Ukraine: The Latest

Hamish de Bretton-Gordon, a chemical weapons expert and former tank commander, delves into the complexities of the Black Sea ceasefire deal, revealing Ukraine and Russia's divergent interpretations. He discusses the implications of a recent security breach involving sensitive military discussions and the challenges Europe faces in supporting Ukraine amid shifting US policies. The conversation also emphasizes the critical need for Europe to enhance its defense capabilities, highlighting the geopolitical stakes in the ongoing conflict.

A journalist found themselves in a secret chat group with Trump’s war cabinet, exposing a major security breach. Ukrainian soldiers share their frontline experiences and reactions to shifting U.S. military support and a temporary aid suspension. The risks of informal communications are examined, shedding light on national security implications. Personal stories of resilience highlight the emotional toll of war, particularly focusing on women affected by the conflict. Insights on recent military strategies reveal how political decisions profoundly impact those at the front lines.

Pablo de Greiff, a Colombian academic and human rights activist, provides crucial insights on war crimes in Ukraine as the Commissioner for the UN's inquiry. He discusses recent improvements in Ukraine's military strategies, including the effective use of HIMARS missiles that led to the destruction of Russian helicopters. The conversation also dives into the alarming reports of systematic human rights violations against civilians, emphasizing the urgent need for accountability amidst the ongoing US-Russia talks.

James Rothwell, the Berlin Correspondent for The Telegraph, shares insights on the escalating Ukraine-Russia conflict. He discusses Ukraine's accusations of a Russian false flag attack on energy infrastructure while analyzing Germany's defense reforms. The conversation highlights the political tensions surrounding Friedrich Merz’s proposed military changes and the complexities of balancing defense needs with public infrastructure demands. Rothwell also touches on broader espionage issues linked to the conflict and the urgency for modernization within the Bundeswehr.

In this discussion, Benjamin Tallis, Director of the Democratic Strategy Initiative and expert in European defense, dives into the aftermath of a dramatic drone strike that rocked a Russian airbase. He highlights the evolving defense strategies in Europe, emphasizing the necessity for unity and increased military spending. The conversation also touches on a significant call between Presidents Trump and Zelensky, and the challenges NATO faces in adapting to modern warfare amid political shifts. The implications for national readiness and technology in defense are thoroughly examined.

Day 1,120.Today, we discuss the Russian bombardments on Ukraine that began within hours of the "immediate ceasefire” on energy and infrastructure allegedly agreed between Trump and Putin, the European reaction to the call between the two presidents, and the latest military battlefield updates, including in Kursk and a new incursion launched into Belgorod.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Roland Oliphant (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @RolandOliphant on X.With thanks to Svitlana Morenets. @SvMorenets on X.Content Referenced:Follow our sister podcast Battle Lines, which covers wider global affairs:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/battle-lines/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/battle-lines/id1712903296 https://open.spotify.com/show/7gPBO0qnZI1YBi25zaVT1cNOW 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.

Ivana Stradner, a Special Correspondent at the Kyiv Post and expert on Eastern Europe, joins to discuss the latest developments in the Ukraine conflict. They delve into the recent rejection of a ceasefire by Putin and contemplate its impact on the geopolitical landscape. The conversation expands to significant protests in Serbia, shedding light on the fight for justice and democracy in the region. Stradner also highlights NATO's strategic responses to the ongoing tensions and the challenges of Russian influence in Eastern Europe.

Day 1,118.Today, as another call is scheduled between Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, we analyse the latest developments in Kursk, where Ukrainian forces continue to hold a sliver of Russian territory. Meanwhile, European leaders weigh their next steps, with French President Emmanuel Macron declaring that Russia would have "no say" if Western peacekeeping troops were deployed in Ukraine.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Joe Barnes (Brussels Correspondent). @Barnes_Joe on X.Hamish De Bretton-Gordon (Former British Army Tank Commander). @HamishDBG on XContent Referenced:U.S. to Withdraw From Group Investigating Responsibility for Ukraine Invasion (New York Times):https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/17/us/politics/trump-ukraine-invasion-accountability.html No more lost territory, return of deported children — Kyiv names red lines for peace deal (Kyiv Independent):https://kyivindependent.com/no-more-lost-territory-return-of-deported-children-kyiv-names-red-lines-for-peace-deal-independent-reports/ France Should Join NATO’s Nuclear Sharing Arrangements To Strengthen Deterrence (Chatham House Report):https://www.chathamhouse.org/2025/03/france-should-join-natos-nuclear-sharing-arrangements-strengthen-european-deterrence?utm_source=twitter.com&utm_medium=organic-social&utm_campaign=france&utm_content=nato Hamish de Bretton-Gordon’s article in The Telegraph:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/03/15/putin-peace-trump-nato-war-ukraine/ 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.

Day 1,115.Today, as Ukraine holds on in Russia’s Kursk region, we analyse Moscow’s evolving strategy following Vladimir Putin’s rejection of Donald Trump’s ceasefire proposal—and what further concessions the U.S. might consider. We also uncover the realities of life under Russian occupation, the latest resistance efforts, and the impact of France’s post-World War II defense policies on today’s global security landscape.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Dr. Jade McGlynn (War Studies Department of King's College). @DrJadeMcGlynn on X.Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Narrative Producer). @adeliepjz on X.With thanks to Elie Tenenbaum (Head of Institut français des relations internationales Security Studies Center). @ElieTenenbaum on X.Content Referenced:Telegraph Ukraine Live Blog:  https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/03/14/russia-ukraine-peace-ceasefire-zelensky-putin-latest-news/Putin is using a classic Russian negotiating tactic to delay a ceasefire (Roland Oliphant in The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/03/13/putin-is-choosing-to-drag-out-the-war-in-ukraine/ US toughens sanctions on Russian energy payments (Kyiv Independent):https://kyivindependent.com/us-toughens-sanctions-on-russian-energy-payments/?mc_cid=faec38e356&mc_eid=08d0680a95NOW 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.

Day 1,114.Today, as Russia signals its intent to reject a ceasefire, we analyse the Kremlin’s objectives – particularly in Kursk – and what they reveal about the next phase of US-Russia negotiations. From the major defense summit in Paris, we bring key insights into new plans for Ukrainian security guarantees. Plus, we break down the evolving strategic landscape and what it means for the future of global security in this pivotal moment in modern history.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Phillips O'Brien (Professor of Strategic Studies at the University of St Andrews). @PhillipsPOBrien on X.Content Referenced:What will Trump do if Russia says no to a ceasefire? (Memphis Barker in The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/03/12/donald-trump-russia-putin-no-ceasefire-ukraine-war/Document prepared for Kremlin outlines hard-line negotiating stance (Washington Post):https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/03/12/trump-russia-ukraine-negotiations-fsb-document/Poland’s president urges US to move nuclear warheads to Polish territory (Financial Times):https://www.ft.com/content/f9e5f2a9-5d81-4557-af6d-ed3a33eecf1aHungary threatens to cancel sanctions on 2,000 Russians unless EU exempts Mikhail Fridman (Financial Times):https://www.ft.com/content/8d9a8b40-79fe-4604-bacc-70311620780c?shareType=nongiftNOW 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.