Transactional Negotiations and Perceptions of Russia's Strength

Day 1,059.

Today, we cover Ukrainian hits on a Russian refinery and gunpowder plot, reports of North Korean suicide troops, and Russian diplomats infiltrating the UK parliament. And we interview senior correspondent and author, Simon Shuster, on key decisions made by the outgoing Biden administration over the past three years.

Contributors:

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

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

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

With thanks to senior correspondent at TIME Magazine and author, Simon Shuster. @shustry on X.

Content referenced: 

The Showman by Simon Shuster:

https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-showman-simon-shuster?variant=41083800682530

Politico on the (other) Donald and Starmer’s visit to POland

https://www.politico.eu/newsletter/london-playbook/keir-and-the-other-donald/

Politico’s exclusive interview with Keir Starmer in Kyiv

https://www.politico.eu/article/america-europe-donald-trump-keir-starmer-ukraine-russia-peace-initiative/

The Guardian on Russian diplomats breaking into UK Parliament

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/jan/16/russian-diplomats-accessed-private-area-of-uk-parliament-in-security-breach

BBC on lack of convictions on Russian sanctions

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cdd994vl76qo

Adélie’s Friday treat, a playlist from the French public radio on the best David Lynch music (for the many David-shaped holes in your lives)

https://www.radiofrance.fr/fip/podcasts/fip-tape/hommage-a-david-lynch-1803519

Subscribe to The Telegraph: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk

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