Ukraine: The Latest

Day 1,330.

Today, as NATO defence ministers meet in Brussels with the US representative to NATO warning Russia of “consequences” if the Kremlin doesn’t move towards a peace agreement, we report how Mexican and Colombian drug cartels have infiltrated the Ukrainian military to learn how to fly kamikaze drones. Plus we take a deep dive into the current political crisis in France and examine what impact it could have on the war.

Contributors:

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

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

Special thanks to our guest Colin Freeman. @colinfreeman99 on X.

MORE TICKETS JUST RELEASED FOR 'UKRAINE: THE LATEST' LIVE, IN-PERSON:

Join us for an in-person discussion and Q&A at the distinguished Honourable Artillery Company in London on 22nd October starting at 7pm.

Our panel includes General Sir Richard Barrons, former head of UK Joint Forces Command and latterly one of the authors of Britain’s Strategic Defence Review, and Orysia Lutsevych, head of the Ukraine Forum at the Chatham House think tank. Tickets are open to everybody and can be purchased at: https://www.squadup.com/events/ukrainelive

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:

UDCG Livestream Press conference Livestream info on NATO website: https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/events_67375.htm

Mexican and Colombian drug cartels infiltrate Ukrainian military

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/14/drug-cartels-learn-modern-warfare-ukrainian-front-lines/

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

Day 1,329.

Today, as Donald Trump vows to harness the momentum of the Gaza ceasefire to bring peace to Ukraine, we examine global reaction – or the striking silence – after a UN convoy was attacked by Russian forces. Then we assess reports of a possible chemical weapons attack in Donetsk and take a deep dive into stories emerging from inside Russia – revealing the cracks in its economy and the growing strains within its society.

Contributors:

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

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

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

James Kilner (Former Telegraph Russia Correspondant). @jkjourno on X.

MORE TICKETS JUST RELEASED FOR 'UKRAINE: THE LATEST' LIVE, IN-PERSON:

Join us for an in-person discussion and Q&A at the distinguished Honourable Artillery Company in London on 22nd October starting at 7pm.

Our panel includes General Sir Richard Barrons, former head of UK Joint Forces Command and latterly one of the authors of Britain’s Strategic Defence Review, and Orysia Lutsevych, head of the Ukraine Forum at the Chatham House think tank. Tickets are open to everybody and can be purchased at: https://www.squadup.com/events/ukrainelive

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:

Trump: Now let’s end the Ukraine war (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2025/10/13/trump-threatens-putin-sending-tomahawks/

Frontline report: Ukraine’s kill zone takes shape in Sumy Oblast—Russians trapped in Yunakivka say hope is gone (Euromaidan):

https://euromaidanpress.com/2025/10/12/frontline-report-ukraines-kill-zone-takes-shape-in-sumy-oblast-russians-trapped-in-yunakivka-say-hope-is-gone/

UN CONVOY CAME UNDER ATTACK WHILE DELIVERING AID TO A FRONT-LINE COMMUNITY IN THE KHERSON REGION (United Nations):

https://ukraine.un.org/en/303211-un-convoy-came-under-attack-while-delivering-aid-front-line-community-kherson-region

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

Day 1,328.

Today, as we learn the Donald Trump administration has been sharing intelligence enabling Kyiv to strike at Russian energy facilities, we reflect on the likelihood that Tomahawk missiles are incoming, and the fallout from the US President not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. Then we hear live from the country of Georgia, where protests continue and tensions remain high, before Francis ends with an appeal on a neglected subject: animals in war.

Contributors:

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

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

Marika Mikia-shvili (Foreign affairs, Droa Party - Georgia). @Mikiashvili_M on X.

MORE TICKETS JUST RELEASED FOR 'UKRAINE: THE LATEST' LIVE, IN-PERSON:

Join us for an in-person discussion and Q&A at the distinguished Honourable Artillery Company in London on 22nd October starting at 7pm.

Our panel includes General Sir Richard Barrons, former head of UK Joint Forces Command and latterly one of the authors of Britain’s Strategic Defence Review, and Orysia Lutsevych, head of the Ukraine Forum at the Chatham House think tank. Tickets are open to everybody and can be purchased at: https://www.squadup.com/events/ukrainelive

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:

Learn more about the Dickin Medal - the animals’ Victoria Cross:

https://www.pdsa.org.uk/what-we-do/animal-awards-programme/pdsa-dickin-medal 

Trump gave specific intelligence to Ukraine for strikes on Russian energy (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/12/trump-shares-intelligence-ukraine-strike-russian-energy/ 

Putin: Trump’s too good for the Nobel Peace Prize (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/10/donald-trump-loses-out-on-nobel-peace-prize-2025/ 

Melania Trump: I convinced Putin to send Ukrainian children home (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/politics/2025/10/10/melania-trump-putin-children-families/

Senate Passes Bipartisan $925 Billion Defense Policy Bill (New York Times):

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/09/us/senate-passes-bipartisan-925-billion-defense-policy-bill.html 

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

Day 1,325.

Today, after another wave of intense Russian bombardments, we explore what the Gaza ceasefire could mean for the war. Will it bring renewed international attention, or further distraction? Plus, we deliver our latest fortnightly update on resistance inside the occupied territories, and ask: how strong is America’s commitment to Europe’s defense now, with insights from one of the U.S. Army’s former top generals.

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 Lieutenant General (Retired) Ben Hodges (former commanding general of United States Army Europe). @general_ben on X.

BOOK NOW: 'UKRAINE: THE LATEST' LIVE, IN-PERSON:

Join us for an in-person discussion and Q&A at the distinguished Honourable Artillery Company in London on 22nd October at 7pm.

Our panel includes General Sir Richard Barrons, former head of UK Joint Forces Command and latterly one of the authors of Britain’s Strategic Defence Review, and Orysia Lutsevych, head of the Ukraine Forum at the Chatham House think tank. Tickets are open to everybody and can be purchased at:

https://www.squadup.com/events/ukrainelive

They are going fast, so don't delay!

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:

Clip of Francis and Dom on Russian TV:

https://x.com/FrancisDearnley/status/1976267739284279375?t=ew1_r1Jv5Pkwig8urg48ow&s=03 

Putin is losing the war, so prepare for escalation (Ambrose Evans-Pritchard in The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/10/10/putin-is-losing-the-war-so-prepare-for-escalation/ 

China unveils sweeping rare-earth export controls to protect ‘national security’ (Financial Times):

https://www.ft.com/content/c4b2c5d9-c82f-401e-b763-bc9581019cb7?sharetype=blocked 

Russia's industrial titans furlough workers as its war economy stalls (Reuters):

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russias-industrial-titans-furlough-workers-its-war-economy-stalls-2025-10-09/ 

Ukrainian Icon Finds Safe Haven In Aldershot (UK Army):

https://shorturl.at/bsIFs

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

Day 1,324.

Today, Ukraine hits yet another pipeline and oil plant, while fuel shortage in Russia approaches 20 percent. Meanwhile, more than half of Ukraine's natural gas production capacity has been destroyed by Russian strikes. We also discuss the state of US-Russia relations and what will happen to the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty when it expires. Finally Dom speaks with Benjamin Tallis about the use of AI in defence.

Contributors:

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

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

With thanks to Ben Tallis of Helsing.

BOOK NOW: 'UKRAINE: THE LATEST' LIVE, IN-PERSON:

Join us for an in-person discussion and Q&A at the distinguished Honourable Artillery Company in London on 22nd October at 7pm.

Our panel includes General Sir Richard Barrons, former head of UK Joint Forces Command and latterly one of the authors of Britain’s Strategic Defence Review, and Orysia Lutsevych, head of the Ukraine Forum at the Chatham House think tank. Tickets are open to everybody and can be purchased at:

https://www.squadup.com/events/ukrainelive

They are going fast, so don't delay!

CONTENT REFERENCED:

Harvard Harris Poll:

https://harvardharrispoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/HHP_Sep2025_KeyResults.pdf?fbclid=IwRlRTSANToABleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHnA9xoXt2SpxYCCBdJuO4g1UGgT821G0bM4XTQX4lCD5fhcBSb0r7HRSOiHN_aem_-xXfOwXzlIzGw9Sm8ooWJA

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: [email protected]

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

Day 1,323

Today, as Moscow tightens restrictions on gas sales and mobile networks amid Ukraine’s escalating campaign against Moscow’s oil industry, reports emerge that Russian workers are being told to halt operations as “preemptive measures” against drone attacks. We also discuss Dom and Francis’s appearance on Russian state TV, and speak with Australia’s military representative to NATO and the EU about the broader implications for the war.

Contributors:

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

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

With thanks to Air Vice-Marshal Dianne Turton.

BOOK NOW: 'UKRAINE: THE LATEST' LIVE, IN-PERSON:

Join us for an in-person discussion and Q&A at the distinguished Honourable Artillery Company in London on 22nd October at 7pm.

Our panel includes General Sir Richard Barrons, former head of UK Joint Forces Command and latterly one of the authors of Britain’s Strategic Defence Review, and Orysia Lutsevych, head of the Ukraine Forum at the Chatham House think tank. Tickets are open to everybody and can be purchased at:

https://www.squadup.com/events/ukrainelive

They are going fast, so don't delay!

CONTENT REFERENCED:

Francis and Dom’s Video Documentary on Odesa:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28HqbQLYGMM 

Kremlin’s anti-West propaganda film makes just £845 at box office (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/07/russian-propaganda-film-flops/ 

Chris O tweet on Russian recruitment:

https://x.com/ChrisO_wiki/status/1975617573946585577 

EU pressure builds on Belgium to allow use of Russia’s frozen assets (Financial Times):

https://www.ft.com/content/6c2dace9-a3be-485a-bf79-59e361709764 

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: [email protected]

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

Day 1,322

Today, we examine the escalating conflict in Ukraine after another night of bombardments, looking at the potential impact of US Tomahawk missiles if supplied to Kyiv, along with new Western weapons innovations shaping the battlefield. We also discuss another mysterious death in Moscow and what it reveals about the power struggles inside Russia. Finally, we explore whether the post-World War II reconstruction of Germany offers a realistic blueprint for rebuilding Ukraine once the war ends.

Contributors:

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

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

With thanks to historian Dr Thomas Clausen. @DrThomasClausen on X.

BOOK NOW: 'UKRAINE: THE LATEST' LIVE, IN-PERSON:

Join us for an in-person discussion and Q&A at the distinguished Honourable Artillery Company in London on 22nd October at 7pm.

Our panel includes General Sir Richard Barrons, former head of UK Joint Forces Command and latterly one of the authors of Britain’s Strategic Defence Review, and Orysia Lutsevych, head of the Ukraine Forum at the Chatham House think tank. Tickets are open to everybody and can be purchased at:

https://www.squadup.com/events/ukrainelive

They are going fast, so don't delay!

CONTENT REFERENCED:

The mini-missiles designed to ram Putin’s drones out of the sky (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/04/mini-missiles-swedish-defence-system-russia-putin-drones/ 

The West is waking up to the Russian drone onslaught (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/10/05/the-west-is-waking-up-to-the-russian-drone-onslaught/ 

ISW map on Tomahawk ranges:

https://understandingwar.org/map/russian-military-and-security-service-objects-within-range-of-tomahawk-cruise-missiles-in-the-russian-federation-control-of-terrain-assessment-as-of-october-3-2025/ 

Former Soviet media executive among Russia’s suspicious suicides (The Times):

https://www.thetimes.com/world/russia-ukraine-war/article/vyacheslav-leontyev-pravda-soviet-death-czsq0ljn6 

Thales arms maker delivers new missiles to Ukraine designed to take out Russian drones (Kyiv Independent):

https://kyivindependent.com/thales-arms-maker-delivers-new-missiles-to-ukraine-designed-to-take-out-russian-drones/

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: [email protected]

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

Day 1,321.

Today, we break down Ukraine’s escalating drone war targeting Russian industry and examine how Ukrainian intelligence claims China supplied satellite imagery of US-funded factories. We also cover the latest riots in Georgia and election results in Czechia, analysing what they reveal about European political stability. Later, following a weekend of explosions across Russia and occupied Crimea, a RAND Corporation analyst joins us to assess Putin’s weakening oil industry, the potential breaking point for Russia’s energy sector, and how a proposed European “drone wall” could reshape the continent’s defences.

Contributors:

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

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

With thanks to RAND Analyst Michael Bohnert.

CONTENT REFERENCED:

‘The Battle for Odesa: Ukraine's Culture War’ (Francis & Dom Video Documentary):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28HqbQLYGMM 

Europe is facing its ‘Pearl Harbor moment’ (Landbergis in The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/05/europe-faces-pearl-harbor-moment/ 

Georgia’s presidential palace ‘attacked’ after pro-Russia party’s win (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/05/georgia-protests-presidential-palace-georgian-dream-tbilisi/ 

Santander hires former head of British Army (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/10/06/santander-hires-former-head-of-british-army/

BOOK NOW: 'UKRAINE: THE LATEST' LIVE, IN-PERSON:

Join us for an in-person discussion and Q&A at the distinguished Honourable Artillery Company in London on 22nd October at 7pm.

Our panel includes General Sir Richard Barrons, former head of UK Joint Forces Command and latterly one of the authors of Britain’s Strategic Defence Review, and Orysia Lutsevych, head of the Ukraine Forum at the Chatham House think tank. Tickets are open to everybody and can be purchased at:

https://www.squadup.com/events/ukrainelive

They are going fast, so don't delay!

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.

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: [email protected]

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

Day 1,318.

Today, after yet another drone incursion forces the closure of a major European airport - this time in Germany - we examine growing calls from officials to take tougher measures, including shooting drones down on sight. We’ll also look at one of Ukraine’s most far-reaching strikes to date, more than 1,400 kilometers inside Russia, before turning to some of the lighter, more curious moments in encounters between Russian presidents and world leaders. Later, we bring you our latest dispatch from Odesa, where debate is intensifying over whether to remove a certain statue of Russian poet Alexander Pushkin.

Contributors:

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

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

With thanks to Tetyana Kagitina.

CONTENT REFERENCED:

Francis’s Video Documentary ‘The Battle for Odesa: Ukraine’s Culture War’ -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28HqbQLYGMM 

Fears US shutdown will delay weapons shipments to Ukraine (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2025/10/02/us-shutdown-weapons-shipments-ukraine/ 

Let Nato jets pursue Russian intruders across borders, urges Estonia (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/10/03/estonia-natos-disjointed-air-defence-failing-to-deter-putin/ 

BOOK NOW: 'UKRAINE: THE LATEST' LIVE, IN-PERSON:

Join us for an in-person discussion and Q&A at the distinguished Honourable Artillery Company in London on 22nd October at 7pm.

Our panel includes General Sir Richard Barrons, former head of UK Joint Forces Command and latterly one of the authors of Britain’s Strategic Defence Review, and Orysia Lutsevych, head of the Ukraine Forum at the Chatham House think tank. Tickets are open to everybody and can be purchased at:

https://www.squadup.com/events/ukrainelive

They are going fast, so don't delay!

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.

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: [email protected]

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

Day 1,317.

Today, as Donald Trump reportedly provides Ukraine with intelligence for long-range missile strikes against Russia, we assess just how serious the economic situation is becoming amid reports of gas shortages. Then, as European leaders join President Zelensky in Copenhagen, we hear about the new 'drone wall' and how Moscow has upgraded its missiles to better evade Patriot air defense systems.

Contributors:

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

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

James Kilner (Foreign Correspondent). @jkjourno on X.

BOOK NOW: 'UKRAINE: THE LATEST' LIVE, IN-PERSON:

Join us for an in-person discussion and Q&A at the distinguished Honourable Artillery Company in London on 22nd October at 7pm.

Our panel includes General Sir Richard Barrons, former head of UK Joint Forces Command and latterly one of the authors of Britain’s Strategic Defence Review, and Orysia Lutsevych, head of the Ukraine Forum at the Chatham House think tank. Tickets are open to everybody and can be purchased at: https://www.squadup.com/events/ukrainelive

They are going fast, so don't delay!

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:

Adelie’s interview with mother of Ukrainian child adopted by Putin ally:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nato-and-russia-edge-closer-to-standoff-exclusive/id1612424182?i=1000728072996

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5qaTQOZyq5jVUK1B2U7Cqh

US ‘to provide Ukraine with intelligence for long-range strikes in Russia’ (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2025/10/02/us-ukraine-intelligence-long-range-strikes-russia/

Russian missile upgrade outpaces Ukraine’s Patriot defences (Financial Times):

https://www.ft.com/content/078b8e70-a58c-47cc-b573-598850dd5685 

Baltic Defences Compared (Eesti Ekspress):

https://ekspress.delfi.ee/artikkel/120403794/baltic-defences-compared-the-enemy-is-the-same-but-the-preparations-and-considerations-very-different

Ukraine hacks Crimea proxy head, uncovers child abduction files, intelligence source says (Kyiv Independent):

https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-hacks-crimea-proxy-uncovers-child-abduction-files/

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.