Ukraine: The Latest

Day 1,512.

Today, as Russian forces suffer more than 35,000 casualties in Ukraine in a single month – the highest rate of the war so far – we report on fresh strikes across Ukraine that have killed at least 17 civilians, including a 12 year old boy. We assess the outcome of the latest Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting at Ramstein Air Base, and examine the dramatic first moves of Hungary’s new prime minister, who has vowed to shut down state television, describing it as “North Korean-style propaganda”. And later, we bring you the latest from Russia, including reaction in Moscow to the political fall of Viktor Orbán.

Contributors:

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

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

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

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:

Child among 14 killed in Russian strikes (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/16/wave-of-russian-strikes-kills-14-in-ukraine/ 

Ukraine’s drones dent Russia’s war-fuelled oil windfall (Financial Times):

https://www.ft.com/content/d49e288f-b74e-44a8-a2f3-ec87f7cb5c27?syn-25a6b1a6=1 

‘The pope versus the president: how Leo became Trump’s fearless foe’ (Financial Times): 

https://www.ft.com/content/4f67aa87-9210-402d-bfef-b71b294d65cb?syn-25a6b1a6=1

Pope Pius II’s memoirs (Vol. I; Harvard University Press):

https://itatti.harvard.edu/publications/commentaries 

The Border by Erika Fatland: 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57950362-the-border 

EMAIL US:

Contact the team on [email protected] . We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many on air and in our newsletter as possible.

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

Day 1,511.

Today, as the 50-nation Ukraine Defence Contact Group meets in Berlin just hours after President Zelensky signs a new defence cooperation pact with Germany, we assess the first moves of Hungary’s new prime minister and what they could mean for European support for Ukraine. We then take a deep dive into Russian military tactics and campaign design – including how Moscow consolidates control over occupied territories – with an expert from the Institute for the Study of War.

Contributors:

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

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

With thanks to Karolina Hird of the Institute for the Study of War.

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:

Karolina Hird’s Occupation Updates for the ISW:

https://understandingwar.org/people/karolina-hird/ 

The SBU detained an FSB informant who, while working as a school principal in Kramatorsk, corrected shelling of the city (Ukrainian Government):

https://ssu.gov.ua/novyny/sbu-zatrymala-informatorku-fsb-yaka-pratsiuiuchy-zavuchem-shkoly-u-kramatorsku-koryhuvala-obstrily-mista

17-year-old Lithuanian who won the Norwegian Mathematical Olympiad donated the entire prize to Ukraine (LRT):

https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/svietimas/45/2887345/norvegijos-matematikos-olimpiadoje-laimejes-17-metis-lietuvis-visa-priza-paaukojo-ukrainai 

Ukraine opens first Africa food supply center in Ghana (Kyiv Independent):

https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-links-food-aid-and-trade-with-ghana-agrohub/?mc_cid=d5c797f2f4&mc_eid=08d0680a95 

EMAIL US:

Contact the team on [email protected] . We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many on air and in our newsletter as possible.

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

Day 1,510.

Today, as new evidence emerges that Russia is increasing sign-on bonuses to recruit more soldiers for its war in Ukraine, we report on efforts to ramp up defences around Vladimir Putin’s palace. We also examine dramatic political developments in Hungary, where the new prime minister has vowed to expose alleged Russian links – amid reports of document shredding by allies of former leader Viktor Orbán. And later, we speak to a former CIA operative about Russian disinformation tactics, the failures of Kremlin intelligence services, and what they have learned – and not learned – from the war.

Contributors:

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

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

With thanks to former CIA operative Sean M. Wiswesser.

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:

Sean M. Wiswesser’s book, ‘Tradecraft, Tactics, and Dirty Tricks: Russian Intelligence and Putin's Secret War’:

https://a.co/d/04TANzGg 

Putin has lost his best friend inside the EU. Who can he rely on now Orban has gone? (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/04/14/putin-loses-best-friend-orban/ 

Ukraine ‘forces Russians to surrender using only robots’ (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/14/ukraine-forces-russians-to-surrender-using-only-robots/ 

Putin’s house now protected by 27 air defence systems (Antonia Langford in The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/13/putins-house-now-protected-27-air-defence-systems-drones/ 

Zelensky's Ukraine's Defense Industry Worker Day Address (President's Office):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Br_kdXR-sk&t=56s

Starmer accused of ‘corrosive complacency’ over defence (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/04/14/starmer-accused-complacency-former-nato-chief-defence/

EMAIL US:

Contact the team on [email protected] . We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many on air and in our newsletter as possible.

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

Day 1,509.

Today, as Ukraine and the wider world react to the apparent rejection of Viktor Orbán’s model of “illiberal democracy” in Hungary, we ask: who is Péter Magyar, and what does his rise mean for Hungarian politics and Europe? As Hungarians confront a potential new political era, we examine whether real change is coming in Budapest – and how the European Union will handle the unresolved вопрос of the €90 billion loan for Ukraine. We also assess how much fighting actually paused during the Orthodox Easter ceasefire in Russia’s war against Ukraine, and ask whether Vladimir Putin is ultimately a winner or loser from the recent global attacks on oil infrastructure.

Contributors:

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

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

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

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:

Orban ousted in Hungarian election landslide (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/12/orban-concedes-defeat-hungarian-election/ 

How Orban’s ousting in Hungary undermines Putin (James Crisp in The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/13/orbans-ousting-hungary-undermines-putin/ 

What it’s like to be hunted by drones in Ukraine (Antonia Langford in The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/13/what-its-like-to-be-hunted-by-drones-in-ukraine/

Learn more about ‘The Light of Freedom – A Night for Ukraine’ fundraiser tomorrow:

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/supportukraine/2051898 

EMAIL US:

Contact the team on [email protected] . We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many on air and in our newsletter as possible.

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

Day 1,506.

Today, as Putin finally agrees to a brief ceasefire this weekend to mark Orthodox Easter - trying to pass the initiative off as his own generosity - we examine what a ceasefire is and, importantly, what it is not. We report how the next round of so-called peace talks have run into the sand and we have our regular update about resistance operations in the occupied territories. Plus, a special report from Adelie, for which discretion is advised, about how Russian troops are using sexual violence as a tactic in their war.

Contributors:

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

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

With thanks to Dr Jade McGlynn and Sara Cincurova.

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:

Putin announces Easter ceasefire in Ukraine

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/09/zelensky-trump-is-ignoring-russias-role-in-iran-attacks/

Ukrainian Women Tell Their Stories of Sexual Violence by Russian Soldiers

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/20/world/europe/russian-soldiers-sexual-violence-ukraine.html

Three Years After Bucha’s Liberation, Ukrainian Women Still Struggle for Justice

https://www.moretoherstory.com/stories/three-years-after-buchas-liberation-ukrainian-women-still-struggle-for-justice

EMAIL US:

Contact the team on [email protected] . We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many on air and in our newsletter as possible.

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

Day 1,505.

Today, as Russian shadow fleet tankers steam through the English channel backed up by warships, The Telegraph’s acting defence editor Tom Cotterill, was also floating nearby to witness PM Sir Keir Starmer’s new shadow fleet policy in action. We report on Russia's secret submarine operation in British waters. Ukraine claims that it has put Russia's last remaining ferry in the Kerch Strait out of action, potentially isolating occupied Crimea. And we hear that Hungary has uncovered a massive Ukrainian money laundering operation just days ahead of the general election. Plus we hear from our resident Russia-watcher James Kilner, and ask: is Moscow’s jeering a sign that the Kremlin no longer fears Donald Trump?

Contributors:

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

James Kilner. @jkjourno on X

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 Russian warship loomed above me, bristling with firepower and brazen menace, by Tom Cotterill: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/04/09/russian-warship-loomed-above-me-bristling-with-firepower

Russia ran secret submarine operation in British waters: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/04/09/russia-ran-secret-submarine-operation-in-british-waters/

Ukrainian intelligence called it “the last Russian railway ferry in the Kerch Strait still afloat” — now it’s out of action too

https://euromaidanpress.com/2026/04/08/ukrainian-intelligence-called-it-the-last-russian-railway-ferry-in-the-kerch-strait-still-afloat-now-its-out-of-action-too/

EMAIL US:

Contact the team on [email protected] . We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many on air and in our newsletter as possible.

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

Day 1,504.

Today Ukraine praises the news of an apparent ceasefire between the US, Israel and Iran, with Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha saying: “American decisiveness works”. We report on an FBI operation to protect US citizens from Russian cyberhackers and take in the aromas of a fishing port in NW France, where Breton fishermen are donating their old nets to Ukraine to protect against drones. Plus, Francis has a second dispatch with Orban’s team on the upcoming Hungary elections.

Contributors:

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

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

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:

Francis’s Hungary Documentaries –

Part I: Ukraine & Russia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIILzKnFs2o 

Part II: Immigration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuGB9mgdHvE

The French fishing village helping Ukraine catch Russian drones, by Henry Samuel: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/08/french-fishing-village-helping-ukraine-catch-russian-drones/

Justice Department Conducts Court-Authorized Disruption of DNS Hijacking Network Controlled by a Russian Military Intelligence Unit

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-conducts-court-authorized-disruption-dns-hijacking-network-controlled

NATO Internship Programme

https://www.nato.int/en/work-with-us/careers/internship-programme?srcDelegationsatNATOEN

EMAIL US:

Contact the team on [email protected] . We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many on air and in our newsletter as possible.

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

Day 1,503.

Today after another set of attacks on Russian oil and gas infrastructure, it's clear Ukraine is not going to heed calls by some international leaders to stop striking Russian energy facilities. President Zelensky has continued his whirlwind diplomatic tour visiting Syria and Turkey over Easter, and we hear from our Senior Foreign Correspondent, Adrian Blomfield, about how a drone designed for herding cattle helped destroy a bridge being used by Russia. Plus, Francis has a special report on the upcoming Hungarian elections.

Contributors:

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

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

Adrian Blomfield (Telegraph Senior Foreign Correspondent). @adrianblomfield on X

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:

Francis’s Hungary Documentaries –

Part I: Ukraine & Russia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIILzKnFs2o

Part II: Immigration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuGB9mgdHvE

Adrian Blomfield’s article: Exclusive: British drones destroy Russian-controlled bridge: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/07/british-drones-destroy-russian-controlled-bridge-dnipro/

Picture credit: Credit: Ukraine's 426th Unmanned Systems Regiment

EMAIL US:

Contact the team on [email protected] . We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many on air and in our newsletter as possible.

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

Day 1,498.

Today, as President Donald Trump threatens to withdraw from the key US initiative that enables allies to purchase American weapons for Ukraine, we analyse new footage of emerging drone technologies on the frontline, before exposing the brutal realities of Russia’s battlefield economy and the corruption sustaining Vladimir Putin’s war effort. We also report on record crime rates in Russia since the invasion, as returning soldiers strain domestic stability, and hear expert analysis on this pivotal moment in Ukrainian politics.

**Ukraine: The Latest will return after Easter on Tuesday 7th of April.**

Contributors:

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

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

With thanks to freelance journalist Antonia Langford and Deputy Editor of the Kyiv Independent, Oleksiy Sorokin.

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:

‘Rapists and murderers’ in Russian army rampage while home from front (Antonia Langford in The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/01/rapists-murderers-russian-army-rampage-home-from-front/ 

Trump threatened to stop weapons for Ukraine unless Europe joined Hormuz coalition (Financial Times):

https://www.ft.com/content/d304071a-ca97-4b3b-be93-ff880a6645c3?syn-25a6b1a6=1 

On the front lines, Russian soldiers pay officers to stay alive (The Economist):

https://www.economist.com/europe/2026/04/01/on-the-front-lines-russian-soldiers-pay-officers-to-stay-alive

EMAIL US:

Contact the team on [email protected] . We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many on air and in our newsletter as possible.

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

Day 1,497.

Today, as The Telegraph publishes an exclusive interview with Donald Trump in which he threatens to withdraw the United States from NATO, we examine the potential consequences for European security and Ukraine’s defence against Russia’s invasion. We also analyse dramatic footage of new Russian “jousting” drones reportedly being deployed on the battlefield, before looking at Vladimir Putin’s latest appeal to Russia’s billionaire oligarchs to help sustain the country’s wartime economy. And later, we reflect on the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster and the enduring legacy of the nuclear catastrophe that still shapes Ukraine’s environmental and security landscape.

Contributors:

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

Connor Stringer (Washington Correspondent). @connor_stringer on X.

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

With thanks to Dr Sasha Dovzhyk.

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:

Trump interview: I am strongly considering pulling out of Nato (Connor Stringer in The Telegraph).

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/01/donald-trump-strongly-considering-pulling-us-out-of-nato/ 

Russian drone skewers Ukrainian aircraft in mid-air (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/03/31/russian-drone-skewers-ukrainian-aircraft-in-mid-air/ 

Learn more about INDEX:

https://www.index-ukraine.org/en 

Learn more about NOXAID:

https://noxaiduk.org/ 

Specific fundraiser for Fire truck:

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/james-clarke-512?utm_medium=CF&utm_source=CL 

EMAIL US:

Contact the team on [email protected] . We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many on air and in our newsletter as possible.

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