Day 1,149.

Today, amid more exchanges of drones and missiles between Ukraine and Russia, we hear about soldiers’ experiences directly from the frontline in the east, and discuss the political situation in Kyiv and in Europe as Steve Witcoff meets with President Macron and other key figures in the ‘Coalition of the Willing.’

Contributors:

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

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

With thanks to Svitlana Morenets (Staff writer The Spectator). @SvMorenets on X.

Content Referenced:

Event in London on Good Friday:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/europe-on-fire-the-future-of-ukrainian-and-european-defence-tickets-1323679965409

Francis’s Interview on Silicon Curtain:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25uu4_YHgPQ 

Interview with Ambassador Mike Carpenter on Biden’s decisions:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2DeReNhsKg 

Drone swarm destroyed by new British weapon (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/04/17/british-army-radio-waves-take-down-drone-swarm/ 

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 1,148.

Today, as Ukraine targets the Russian units allegedly responsible for Sunday’s murderous attack on Sumy, we report how Donald Trump has backtracked on the amount of money he wants Ukraine to pay for US support in the war with Russia. Then we speak to our correspondent who has interviewed Ukrainian commanders about Russia’s spring offensive.

Contributors:

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

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

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

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

Content Referenced:

Russia’s summer offensive ‘doomed to fail’ (Verity in The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/04/11/russian-summer-offensive-doomed-to-fail-ukraine/

Unmasked: The Russian missile brigade slaughtering Ukrainian civilians (Colin Freeman in The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/04/15/russian-missile-brigade-slaughtering-ukrainians/ 

EU to ban Serbia if president joins Putin’s victory parade (Joe Barnes in The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/04/15/eu-ban-serbia-if-president-joins-putin-victory-parade/ 

German Leopard 2 tanks flop on battlefield in Ukraine (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/04/14/german-leopard-tanks-vulnerable-drones-ukraine-artillery/ 

US Softens Minerals Deal (Bloomberg):

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-16/us-softens-calls-for-ukraine-to-pay-back-aid-in-minerals-deal-talks 

Denmark to send unarmed soldiers to Ukraine for drone warfare training (Kyiv Independent):

https://kyivindependent.com/denmark-to-send-unarmed-soldiers-to-ukraine-for-drone-warfare-training/

India offers cheap loans for arms, targeting Russia's traditional customers (Reuters):

https://www.reuters.com/world/india/india-offers-cheap-loans-arms-targeting-russias-traditional-customers-2025-04-16/

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: [email protected]

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

Day 1,147.

Today, as Ukraine launches a huge drone attack against Russia’s Kursk region, we assess President Trump’s remarks that President Zelensky “started” the war, and consider the dark arts of the Kremlin’s diplomatic corps.

Contributors:

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

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

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

Content Referenced:

Our sister podcast, Battle Lines, looking at wider global affairs:

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

Washington: ‘Absurd’ for Zelensky to say US is siding with Russia (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/04/15/russia-ukraine-zelensky-putin-war-latest-news-kursk/ 

I Trained With Russian Diplomats. I Can Tell You How They Work (The Moscow Times):

https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/04/14/i-trained-with-russian-diplomats-i-can-tell-you-how-they-work-a88722 

Sumy Oblast governor confirms award ceremony plans ahead of Russian strike but denies responsibility (Kyiv Independent):

https://kyivindependent.com/sumy-oblast-governor-confirms-award-ceremony-plans-during-russian-strike-but-denies-responsibility/

Aides Push Trump to Adopt Tougher Approach With Moscow (The Wall Street Journal):

https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/aides-push-trump-to-adopt-tougher-approach-with-moscow-a0d20e65

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 1,146.

Today, as the world reacts to Russia’s cluster munition strike on civilians in Sumy, we assess whether Donald Trump’s opinion that it was just a ‘mistake’ will let Vladimir Putin get away with it, and we hear from our Berlin correspondent on the latest, potentially pivotal, political developments in Germany. Will Taurus missiles make a difference?

Contributors:

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

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

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

Content Referenced:

Link to Svitlana Morenets’ Newsletter:

https://www.spectator.co.uk/ukraine/

Trump envoy’s ceasefire plan likens Ukraine to defeated Third Reich (The Times):

https://www.thetimes.com/world/russia-ukraine-war/article/keith-kellogg-ukraine-ceasefire-plan-ukraine-nazis-k3b7bhjkk

Ukraine detains instructor plotting killings of training base commanders on Russia's behalf, SBU says (Kyiv Independent):

https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-detains-russian-agent-plotting-attacks-at-yavoriv-training-base/

Germany ready to send Taurus missiles to Ukraine (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/04/14/germany-friedrich-merz-ready-send-taurus-missiles-ukraine/

German Leopard 2 tanks flop on battlefield in Ukraine (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/04/14/german-leopard-tanks-vulnerable-drones-ukraine-artillery/

Francis on the ‘Beyond Barbarossa’ Podcast:

https://beyondbarbarossa.podbean.com/e/world-war-2-links-to-ukraine-the-latest-a-conversation-with-francis-dearnley%e2%80%94episode-71/

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/

Email: [email protected]

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

Day 1,143.

Today, as extreme snowy weather conditions reshape the battlefield, we report on British plans to potentially station troops in Ukraine for five years, hear the latest acts of resistance in the occupied territories, and consider how the fall in oil price is impacting Russia, and its potential impact on Moscow's relationship with the United States.

Contributors:

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

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

Melissa Lawford (US Economics Correspondent). @MelissaLawford on X.

Content Referenced:

Francis’s Video Dispatch from Ukraine: Drones hunting underwater bombs

https://youtu.be/rgLfw8PzDzE?si=59OlwnRFMirgNdiG

Putin has escaped Trump’s tariffs, but his war machine is in for a world of pain (Melissa Lawford in The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/04/09/putin-has-escaped-trumps-tariffs-but-his-war-machine/  

British troops could be deployed in Ukraine for five years (Joe Barnes in The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/04/10/british-troops-could-be-deployed-in-ukraine-for-five-years/   

Links Referenced by Dr Jade McGlynn:

Resistance Sign in Occupied Mariupol: https://t.me/mrplSprotyv/54918

Realna Gazeta: https://realgazeta.com.ua/ 

Confiscation Report: https://tinyurl.com/4wwc6853 

Russia using drones to drop explosives across Ukraine, Interior Ministry warns (Kyiv Independent):

https://kyivindependent.com/russia-using-drones-to-drop-explosives-across-ukraine-interior-ministry-warns/?mc_cid=48ebaa0190&mc_eid=08d0680a95 

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 1,142.

Today, as a new helicopter drone is spotted flying over the Moscow region, we assess movements on the frontlines and ask why Japan is offering to provide increased support for Ukraine. Then later we discuss the new defence line the Baltic nations of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia are building against Russia. Do they think an invasion is imminent?

Contributors:

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

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

Iona Cleave (Foreign Reporter). @cleaveiona on X.

Content Referenced:

The Baltics are building a defensive line against Russia. Can they do it fast enough? (Iona Cleave in The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/04/07/baltic-secret-defensive-line-keep-russia-out-europe/

Hungary could turn on Russia by backing US sanctions (James Crisp in The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/04/08/hungary-could-turn-on-russia-by-backing-us-sanctions/

The Telegraph’s Ukraine Live Blog:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/04/10/russia-ukraine-zelensky-putin-war-latest/ 

Video shows 4 captive Ukrainian troops killed by men identified as Russian forces (AP):

https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-pows-war-crimes-putin-zelenskyy-a2185297338af410fb5122448e62db76 

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 1,141.

Today, as Ukraine’s top commander Oleksandr Syrskyi declares that Russia’s spring offensive has already begun, we look at the shifting drone strategy adopted by Moscow. Then we reflect on why there may be more to the story of Chinese soldiers fighting in Ukraine than meets the eye.

Contributors:

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

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

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

Content Referenced:

The Daily T's interview on China and Ukraine with Iain Duncan Smith MP:

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/trump-why-hes-right-on-china/id1489612924?i=1000702725694

The Telegraph’s Ukraine War Live Blog:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/04/09/ukraine-russia-war-live-putin-zelensky-china/ 

‘Ukraine is undefeatable: the UK and Europe can help Ukraine prevail with or without Trump’ (Hamish in The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/04/07/ukraine-tank-museum-undefeatable-war-putin-russia/

Russia's spring offensive has 'effectively already begun,' Syrskyi says (Kyiv Independent):

https://kyivindependent.com/russias-spring-offensive-has-already-begun-syrskyi-says/ 

Thousands of UK gas masks being sent to Ukraine (BBC):

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/crldnw5lly6o 

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

Day 1,140.

Today, as Ukrainian forces report capturing two Chinese citizens in Donetsk, we discuss how Ukrainian drones have been found to carry malware to infect Russian systems, plus how Russia may have been behind a knife attack in Mannheim in May 2024. 

Contributors:

Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Narrative Podcast Producer). @adeliepjz on X.

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

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

Content Referenced:

Zelensky: Chinese caught fighting for Russia in Ukraine: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/04/08/ukraine-russia-war-chinese-soldiers-captured-zelensky/

Russians ‘searched internet for knife attack victim’ days before he was stabbed, James Rothwell in the Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/04/07/russians-internet-search-before-attack-mannheim-germany/

Germany considers withdrawing 1,200-ton gold stockpile from US in riposte to Trump, James Rothwell in the Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/04/04/germany-considers-withdrawing-gold-stockpile-from-us-trump/

Russians Capture Ukrainian Drones Which Infect Their Systems With Malware, Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/vikrammittal/2025/04/02/russians-capture-ukrainian-drones-which-infect-their-systems-with-malware/

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 1,139.

Today, we talk about the crash in oil prices and the consequences on Russia’s economy. We discuss Vladimir Putin’s special envoy to the US on international economic and investment cooperation, Kirill Dmitriev. And, Francis Dearnley speaks with John W. Boerstler, who served as the Chief Veterans Experience Officer at the US Department of Veterans Affairs. 

Contributors:

Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Narrative Podcast Producer). @adeliepjz on X.

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

With thanks to John W. Boerstler (Executive Vice President of Public Sector at IPSOS).

Content Referenced:

As oil plunges, Kremlin sees a global economic storm, from Reuters: 

https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/oil-plunges-kremlin-sees-global-economic-storm-2025-04-07/

Russia plans to capitalise on Trump’s trade wars – here’s the man leading Putin’s gambit, from the Telegraph: 

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/04/06/russia-trump-trade-wars-dmitriev/

John W. Boerstler - U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

https://department.va.gov/staff-biographies/john-w-boerstler/

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 1,136.

Today, as the heads of the French and British armed forces arrive in Kyiv for talks on what the ‘Coalition of the Willing’ might look like, we talk to the Chief Executive of the HALO Trust on how drone-mounted lasers are helping in the demining effort. Later, Francis Dearnley interviews the author of a new book that explores how Russia's War has not only destroyed millions of human lives, but has been catastrophic for the environment.

Contributors:

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

James Cowan (CEO of HALO Trust). @TheHALOTrust on X.

With thanks to Darya Tsymbalyuk (Author and Assistant Professor, Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures, University of Chicago). @DaryaTsymbalyuk on X.

Content Referenced:

Darya Tsymbalyuk's book, Ecocide in Ukraine: The Environmental Cost of Russia's War:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ecocide-Ukraine-Environmental-Cost-Russias/dp/1509562508?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE

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.