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Day 1,697. Today, Steve Witkoff arrives in Russia to meet Vladimir Putin, after fresh peace talks in Oslo. Trump’s envoy describes the Russian president, extraordinarily, as a “humanitarian”. The Kremlin releases US pensioner Stephen James Hubbard, just in time for the midterms, and says the first tanker included in the Russian diesel deal will leave tomorrow. Elsewhere, the saga over the Starlink switch-off continues, and Nato deploys drones to the Black Sea. Later, Dom and Alex speak to Antonia Langord – usually based in Kyiv – in our London studio. Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X. Alex Nichol (Telegraph Journalist). Antonia Langford (Freelance Journalist in Kyiv). @Antonialford on X. Senior Producer: Lilian Fawcett Video Producer: Sophie O’Sullivan Social Producer: Natalia Makohon Studio Director: Meghan Searle Executive Editor: Francis Dearnley Created by David Knowles NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE: Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest CONTENT REFERENCED: Tickets for 'The Mothers of Kherson' opera in Warsaw: https://teatrwielki.pl/en/calendar/2026-2027/matki-chersonia 'Everything was in ruins' — At least 2 killed, 2 injured in Russian drone attack on Kyiv (Kyiv Independent) https://kyivindependent.com/at-least-2-killed-2-injured-in-russian-drone-attack-on-kyiv/ Ukrainians turn on US after Russian strike kills baby in pram (Antonia Langford for The Telegraph) https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/21/ukrainians-turn-on-us-russian-strike-kills-baby-pram/ How an Italian journalist is whitewashing Putin’s worst war crime (Nick Squires and Antonia Langford for the Telegraph) https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/18/how-italian-journalist-whitewashing-putins-worst-war-crimes/ She survived the front line, but a Russian missile found her at home (Antonia Langford for The Telegraph) https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/09/20/ukraine-combat-medic-survives-front-line-to-die-near-home/ Antonia’s interview with Robert 'Madyar' Brovdi - Ukraine’s Drone Chief: Putin is Sending 300,000 Troops to the Slaughter | Exclusive https://youtu.be/xWRn_oltbgY If you’re interested in sponsoring Dom’s upcoming defence event, email our colleagues at [email protected] EMAIL US: Contact the team on [email protected]. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible. HIGHLIGHTS: Wikoff praises Putin the 'humanitarian’ after Kremlin releases US prisonerNato deploys drones to the Black Sea Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,696. Today, as President Trump says Putin isn’t “doing much” in Ukraine, we hear how the Russian President has sought to make Trump an offer he can’t refuse: a trilateral meeting with him and President Xi of China to settle all family business. Then we bring you a Telegraph exclusive on how Moscow is buying up holiday homes near NATO bases for nefarious purposes, before an in-depth look at the consequences of Ukraine losing access to the Starlink/Starfield, including for firefighters battling the destruction wrought by Russian missiles and drones. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X. Sophie O'Sullivan (Telegraph Journalist) James Rothwell (Berlin Correspondent). @JamesERothwell on X. With thanks to freelance journalist Tom Watling. Producer: Phil Atkins Senior Producer: Lilian Fawcett Video Producer: Sophie O’Sullivan Social Producer: Natalia Makohon Studio Director: Meghan Searle Executive Editor: Francis Dearnley Created by David Knowles NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE: Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest CONTENT REFERENCED: ENGIn Interview on ‘Ukraine: The Latest’: https://youtu.be/7FC4cyBmwdE?si=9pG6b70MDh6G4uWN&t=1430 ENGIn Volunteering: https://www.enginprogram.org/ Russia buys ‘holiday homes’ around Nato bases (The Telegraph): https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/20/russia-wages-hybrid-war-on-nato-from-holiday-homes/ Putin asks Trump for summit with Xi to decide Ukraine’s fate (The Telegraph): https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/19/putin-asks-trump-for-summit-with-xi-to-decide-ukraines-fate/ White House blocks transfer of Patriots to Ukraine (The Telegraph): https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/20/white-house-blocks-transfer-of-patriot-missiles-to-ukraine/ European telecoms groups join forces to challenge Elon Musk’s Starlink (Financial Times): https://www.ft.com/content/555bbf91-4c38-43ce-94b6-90f7fc04e82c?syn-25a6b1a6=1 Zelensky appeals to US lawmakers for answers as White House turns on Kyiv (Kyiv Independent): https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-appeals-to-us-lawmakers-for-answers-as-white-house-turns-on-kyiv/ New Survey Shows 61% of Ukrainians Oppose Land for Peace Deal (Kyiv Post): https://www.kyivpost.com/post/87527 How Putin devastated the crucial steel plant in Zelensky’s home town (Tom Watling in The Times): https://www.thetimes.com/world/russia-ukraine-war/article/steel-plant-zelenskys-hometown-shuts-2w2np677q A week with the Kyiv firefighters battling Russian drone strikes (Tom Watling in The Times): https://www.thetimes.com/world/russia-ukraine-war/article/kyiv-firefighters-drone-danger-cjt36hfdq If you’re interested in sponsoring Dom’s upcoming defence event, email our colleagues at [email protected] EMAIL US: Contact the team on [email protected]. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible. HIGHLIGHTS: – Russia buys ‘holiday homes’ near NATO bases – Putin asks Trump for summit with Xi Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,695. Today, following the temporary Starlink-Starshield shutdown last week, we reveal how Musk approached President Trump to slow down Starlink in Ukraine. Meanwhile, the U.S. Ambassador to the EU – following Trump’s last minute executive order to block the bipartisan, Russian sanctions act – warns European companies face "devastating" retaliation from Washington if Brussels moves forward with plans to restrict American tech rivals. Meanwhile, with the so-called “energy ceasefire” a distant memory, we report on the continued attacks by both Russia and Ukraine, including a major strike on an oil terminal in St Petersburg. Finally, we turn to the fundamental questions facing Europe: who will be leading it in a few months' time, and how can pro-Ukraine politicians prepare for the worst case scenarios? Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X. Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X. James Crisp (Europe Editor). @JamesCrisp6 on X. Producer: Rachel Porter Senior Producer: Lilian Fawcett Video Producer: Tom Steed Social Producer: Natalia Makohon Studio Director: Meghan Searle Executive Editor: Francis Dearnley Created by David Knowles NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE: Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest CONTENT REFERENCED: Buy tickets to War Room, a new interactive event in London: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph-events/the-war-room/ Exclusive: Musk approached Trump to slow down Starlink in Ukraine (Joe Barnes for The Telegraph) https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/16/musk-approached-trump-slow-down-starlink-help-ukraine/ US threatens European companies over Starlink restrictions (Financial Times) https://www.ft.com/content/d1e28d93-8574-4a46-946a-b261c401d6fa?syn-25a6b1a6=1 Zelenskyy says Ukraine 'will not prevail’ if U.S. takes Russia's side: Full interview (NBC) https://www.nbcnews.com/meet-the-press/video/zelenskyy-says-ukraine-will-not-prevail-if-u-s-takes-russia-s-side-full-interview-271776837876 Europe’s populist Right has a Russia problem (James Crisp, Joe Barnes, James Rothwell, Henry Samuel and Meike Eijsberg for The Telegraph): https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/19/putin-ukraine-dividing-europe-populist-right-le-pen-afd/ EU rushes to sanction Russia in case Le Pen takes power (The Telegraph) https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/18/eu-rushes-to-sanction-russia-in-case-le-pen-takes-power/ Trump: Zelensky never wanted to end Ukraine war (The Telegraph) https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/18/rubio-nobody-ordered-starlink-slowdown-in-ukraine/ Latvia calls for visa ban on Russians (Financial Times) https://www.ft.com/content/75a42e7d-1497-4760-bd75-1cbd083fc9a4?syn-25a6b1a6=1 Learn more about ‘Ukraine Focus’: https://ukrainefocus.org/about/ EMAIL US: Contact the team on [email protected]. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible. HIGHLIGHTS: Zelensky defies Trump with ‘massive’ raid on sites across St PetersburgExclusive: Elon Musk approached Trump about limiting Starlink in Ukraine Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,692. Today, as President Zelensky arrives for talks with European leaders in Brussels, Russia embodies the geopolitical equivalent of running to teacher to say big boys took their football, by complaining that Ukraine has hit another one of their oil refineries. Donald Trump is accused of betrayal, for the second time this week, but this time from a most unlikely source, and NAFO gets a shout out in the Irish Parliament. And, as we mention football, we end this torrid week with something a bit brighter: a dispatch with Ukraine’s number one football team as they start their Champions League campaign. Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X. Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X. Tom Steed (Telegraph Journalist). Producer: Rachel Porter Senior Producer: Lilian Fawcett Video Producer: Sophie O’Sullivan Social Producer: Tom Steed Studio Director: Meghan Searle Executive Editor: Francis Dearnley Created by David Knowles NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE: Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest CONTENT REFERENCED: Sign up to the ‘Characters’ newsletter: https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/characters Arthur Gibson, philosopher who rose from poverty to become the cleverest man in Britain (Telegraph Obituary): https://www.telegraph.co.uk/obituaries/2026/09/18/arthur-gibson-genius-philosopher-who-rose-died-obituary/ Trump: Zelensky is destroying Ukraine (The Telegraph): https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/16/trump-zelensky-destroying-ukraine-russia-putin-diesel/ Ukraine Finds a New Set of Targets (The Atlantic): https://www.theatlantic.com/national-security/2026/10/ukraine-russia-trump-putin-war/689002/ The Defector: A Russian Officer Turned Against His Country and Helped Ukraine Kill Hundreds (Wall Street Journal): https://www.wsj.com/world/russian-defector-deadly-sabotage-campaign-a95d163c Netherlands denies visas to 3 Russian athletes, barring them from world championships (Kyiv Independent): https://kyivindependent.com/netherlands-denies-visas-to-3-russian-athletes-barring-them-fro m-world-championships/?mc_cid=6920a0d80d&mc_eid=08d0680a95 EMAIL US: Contact the team on [email protected]. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible. HIGHLIGHTS: – Trump: Zelensky is destroying Ukraine – Starlink restored to Ukrainian troops Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,691. Today, as the blame game over who limited Ukraine’s use of Starlink and Starshield reaches fever pitch, we hear Elon Musk’s rebuttal while White House officials point the finger at him. Meanwhile, President Zelensky breaks cover and admits he feels “betrayed” by President Trump. Later, Dom sits down for an exclusive interview with Estonia’s Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, who says Russia is “boiling Europe like a frog”. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X. Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X. With thanks to Margus Tsahkna, foreign minister of Estonia. Producer: Rachel Porter Senior Producer: Lilian Fawcett Video Producer: Sophie O’Sullivan Social Producer: Natalia Makohon Studio Director: Meghan Searle Executive Editor: Francis Dearnley Created by David Knowles NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE: Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest CONTENT REFERENCED: Buy tickets to ‘The War Room’, a new interactive event in London, hosted by Dom: https://www.squadup.com/events/the-war-room US floats unfreezing some Russian assets to restart Ukraine peace talks (Financial TImes) https://www.ft.com/content/54353d3a-afed-4fec-985a-50f3dfb9be8e?shareType=nongift&syn-25a6b1a6=1 If you’re interested in sponsoring Dom’s upcoming defence event, email our colleagues at [email protected] EMAIL US: Contact the team on [email protected]. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible. Zelensky clips credit: Piers Morgan Uncensored HIGHLIGHTS: Zelensky accuses Trump of 'betrayal' amid bitter Elon Musk Starlink rowEstonian foreign minister Margus Tsahkna: “Russia is boiling Europe like a frog” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,690. Today, just as President Zelensky arrives in London and British Prime Minister Andy Burnham promises to speed up missile deliveries, the speed of the Starlink service to Ukraine’s troops has mysteriously slowed down. Donald Trump insists the US is still providing intelligence support to Ukraine even as Russian ballistic missiles kill people without warning. Plus, to show in what high regard they hold Mr Trump’s opinion, the Russians continue to observe his apparent energy ceasefire by firing missiles at power plants, causing more civilian deaths and leaving 600,000 in the dark. And later, we have an interview with the EU’s Ambassador to Ukraine who speaks of the tensions between Brussels and Kyiv ahead of an anticipated tough winter. Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X. Sophie O’Sullivan (Telegraph Journalist). Adelie Pojzman-Pontay (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @Adeliepjz on X. With thanks for Katerina Mathernova, EU ambassador to Kyiv. NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE: Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest CONTENT REFERENCED: Buy tickets to ‘War Room’, a new interactive event in London, hosted by Dom: https://www.squadup.com/events/the-war-room Use code UTL20 for 20% off (first 30 users only) 'This cannot be a coincidence' — Ukraine's Starlink access restricted without warning, Zelensky adviser says (Kyiv Independent) https://kyivindependent.com/this-cannot-be-a-coincidence-ukraines-starlink-access-restricted-without-warning-zelensky-adviser-says/ U.S. official: Trump cut deal with Putin after Zelensky ignored his requests (Axios) https://www.axios.com/2026/10/10/trump-zelensky-putin-diesel-deal-war Russia’s Rassvet Satellites Could Give Drones Space-Based Control, Former HUR Official Warns (Kyiv Post) https://www.kyivpost.com/post/86955 The awkward truth about Europe’s biggest sabotage attack (James Rothwell and Per Hinrichs for The Telegraph) https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/14/the-awkward-truth-about-europes-biggest-sabotage-attack/ Adélie’s previous interview with EU Ambassador to Kyiv, Katerina Mathernova, explaining Ukraine’s EU accession talks: On YouTube: https://youtu.be/A0nW1-Csp_g On Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ukraine-the-latest/id1612424182?i=1000774369916 On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/11K2YjDjkCc7yVJkD1PKMy?si=9dc0ebba02bb47fd If you’re interested in sponsoring Dom’s upcoming defence event, email our colleagues at [email protected] EMAIL US: Contact the team on [email protected]. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible. HIGHLIGHTS: Elon Musk turns on Ukraine by limiting StarlinkOperation Vivaldi concludes, liberating final 100 sq km of territory Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,689. Today, as Moscow continues to strike Ukrainian energy infrastructure despite President Donald Trump's so-called ceasefire, we hear the further fallout from the US President's decision to purchase Russian diesel while – at the same time – Vladimir Putin is openly providing technology to Iran with the aim of killing Americans. We then bring you a new interceptor reportedly capable of shooting down some of the fastest Russian drones, and hear for the first time Kyiv's former Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi defend his record. Lastly, a special dispatch from Francis dedicated to mine-hunting on the Black Sea. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X. With thanks to the servicemen and women of the Royal Navy and Ukrainian Navy. Producer: Phil Atkins Senior Producer: Lilian Fawcett Video Producer: Sophie O’Sullivan Social Producer: Tom Steed Studio Director: Meghan Searle Executive Editor: Francis Dearnley Created by David Knowles NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE: Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest CONTENT REFERENCED: Buy tickets to ‘War Room’, a new interactive event in London, hosted by Dom: https://www.squadup.com/events/the-war-room Use code UTL20 for 20% off (first 30 users only) Zelensky: Russia has hit six energy sites since Trump ‘ceasefire’ (The Telegraph): https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/13/russia-hits-six-energy-sites-since-trump-ceasefire-zelensky/ Russia's offensive ability is broken, Kyiv's former top general tells BBC (BBC): https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9y7lgg2vdggo Russia secretly helping Iran develop supersonic cruise missiles (The Telegraph): https://www.ft.com/content/6cf367bc-95b0-4f1f-b149-a25684adefc3?syn-25a6b1a6=1 If you’re interested in sponsoring Dom’s upcoming defence event, email our colleagues at [email protected] EMAIL US: Contact the team on [email protected]. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible. HIGHLIGHTS: – Putin answers Trump’s ceasefire call with missile barrage – Francis joins mine-hunting mission with Ukrainian navy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,688. Today, after a weekend that has surely seen America’s global moral authority fundamentally weakened, we try to make sense of the dizzying news reports and developments in the war. President Zelensky called Donald Trump’s extraordinary decision to buy fuel from Russia “weak” which, coming after he failed to secure the Nobel Peace prize – again – Mr Trump took in a typically gracious and statesmanlike manner. Then, despite claims from the US President that he’d brokered an energy ceasefire, neither side took any notice. We try to work out what it all means, and whether all that has actually been achieved this weekend is that US taxpayers' dollars will now go directly to kill Ukrainian civilians. Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X. Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X. Producer: Rachel Porter Senior Producer: Lilian Fawcett Video Producer: Sophie O’Sullivan Social Producer: Tom Steed Studio Director: Meghan Searle Executive Editor: Francis Dearnley Created by David Knowles NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE: Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest CONTENT REFERENCED: Russia attacks Ukrainian power plant hours after Trump ‘ceasefire’ (The Telegraph): https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/11/donald-trump-energy-ceasefire-ukraine-russia-zelensky/ Republicans turn on Trump over Putin deal (The Telegraph): https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/11/trump-facing-backlash-over-putin-deal/ Trump: Zelensky must be ousted (The Telegraph): https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/10/donald-trump-russia-oil-deal-putin-zelensky-ukraine/ Trump threatens to cut off Ukraine’s weapon supplies (The Telegraph): https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/12/trump-threatens-to-cut-off-weapons-for-ukraine/ Paul Ronzheimer Interview w. former Kyiv Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JhpyhImRLY Learn more about the ‘Get Reading Appeal’: https://bookaid.org/support-us/the-sunday-times-get-ukraine-reading-appeal/ If you’re interested in sponsoring Dom’s upcoming defence event, email our colleagues at [email protected] EMAIL US: Contact the team on [email protected]. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible. HIGHLIGHTS: – Trump: Zelensky must be ousted – Russia attacks Ukrainian power plant hours after ‘energy ceasefire’ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,685. Today, as reports emerge of a possible Ukrainian advance in the Donbas with some Russians saying they are ‘doomed’, Dom asks: is this Vivaldi’s fourth season? Russia continues its campaign of state terrorism with a drone strike on a kindergarten and we report powerful testimony from inside the besieged and occupied town of Oleshky. Meanwhile, the Trump Administration is said to be trying to negotiate a deal with Russia to reopen the Nord Stream pipeline, just as a Ukrainian delegation arrives in Florida to try to negotiate a deal to end the war. And later, Adelie speaks to a human rights lawyer about recent reports of children from territories occupied since 2022 being drafted into the Russian army. Image: Ukrainian service members cross a river outside the city of Sievierodonetsk in 2022. Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X. Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @Adeliepjz on X. Mykola Bielieskov (Research Fellow at Ukraine’s National Institute for Strategic Studies). @MBielieskov on X. With thanks to Kateryna Rashevska. Producer: Rachel Porter Senior Producer: Lilian Fawcett Video Producer: Tom Steed and Sophie O'Sullivan Social Producer: Natalia Makohon Studio Director: Meghan Searle Executive Editor: Francis Dearnley Created by David Knowles NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE: Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest CONTENT REFERENCED: Buy tickets to ‘War Room’, a new interactive event in London, hosted by Dom: https://www.squadup.com/events/the-war-room Use code UTL20 for 20% off (first 30 users only) If you’re interested in sponsoring Dom’s upcoming defence event, email our colleagues at [email protected] Regional Center for Human Rights: https://rchr.org.ua/en/ EMAIL US: Contact the team on [email protected]. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible. HIGHLIGHTS: – Ukrainian troops ‘cross river’ as Donbas advance continues – Russia drafts children from occupied territories into army Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,684. Today, Russia continues its war against civilians in Ukraine, killing 33 in a single strike on a Kramatorsk bus stop. UKraine hits deep in Russia, targeting at least one oil refinery and a data centre, and as Moldova says it will install bomb shelters at border crossings following repeated Russian attacks, the UK has sanctioned its 645th shadow fleet vessel. And later, we answer your questions about the technical and tactical side of the war with the help of an expert on weapons technology. Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X. With thanks to RAND engineer Michael Bohnert, @mbohnert on X. Producer: Phil Atkins Senior Producer: Lilian Fawcett Video Producer: Sophie O’Sullivan Social Producer: Tom Steed Studio Director: Meghan Searle Executive Editor: Francis Dearnley Created by David Knowles NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE: Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest CONTENT REFERENCED: Russian strike on Ukrainian buses kills 33 (The Telegraph) https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/08/russian-strike-on-ukrainian-buses-kills-33/ If you’re interested in sponsoring Dom’s upcoming defence event, email our colleagues at [email protected] EMAIL US: Contact the team on [email protected]. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible. HIGHLIGHTS: Russia kills 33 in ‘targeted’ Kramatorsk bus stop missile strikeDom answers your questions with RAND engineer Michael Bohnert Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,683. Today, as Putin marks his 74th birthday, Ukraine is hit by deadly attacks exposing Europe’s vulnerability to ballistic missiles and drones. We hear of one proposal being debated in London, before turning to an extraordinary development in Germany: the arrest of the country’s former spy chief on treason charges. Plus, Ukrainian naval drones reportedly strike a tanker near the Russia port city of Sochi, setting it ablaze. Then, updates from our Russia analyst James Kilner: post-election tax raids, growing fears of mobilisation, and the latest of the alleged plague outbreak that prompted several countries to adopt precautionary measures. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X. Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X. James Kilner (Russia Analyst). @Jkjourno on X. Senior Producer: Lilian Fawcett Video Producer: Sophie O’Sullivan Social Producer: Tom Steed Studio Director: Meghan Searle Executive Editor: Francis Dearnley Created by David Knowles NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE: Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest CONTENT REFERENCED: Dom’s Panel, ‘Bytes, bots or bayonets: Is Britain ready for the future of warfare?’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKIdJcsXiqs&t=2977s&pp=0gcJCTUMAYcqIYzv Kim Jong-un wishes ‘dearest friend’ Putin a happy birthday (The Telegraph): https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/07/kim-jong-un-vladimir-putin-happy-birthday/ Journalist Evan Gershkovich: ‘Being jailed in Russia was pure fear’ (The Telegraph): https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/07/journalist-evan-gershkovich-putin-russia-prison/ MI6 fears German spy chief leaked British secrets (The Telegraph): https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/10/06/mi6-fears-german-spy-chief-leaked-british-secrets/ Golden naked Trump statue unveiled at European Parliament (The Telegraph): https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/07/golden-naked-donald-trump-statue-european-parliament/ EMAIL US: Contact the team on [email protected]. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible. HIGHLIGHTS: Huge blaze as naval drone hits oil tanker off Russian resort city Sochi Former German spy chief arrested for treason Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,682. Today, as Ukraine continues to be battered with strikes from the evasive jet-powered drones, Kyiv installs AI-powered machine gun turrets to protect its bridges. Ukraine sends a swarm of drones to Moscow overnight, setting fire to the capital’s largest oil facility. We explore the tactical importance of balloons and report on the pro-Russian new government in Bosnia & Herzegovina. Finally, Adélie speaks with Odile Renaud-Basso, president of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and how their financial support contributes to the country’s war effort. Contributors: Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @Adeliepjz on X. With thanks to Odile Renaud-Basso, president of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Producer: Phil Atkins Senior Producer: Lilian Fawcett Video Producer: Sophie O’Sullivan Social Producer: Tom Steed Studio Director: Meghan Searle Executive Editor: Francis Dearnley Created by David Knowles NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE: Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest CONTENT REFERENCED: Russia Tests Balloon Barriers to Snare Ukrainian Drones (Kyiv Post) https://www.kyivpost.com/post/86216 Ukraine doesn’t want charity from the US. It wants a true economic partnership (The Telegraph) https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/03/31/ukraine-doesnt-want-charity-us-wants-economic-partnership/ Fuel from South Korea being shipped to Russia as Ukraine war grinds on (The Guardian) https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/oct/06/oil-tankers-south-korea-russia-ukraine-war Russian drones sank Turkish cargo ship in Black Sea, says Zelensky (The Telegraph) https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/05/russian-drones-sank-turkish-cargo-ship-black-sea-zelensky/ To find out more about the EBRD: Ebrd.com https://www.ebrd.com/home/news-and-events/news/2026/ebrd-president-reaffirms-steadfast-support-for-ukraine-on-sevent.html If you’re interested in sponsoring Dom’s upcoming defence event, email our colleagues at [email protected] EMAIL US: Contact the team on [email protected]. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible. HIGHLIGHTS: Ukraine uses AI machine guns for first time.Drone swarm sets fire to Russian oil site. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,681. Today, after a weekend that saw Kyiv’s key bridges hit by Russian drones in broad daylight – as Frederich Merz was actually visiting the Ukrainian capital, we hear the German chancellor’s defiant response. We discuss the death of a lab worker in Siberia, possibly of plague, sparking concern of an outbreak. Then we dive deeper into the tactics that allowed Ukraine to advance on the battlefield this year, and see Tucker Carlson being taken to task by former British MP Jacob Rees-Mogg, on his views on Ukraine and World War Two. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X. Sophie O’Sullivan (Telegraph Journalist). Verity Bowman (Foreign and Global Health Security Reporter). @VerityBowman on X. Producer: Rachel Porter Senior Producer: Lilian Fawcett Video Producer: Sophie O’Sullivan Social Producer: Tom Steed Studio Director: Meghan Searle Executive Editor: Francis Dearnley Created by David Knowles NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE: Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest CONTENT REFERENCED: U.S.-Russia Talks on Ukraine Now Involve an Oil Deal Tied to Trump Allies (New York Times) https://www.nytimes.com/2026/10/03/us/politics/kushner-witkoff-russia-oil-deal.html?searchResultPosition=2 Interview with journalists from the Kyiv Independent: On YouTube: https://youtu.be/m_ILe1GrwPs?si=II1vUNv7rS1Qdy5Q&t=545 On Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ukraine-the-latest/id1612424182?i=1000792423839 On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3YW7fcsWSEtcSXZ4JcER2W?si=Q8pYx3SuTQSwF7d_lANkTg Sophie’s interview with Annie Jacobsen, on her book about biological warfare: On YouTube: https://youtu.be/sAp28EQy1hY?si=YzmVBjcqnaXUAWm7&t=1371 On Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ukraine-the-latest/id1612424182?i=1000787457741 On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0e63alt0a7dxCHuLA81Sm4?si=sX59IhVlRiemfd2g9LabKQ Francis’s tour of the Berlin Ukraine Museum: https://youtu.be/5W9yy8Z-Qa0?si=xLFIpuTqqgyiZv46&t=848 Learn more about the Ukraine Museum in Berlin: https://www.berlinstory.de/ukraine-museum/ Tucker Carlson debates Jacob-Rees Mogg: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDwKfFV8eCU&t=2842s Jacob Rees-Mogg on The Daily T: On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEBMM-cdqLc On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6cnkk1J0I1UqtxTYVUL4Fe?si=799b9bcaa9e64177 On Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-daily-t/id1489612924?i=1000793278894 How Kyiv cracked Russia’s kill zone and got its tanks back in the fight (Verity Bowman for The Telegraph) https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/03/how-ukraine-cracked-russias-kill-zone/ If you’re interested in sponsoring Dom’s upcoming defence event, email our colleagues at [email protected] EMAIL US: Contact the team on [email protected]. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible. HIGHLIGHTS: Russia accused of covering up plague leak after Siberia lab worker deathHow Kyiv cracked Russia’s kill zone and got its tanks back in the fight Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,678. Today, Ukraine successfully uses its FP-7 ballistic missile for the first time, though they won’t disclose on what or where. Meanwhile, reports point to Russia's sinister plans for the winter which include isolating Ukraine’s main largest cities from the power grid. Russia has vowed to use ‘all the weapons at its disposal’ in case of a war against Nato. We bring you a Telegraph scoop on the Russian biker who masterminded the Leipzig drone incident, plus exclusive footage from a former Ukrainian drone pilot. Contributors: Adelie Pojzman-Pontay (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @Adeliepjz on X. Jade McGlynn (Senior research fellow, King’s College London). @DrJadeMcGlynn on X. With thanks to Dimko Zhluktenko, from the 413th Regiment of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces (@dim0kq on X). Producer: Rachel Porter Senior Producer: Lilian Fawcett Video Producer: Tom Steed Social Producer: Natalia Makohon Studio Director: Meghan Searle Executive Editor: Francis Dearnley Created by David Knowles NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE: Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest CONTENT REFERENCED: Putin has told military leaders to abandon rules of war, Zelenskyy says (Financial Times): https://www.ft.com/content/c2ad4cd1-a08a-4f55-8d57-fa83dbfa98af?syn-25a6b1a6=1 Exclusive: The Russian biker ‘spy’ behind airport drone attack (The Telegraph and Welt am Sontag): https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/10/02/unmasked-russian-biker-spy-leipzig-airport-drone-attack/ Russia Is Planning Its Most Powerful Blow Yet to Try to Freeze Ukraine (The New York Times): https://www.nytimes.com/2026/10/02/world/europe/russia-ukraine-winter.html Ukraine Has an F-16 Emergency (Wall Street Journal): https://www.wsj.com/opinion/ukraine-f-16-maintenance-delays-russia-sabena-engineering-85ca626a Dr Jade McGlynn’s Insights survey of internally displaced persons (Centre for Statecraft and National Security, King's College London): https://totinsights.org/idp-survey-2026.html Dimko’s charity Dzyga’s Paw: https://dzygaspaw.com/ Dimko’s book, Ordinary Guy At War: https://kovyla.pub/books/ordinary-guy-at-war-a-ukrainians-journey-paperback-29 On the double biopic about Charles de Gaulle wartime actions, Résistance (Part I) and Liberté (Part 2): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt28553375/ If you’re interested in sponsoring Dom’s upcoming defence event, email our colleagues at [email protected] EMAIL US: Contact the team on [email protected]. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible. Thumbnail image credit: @ZelenskyyUa/X HIGHLIGHTS: Ukraine fires home-grown ballistic missile in combat for first timeExclusive footage: 24 hours as a frontline drone pilot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,677. Today, on Ukraine’s Day of Defenders, Russia unleashes a new weapon against the country, one specifically designed to hurt civilians as winter approaches. Another school in Kyiv is hit and the British Foreign Office adds 31 more names to its list of sanctioned Russians, along with personal details including a few phone numbers. We gave one of them a ring. Russia seemingly gets the wrong end of the stick and threatens nuclear war over its Kaliningrad enclave. Later, Francis speaks to the director of a Lviv-based institute promoting Ukrainian culture and documenting Russia’s war in the form of folk tales. Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X. Sophie O’Sullivan (Telegraph journalist). Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X. With thanks to Sasha Dovzhyk, founder of Index: institute for documentation and exchange. Producer: Rachel Porter Senior Producer: Lilian Fawcett Video Producer: Sophie O’Sullivan Social Producer: Tom Steed Studio Director: Meghan Searle Executive Editor: Francis Dearnley Created by David Knowles NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE: Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest CONTENT REFERENCED: Pentagon excludes key allies from NATO meeting (Politico) https://www.politico.com/news/2026/09/30/trump-nato-allies-left-out-01100310 Lockheed Martin in ‘Deep’ Overseas Patriot Production Talks as Ukraine Eyes Domestic Output (Kyiv Post) https://www.kyivpost.com/post/85792 'Apocalypse Baroque: Tales from Ukraine at War' by Sasha Dovzhyk: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Apocalypse-Baroque-Tales-Ukraine-War/dp/1917569319 Victoria Amelina Fellowship Programme 2027 (INDEX): https://www.index-ukraine.org/en/news/vidkritij-konkurs-na-stipendiyu-imeni-viktoriyi-amelinoyi-2027 If you’re interested in sponsoring Dom’s upcoming defence event, email our colleagues at [email protected] EMAIL US: Contact the team on [email protected]. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible. HIGHLIGHTS: Russia launches new missile at Ukraine designed to destroy energy infrastructureMoscow lost 46,000 troops in September, its highest monthly toll of the year Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.