Ukraine: The Latest

Candace Rondeaux, a seasoned US journalist and author, dives into the current crisis as Kyiv faces severe missile strikes. She critiques Trump’s claims about peace negotiations, shedding light on the complexities of international diplomacy. The conversation turns to the Wagner Group, exploring its evolution as a brutal militia tied to Kremlin strategies. Rondeaux emphasizes Ukraine's steadfastness in rejecting controversial peace plans, highlighting the broader implications for national sovereignty and Western alliances amidst ongoing conflict.

Day 1,155.Today, we break down the dramatic collapse of Donald Trump’s proposed peace deal for Ukraine. European, Ukrainian, and American officials were scheduled to meet – until everything suddenly unraveled. Is the US stepping back from the negotiation table? Plus, we launch a brand-new segment focusing on Russia’s domestic front and explore how the ongoing war is reshaping Central Asia’s political and economic landscape.Contributors:Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on XFrancis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Joe Barnes (Brussels Correspondent). @Barnes_Joe on X.James Kilner (Editor of The Central Asia & South Caucasus Bulletin and The Russia Morning Memo). @jkjourno on X.Content Referenced:James Kilner’s Bulletins -The Russian Memo: https://www.thememo.news/The Central Asia and South Caucasus Bulletin: https://www.thememo.news/ Trump to let Putin keep land seized from Ukraine (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/04/22/trumps-plan-to-let-putin-keep-land-seized-from-ukraine/Foreign ministers postpone Ukraine peace talks in London (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/04/23/russia-ukraine-zelensky-putin-war-ceasefire-latest-news/ Huge explosion destroys ammunition dump outside Moscow (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/04/22/huge-explosion-destroys-ammunition-dump-outside-moscow/ Crimean Tatar Mejlis rejects any international recognition of Crimea as Russian (Kyiv Independent):https://kyivindependent.com/crimean-tatar-mejlis-rejects-any-international-recognition-of-crimea-as-russian-chairman-says/?mc_cid=4bb9102bb5&mc_eid=08d0680a95 CNN gets first glimpse of Trump portrait reportedly sent from Putin (CNN):https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/22/world/video/trump-portrait-russia-putin-ldn-digvid Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shaun Walker, The Guardian's Central and Eastern Europe Correspondent and author of 'The Illegals', sheds light on the so-called Easter truce between Russia and Ukraine, questioning its real significance. He dives into current U.S. peace proposals, revealing the tough territorial concessions on the table. Shaun also explores historical spies' tactics through his book, drawing parallels to modern espionage challenges. The discussion offers a gripping look at identity and deceit in the shadow of the ongoing conflict.

Ina Harohorovic, the head teacher of St Mary's Ukrainian School, leads the charge in supporting over two thousand displaced children. She shares the inspiring journeys of young Ukrainians who fled the war, revealing their resilience and dreams for a normal childhood amidst chaos. The discussion highlights the school's commitment to preserving Ukrainian culture and identity while providing a safe haven. Harohorovic also addresses the pressing need for trauma support and community integration, showcasing the vital role of education in shaping these children's futures.

Day 1,151.Today, after the unexpected announcement by Vladimir Putin of a 30-hour truce for Easter we assess what it might mean for the war, how likely it is to hold and discuss what comes next. Having rejected Donald Trump’s proposal for an unconditional ceasefire 39 days ago, what does Putin hope to gain by this latest gamble? Francis Dearnley and Dom Nicholls offer their thoughts. Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on XSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Galeotti, a renowned expert on Russia, joins Stephanie Baker, an economics journalist with extensive experience in Moscow, and Keir Giles, a government advisor from Chatham House. They delve into the complexities of Putin's grip on power, exploring the historical roots of Russia's militaristic culture. The trio emphasizes the urgent need for Europe to reassess its defense strategies against Russian aggression, and they discuss the implications of economic sanctions on both sides. Their insights shed light on how the West can effectively respond to this ongoing crisis.

Svitlana Morenets, a staff writer at The Spectator and a Ukrainian journalist, shares poignant insights from the battlefield in Donetsk. She highlights the resilience of soldiers amid constant drone and missile exchanges with Russia. The discussion also delves into the political landscape in Kyiv, with tensions surrounding draft evasion and governance under President Zelensky. Morenets emphasizes the urgent need for military support and the complexities faced by volunteers in this ongoing conflict. Her on-the-ground perspective adds a deeply human dimension to the war's challenges.

Joining the discussion are Verity Bowman, a Foreign Correspondent at The Telegraph, and Hamish De Bretton Gordon, a Former Tank Commander and Chemical Weapons Expert. They dive into Ukraine's drone strikes targeting Russian units responsible for civilian attacks and Denmark’s commitment to provide military training. The conversation shifts to the challenges of a potential Russian spring offensive, highlighting Ukraine's strategic advancements and NATO's evolving role in the conflict, all while reflecting on the grim realities faced by civilians amidst the chaos.

Dominic Nicholls, Associate Editor of Defence at The Telegraph, and Roland Oliphant, Senior Foreign Correspondent, delve into the complexities of the Ukraine-Russia conflict. They dissect President Trump's controversial claim that Zelensky initiated the war and scrutinize the Kremlin's diplomatic tactics. The conversation sheds light on Ukraine's significant drone strike on Russia's Kursk region and the evolving strategies of both Ukrainian and Russian forces. Additionally, they explore the implications of diplomatic narratives and the true accountability in this ongoing tragedy.

In this discussion, James Rothwell, the Berlin Correspondent, explores the fallout from Russia's cluster munition strike in Sumy, deemed a war crime. He reflects on global reactions, particularly Donald Trump’s comments downplaying the tragedy. The conversation shifts to Germany's pivotal decision to supply Taurus missiles to Ukraine, analyzing how this could alter the balance of European defense. Rothwell emphasizes the urgent need for accountability and the shifting dynamics in military support as the conflict escalates.