Ukraine: The Latest

In this discussion, guest Olia Hercules, a bestselling Ukrainian cookery writer known for 'Strong Roots,' shares her family's century-long journey of resilience amid conflict. They discuss the recent explosions in Crimea and the implications of Israel's actions regarding Ukraine's drone supply. Olia highlights a charity in Kharkiv transforming surplus vegetables into flavored salts, showcasing community strength. The conversation weaves through the preservation of culinary heritage and the importance of storytelling in understanding the trauma and hope amidst war.

Oleksandra Matviichuk, a Nobel Peace Prize-winning human rights lawyer and head of Ukraine's Center for Civil Liberties, discusses the mounting documentation of war crimes in Ukraine, emphasizing the plight of displaced children. Charles Moore, biographer of Margaret Thatcher, reflects on the Iron Lady's views on Russia. They also analyze the significant milestone of over one million Russian casualties, contrasting it with Russia's narrative. Additionally, concerns about nuclear threats from the U.S. add urgency to the ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Joe Barnes, Brussels Correspondent for The Telegraph, sheds light on EU sanctions and their impact on the ongoing conflict. Yulia Marushevska, Head of the Reforms Support Office in Ukraine's Ministry of Defense, discusses critical reforms in military procurement aligned with NATO standards. The podcast delves into recent airstrikes in Kharkiv, Ukraine's resilience, and the urgent need for advanced Western military technology. They also highlight the challenges of mobilizing youth for military service and the broader implications for Ukraine's defense strategy.

Day 1,203.Today, as Ukraine fends off yet another overnight aerial bombardment, the first prisoners of war to return since the latest rounds of peace talks arrive in Ukraine. Meanwhile in London, we hear about NATO’s Secretary General Mark Rutte’s punchy speech at Chatham House yesterday. Finally, we talk with former Swedish Defence minister Peter Hulqvist.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.With thanks to former Swedish Defence minister Peter Hulqvist.SIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/  Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It’s free for everyone, including non-subscribers.Content Referenced:Spend more or get ready to speak Russian, Nato chief warns UK, The Telegraphhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/06/09/russia-ukraine-zelensky-putin-nato-war-latest-news/Families of missing Ukrainians gather as prisoner exchange begins, BBChttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c20q4wgx5xxoFamilies of Ukraine's missing fear peace will not bring them home, BBChttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9wg2jelpynoParis’ Hotel Lutetia Is Haunted by History, The Smithsonian Magazinehttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/paris-hotel-lutetia-haunted-history-180971629/#:~:text=The%20exhibit%20would%20be%20called,between%20April%20and%20August%201945.The Postcard by Anne Berest review – an autofictional tale of family survival, The Guardianhttps://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/oct/04/the-postcard-by-anne-berest-review-an-autofictional-tale-of-family-survivalNOW 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. Just search Україна: Останні Новини (Ukr) and Украина: Последние Новости (Ru) on your on your preferred podcast app to find them. Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Memphis Barker, Senior foreign correspondent for The Telegraph, shares insights from Ukraine, diving into the latest military confrontations and a daring raid by Ukrainian special forces on Russian fighter jets. James Rothwell, the Berlin correspondent, analyzes the implications of a recent meeting between the German Chancellor and Donald Trump on international relations. Vladislav Zubok, a Cold War historian, discusses reinterpretations of the Cold War, emphasizing lessons for today's geopolitical landscape and the complexity of current conflicts.

Fermín Torrano, a freelance reporter who recently reported from the frontline in Pokrovsk, joins Dr. Jade McGlynn from King's College, an expert on resistance movements in occupied Ukraine. They discuss the severe military and civilian toll of the ongoing conflict, revealing nearly one million Russian troops casualties. The pair also shed light on the resilience of Ukrainian forces and their use of drones, as well as the impact on civilians, particularly children. With harrowing stories from the war-torn region, they emphasize the complexities of resistance and survival.

Delve into the aftermath of dramatic drone strikes on the Russian air fleet and explore why Putin chose silence. Gain insights from the resilient residents of Odesa during air raids. Discover how Ukraine has successfully hacked into Russia's bomber producer, revealing secrets. The conversation also highlights the emotional toll of conflict on civilians and the creativity that emerges from adversity. Plus, there’s a push for military support from the UK, encouraging listeners to take action and stay informed on the evolving situation.

Hamish De Bretton-Gordon, a former British Army Tank Commander and chemical weapons expert, shares his insights on Ukraine's military strategies. He discusses the crippling effects of recent operations on Russian spy planes and the strategic importance of the UK's defense commitments. The conversation delves into the implications of the UK’s Strategic Defence Review and the role of innovative tactics like Operation Spider's Web. Listeners get an expert analysis on evolving military capabilities and the ongoing challenges in the region.

Roland Oliphant, Senior Foreign Correspondent at The Telegraph, and Dominic Nicholls, Associate Editor of Defence, dive into the recent underwater explosive attack on the Kerch Bridge, a crucial link to Crimea. They discuss the ongoing military confrontations, particularly around Pokrovsk, and highlight the complexities of peace talks in Istanbul, where progress remains stalled despite discussions on prisoner exchanges. The conversation also touches on the impact of Russian rocket attacks on civilians and the political dynamics surrounding international military aid.

Dominic Nicholls, Associate Editor of Defence, shares his insights on Ukraine’s groundbreaking strikes against a major Russian bomber fleet located 2,500 kilometers inside Russia. He discusses the strategic implications of this operation, which may mark a turning point in modern warfare. The conversation also touches on the recent Polish presidential elections, focusing on the rise of right-wing candidate Karol Nawrocki and its potential geopolitical effects. Nicholls offers expert analysis on how these events could reshape military dynamics in the region.