Ukraine: The Latest

Oksana Pyzik, an Associate Professor at UCL, joins former Ukrainian MP Lesia Orobets, leader of the Sky Shield initiative, and researcher Ilya Repin. Together, they dissect Vladimir Putin's Victory Day parade, revealing its mix of military display and political messaging. Orobets advocates for missile defense strategies while Repin highlights the resilience of Ukrainian resistance in occupied territories. The podcast examines the geopolitical ramifications of Chinese troop presence at the event and the ongoing challenges faced by Ukraine in the current conflict.

James Rothwell, Berlin Correspondent for The Telegraph, shares insights on Germany's role in the conflict and political changes, while Hamish De Bretton-Gordon, a Chemical Weapons Expert and former tank commander, critiques the dubious nature of Russia's ceasefire. They discuss the implications of recent U.S. criticisms towards Russia, the disconnect between military rhetoric and actual support from Germany, and the need for resilience amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions. The conversation also touches on the historical significance of Victory Day and its differing meanings across Europe.

Day 1,169.Today, as – for the third day running – Ukrainian drones sow chaos in the skies above Moscow, we analyse the final preparations for Putin’s Victory Day parade, and discuss President Biden’s first interview since leaving office, hours after Friedrich Merz finally became Chancellor of Germany at a pivotal moment in modern European history.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on XJames Kilner (Editor of The Central Asia & South Caucasus Bulletin and The Russia Morning Memo). @jkjourno on XContent Referenced:James Kilner’s Bulletins -The Russian Memo: https://www.thememo.news/The Central Asia and South Caucasus Bulletin: https://www.thememo.news/ Battle Lines episode on India-Pakistan fears:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/04/28/battle-lines-global-rearmament-india-pakistan-kashmir/ Interview with Biden Advisor Mike Carpenter:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2DeReNhsKg Biden: Trump is appeasing Putin, that’s not who we are (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/05/07/biden-trump-is-appeasing-putin-that-is-not-who-we-are/ Merz becomes chancellor of ‘unstable’ Germany after first vote humiliation (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/05/06/merz-unexpectedly-fails-not-elected-as-german-chancellor/ Europe vows to halt all Russian gas imports (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/05/07/europe-vows-to-halt-all-russian-gas-imports/ What If America Abandons Ukraine? (Foreign Affairs):https://www.foreignaffairs.com/ukraine/what-if-america-abandons-ukraineSIGN 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.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. 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ash Bhardwaj, an award-winning journalist and author, shares insights on the dramatic rise of drone warfare in Ukraine, detailing the recent success of a sea drone shooting down a Russian fighter jet. He discusses the Kremlin's anxiety ahead of the Victory Day parade amid escalating drone attacks on Moscow. The conversation also reflects on the complexities of U.S.-Russia relations, national identities in post-Soviet states, and the role of tourism in shaping Ukraine's narrative amidst the ongoing conflict.

Listeners dive into gripping questions about combat, exploring what it's like to be shot at inside a tank. The conversation shifts to the potential fallout of the U.S. withdrawing support for Ukraine and its implications for Europe. There's insightful analysis on missile damage discrepancies between Ukraine and Israel, plus thoughts on the future of the Russian economy. The hosts also discuss the pressing challenges facing Ukrainian defense strategies and the plight of refugees, while calling for individual action to support those affected by the conflict.

James Kilner, a seasoned foreign correspondent, and Emeric Lhuisset, a visual artist focused on conflict zones, share insights on the recent drone attacks targeting Russian airbases in Crimea. They discuss the implications of a new minerals deal between the US and Ukraine and the shifting dynamics of US involvement in peace talks. Emeric also reflects on his poignant contributions to the Kherson Art Museum, emphasizing the intersection of art and cultural resilience amidst the chaos of war.

Amid ongoing military tension, a significant minerals deal has been signed between the US and Ukraine, raising hopes for Ukraine's security. The podcast discusses the evolving military situation in North Korea and Russia and its impact on recruitment strategies. There's skepticism surrounding Germany's commitment to rearmament, highlighting internal public sentiment against militarization. Additionally, advanced drone technology is showcased as a crucial element in Ukraine's defense strategy, emphasizing the shifting geopolitical dynamics.

Day 1,162.Today, as Russian troops intensify offensive operations in several oblasts – Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson – we talk about the latest conversations amongst the coalition of the willing, where the tone is decidedly pessimistic. Then we do a deeper dive into the latest positions of China, Turkey, and Syria in relation to the war. Contributors:Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Narrative Podcast Producer) @Adeliepjz on X.Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Sophia Yan (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @sophia_yan on X.Content Referenced: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.Sophia Yan’s Podcasts on China - https://www.telegraph.co.uk/how-to-become-a-dictator-podcast/Europe ‘would struggle to put 25,000 troops on the ground in Ukraine’ (The Times):https://www.thetimes.com/uk/defence/article/europe-uk-peacekeeping-troops-ukraine-6tp2cfgg5 Europe fears Trump preparing to walk away from Ukraine talks (Financial Times):https://www.ft.com/content/2f7af030-7466-4c10-9c7c-a7ceaa03a70a Russia intensifies offensive operations in 3 regions, pushes toward Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Ukraine's military says (Kyiv Independent):https://kyivindependent.com/russia-intensifies-offensive-operations-in-3-regions-pushes-toward-dnipropetrovsk-oblast-ukraines-military-says/?mc_cid=063ac27037&mc_eid=08d0680a95 Putin Renames Volgograd Airport ‘Stalingrad’ to Honor WWII Battle (Moscow Times):https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/04/30/putin-renames-volgograd-airport-stalingrad-to-honor-wwii-battle-a88920 ‘Do you want to show strength here?’: Russia’s ads recruiting Chinese mercenaries (The Guardian):https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/10/russia-social-media-ads-videos-recruiting-china-mercenaries Video About Chinese Soldiers Fighting for Russia:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syKWPralGKQ   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,161.Today, as Trump pushes back against Vladimir Putin’s three-day ceasefire proposal, we discuss the recent reflections of the former commander of Ukraine’s armed forces and his bold predictions for the future of warfare. Plus, we hear frontline reaction from soldiers to the so-called pauses in the fighting. Are they real?Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Svitlana Morenets (Staff Writer at The Spectator). @SvMorenets on X.Hamish De Bretton-Gordon (Chemical Weapons Expert and Former Tank Commander). @HamishDBG on X.Content Referenced:The evolving nature of warfare has redefined the fundamental principles of global security: the Ukrainian experience and the emerging world order (Valerii Zaluzhnyi’s speech):https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/columns/2025/04/25/7509135/Russia threatens Nato with nuclear strikes (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/04/29/russia-ukraine-zelensky-putin-war-latest-news529/North Korea confirms it sent troops to fight for Russia (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/04/28/north-korea-confirms-sent-troops-fight-russia/ A fleet of aging army tanks donated to Ukraine is yet to leave Australia (ABC News):https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-04-28/aging-tanks-donated-to-ukraine-are-yet-to-leave-australia/105226280Russia’s ‘Ghost Detainees’: The Investigation That Cost Viktoriia Roshchyna Her Life (Forbidden Stories):https://forbiddenstories.org/russia-detainees-investigation-viktoriia-roshchyna/ 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. 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.Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestLearn more about the tech: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/02/24/ukraine-the-latest-podcast-russian-ukrainian-ai-translation/Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Putin's sudden three-day ceasefire has ignited discussions about its true significance and the timing, coinciding with Victory Day. The podcast also explores the historical and cultural landscape of the Donbass, emphasizing its multicultural identity. Additionally, tensions are rising with drone strikes and military movements near NATO borders. Lithuania's exit from the Ottawa Convention raises eyebrows, while the role of independent filmmakers in supporting humanitarian efforts highlights the ongoing resilience of the Ukrainian people amidst conflict.