Personal toll of leadership and smear campaigns

Day 1,419.

Today, as much of Kyiv continues to live without power, so too does a region of Russia, as the United States accuses Moscow of making a mockery of peace through its continued attacks. Then, we explore the emerging phenomenon of so-called ‘dark tourism’ in Ukraine, and what it reveals about how the war is being remembered. Later, in an exclusive interview, we speak to Moldovan President Maia Sandu, who reflects on a tumultuous five years in office – including last year’s dramatic election campaign, which delivered Vladimir Putin one of his most significant political setbacks of the year.

Contributors

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

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

Adrian Blomfield (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @adrianblomfield on X.

Anna Emmett-Martin (Journalist).

With thanks to Moldovan President Maia Sandu.

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CONTENT REFERENCED:

Full Exclusive Telegraph Video Interview with Moldovan President Maia Sandu:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRnZUTGo1MI 

Francis’s Video Documentary on Moldova:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZC5FvDt-u0 

Panel with Dr Jack Watling discussing legal avenues for stopping the shadow fleet:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQqHFlA6m6o 

UN Homepage:

https://www.un.org/en/

UN Story – Deadly Russian strikes push civilians deeper into winter crisis:

https://news.un.org/en/story/2026/01/1166748 

Live Blog as Parliament votes on government reshuffle (Kyiv Independent):

https://kyivindependent.com/parliament-votes-on-government-reshuffle-live/ 

Ukraine and Moldova Quietly Cut Off Russia’s Hidden Army at Midnight on New Year’s Day (United 24):

https://united24media.com/latest-news/ukraine-and-moldova-quietly-cut-off-russias-hidden-army-at-midnight-on-new-years-day-14932 

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