telegraph Ukraine Live Blog:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/03/24/russia-ukraine-zelensky-putin-ceasefire-war-latest-news/

NOW AVAILABLE IN NEW LANGUAGES:

The Telegraph has launched translated versions of Ukraine: The Latest in Ukrainian and Russian, making its reporting accessible to audiences on both sides of the battle lines and across the wider region, including Central Asia and the Caucasus. Just search Україна: Останні Новини (Ukr) and Украина: Последние Новости (Ru) on your on your preferred podcast app to find them, or click the links below.

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

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

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: [email protected]

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

Day 1,122.

Today, we report on accusations from Ukraine that Moscow has staged a false flag attack on energy infrastructure in the Kursk region, and examine Germany’s proposed defence reforms, how much room Friedrich Merz actually has and how long he has to deliver tangible results.

Contributors:

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

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

Learn more about the album in David Knowles's memory:

https://castlealumni.enthuse.com/cf/chapel-choir-recording

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

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

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

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

NOW AVAILABLE IN NEW LANGUAGES:

The Telegraph has launched translated versions of Ukraine: The Latest in Ukrainian and Russian, making its reporting accessible to audiences on both sides of the battle lines and across the wider region, including Central Asia and the Caucasus. Just search Україна: Останні Новини (Ukr) and Украина: Последние Новости (Ru) on your on your preferred podcast app to find them, or click the links below.

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

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

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: [email protected]

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

Day 1,121.

Today, following new Russian bombardments and a huge explosion in Saratov, 600km east of Ukraine after a drone strike, we discuss a new phone call between Presidents Trump and Zelensky, then the row breaking out in Europe about which countries should be ‘considered’ European for vital weapons purchases.  

Contributors:

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

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

Dr Benjamin Tallis (Director, Democratic Strategy Initiative). @bctallis on X.

Content Referenced:

EU shuts Britain out of €150bn rearmament fund (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/03/19/european-union-ukraine-russia-defence-britain-150bn-fund/

Benjamin's Report: 'Emerging Defence: Offset and Competitive Strategies for Europe':

https://www.democratic-strategy.net/s-projects-basic

Why Europe cannot rely on French nuclear umbrella alone (Financial Times):

https://www.ft.com/content/7fed8f2b-98c7-43c6-88b3-d66be449bfac

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

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

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

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

NOW AVAILABLE IN NEW LANGUAGES:

The Telegraph has launched translated versions of Ukraine: The Latest in Ukrainian and Russian, making its reporting accessible to audiences on both sides of the battle lines and across the wider region, including Central Asia and the Caucasus. Just search Україна: Останні Новини (Ukr) and Украина: Последние Новости (Ru) on your on your preferred podcast app to find them, or click the links below.

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

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

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: [email protected]

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

Day 1,120.

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

Contributors:

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

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

With thanks to Svitlana Morenets. @SvMorenets on X.

Content Referenced:

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

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

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

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

NOW AVAILABLE IN NEW LANGUAGES:

The Telegraph has launched translated versions of Ukraine: The Latest in Ukrainian and Russian, making its reporting accessible to audiences on both sides of the battle lines and across the wider region, including Central Asia and the Caucasus. Just search Україна: Останні Новини (Ukr) and Украина: Последние Новости (Ru) on your on your preferred podcast app to find them, or click the links below.

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

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

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: [email protected]

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

Day 1,119.

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

Contributors:

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

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

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

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

Content Referenced:

Telegraph Ukraine Live Blog:

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

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

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

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

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

NOW AVAILABLE IN NEW LANGUAGES:

The Telegraph has launched translated versions of Ukraine: The Latest in Ukrainian and Russian, making its reporting accessible to audiences on both sides of the battle lines and across the wider region, including Central Asia and the Caucasus. Just search Україна: Останні Новини (Ukr) and Украина: Последние Новости (Ru) on your on your preferred podcast app to find them, or click the links below.

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

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

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: [email protected]

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

Day 1,118.

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

Contributors:

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

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

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

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

Content Referenced:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NOW AVAILABLE IN NEW LANGUAGES:

The Telegraph has launched translated versions of Ukraine: The Latest in Ukrainian and Russian, making its reporting accessible to audiences on both sides of the battle lines and across the wider region, including Central Asia and the Caucasus. Just search Україна: Останні Новини (Ukr) and Украина: Последние Новости (Ru) on your on your preferred podcast app to find them, or click the links below.

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

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

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: [email protected]

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