Ukraine: The Latest

Dominic Nicholls, Associate Editor of Defence at The Telegraph, shares crucial military insights and frontline updates, while Jakub Parasynski, Director of KI Insights, delves into Ukraine's significant energy-sector corruption scandal. They discuss the leaked US-Russia peace plan, revealing its puzzling origins that hint at Russian influence. Jakub highlights the substantial fallout for President Zelensky's government, potentially jeopardizing donor trust and political stability. Together, they explore the implications for Ukraine's future amid shifting diplomatic landscapes.

Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson shares insights on Europe's response to the Russian threat, advocating for collaboration in defense production. Lt. Gen. (Ret.) H.R. McMaster emphasizes the need for hard deterrence and challenges the notion that negotiating with Putin is viable. Sergey Vysotsky discusses Ukraine's defense production capabilities and financing needs. Michael Kofman highlights the urgency in converting willingness to actual military capabilities, stressing the importance of a multinational reassurance force.

In this discussion, Dominic Nicholls, Associate Editor (Defence) at The Telegraph, delves into the implications of a leaked US-Russia peace plan that could significantly diminish Ukraine’s military and territorial sovereignty. Dr. Jade McGlynn from King's College London adds insights on the resistance in occupied territories, warning about surveillance risks. They also explore the mood in the Donbas, recent military developments, and how the proposed plan might affect Ukraine's future with NATO. The conversation highlights the precarious balance of power and the resilience of local resistance efforts.

Dr. Oleksandr Shulga, Head of the Institute for Conflict Studies and Analysis of Russia, shares insights on Russian public attitudes towards the war. He reveals that while many Russians morally accept the conflict, their enthusiasm wanes, especially among youth resistant to more mobilization. Economic struggles are reshaping priorities, leading to declining support and a sense of apathy. The Kremlin's tactics evolve as they use fear and nationalism to manage public opinion. The discussion highlights a significant disconnect between governmental narratives and the sentiments of ordinary Russians.

Joe Barnes, the Brussels correspondent for The Telegraph, shares his insights on current European politics and the Ukraine conflict. He discusses the implications of Ukraine's use of US ATACMS missiles and the pressure on President Zelensky amid a nuclear-energy corruption scandal. Barnes also highlights Spain's significant arms deal with the US and reveals troubling allegations against a former British civil servant related to war crimes in Ukraine. His analysis provides a keen understanding of the shifting dynamics in Eastern Europe and the ongoing conflict.

Verity Bowman, a foreign reporter at The Telegraph, shares chilling insights on gas gangrene's resurgence in Ukraine, linking it to dire frontline conditions. She also highlights a dramatic robotic rescue of a soldier after 33 days trapped in enemy territory. Hamish de Bretton-Gordon, a former tank commander and chemical weapons expert, discusses the Kremlin's crackdown on pro-war bloggers and examines tank injuries versus modern armor. They also analyze the implications of robotics for medical evacuations and the increasing complexity of battlefield injuries.

Day 1,362.Today, as Poland reports sabotage on vital rail links connecting it to Ukraine and Romania evacuates civilians after Russian strikes across the Danube, we unpack President Zelensky’s latest diplomatic push – including a new energy deal with Greece and a landmark agreement with France for 100 fighter jets. Later, we speak with Vladimir Kara-Murza, the prominent opposition figure arrested in 2022 for denouncing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and given a 25-year sentence in a Siberian penal colony. He discusses life inside prison and how Putin’s regime suppresses dissent.ContributorsDominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.James Crisp (Europe Editor). @JamesCrisp6 on X.With thanks to Vladimir Kara-Murza.SIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainenewsletter  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:Vladimir Kara-Murza: what stopped me going mad in Putin’s gulag (The Telegraph):https://tinyurl.com/2sxzyhmnNorth Korean troops deployed to clear land mines for Russia (The Telegraph):https://tinyurl.com/25fw4kdsRussia seizes land after Kyiv diverts troops (The Telegraph):https://tinyurl.com/ydtnrd7uExclusive: Russia plans to make up to 120,000 glide bombs this year, Ukrainian intelligence says (Reuters):https://tinyurl.com/mtymsp8cHow Britain replaced the US as Russia’s villain of choice (The Guardian):https://www.theguardian.com/world/ng-interactive/2025/nov/16/how-britain-became-russia-villain-us-ukraine Viewings of ‘Facing War’ at Bertha DocHouse in London:https://dochouse.org/event/facing-war/LISTEN TO THIS PODCAST 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.

Ihor Brusylov serves as the Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, where he tackles pressing issues like the Energoatom corruption scandal and societal pressures in wartime. In the conversation, he describes the boiling point reached by Ukrainian society due to relentless attacks and psychological strain. Brusylov emphasizes the importance of accountability and unity to prevent societal breakdown, while also discussing Ukraine's growing drone production capacity and the strategic implications of European military aid.

James Rothwell, The Telegraph's Berlin correspondent, brings insights on Germany's defense debates and Polish civil defense readiness amid growing tensions. Mariia and Ksenia, co-founders of the Women and the World International Film Festival, highlight their efforts to support displaced Ukrainian filmmakers. They discuss the emotional challenges faced by creatives and the festival's mission to promote 50/50 Ukrainian-international programming. The conversation also touches on utilizing cinema as a form of cultural resistance against the backdrop of war.

In this discussion, James Kilner, a former Telegraph correspondent with expertise in Russia and the Caucasus, delves into pressing military and geopolitical issues. He highlights Kyiv Mayor Klitschko's call to lower the conscription age amid a manpower crisis. Kilner also explores Kazakhstan's recent alignment with the US through the Abraham Accords, signaling possible shifts in regional dynamics. Additionally, he assesses the potential fallout of Sergei Lavrov's declining influence within the Kremlin and Russia's response to labor shortages.