Ukraine: The Latest

Eliot Cohen, a writer at The Atlantic and former counselor at the US State Department, joins to discuss the chilling introduction of a new 'bloodthirsty' general in Russia. He delves into the first direct peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in over three years, which are fraught with tension and low expectations. The conversation examines the state of European unity on defense and how U.S. politics, particularly Trump’s influence, intertwines with international diplomacy amidst the ongoing conflict.

Joe Barnes, a Brussels Correspondent, and James Kilner, a former Russia correspondent for The Telegraph, provide crucial insights from the frontlines of the ongoing Ukraine conflict. They discuss Putin's snub of peace talks in Turkey and the international backlash over his controversial delegation. The conversation also reveals the alarming increase in Russian military activity, juxtaposed with Ukraine's resilience and NATO's role in the dynamics. A new monument to Stalin is unveiled, raising further questions about Russia's intentions on the global stage.

George Graham, Chief Executive of Humanity and Inclusion, shares insights on humanitarian efforts in conflict zones. The conversation reveals disturbing reports of staged protests in Russia and the EU's strict new sanctions targeting Putin's shadow fleet. They discuss the alarming increase in civilian casualties, particularly among children, due to missile strikes. Graham emphasizes the urgent need for support in rehabilitation and education for vulnerable populations affected by the ongoing violence, highlighting the resilience of the Ukrainian people amid these challenges.

Tensions rise as a crucial diplomatic event looms in Istanbul. The podcast discusses whether Putin will attend and the potential ramifications of his absence. President Zelensky’s bold ceasefire proposal and the possibility of a 17th round of sanctions on Russia are explored. Insights from Hungary’s Secretary of State reveal the country's resistance to EU sanctions. The discussion touches on war crimes, diplomatic complexities, and the urgent need for peace amid shifting global dynamics. There's a focus on historical lessons that could shape future negotiations.

Francis Farrell, a reporter for The Kyiv Independent covering the war in Ukraine, joins to discuss a critical weekend in Kyiv as European leaders pushed for a ceasefire. The podcast analyzes Putin's defiance and the implications of fresh drone attacks, alongside Trump’s unexpected intervention. They explore the evolving dynamics of drone warfare and the impact of renewed Russian offensives on the front lines. The conversation highlights the complicated nature of ongoing negotiations amid increasing international pressure and the need for dialogue.

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.