Air defence defeats largest drone attack of the war & Boris Johnson joins live for third anniversary
Feb 24, 2025
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Colin Freeman, The Telegraph's correspondent in Kyiv, provides first-hand insights on the mood in Ukraine as the third anniversary of the invasion unfolds. David Blair, the Chief Foreign Affairs Commentator, delves into the historical context of the conflict. Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson shares his experiences from Number 10 on the day of the invasion. The discussion highlights Ukraine's missile production ambitions, escalating drone warfare, and the implications of recent German elections on NATO and European defense strategies.
The third anniversary of the invasion highlights Ukraine's resilience and ongoing international support, despite the unbearable hardships faced since Day 1,097.
Ukraine's defense industry is rapidly advancing, with plans to triple artillery production and create four million drones in the next year.
Recent German election results may signal a shift towards a more robust defense policy for Ukraine, potentially increasing military support.
Deep dives
Commemoration of the Invasion's Anniversary
Today marks the third anniversary of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia, prompting reflections on the ongoing conflict. A significant gathering of world leaders in Kiev underscores the continued international support for Ukraine amid this grim milestone. The anniversary brings back memories of the early days of the invasion, highlighting the unimaginable hardships faced by the nation. Despite these challenges, there is a strong resolve expressed by Ukrainian leaders that they will endure and strive for victory, as they have done since the conflict began.
Escalation of Military Actions
In recent developments, Russia has intensified its military actions, launching its largest drone attack since the invasion began. Over the weekend, over 260 drones were fired at various targets in Ukraine, with over half being intercepted by air defenses. Despite the relentless assaults, Ukrainian forces continue to hold their ground, leading to only minor territorial changes on the battlefield. This ongoing battle illustrates the stagnation in frontline movement even as both sides engage in significant showdowns and skirmishes.
Ukraine's Defense Manufacturing Surge
Ukraine is making strategic advancements in its domestic defense capabilities, with announcements highlighting significant increases in production of various military equipment. The Prime Minister revealed that the country has tripled artillery production and vastly expanded drone manufacturing, now aiming to produce around four million drones in the coming year. This growth demonstrates a maturing defense industry, emphasizing the connection between battlefield requirements and production needs. These efforts could reshape Ukraine's independence in arms sourcing as it aims to secure its defense against Russian aggression.
Political Implications from Germany's Election Results
The recent election results in Germany signal a potential shift in policy direction towards Ukraine, with a more hawkish leader expected to succeed Olaf Scholz. The incoming leader, Friedrich Merz, has criticized the previous cautious approach and expressed the need for stronger European defense policies. This shift could also lead to significant increases in Germany's defense spending, which may enhance military support for Ukraine. However, the formation of a new coalition government and its subsequent policies will need close monitoring as these changes unfold.
Concerns Over Diplomacy and Sanctions
Diplomatic tensions continue to rise, particularly in light of recent comments from political figures, including former U.S. President Donald Trump. His remarks have raised concerns about the commitment of Western allies to Ukraine, prompting fears of a shift in support mechanisms. Amid these developments, Ukraine is prepared for negotiations regarding prisoner exchanges, indicating a nuanced approach to the war's ongoing humanitarian issues. The evolving rhetoric and strategic positions of key players will likely impact the future of Ukraine's international support and military aid.
Today, we mark the third anniversary of the full scale invasion. We hear live from Kyiv - where world leaders are gathering - talk about Ukraine’s announcement to produce missiles - including ballistic missiles - and make sense of what the German election result means for Ukraine. We also hear from what it was like at Number 10 on the day of the invasion from Boris Johnson's former speech writer, and hear an exclusive interview with the former prime minister, also in Kyiv for the anniversary.
Contributors:
Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Journalist and Producer). @adeliepjz on X.
Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.
Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.
Colin Freeman, live in Kyiv. @colinfreeman99 on X.
David Blair (Chief Foreign Affairs Commentator). @davidblairdt on X.
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. It uses cutting edge artificial intelligence (AI) to retain our voices. 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.