Ukraine: The Latest

Day 1,369.

Today, after a historic weekend, as US and Ukrainian delegations met in Geneva to discuss the US-Russian peace proposals, we assess Europe’s response as it scrambles to form a collective position, before asking just how severe the ramifications would be if, as President Trump has threatened, he cuts of military and intelligence support to Kyiv. Then we hear the latest updates on the frontline, and give up an update on the other major story of the moment: the corruption scandal threatening the stability of President Zelensky’s government.

Contributors

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

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

With thanks to Jakub Parusinski (KI Insights). @j_parus on X.

SIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:

http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainenewsletter  

Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It’s free for everyone, including non-subscribers.

CONTENT REFERENCED:

Telegraph’s Ukraine Live Blog for Today:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/11/24/ukraine-russia-war-trump-putin-geneva-latest-news514/ 

How Putin’s money man hoodwinked Trump’s top diplomats (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/11/23/how-putins-money-man-hoodwinked-trumps-top-diplomats/ 

Europe agrees to invite Putin back into G8 (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/11/23/leaked-europe-rival-peace-plan-ukraine-full-russia-war/ 

Trump: Ukraine peace plan isn’t my final offer (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/11/22/ukraine-russia-trump-war-latest-news/ 

US ‘making changes’ to peace plan after crisis talks (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/11/23/ukraine-russia-war-latest-news-power-plant-moscow-geneva/ 

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: [email protected]

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

Today, in a special bonus episode, we bring you a major panel from the Ukraine Freedom Summit in London, moderated by Dom and featuring a distinguished lineup: Lt General (Ret.) H.R. McMaster (U.S. National Security Adviser to President Trump, 2017–18), Boris Johnson (Former UK Prime Minister), Sergey Vysotsky (Deputy Chairman, Association of Strategic Communications, National Association of Ukrainian Defense Industries), and Michael Kofman (Senior Fellow, Russia & Eurasia Program, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace).

Titled “The Strategic Architecture of Victory,” the discussion offers candid reflections on Western failures, why Europe struggled to unite in the face of a growing Russian threat, Putin’s motivations, America’s true strategic position, insider insights into Ukrainian weapons procurement, and the West’s capacity to wage a long war.

Please note: this panel was recorded several weeks ago, prior to the developments of recent days.

Speakers:

Lt General (Retired) H.R. McMaster (US National Security Adviser to President Trump from 2017 to 2018)

Boris Johnson (Former Prime Minister of the UK)

Sergey Vysotsky (Deputy Chairman of the Association of Strategic Communications, National Association of Ukrainian Defense Industries)

Michael Koffman (Senior Fellow in the Russia and Eurasia Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace)

Learn More about the Ukraine Freedom Summit and the Borderlands Foundation:

https://ukrainefreedomsummit.org/ukraine-summit-london-2025 

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

Day 1,366.

Today, we reveal new details of the proposed American-Russian peace plan – one that would not only drastically shrink the Ukrainian army and force Kyiv to surrender vast areas of critical territory, but ban it from ever joining NATO, and even see Moscow invited back into the G7 with its frozen assets returned. After breaking down the implications and surveying the mood in the Donbas, we bring the latest reports of resistance from the occupied territories – places which would legally become Russian if the deal were signed.

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.

SIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:

http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainenewsletter  

Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It’s free for everyone, including non-subscribers.

CONTENT REFERENCED:

Russia welcomed back to G7 under Trump peace plan (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/11/20/russia-to-be-welcomed-back-to-g7-under-proposed-peace-plan/ 

Zelensky agrees to negotiate on Trump’s peace plan (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/11/20/france-brands-us-russia-peace-deal-a-capitulation/ 

Telegraph’s Ukraine Live Blog:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/11/21/ukraine-russia-war-trump-putin-peace-deal-nato-live/ 

How ‘Spoofing’ Is Diverting Russian Missiles Into Empty Fields (Forbes): https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidhambling/2025/11/20/how-spoofing-is-diverting-russian-missiles-into-empty-fields/ 

LISTEN TO THIS PODCAST 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. Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatest

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: [email protected]

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

Day 1,365.

Today, we examine the proposal that has left Kyiv and Europe reeling: a US peace plan that could force Ukraine to lease part of its territory to Russia, cap the size of its armed forces, and accept a series of concessions that would amount to a major victory for Vladimir Putin. We then hear from a leading pollster about domestic attitudes in Russia towards the war – and what potential tipping points could shift public opinion. Finally, we reflect on the significance of the anniversary of the Nuremberg Trials, and what it means for justice and accountability in today’s conflict – or lack thereof.

Contributors

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

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

With thanks to Dr Oleksandr Shulga.

SIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:

http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainenewsletter  

Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It’s free for everyone, including non-subscribers.

CONTENT REFERENCED:

Ukraine told to accept cash-for-land deal with Putin (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/11/19/us-russia-secret-28-point-peace-plan-gaza-model/ 

Ukraine envoy Keith Kellogg ‘quits’ after plan for US peace leaked (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2025/11/20/ukraine-envoy-keith-kellogg-quits-after-plan-for-us-peace/ 

France brands US-Russia peace deal a ‘capitulation’ (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/11/20/france-brands-us-russia-peace-deal-a-capitulation/ 

White House Scrambles to Quell Rumors of Russia-Friendly Donbas Proposal (Kyiv Post):

https://www.kyivpost.com/post/64561 

BBC Today Programme featuring former US Ambassador to Kyiv:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002mbxg 

LISTEN TO THIS PODCAST 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. Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatest

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: [email protected]

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

Day 1,364.

Today, as Ukraine confirms the latest use of US ATACMS missiles inside Russia and Britain tracks a Russian spy ship in UK waters, we examine growing pressure on President Zelensky to dismiss a senior official over the widening nuclear-energy corruption scandal – with Andriy Yermak increasingly in the spotlight. We also report on allegations that a former British civil servant committed war crimes in Ukraine, and discuss why Spain is attempting to return to Donald Trump’s good graces with a new €1 billion purchase of U.S. weapons for Ukraine. Later, we speak with the Foreign Minister of Czechia, who says he expects imminent movement on efforts to unlock frozen Russian state assets. 

Contributors

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

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

With thanks to Jan Lipavský, Foreign Minister of Czechia.

SIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:

http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainenewsletter  

Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It’s free for everyone, including non-subscribers.

CONTENT REFERENCED:

British ex-civil servant accused of Ukraine war crimes (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/11/19/british-ex-civil-servant-graham-phillips-ukraine-war-crimes/ 

Russian spy ship fires lasers to blind RAF pilots (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/11/19/russian-spy-blinds-military-pilots-spy-ship-lasers/ 

Scoop: U.S. secretly drafting new plan to end Ukraine war (Axios):

https://www.axios.com/2025/11/19/ukraine-peace-plan-trump-russia-witkoff 

LISTEN TO THIS PODCAST 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. Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatest

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: [email protected]

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

Day 1,363.

Today, after a 17-year-old girl was killed and 9 others injured in an overnight Russian missile attack in Kharkiv Oblast, we return to the dire situation in Pokrovsk, before asking why Vladimir Putin is targeting his own war cheerleaders in his latest clampdown. Then we look at the First World War medical condition being reported on the frontlines in Ukraine, and hear from an American serving in the Ukrainian army.

Contributors

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

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

Verity Bowman (Journalist). @VerityBowman on X.

Hamish de Bretton-Gordon (Chemical Weapons Expert and former Tank Commander). @hamishdbg on x.

SIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:

http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainenewsletter  

Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It’s free for everyone, including non-subscribers.

CONTENT REFERENCED:

Gas gangrene returns to Ukraine in echoes of First World War trench warfare (Verity in The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/terror-and-security/gas-gangrene-ukraine-war-russia-trenches-europe/ 

‘Coffin on wheels’ saves wounded Ukrainian soldier from no-man’s land (Verity in The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/11/17/robot-coffin-on-wheels-saves-ukrainian-soldier-trapped/ 

Russia suspected of blowing up Polish railway line (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/11/17/russia-suspected-of-blowing-up-polish-railway-line-ukraine/ 

Putin goes after his own war cheerleaders (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/11/16/putin-goes-after-his-own-war-cheerleaders/ 

Putin is eating his own supporters. This is how dictators fall (Hamish in The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/11/17/putin-z-bloggers-suppression-supporters-russia-war-ukraine/ 

Key government representatives advise Zelensky to release Yermak (Ukrainian Pravda):

https://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2025/11/18/8007753/ 

EU eyes €90 Billion Ukraine grant (Bloomberg):

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-11-17/eu-pitches-90-billion-ukraine-grant-if-russian-asset-loan-fails 

Construction Accelerates at Planned Russian Navy Base (Bellingcat):

https://www.bellingcat.com/news/uk-and-europe/2024/07/30/construction-accelerates-at-planned-russian-navy-base-in-disputed-abkhazia/

LISTEN TO THIS PODCAST 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. Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatest

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: [email protected]

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

Day 1,362.

Today, as Poland reports sabotage on vital rail links connecting it to Ukraine and Romania evacuates civilians after Russian strikes across the Danube, we unpack President Zelensky’s latest diplomatic push – including a new energy deal with Greece and a landmark agreement with France for 100 fighter jets. Later, we speak with Vladimir Kara-Murza, the prominent opposition figure arrested in 2022 for denouncing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and given a 25-year sentence in a Siberian penal colony. He discusses life inside prison and how Putin’s regime suppresses dissent.

Contributors

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

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

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

With thanks to Vladimir Kara-Murza.

SIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:

http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainenewsletter  

Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It’s free for everyone, including non-subscribers.

CONTENT REFERENCED:

Vladimir Kara-Murza: what stopped me going mad in Putin’s gulag (The Telegraph):

https://tinyurl.com/2sxzyhmn

North Korean troops deployed to clear land mines for Russia (The Telegraph):

https://tinyurl.com/25fw4kds

Russia seizes land after Kyiv diverts troops (The Telegraph):

https://tinyurl.com/ydtnrd7u

Exclusive: Russia plans to make up to 120,000 glide bombs this year, Ukrainian intelligence says (Reuters):

https://tinyurl.com/mtymsp8c

How Britain replaced the US as Russia’s villain of choice (The Guardian):

https://www.theguardian.com/world/ng-interactive/2025/nov/16/how-britain-became-russia-villain-us-ukraine 

Viewings of ‘Facing War’ at Bertha DocHouse in London:

https://dochouse.org/event/facing-war/

LISTEN TO THIS PODCAST 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. Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatest

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: [email protected]

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

Day 1,359.

Today, as one of Russia’s largest oil terminals burns following an overnight strike, we report on yet another aerial blitz on Kyiv and assess the latest wave of European support for Ukraine. We also examine German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s call for President Zelensky to stem the flow of young Ukrainian men fleeing to Germany. Later, we bring you an exclusive interview with the Deputy Head of Zelensky’s Presidential Office, who shares Kyiv’s latest response to the corruption scandal engulfing the administration – and warns that Ukrainian society this summer was at “boiling point.”

Contributors

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

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

With thanks to Ihor Brusylov, Deputy Head of Zelensky’s Presidential Office.

SIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:

http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainenewsletter  

Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It’s free for everyone, including non-subscribers.

CONTENT REFERENCED:

Francis’s Book Review: ‘How Gorbachev fooled the West into thinking he was a liberal visionary’ (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gift/c726678d9006e83d

Watch: Ukraine helicopter shoots down Russian drone using American minigun (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/11/13/ukraine-helicopter-minigun-shoots-down-russian-drone/ 

Germany slams door on Ukrainian men fleeing war (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/11/13/germany-slams-door-ukrainian-men-fleeing-war-russia-merz/ 

US sanctions Ukrainian firms accused of helping supply parts for Iran’s Shahed drones used by Russia (Kyiv Independent):

https://kyivindependent.com/iran-buys-shahed-components-from-within-ukraine-us-treasury/?mc_cid=c6b36a0bef&mc_eid=08d0680a95 

LISTEN TO THIS PODCAST 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. Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatest

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: [email protected]

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

Day 1,359.

Today, as Ukraine launches more projectiles at Russia than it receives in return, we examine the worsening situation on the ground in the Zaporizhzhia region and the growing domestic turmoil facing President Zelensky, as the corruption scandal rattles his government. We then look at the latest defence measures being adopted across Germany, Norway, and Poland, and end with voices from a Ukrainian women’s film festival highlighting resilience, creativity, and the power of cultural resistance amid war.

Contributors

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

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

Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Journalist and Producer). @adeliepjz on X.

With thanks to Mariia Vynogradova and Ksenia Bugrimova from the Women and the World International Film Festival.

SIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:

http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainenewsletter  

Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It’s free for everyone, including non-subscribers.

CONTENT REFERENCED:

Tanks or drones? German defence giants clash over how to rebuild military (James Rothwell in The Telegraph):

https://tinyurl.com/yc7tdthu

Polish civilians arm themselves in case of Russian invasion (James Rothwell in The Telegraph):

https://tinyurl.com/56y9m2s4

Russia massing nuclear fleet in Arctic Circle ‘for war with Nato’ (James Rothwell in The Telegraph):

https://tinyurl.com/bdv28359

More Soldiers, More Gold (Bild):

https://tinyurl.com/bdurmwxf

Ukraine’s Hardest Winter (Jack Watling in Foreign Affairs):

https://www.foreignaffairs.com/ukraine/ukraines-hardest-winter 

Ukraine withdraws from positions near settlement in Zaporizhzhia (Kyiv Independent):

https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-withdraws-from-another-settlement-in-zaporizhzhia-oblast-amid-ongoing-russian-offensive/?mc_cid=73117cc8fa&mc_eid=08d0680a95 

Women and the World International Film Festival:

https://www.iffww.com/

Trailer to Dad’s Lullaby, a documentary about a Ukrainian veteran by Lesia Diak:

https://cineuropa.org/en/video/464790/

Hitler’s DNA proves he really did have only one ball (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/2025/11/12/scientists-secrets-adolf-hitler-dna-adhd/

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

Day 1,358.

As Ukrainian forces struggle against overwhelming Russian manpower in the Zaporizhzhya region, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko calls for the conscription age to be lowered. We bring the latest on a corruption scandal inside Ukraine’s state nuclear power company, and assess the geopolitical significance of Kazakhstan joining the Abraham Accords. Meanwhile, in Russia, Sergey Lavrov appears to have fallen out of favour with the Kremlin once again and officials have cut off internet access around military sites.

Contributors

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

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

James Kilner (Former Russia Correspondent). @jkjourno on X.

SIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:

http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainenewsletter  

Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It’s free for everyone, including non-subscribers.

CONTENT REFERENCED:

Ukrainian minister implicated in nuclear power corruption scandal suspended (Kyiv Independent):

https://kyivindependent.com/minister-implicated-suspended/ 

Ukraine faces ‘huge problems’ finding soldiers as men flee abroad, says Kyiv mayor (POLITICO):

https://www.politico.eu/article/war-in-ukraine-draft-age-russia-vitali-klitschko

UK’s Jonathan Powell contacted Moscow in bid to build back channel to Vladimir Putin (Financial Times):

https://www.ft.com/content/f06920c2-94f6-49b8-89df-82ace669cf25?shareType=nongift 

Trump Admin Pushes to Weaken Ukraine Resolution on Russian Occupation at UN, Sources Tell Kyiv Post (Kyiv Post):

https://www.kyivpost.com/post/63999 

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: [email protected]

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