Ukraine: The Latest

Day 1,220.

Today, as the US Ambassador to Russia leaves Moscow, we look at the latest attacks on Ukraine from land and air, and hear how the war is perceived on the other side of the world: in New Zealand.

Contributors:

Roland Oliphant (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @RolandOliphant on X.

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

With thanks to Tenby Powell (founder of the NGO Kiwi K.A.R.E). @tenbypowell on X.

Content Referenced:

Learn more about Kiwi K.A.R.E:

https://www.kiwikareukraine.co.nz/ 

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 1,219.

Today, after what some are calling a ‘triumphant’ NATO summit in the Hague, we assess the pledges made by President Donald Trump, and ask whether it was a historic achievement by Secretary General Mark Rutte. Then we do deeper dives into Ukraine’s military and strategic innovations, and the threat posed by Russia on Europe’s eastern flank, with dispatches from Lithuania and Latvia.

Contributors:

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

David Blair (Chief Foreign Correspondent). @davidblairdt on X.

Roland Oliphant (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @RolandOliphant on X.

With thanks to Baiba Braže (Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs). @Braze_Baiba on X.

Content Referenced:

Why calling Trump Daddy got Nato what they wanted (David Blair in The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/06/25/how-nato-conquered-trump/

Europe is building a new ‘Iron Curtain’– with millions of landmines (David Blair in The Telegraph): https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/06/24/lithuania-iron-curtain-landmines-europe/ 

An Interview With Andriy Zagorodnyuk (Professor Phillips O’Brian’s Substack):

https://open.substack.com/pub/phillipspobrien/p/an-interview-with-andriy-zagorodnyuk?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

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 1,218.

Today, we look at the second day of the NATO summit in The Hague, including Mark Rutte’s leaked message to President Donald Trump, and President Zelensky’s upcoming meeting with the US president. We also hear about why young women are choosing to leave Ukraine “in droves” to study abroad, and what that means for the future of Ukraine. And finally we discuss a documentary series about Ukrainian veterans.

Contributors:

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

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

Garbiella Jozwiak. (Freelance Reporter).

With thanks to Alexandra Kutas.

Content Referenced:

Telegraph Live Blog on NATO Summit:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/06/25/nato-summit-trump-ukraine-war-zelensky-starmer/ 

Nato softens stance on Russia (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/06/25/leaked-statement-nato-softens-on-russia/ 

Ukraine has a problem no one is talking about – young women are leaving in droves (Gabriella in The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/women-and-girls/ukraine-has-a-problem-no-one-is-talking-about-young-women/ 

Reimagined Ukraine, by Alexandra Kutas: 

Serhii: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9nvSCf5_lw&t=184s

Oleksandr: https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=t4gqEds6o9laQvct&v=DC_9mSV5wDs&feature=youtu.be

Vyacheslav: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMdrFk8xcX8

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 1,217.

Today, as the NATO summit gets underway in The Hague, we look at how the alliance is shifting the goalposts on how members’ contributions should be counted. We report on last night’s closed door session with President Zelensky - which we attended - and we hear the panel event Francis moderated recently at the Black Sea Security Forum in Odesa.

Contributors:

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

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

With thanks to our panel: Tony Abbott, Vadym Prystaiko, Dr Robert Seely and Richard Kemp.

Content Referenced:

See us at Chalke History Festival THIS FRIDAY (27th):

https://www.chalkefestival.com/

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 1,216.

Today, we discuss the ramifications of the historic American strike on Iran’s nuclear sites, and how we should read Tehran's Foreign Minister’s scramble to Moscow. Plus we feature a special dispatch from Gotland, Sweden, to meet the Armed Forces’ newest outfit protecting Europe’s strategic Baltic outpost from Russia.

Contributors:

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

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

Venetia Rainey (Co-host Battle Lines podcast). @venetiarainey on X.

Content Referenced:

The tiny Swedish island regiment tasked with protecting Europe from Russia (Venetia Rainey in The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/06/17/the-tiny-swedish-island-regiment-tasked-protecting-europe/ 

Our sister podcast Battle Lines, covering wider geopolitical affairs, including Iran:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/05/14/battle-lines-foreign-policy-geopolitics-conflict-podcast/ 

Spain exempt from Nato’s 5pc spending target (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/06/22/spain-exempt-from-nato-five-percent-spending-target-gdp/ 

'My husband is free' — Belarus opposition leader Siarhei Tsikhanouski freed after US envoy visits Minsk (The Kyiv Independent):

https://kyivindependent.com/in-highest-level-visit-in-years-lukashenko-meets-us-envoy-kellogg-in-minsk/?mc_cid=bdc69312ea&mc_eid=08d0680a95 

Putin spies an opportunity in Trump’s attack on Iran (The Spectator):

https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/putin-spies-an-opportunity-in-trumps-attack-on-iran/

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 1,213.

Today, we discuss our exclusive reporting into insider Russian reaction to Operation Spider’s Web, hear from someone just on the frontline in Donetsk, and relay the latest acts of resistance in the occupied territories. Plus, you’ll hear Dom’s panel from the Black Sea Security Forum in Odesa featuring former British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and former Minister of State for Security, Tom Tugendhat, reflecting on key decisions made in the war.

Contributors:

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

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

Memphis Barker (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @memphisbarker on X.

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

With thanks to Tom Tugendhat (Member of Parliament for Tonbridge) and Ben Wallace (Former British Defence Secretary).

Content Referenced:

Putin told to declare full war on Ukraine as Kremlin hardliners despair (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/06/18/putin-under-pressure-declare-war-ukraine-nationalists-kyiv/ 

I abandoned my unit in Ukraine. Now I’m going back to war (Memphis Barker in The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/06/16/ukraine-russia-soldiers-abscondment-donetsk-kyiv/ 

'Putin doesn't want negotiations' - interview with Zelensky's 'power broker' Andriy Yermak (The Telegraph):

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

Russia accidentally admitted to its staggering troop losses in Ukraine (Kyiv Independent):

https://kyivindependent.com/russia-just-accidentally-admitted-to-its-staggering-troop-losses-in-ukraine/?mc_cid=8c2eeadbda&mc_eid=08d0680a95 

Washington has had it with Andriy Yermak (POLITICO):

https://www.politico.com/news/2025/06/19/ukraine-andriy-yermak-frustrates-trump-administration-00414197

Links relating to Dr Jade McGlynn’s segment:

https://t.me/samotniyskhid/6332 

https://t.me/informnapalm/24948

Daily T episode mentioned in final thoughts:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/06/19/the-daily-t-trump-iran-attack-britain-fit-for-battle/  

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: [email protected]

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

Day 1,212.

Today, as we pass 100 days since Ukraine unconditionally accepted the US peace proposal for a total cease fire, we report how Russia continues to kill civilians across the country. We look at how much effort Russian officials are putting into telling the world sanctions are having no impact whatsoever on their economy, and report on Finland’s exit from the Ottawa Treaty. And we hear a number of voices from our recent trip to Odesa in southern Ukraine. 

Contributors:

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

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

With thanks to Dalibor Rohac, Melinda Haring, and Ugo Poletti.

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.

Content Referenced:

EU devises scheme to squeeze more profit from Russian frozen assets (POLITICO):

https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-russia-frozen-assets-moscow-money-war-ukraine/

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 1,211.

Today, as the death toll from Monday night’s strike on Kyiv climbs, we report reaction from the United States, plus why we should be paying attention to the St Petersburg Economic Forum and how Moscow has taken aim at Britain’s new head of MI6.

Contributors:

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

Hamish De Bretton-Gordon (Former British Army Tank Commander). @HamishDBG on X

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

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.

Content Referenced:

Kim Jong-un will send troops to help Putin rebuild Kursk (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/06/18/kim-jong-un-will-send-troops-to-help-putin-rebuild-kursk/ 

Ukraine's parliament passes state asset agency reform crucial for EU funding (Kyiv Independent):

https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-parliament-passes-state-asset-agency-reform-key-to-eu-funding/ 

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: [email protected]

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

Day 1,210.

Today, as a day of mourning is announced in Kyiv after a severe night’s bombardment – leaving at least 16 dead and over a 100 injured – we consider Moscow’s demands that Ukraine destroy all its western weaponry, and further ramifications of the Israel-Iran crisis for the war. Then we take you to the Black Sea Forum in Odesa, hearing the first interviews we recorded there, and describing some of the sights that greeted us when crossing the border.

Contributors:

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

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

With thanks to Lord Ashcroft (@LordAshcroft on X) and Kira Rudik (@kiraincongress on X).

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.

Content Referenced:

Russia demands that Ukraine destroys all western weaponry (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/06/16/russia-demands-ukraine-destroy-all-western-weaponry/ 

How Iran’s support for Russia could tear the regime apart (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/03/13/iran-russia-mohammad-javad-sacked-zarif-ayatollah-khamenei/ 

Exclusive: Trump administration disbands group focused on pressuring Russia (Reuters):

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/trump-administration-disbands-group-focused-pressuring-russia-sources-say-2025-06-17/ 

Zelensky's trust rating drops 11 points to 65%, poll shows (Kyiv Independent):

https://kyivindependent.com/zelenskys-approval-drops-11-points/?mc_cid=2bda39f5c4&mc_eid=08d0680a95 

Not all German politicians want to freeze out Putin (The Times):

https://www.thetimes.com/world/europe/article/german-coalition-call-for-cooperation-with-putin-7j9wsjqcg 

The first trial of its kind: A Russian soldier takes the stand for an execution (BBC):

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cp8ylx534j0o

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: [email protected]

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Day 1,209.

Today, after Russia launches a combined missile and drone attack against Kremenchuk – right in the centre of Ukraine – we consider an intelligence operation in the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad which caused $5 million worth of damage. Then we hear about a new play that has just opened in London about Ukraine's experience, after a deep dive into how Moscow hired African farmers to make shampoo, before sending them to war.

Contributors:

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

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

Ben Farmer (Africa correspondent). @benfarmer on X.

With thanks to Josephine Burton and Simeon Kylsyi at Dash Arts.

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.

Content Referenced:

‘The Reckoning’ at the Arcola Theatre until 28th June:

https://www.arcolatheatre.com/whats-on/the-reckoning/ 

You can learn more and contact the team at:

https://www.dasharts.org.uk/contact 

Russia hired African farmers to make shampoo, then sent them to war (Ben Farmer in The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/06/09/russia-sent-african-shampoo-makers-die-ukraine-front-line/ 

The Russia affair in the Swiss secret service (Swiss Info):

https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/foreign-affairs/the-russia-affair-in-the-swiss-secret-service/89461415 

How Russia recruited a teenage Canadian spy (Reuters):

https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/europe-espionage-teen-spy/ 

Ukrainian intelligence agents attack Russian substation causing $5 million in damage (Kyiv Independent):

https://kyivindependent.com/hur-agents-ignite-substation-in-russias-kaliningrad-in-sabotage-operation/ 

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: [email protected]

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