Ukraine: The Latest

Day 1,262.

Today, as deadline day begins, we discuss how plans for a trilateral summit of Trump, Zelensky, and Putin are already in jeopardy, and assess how the new tariffs on India are already impacting Russia’s increasingly precarious economy. We also cover reports of a new attack similar to Operation Spiderweb, and we do a deep dive into the history of Ukrainian chess, playing an International Master.

Contributors:

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

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

With thanks to Malcolm Pein (Chess Correspondent). @TelegraphChess on X.

Content Referenced:

Chess in Schools and Communities (CSC)

https://www.chessinschools.co.uk/

Our Black Sea Video Dispatch:

Video -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2YjuuQz414 

Audio - 

https://shorturl.at/D8ibR

Trump abandons plans for three-way talks with Putin and Zelensky (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/08/07/ukraine-russia-putin-trump-zelensky/ 

Russia's budget deficit hits $61 billion, surpassing annual target by 30% (Kyiv Independent):

https://kyivindependent.com/russias-budget-deficit-hits-61-billion/ 

Russian football clubs given €10.8m in Uefa ‘solidarity’ funds since Ukraine invasion (The Guardian):

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/08/uefa-paid-russian-football-clubs-solidarity-funds-invasion-ukraine

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

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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.

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. Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatest

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: [email protected]

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Day 1,261.

Today, with 24 hours to go until Donald Trump’s ceasefire deadline passes, we assess reports that he intends to meet Putin within days, and broker a meeting between the Russian President and President Zelensky. Has the Kremlin done enough to avoid those tariffs? Plus, also hear from the Ukrainian border with Belarus, where families are reunited.

Contributors:

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

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

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

Content Referenced:

Telegraph Ukraine Live Blog:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/08/07/ukraine-russia-putin-trump-zelensky/ 

Trump to meet Putin as early as next week (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/politics/2025/08/06/putin-zelensky-meet-ukraine-peace-talks-trump/ 

Trump declares Russia ‘extraordinary threat to US’ (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/08/06/trump-declares-russia-extraordinary-threat-us-india-tariffs/ 

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: [email protected]

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Day 1,260.

Today, as Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff meets Vladimir Putin for so-called ceasefire negotiations, President Zelensky releases a video marking a year since Ukrainian troops invaded Russia’s Kursk oblast and Ukraine's Prosecutor General's Office opens another investigation into alleged Russian war crimes after a video emerges of a civilian being gunned down in the Donbas. Plus, we explore issues around the use of tourniquets in combat and how their misuse might be causing unnecessary deaths.

Contributors:

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

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

Maeve Cullinan (Global health security reporter). @maeve_cullinan on X.

Content Referenced:

‘Cult’ of tourniquets causing thousands of unnecessary amputations and deaths in Ukraine, say surgeons (Maeve Cullinan in The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/terror-and-security/cult-of-tourniquets-causing-unnecessary-amputations-deaths/ 

Putin considers missile and drone truce as Trump envoy arrives in Moscow (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/08/06/putin-mulls-missile-drone-truce-trump-envoy-moscow/ 

Exclusive: Putin doubts potency of Trump's ultimatum to end the war, sources say (Reuters):

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/putin-doubts-potency-trumps-ultimatum-end-war-sources-say-2025-08-05/ 

Trump’s Ukraine peace plan: Make India pay (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/08/06/trumps-ukraine-peace-plan-runs-straight-through-old-friend/ 

Why the laws of war are widely ignored (The Economist):

https://www.economist.com/international/2025/08/05/why-the-laws-of-war-are-widely-ignored 

Sviatlana Tsikanouskaya (List of events marking five years of protest):

https://tsikhanouskaya.org/en/news/join-events-on-august-9-to-mark-five-years-since-the-2020-protests-in-belarus.html

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: [email protected]

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

Day 1,259.

Today, as President Trump’s deadline fast approaches, we discuss renewed bombardments in Kharkiv and elsewhere, before looking at the media landscape in the United States and considering the vital role of international volunteers in the war effort. Plus, we hear Adelie’s latest dispatch from her trip to Ukraine.

Contributors:

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

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

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

Content Referenced:

Ukraine flags Indian-made parts in drones used by Russian forces (Hindustan Times):

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ukraine-flags-indian-made-parts-in-drones-used-by-russian-forces-101754335825281.html 

Tortured Ukrainian POW branded with ‘Glory to Russia’ vows to return to battle after recovery: ‘Thirst for revenge’ (New York Post):

https://nypost.com/2025/08/04/world-news/tortured-ukrainian-pow-branded-with-glory-to-russia-vows-to-return-to-battle 

The Hidden War Over Ukraine’s Lost Children (TIME):

https://time.com/7302345/ukraine-lost-children-russia-war/ 

20 Russian properties in Vienna could be auctioned off, with proceeds going to Ukraine (Der Standard):

https://www.derstandard.at/story/3000000282204/20-russische-immobilien-in-wien-koennten-zwangsversteigert-werden-erloes-wuerde-an-ukraine-gehen 

China Is Choking Supply of Critical Minerals to Western Defense Companies (Wall Street Journal):

https://www.wsj.com/world/asia/china-western-defense-industry-critical-minerals-3971ec51 

NATO Should Not Replace Traditional Firepower with ‘Drones’ (RUSI): https://www.rusi.org/explore-our-research/publications/rusi-defence-systems/nato-should-not-replace-traditional-firepower-drones

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

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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 1,258.

Today, after a weekend in which Ukrainian drones brought the war to Russian tourists flying into the Black Sea resort of Sochi, the week starts with news of another long-range strike against Russian air assets. Plus, we look ahead at what is likely to be another lively week on the diplomatic front, before hearing the second of our two-part dispatch on military innovation in US Army Europe.

Contributors:

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

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

With thanks to the 173rd Bayonet Innovation Team of the U.S. Army.

Content Referenced:

Ukraine uncovers drone procurement corruption scheme (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/08/02/ukraine-uncovers-drone-procurement-corruption-scheme/ 

Russia’s advance in Ukraine accelerates for fourth straight month (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/08/01/russias-advance-ukraine-accelerates-fourth-straight-month/ 

Trump’s Ukraine Policy Deserves a Reassessment (Eliot Cohen in The Atlantic):

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2025/07/trump-ukraine/683661/

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

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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.

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. 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 1,255.

Today, as the death toll from this week’s massive strike on Kyiv edges upwards, we look at the pressure now being applied to President Zelensky’s chief advisor over the anti-corruption bill that proved so controversial. Plus, we have our regular segment on resistance activities in the occupied territories, and hear from Adélie on the ground in Ukraine.

Contributors:

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

Memphis Barker (Senior foreign correspondent). @memphisbarkeron X.

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

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

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

Content Referenced:

Nikita’s Telegram channel: Telegram channel: https://t.me/svoypatsan861/61

Nikita’s TokTok channel: https://www.tiktok.com/@svoypatsan861?_t=ZS-8ySvtVzMreE&_r=1

Defense News article on drones: https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2025/07/31/behind-attacks-on-ukrainian-cities-russia-is-building-a-drone-empire/

Learn more about Fire Aid: fire-aid.org

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

https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/  

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.

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. 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 1,254.

Today, after protestors once again gathered across Ukraine, we look at today’s parliamentary vote to reinstate the independence of anti-corruption agencies. Plus, as Donald Trump’s latest deadline for a ceasefire approaches, we ask if his patience is actually running out as he warns Dmitry Medvedev is “entering dangerous territory” by criticising the President’s words. Later, Francis Dearnley speaks to one of the small teams of American servicemen and women quietly experimenting with the future of warfare.

Contributors:

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

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

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

With thanks to the United States Army Europe and Africa.

Content Referenced:

‘Ukrainian MPs brawl after Zelensky reverses anti-corruption law’ (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/07/31/ukraine-russia-war-latest-news-kyiv-drone-strikes/

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

https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/  

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.

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. 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 1,253.

Today, after a quieter night in the skies, we turn our focus to renewed tank movements on the ground and covert operations at sea – before sitting down with the director of the Oscar-winning ‘20 Days in Mariupol’ to discuss his new film, ‘2000 Metres to Andriivka’. Plus we share how Elon Musk reportedly stopped Starlink operations during an important Ukrainian counterattack.

Contributors:

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

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

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

With thanks to our guest, Mstyslav Chernov.

Content Referenced:

Learn More’ About 2000 Meters To Andriivka’:

https://releasing.dogwoof.com/2000-meters-to-andriivka 

Musk ordered shutdown of Starlink satellite service as Ukraine retook territory from Russia (Reuters):

https://www.reuters.com/investigations/musk-ordered-shutdown-starlink-satellite-service-ukraine-retook-territory-russia-2025-07-25/ 

Why Ukraine can't afford to demobilize its soldiers (Kyiv Independent):

https://kyivindependent.com/why-ukraine-cant-afford-to-demobilize-its-soldiers/ 

Understanding Russia’s Black Sea strategy (Chatham House):

https://www.chathamhouse.org/2025/07/understanding-russias-black-sea-strategy 

100 years of Telegraph Puzzles: Can you complete our first ever crossword?:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/07/28/100-years-the-telegraph-crossword-week-long-celebration/ 

Puzzles Main Page:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/puzzles/ 

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

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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 1,252.

Today, after another 24 hours of heavy civilian losses in Ukraine, and significant strikes on Russian railway infrastructure, we assess Trump’s claim that he is shortening the 50-day deadline for a ceasefire. Then, we hear the latest on German military reforms and return to the Black Sea for a second dispatch with the Ukrainian navy.

Contributors:

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

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

Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNichollson X.

With thanks to Igor and Pavlo, representatives from 39th Coastal Brigade of the 30th Marine Corps. 

Content Referenced:

Dom’s Video Dispatch from the Black Sea:

https://youtu.be/w2YjuuQz414 

Longer Audio Version, with more voices:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2X5CXYgUvXpVfUblBBu5DF 

Germany passes ‘Bundeswehrbeschaffungsbeschleunigungsgesetz’ law to streamline army (James Rothwell in The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/07/23/germany-bundeswehrbeschaffungsbeschleunigungsgesetz-law/ 

Britain and Germany to develop super missile (James Rothwell in The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/07/17/britain-germany-develop-super-taurus-long-range-missile/

EU warns Kyiv it will halt funding unless anti-corruption agencies' independence is restored (Ukrainian Pravda):

https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2025/07/29/7523882/ 

Europe’s roads and rail unfit for war with Russia, EU transport chief warns (Financial Times)

https://www.ft.com/content/d77d4c1d-da26-4624-8b77-2178d4ac1125

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

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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]

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Day 1,251.

Today, as Russia continues its mechanised push in the Donetsk region, we continue reporting on the corruption bill that has shaken Ukraine, as some MPs fear ‘revenge’ if they were to reinstate anti-corruption agencies. Meanwhile, Russia cancels its annual Navy Day parade for security reasons, Russian tourists continue flocking to Europe for their holidays, and we hear Ukraine’s ambassador to Australia and New Zealand.

Contributors:

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

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

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

Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNichollson X.

With thanks to Myroshnychenko Vasyl, Ukraine’s Ambassador to Australia and New Zealand.

Content Referenced:

Russian tourists flock back to Europe (James Crisp in The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/07/27/russian-tourists-flock-back-to-europe/

Russian Navy Day parade cancelled for ‘security reasons’ (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/07/27/russian-navy-parade-cancelled-for-security-reasons/ 

How effective were Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies targeted by Zelensky, and who were they investigating? (Kyiv Independent):

https://kyivindependent.com/how-effective-were-ukraines-anti-corruption-agencies-targeted-by-zelensky-and-who-were-they-investigating/ 

Klymenko's exclusive interview about limiting the powers of the SAPO (Sulpilne):

https://suspilne.media/1074785-mi-rozberemo-proces-uhvalenna-zakonu-no12414-posekundno-ekskluzivne-intervu-kerivnika-sap-oleksandra-klimenka/ 

Zelensky MPs balk at restoring anti-corruption bodies over ‘revenge’ fears (Financial Times):

https://www.ft.com/content/d8c2bb18-b62a-47af-8ede-984d75ab1acc/

‘That idiot Putin wants to take it all’: Russia’s kamikaze tactics fuel a slow advance in Ukraine (The Guardian):

https://www.theguardian.com/news/ng-interactive/2025/jul/27/that-idiot-putin-wants-to-take-it-all-russias-kamikaze-tactics-fuel-a-slow-advance-in-ukraine 

Confessions of police officers and government officials in Russia’s borderlands (The Insider):

https://theins.ru/en/confession/283510 

The Dogs of Mariupol: Russia’s Invasion and the Forging of Ukraine’s Iron Generation (Tom Mutch’s book):

https://www.bitebackpublishing.com/books/the-dogs-of-mariupol 

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