Pressure to seize Russia's shadow fleet

Day 1,524.

At what point do frontline soldiers in Ukraine reach a breaking point?

Today, as Russia’s Tuapse oil refinery is hit yet again, we discuss a new study underscoring the strain on troops in Ukraine, with many now serving longer in “the kill zone” than in some of the deadliest wars of the 20th century. We also report on a new museum in North Korea dedicated to soldiers killed fighting for Russia in Ukraine, highlighting deepening ties between Moscow and Pyongyang. And later, Joe Barnes speaks to Ukraine’s international sanctions representative about what more can be done to tighten sanctions on Russia and weaken the Kremlin’s war effort.

Contributors:

Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.

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

With thanks to Vladyslav Vlasiuk, Presidential Commissioner for Sanctions Policy of Ukraine.

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:

Joe Barnes’s Pieces for The Telegraph:

‘Britain and France should lead new European Nato, says ex-chief’ –

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/25/britain-france-european-nato-coalition-willing-ukraine/ 

Britain and allies could pool weapons funding in ‘defence bank’ – 

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/26/britain-allies-pool-weapons-fund/ 

Putin humiliated as Russian mercenaries in Africa forced to withdraw (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/27/putin-humiliated-after-russian-mercenaries-africa-withdraw/ 

The heroic postmen of war-torn Ukraine putting Royal Mail to shame (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/consumer-affairs/heroic-postmen-of-ukraine-delivering-faster-royal-mail/ 

North Korea Displays US M1A1 and Leopard 2A4 Tanks Likely Sourced from Russia for Study of Western Armor (Army Recognition Group):

https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/2026/north-korea-displays-us-m1a1-and-leopard-2a4-tanks-likely-sourced-from-russia-for-study-of-western-armor

EMAIL US:

Contact the team on [email protected] . We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many on air and in our newsletter as possible.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Frontline psychological 'breaking point' discovered 
• Exclusive interview with Ukraine sanctions chief

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