Ukraine: The Latest

Day 1,125.

Today, amid ongoing US-mediated proximity talks in Saudi Arabia between Ukraine and Russia, we discuss the remarks of US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to Tucker Carlson, and what they tell us about the mentality of Donald Trump’s administration. Plus we interview the author of a new United Nations report shedding light on alarming 'widespread and systematic' war crimes committed against civilians.

Contributors:

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

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

With thanks to Pablo de Greiff (Colombian academic and human rights activist, and Commissioner of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine to United Nations Security Council).

War Crimes Report by the United Nations:

https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2025/03/ukraine-enforced-disappearances-committed-russian-authorities-amount-crimes

Telegraph Ukraine Live Blog:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/03/24/russia-ukraine-zelensky-putin-ceasefire-war-latest-news/

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, or click the links below.

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

Learn more about the tech: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/02/24/ukraine-the-latest-podcast-russian-ukrainian-ai-translation/

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: [email protected]

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

Day 1,122.

Today, we report on accusations from Ukraine that Moscow has staged a false flag attack on energy infrastructure in the Kursk region, and examine Germany’s proposed defence reforms, how much room Friedrich Merz actually has and how long he has to deliver tangible results.

Contributors:

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

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

Learn more about the album in David Knowles's memory:

https://castlealumni.enthuse.com/cf/chapel-choir-recording

Follow our sister podcast Battle Lines, which covers wider global affairs:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/battle-lines/ 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/battle-lines/id1712903296 

https://open.spotify.com/show/7gPBO0qnZI1YBi25zaVT1c

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, or click the links below.

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

Learn more about the tech: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/02/24/ukraine-the-latest-podcast-russian-ukrainian-ai-translation/

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: [email protected]

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

Day 1,121.

Today, following new Russian bombardments and a huge explosion in Saratov, 600km east of Ukraine after a drone strike, we discuss a new phone call between Presidents Trump and Zelensky, then the row breaking out in Europe about which countries should be ‘considered’ European for vital weapons purchases.  

Contributors:

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

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

Dr Benjamin Tallis (Director, Democratic Strategy Initiative). @bctallis on X.

Content Referenced:

EU shuts Britain out of €150bn rearmament fund (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/03/19/european-union-ukraine-russia-defence-britain-150bn-fund/

Benjamin's Report: 'Emerging Defence: Offset and Competitive Strategies for Europe':

https://www.democratic-strategy.net/s-projects-basic

Why Europe cannot rely on French nuclear umbrella alone (Financial Times):

https://www.ft.com/content/7fed8f2b-98c7-43c6-88b3-d66be449bfac

Follow our sister podcast Battle Lines, which covers wider global affairs:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/battle-lines/ 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/battle-lines/id1712903296 

https://open.spotify.com/show/7gPBO0qnZI1YBi25zaVT1c

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, or click the links below.

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

Learn more about the tech: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/02/24/ukraine-the-latest-podcast-russian-ukrainian-ai-translation/

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: [email protected]

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

Day 1,120.

Today, we discuss the Russian bombardments on Ukraine that began within hours of the "immediate ceasefire” on energy and infrastructure allegedly agreed between Trump and Putin, the European reaction to the call between the two presidents, and the latest military battlefield updates, including in Kursk and a new incursion launched into Belgorod.

Contributors:

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

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

With thanks to Svitlana Morenets. @SvMorenets on X.

Content Referenced:

Follow our sister podcast Battle Lines, which covers wider global affairs:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/battle-lines/ 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/battle-lines/id1712903296 

https://open.spotify.com/show/7gPBO0qnZI1YBi25zaVT1c

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, or click the links below.

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

Learn more about the tech: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/02/24/ukraine-the-latest-podcast-russian-ukrainian-ai-translation/

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: [email protected]

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

Day 1,119.

Today, following another historic call between Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, we bring you immediate reaction. Plus, we discuss the latest measures adopted by Europe to signal preparedness for war, and hear about the significance of major protests in the Balkans. 

Contributors:

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

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

David Blair (Chief Foreign Affairs Commentator). @davidblairdt on X.

Ivana Stradner (Special Correspondent at the Kyiv Post). @ivanastradner on X.

Content Referenced:

Telegraph Ukraine Live Blog:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/03/18/russia-ukraine-zelensky-putin-peace-talks-war-latest-news/ 

Bundestag prepares to vote on historic borrowing package in key test for Merz (The Guardian):

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/18/friedrich-merz-bundestag-vote-germany-borrowing-plan

Trump will make — or break — Europe’s Russia sanctions (POLITICO):

https://www.politico.eu/article/donald-trump-europe-russia-moscow-goods-energy-oil-latvia/

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, or click the links below.

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

Learn more about the tech: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/02/24/ukraine-the-latest-podcast-russian-ukrainian-ai-translation/

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: [email protected]

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

Day 1,118.

Today, as another call is scheduled between Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, we analyse the latest developments in Kursk, where Ukrainian forces continue to hold a sliver of Russian territory. Meanwhile, European leaders weigh their next steps, with French President Emmanuel Macron declaring that Russia would have "no say" if Western peacekeeping troops were deployed in Ukraine.

Contributors:

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

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

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

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

Content Referenced:

U.S. to Withdraw From Group Investigating Responsibility for Ukraine Invasion (New York Times):

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/17/us/politics/trump-ukraine-invasion-accountability.html 

No more lost territory, return of deported children — Kyiv names red lines for peace deal (Kyiv Independent):

https://kyivindependent.com/no-more-lost-territory-return-of-deported-children-kyiv-names-red-lines-for-peace-deal-independent-reports/ 

France Should Join NATO’s Nuclear Sharing Arrangements To Strengthen Deterrence (Chatham House Report):

https://www.chathamhouse.org/2025/03/france-should-join-natos-nuclear-sharing-arrangements-strengthen-european-deterrence?utm_source=twitter.com&utm_medium=organic-social&utm_campaign=france&utm_content=nato 

Hamish de Bretton-Gordon’s article in The Telegraph:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/03/15/putin-peace-trump-nato-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, or click the links below.

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

Learn more about the tech: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/02/24/ukraine-the-latest-podcast-russian-ukrainian-ai-translation/

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: [email protected]

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

Day 1,115.

Today, as Ukraine holds on in Russia’s Kursk region, we analyse Moscow’s evolving strategy following Vladimir Putin’s rejection of Donald Trump’s ceasefire proposal—and what further concessions the U.S. might consider. We also uncover the realities of life under Russian occupation, the latest resistance efforts, and the impact of France’s post-World War II defense policies on today’s global security landscape.

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.

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

With thanks to Elie Tenenbaum (Head of Institut français des relations internationales Security Studies Center). @ElieTenenbaum on X.

Content Referenced:

Telegraph Ukraine Live Blog:  

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/03/14/russia-ukraine-peace-ceasefire-zelensky-putin-latest-news/

Putin is using a classic Russian negotiating tactic to delay a ceasefire (Roland Oliphant in The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/03/13/putin-is-choosing-to-drag-out-the-war-in-ukraine/ 

US toughens sanctions on Russian energy payments (Kyiv Independent):

https://kyivindependent.com/us-toughens-sanctions-on-russian-energy-payments/?mc_cid=faec38e356&mc_eid=08d0680a95

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, or click the links below.

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

Learn more about the tech: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/02/24/ukraine-the-latest-podcast-russian-ukrainian-ai-translation/

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: [email protected]

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

Day 1,114.

Today, as Russia signals its intent to reject a ceasefire, we analyse the Kremlin’s objectives – particularly in Kursk – and what they reveal about the next phase of US-Russia negotiations. From the major defense summit in Paris, we bring key insights into new plans for Ukrainian security guarantees. Plus, we break down the evolving strategic landscape and what it means for the future of global security in this pivotal moment in modern history.

Contributors:

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

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

Phillips O'Brien (Professor of Strategic Studies at the University of St Andrews). @PhillipsPOBrien on X.

Content Referenced:

What will Trump do if Russia says no to a ceasefire? (Memphis Barker in The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/03/12/donald-trump-russia-putin-no-ceasefire-ukraine-war/

Document prepared for Kremlin outlines hard-line negotiating stance (Washington Post):

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/03/12/trump-russia-ukraine-negotiations-fsb-document/

Poland’s president urges US to move nuclear warheads to Polish territory (Financial Times):

https://www.ft.com/content/f9e5f2a9-5d81-4557-af6d-ed3a33eecf1a

Hungary threatens to cancel sanctions on 2,000 Russians unless EU exempts Mikhail Fridman (Financial Times):

https://www.ft.com/content/8d9a8b40-79fe-4604-bacc-70311620780c?shareType=nongift

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, or click the links below.

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

Learn more about the tech: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/02/24/ukraine-the-latest-podcast-russian-ukrainian-ai-translation/

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: [email protected]

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

Day 1,113.

Today, we break down the latest updates from Saudi Arabia, where US and Ukrainian officials held intense 8-hour negotiations on a proposed ceasefire deal. Next, we head to Paris, where European Defence Secretaries and military leaders are meeting to discuss the ‘coalition of the willing’ and its impact on Ukraine’s defense strategy. Finally, we explore the future of Ukrainian refugees worldwide—will they ever return home?

Contributors:

Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Narrative Podcast Producer). @adeliepjz on X.

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

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

With thanks to Olga Tokariuk.

Content Referenced:

Telegraph Ukraine Live Blog:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/03/12/russia-ukraine-peace-talks-zelensky-putin-war-latest-news/

Olga's Report on Ukrainian Refugees for Chatham House:

https://www.chathamhouse.org/publications/the-world-today/2025-03/ukrainian-refugees-being-called-home

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, or click the links below.

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

Learn more about the tech: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/02/24/ukraine-the-latest-podcast-russian-ukrainian-ai-translation/

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: [email protected]

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

Day 1,112.

Today, we dive into the aftermath of the largest drone attack on Moscow during the ongoing war, marking a historic moment in the conflict. We explore its implications for the critical discussions between Ukraine and the United States in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, we uncover a revealing story that exposes Russian spycraft tactics and delve into the perspectives of ordinary Russians on the war.

Contributors:

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

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

Hayley Dixon (Special Correspondent). @haylesdixon on X.

Howard Amos (Journalist and Author). @howardamos on X.

Content Referenced:

Listen: The tech boss who was Russia’s secret spy (Hayley Dixon's Telegraph investigation):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/0/listen-the-tech-boss-who-was-russias-secret-spy/

Ukraine launches largest-ever drone attack on Russia (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/03/11/ukraine-launches-largest-ever-drone-attack-russia/

Ukraine ‘ready to do everything for peace’ in Saudi truce talks (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/03/11/ukraine-russia-war-latest-news-ceasefire-talks-us/

Howard Amos's Book - 'Russia Starts Here: Real Lives in the Ruins of Empire':

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Russia-Starts-Here-Lives-Empire/dp/1472991346#

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, or click the links below.

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

Learn more about the tech: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/02/24/ukraine-the-latest-podcast-russian-ukrainian-ai-translation/

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: [email protected]

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