Ukraine: The Latest

Nuclear fears as 'high explosive warhead' hits Chernobyl & Europe pledges high-tech arms at Munich

Feb 14, 2025

Jade McGlynn, a War Studies expert from King's College, delves into the underground warfare in occupied Ukraine, illuminating resistance efforts and the significance of identity amidst conflict. Paul Heslop, a Senior Mine Action Advisor for the UN, discusses the daunting challenge of landmine clearance, emphasizing the humanitarian implications of unexploded ordnance. They also explore recent military aid pledges from Europe and the historic drone attack on Chernobyl, heightening global nuclear safety concerns and political tensions.

01:05:20

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Episode guests

Paul Heslop

Jade McGlynn

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Quick takeaways

The Russian drone strike on Chernobyl raises severe nuclear safety concerns, prompting calls for urgent international action against nuclear terrorism.

Escalating military aid from European nations, highlighted by Germany's commitment of air defense missiles, underscores a unified effort to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities.

Active Ukrainian resistance in occupied territories, including targeted operations against Russian collaborators, exemplifies persistent defiance despite aggressive crackdowns by occupying forces.

Deep dives

Impact of Drone Strikes on Chernobyl

A Russian drone strike damaged the protective shell of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, highlighting significant security concerns regarding nuclear sites in Ukraine. The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed that the drone struck the shelter covering the remnants of reactor number four, leading to an explosion but without increasing radiation levels. This attack is characterized as a terrorist threat not only to Ukraine but also to the entire continent, prompting Ukraine's Energy Minister to appeal for an urgent international response to this act of nuclear terrorism. Such incidents underline the broader dangers Russia poses by targeting critical infrastructure amid ongoing military conflict.

Intro

5min

Military Aid and Resistance in Ukraine

27min

Values vs. Might in Warfare

9min

Valentine's Day Crushes: Playful Revelations and Humorous Clues

2min

Demining Ukraine: Challenges and Solutions

12min

Modernizing Humanitarian Demining Efforts

3min

Navigating Post-Conflict Recovery in Ukraine

4min

Rebuilding Efforts in Ukraine: A Call for International Support

3min

Day 1,087.

Today, as the Munich Security Conference tops a critical diplomatic week for Ukraine, we examine the latest political manoeuvres, talk to the UN Senior Mine Action Advisor in Ukraine, and hear the latest on the underground war being waged in the occupied territories.

Contributors:

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

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

Dr. Jade McGlynn (War Studies Department of King's College). @DrJadeMcGlynn on X.

With thanks to Paul Heslop (Senior Mine Action Advisor for the United Nations in Ukraine). @UNMAS on X.

Content Referenced:

Munich Security Conference Live Blog (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/02/14/russia-ukraine-zelensky-putin-war-latest-news-munich/

How Trump’s Russia-Ukraine peace plan blindsided Europe (The Times):

https://www.thetimes.com/uk/defence/article/nato-trump-ukraine-russia-peace-plan-gscjfhpm5

Europe must respond to Trump ‘electroshock’, says Macron (The Financial Times):

https://www.ft.com/content/1ee43b51-9d3a-47d2-adf6-3315c38e1c38