Ukraine: The Latest

Day 1,482.

Today, as world leaders gather in London, including President Zelensky, we bring you the latest from Moscow following another major Russian aerial bombardment overnight – and examine how the Russian media is reporting the attacks. We also reflect on our questioning Finnish President Alexander Stubb at Chatham House, and what his remarks reveal about Europe’s evolving strategy. And later, we share several stories Adélie was working on from Ukraine, offering insight into life on the ground amid the energy crisis.

Contributors:

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

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

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

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

With thanks to Chatham House and Finnish President Alexander Stubb.

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:

Adelie’s Documentary – ‘Defying Putin's bombardments on Ukrainian cities’:

https://youtu.be/xBdZro1rils?si=wHb8DaWNtpHbavJw

Alexander Stubb’s Lecture at Chatham House:

https://www.chathamhouse.org/events/all/standard-event/finlands-president-alexander-stubb-why-europe-needs-flexible-integration 

Zelensky’s ‘don’t forget about me’ tour exposes panic in Ukraine (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/03/17/volodymyr-zelensky-london-starmer-remember-ukraine/ 

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:

Our weekly newsletter includes maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons, answers your questions, provides recommended reading, and gives exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights.. It’s free for everyone, including non-subscribers. Join here – http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainenewsletter 

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 1,481.

Today, after a massive Russian bombardment across Ukraine – including missile launches from warships in the Black Sea – we assess Kyiv’s latest wave of strikes on Russian energy infrastructure and on Moscow itself. We also examine President Trump’s admission that Vladimir Putin may be supporting Iran’s war effort, and ask whether the easing of sanctions on Russian oil is impacting global energy prices, before hearing about cheating death from above thanks to an unwelcome phone call, and what a single missile strike can do to a town.

Contributors:

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

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

Colin Freeman (Freelance Journalist). @colinfreeman99 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:

I cheated death in a missile strike in Ukraine. Three years later I returned to the scene (Colin Freeman in The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/03/15/kramatorsk-ukraine-missile-attack/ 

The Mad and the Brave: The Untold Story of Ukraine’s Foreign Legion (Colin’s Book):

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mad-Brave-Untold-Ukraines-Foreign/dp/0008722463 

Belgian prime minister calls for EU to normalise ties with Russia (Financial Times):

https://www.ft.com/content/4ce01938-a671-4433-83a7-dada2b3bac01 

Sean Penn Wins Best Supporting Actor but Opts for Ukraine, Not the Oscars (New York Times):

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/15/movies/sean-penn-oscars.html 

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:

Our weekly newsletter includes maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons, answers your questions, provides recommended reading, and gives exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights.. It’s free for everyone, including non-subscribers. Join here – http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainenewsletter 

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 1,478.

Today, as President Zelensky arrives in France for talks with Emmanuel Macron, Britain’s Defence Secretary claims the “hidden hand” of Vladimir Putin is behind Iranian drone strikes targeting British troops and allied forces in the Middle East. We report on Washington’s move to further ease sanctions on Russia by allowing all countries – not just India – to purchase Russian oil, a decision Britain’s Energy Minister warns could help the Kremlin stabilise its struggling economy. We also bring an unusual story from Moscow, where a man’s love of Domino’s Pizza has led to a three-year court battle. And later, our regular update on resistance activity in the Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine with Dr Jade McGlynn of King’s College London.

Contributors:

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

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

Dr Jade McGlynn (War Studies Department at King’s College, London).

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 accused of systematic abduction of children (Francis in The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/03/12/russia-accused-systematic-abduction-ukrainian-children/ 

Trump is wrong to release Russian oil, says Merz (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/03/13/trump-is-wrong-to-release-russian-oil-says-merz/ 

Russian with Domino’s tattoo loses right to free pizza for life (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/03/12/russian-with-dominos-tattoo-loses-right-to-free-pizza/ 

Putin’s ‘hidden hand’ behind attack on British troops (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/03/12/iranian-drones-attack-british-military-base-erbil-iraq/ 

SBU thwarts Russian plot to assassinate Third Army Corps Commander Biletsky (Hromadske):

https://hromadske.ua/en/war/260757-rosiyskyy-ahent-hotuvav-ubyvstvo-komandyra-tretyoho-armiyskoho-korpusu-biletskoho-pid-chas-yoho-vizytu-na-front

‘The Russians are coming (again!) (The Russia Desk):

https://desk-russie.eu/2026/03/10/les-russes-arrivent-encore.html 

Articles referenced by Dr Jade McGlynn:

‘Capturing the minds: The role of child deportation in maintaining Russian authority over Ukraine’s occupied territories’ by Jade McGlynn and Anastasiia Romaniuk – https://tinyurl.com/36jva5aj 

Carnegie article – https://carnegieendowment.org/russia-eurasia/politika/2026/02/ukraine-elections-preparation

UN DOCUMENTS ON STOLEN CHILDREN:

Regular report: https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/hrbodies/hrcouncil/sessions-regular/session61/advance-version/a-hrc-61-61-auv.pdf 

Session reports: https://www.ohchr.org/en/hr-bodies/hrc/regular-sessions/session61/list-reports 

Conference room paper on children deportations: https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/hrbodies/hrcouncil/sessions-regular/session61/a-hrc-61-crp-8.pdf 

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:

Our weekly newsletter includes maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons, answers your questions, provides recommended reading, and gives exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights.. It’s free for everyone, including non-subscribers. Join here – http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainenewsletter 

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 1,477.

Today, as one of Russia’s largest oil facilities is struck in a Ukrainian attack and the war in Iran continues to sow chaos on global energy markets, we examine growing pressure on European governments to ease sanctions on Russia – just as US representatives meet one of Vladimir Putin’s chief economic advisers. Alongside the updates, we bring you a special exclusive interview with one of the authors of a groundbreaking United Nations report on the Ukrainian children taken to Russia, concluding that a permanent member of the Security Council is systematically committing crimes against humanity.

Contributors:

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

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

With thanks to Pablo de Greiff – Commissioner of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine at the United Nations.

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/channel/UCdHjleMvPSs-JEjiQ8_D2cA

CONTENT REFERENCED:

UN DOCUMENTS ON STOLEN CHILDREN:

Regular report: https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/hrbodies/hrcouncil/sessions-regular/session61/advance-version/a-hrc-61-61-auv.pdf 

Session reports: https://www.ohchr.org/en/hr-bodies/hrc/regular-sessions/session61/list-reports 

Conference room paper on children deportations: https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/hrbodies/hrcouncil/sessions-regular/session61/a-hrc-61-crp-8.pdf 

EU weighs lifting Russia sanctions against oil trader Niels Troost (Financial Times):

https://www.ft.com/content/30eabb8f-cd46-4549-b84a-ad5273269920

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 1,476.

Today, as US envoy Steve Witkoff says “we can take them at their word” after Russia denies sharing intelligence about American forces with Iran – before adding “let’s hope they’re not sharing” – we examine the latest tensions between Washington, Moscow and Tehran. We also analyse a Ukrainian deep-strike operation that raised fresh questions about Russian air defences after a loitering drone was able to film the attack. Then we bring updates on Ukrainian counterattacks in the south, where two operations now appear to have pushed around 10 kilometres into Russian lines, and hear a final dispatch from Adélie in Ukraine. Later, we speak to former NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen.

Contributors:

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

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

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

With thanks to former NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen and Roland Oliphant.

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/channel/UCdHjleMvPSs-JEjiQ8_D2cA

CONTENT REFERENCED:

'I am no spy': Courier in Russian exploding parcels plot against UK talks to BBC (BBC):

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cpd83zwqlvno 

Kremlin backs covert campaign to keep Viktor Orbán in power (Financial Times):

https://www.ft.com/content/34df20f9-487b-4cb6-9dc9-d676d959d1ed 

Ukraine makes ‘China-free’ drones (New York Times):

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/11/world/europe/ukraine-drones-china.html 

Strike on Bryansk, confronting hostile social media: Kremlin spokesman’s remarks (TASS):

https://tass.com/politics/2099953

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 1,475.

Today, as President Donald Trump speaks with Vladimir Putin and reportedly offers to ease sanctions on Russian oil amid surging global energy prices linked to his war in Iran, we examine the latest developments on the battlefield as Ukraine claims to have liberated “almost all” of the Dnipropetrovsk region. Then we bring you the latest from Europe, followed by a dispatch from northern Ukraine, where communities continue to endure repeated Russian strikes on the country’s energy infrastructure.

Contributors:

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

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

Adelie Pojzman-Pontay (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @Adeliepjz 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/channel/UCdHjleMvPSs-JEjiQ8_D2cA

CONTENT REFERENCED:

An Air-Campaign Primer (Eliot Cohen in The Atlantic): 

https://www.theatlantic.com/national-security/2026/03/air-campaign-military-primer/686294/?gift=KGDC3VdV8jaCufvP3bRsPqEbYdfKy52g6Ojp5VlDiRo&utm_source=copy-link&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=share

X suspends 800m accounts in one year amid ‘massive’ scale of manipulation attempts (The Guardian):

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/mar/09/x-suspends-accounts-massive-scale-manipulation-attempts-russia 

Ukraine Helps U.S. Bases in the Mideast With Stopping Drones (New York Times):

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/09/world/middleeast/ukraine-shahed-drone-middle-east.html 

Ministry of Defence changes approach to drone procurement: demand will be generated automatically based on frontline data (MOD):

https://mod.gov.ua/en/news/ministry-of-defence-changes-approach-to-drone-procurement-demand-will-be-generated-automatically-based-on-frontline-data

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:

Our weekly newsletter includes maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons, answers your questions, provides recommended reading, and gives exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights.. It’s free for everyone, including non-subscribers. Join here – http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainenewsletter 

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 1,474.

Today, as Ukrainian counter-drone specialists head to the Middle East to help counter Iranian drone attacks, Vladimir Putin offers “unwavering support” to Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei – a pledge that may come with significant conditions. We examine Russia’s latest mass aerial attack on Ukraine following a pause that raised questions about Moscow’s dependence on Tehran, then report on Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico’s warning that Slovakia could follow Hungary in blocking EU funding for Ukraine if Hungary’s Viktor Orbán loses the upcoming election. And later, we bring you highlights from a panel at the Black Sea Security Forum in Odesa discussing misinformation, defence innovation, and the flexibility of the defence industrial sector.

Contributors:

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

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

With thanks to Roman Pohorilyi, co-founder of DeepState, Kurt Volker, former US Ambassador to NATO, and the Black Sea Security Forum.

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/channel/UCdHjleMvPSs-JEjiQ8_D2cA

CONTENT REFERENCED:

Vlad the inhaler: Putin coughing fit shown in leaked video (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/03/08/vladimir-putin-coughing-video-leaked/ 

On the Road With Zelensky, Weathered, Weary and Fighting On (New York Times):

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/09/world/europe/ukraine-zelensky-frontline-tour.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share 

Ukraine just hit the fuel tank that feeds southern Russia’s pipeline — here’s why this strike hurts more than a refinery fire (Euromaidan):

https://euromaidanpress.com/2026/03/08/ukraine-just-hit-the-fuel-tank-that-feeds-southern-russias-pipeline-heres-why-this-strike-hurts-more-than-a-refinery-fire/

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:

Our weekly newsletter includes maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons, answers your questions, provides recommended reading, and gives exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights.. It’s free for everyone, including non-subscribers. Join here – http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainenewsletter 

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 1,471.

Today, as the United States asks Ukraine to help intercept Iranian drones over the Gulf, Washington simultaneously removes sanctions on Russian oil trade and votes alongside Moscow against a motion condemning attacks on Ukraine’s nuclear power plants. We assess the deepening diplomatic crisis between Ukraine and Hungary after Kyiv accuses Budapest of detaining seven Ukrainian banking officials and seizing a large stash of gold, and ask whether President Zelensky's sharp response could ultimately strengthen Viktor Orbán’s election campaign. Then, in a special interview, we talk to Roman Trokhymets: a sniper in the Ukrainian Army who fought in several of the major battles we have reported on these past four years.

Contributors:

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

Latika Bourke (The Nightly). @LatikaMBourke on X.

With thanks to Roman Trokhymets.

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/channel/UCdHjleMvPSs-JEjiQ8_D2cA

CONTENT REFERENCED:

Belgian F-16s can carry JDAMs and AIM-120Ds — but Ukraine cannot use them yet (Euromaidan):

https://euromaidanpress.com/2026/03/05/belgian-f-16s-can-carry-jdams-and-aim-120ds-but-ukraine-cannot-use-them-yet/

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:

Our weekly newsletter includes maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons, answers your questions, provides recommended reading, and gives exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights.. It’s free for everyone, including non-subscribers. Join here – http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainenewsletter 

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 1,470.

Today, as the Pentagon and at least one Gulf state are revealed to be in talks with Kyiv to buy Ukrainian-made interceptors to fend off attacks by Iranian drones, we look at the latest expansion of the Russian armed forces, before looking at what Moscow is telling its population about the war in the Middle East. Then we bring you an exclusive interview with the French Ambassador to Ukraine to hear how prepared they are for boots on the ground.

Contributors:

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

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

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

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

With thanks to the French Ambassador to Ukraine, Gaël Veyssière.

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/channel/UCdHjleMvPSs-JEjiQ8_D2cA

CONTENT REFERENCED:

France and Germany dash Ukraine’s hopes of fast-track EU membership (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/03/04/france-germany-dash-ukraines-hopes-fast-track-eu-membership/ 

Putin is failing: these charts prove it (Washington Post): https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2026/03/04/russia-ukraine-war-territorial-gains-putin/ 

Anniversary of the occupation of the ZNPP: sanctions should cover the entire Rosatom ecosystem (dixigroup):

https://dixigroup.org/richniczya-okupaczi%D1%97-zaes-sankczi%D1%97-mayut-ohopiti-vsyu-ekosistemu-rosatoma/ 

Exclusive: Ukraine's F-16 jets were starved of US-made missiles for weeks (Reuters):

https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/ukraines-f-16-jets-were-starved-us-made-missiles-weeks-2026-03-05/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=Social 

Pentagon eyes Ukrainian interceptor drones to counter Iran (Financial Times):

https://www.ft.com/content/d077e9c6-1573-46dc-8658-3db3aaf7cdfb?shareType=nongift 

Ukraine Unbroken: 5 short plays by acclaimed writers about Ukraine’s resilience, now on at the Arcola Theatre in London until March 28::

www.arcolatheatre.com

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:

Our weekly newsletter includes maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons, answers your questions, provides recommended reading, and gives exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights.. It’s free for everyone, including non-subscribers. Join here – http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainenewsletter 

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 1,469.

Today, as questions are directed at the Kremlin after Russian components were reportedly found in the wreckage of a drone that struck Dubai, we examine President Volodymyr Zelensky’s proposal to swap US-made Patriot air defence missiles for Ukrainian interceptor drones to counter Iranian and Russian weapons. We report on the latest explosion involving a Russian shadow fleet tanker in the Mediterranean Sea, and bring you the view from Brussels as European Union member states appear to push back against the European Commission’s fast-track proposals for Ukrainian EU membership.

Contributors:

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

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

Joe Barnes (Brussels Correspondent). @Barnes_Joe 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/channel/UCdHjleMvPSs-JEjiQ8_D2cA

CONTENT REFERENCED:

What the Iran war means for Ukraine (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/03/04/iran-war-consequences-for-ukraine-russia-conflict/ 

Zelensky floats swapping Patriot missiles for interceptor drones amid increased Iranian Shahed threat (The Telegraph):

https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-floats-swapping-patriot-missiles-for-interceptor-drones-amid-increased-iranian-shahed-threat/ 

EU urges Ukraine to allow access to pipeline carrying Russian oil (Financial Times):

https://www.ft.com/content/8f5f18fb-311d-4df0-805c-063b292506b3 

Russian tanker ‘hit by drone’ in Mediterranean (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/03/04/russian-tanker-hit-by-drone-in-mediterranean/ 

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:

Our weekly newsletter includes maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons, answers your questions, provides recommended reading, and gives exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights.. It’s free for everyone, including non-subscribers. Join here – http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainenewsletter 

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.