Ukraine: The Latest
The world's #1 most listened-to podcast on the Russia-Ukraine war. Trusted by over 140 million listeners, every weekday The Telegraph's award-winning team provides breaking news and expert analysis on military strategy, weaponry and the geopolitics of Vladimir Putin vs. Volodymyr Zelensky. The podcast covers frontline reporting, battlefield analysis, deep dives on military strategy, sanctions, energy markets, and global security. It also features expert insight on weapons systems, cyber warfare, humanitarian issues, and daily life in Ukraine and Russia.
Episodes
Putin will exhaust Russia’s capacity by 2028, Ukrainian intelligence chief says
Day 1,657.Today, on the anniversary of 9/11, a British intelligence chief has warned that the world is more dangerous today than in 2001. Then we report on the latest attacks, including in Kyiv and on an Ozon warehouse in Russia’s Saratov region, and get insights from Western officials about the true state of Russian casualty figures and the strategic picture of the war. Then, Francis speaks to Am
Record-breaking Ukrainian drone strikes 3000km from frontline as Russia exceeds 1.5 million casualties
Day 1,656.Today, there are reports President Zelensky’s plane taking him to Norway yesterday may have been the target of the Russian drone that crashed in Moldova. Then, Ukraine is ensuring the war is brought home to previously untouched parts of Russia, as its latest long range drone strike hit Siberia, 3000km inside the country. Kyiv claims it was the longest drone strike in history. Meanwhile,
Ukraine strikes set Russian oil terminal ablaze and Putin warned economy risks going ‘berserk’
Day 1,655.Today, no word from Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner about Putin’s so-called drive for peace as Russia resumes aerial attacks on Ukraine and hits Moldova…twice: first at a border crossing point, with dead and injured reported there, and then by a Russian drone that flew in via Romania. To further baffle those who believed Moscow’s line that the Kremlin poses no aggressive plans toward Eur
Ukrainian counterattack 'liberates 200 square kilometres' & remembering David Knowles, creator of 'Ukraine: The Latest'
Day 1,654.Today, we once again see the extent of Putin’s definition of “peace”, claiming there are renewed opportunities for dialogue, then resuming strikes on Ukraine just hours after America’s envoys leave the country. We go to our correspondent in Kyiv to hear about the damage there, before turning to the diplomatic fallout from the weekend, as both sides seek to gain an advantage from renewed
Trump envoys finally visit Kyiv as pro-Russia AfD wins in Germany
Day 1,653.Today, after Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner finally set foot in Ukraine on a whirlwind weekend diplomatic tour of Kyiv and Moscow we ask: subjected to Ukrainian and press scrutiny for the first time, has their diplomatic adventure run out of road? We report on the Ukrainian delegation’s top t-shirt tyrant trolling and assess how well Trump’s envoys did. And later, we go to Germany where
Ukrainian spy HQ ablaze after Russian ‘assassination attempt’ on intelligence chief
Day 1,650.As Russia’s almost ceaseless bombardment of Ukraine continues, we report breaking news of a drone striking the headquarters of Ukraine's Security Service for the first time. Then wehear of yet another assassination of a Russian general, believed to have ordered one of the war’s most notorious air strikes, plus more energy infrastructure strikes by Kyiv. Next, we turn to rumours that Dona
Moscow airports in chaos after Zelensky drones threat grounds flights as Sochi port 'under attack'
Day 1,649Today, as every scheduled flight this afternoon from two of Moscow’s major airports are delayed or cancelled, Ukraine seeks international approval for all flights in Russian airspace to be grounded. Marco Rubio confirms talks with Ukraine about Patriot licenses are ongoing, just as NATO reveals it’s been secretly testing Israeli ballistic missiles on German frigates. Plus, there was a sus
Moscow blamed for Germany airport attack as Zelensky warns Russian skies 'completely unsafe’ from Ukrainian drones
Day 1,648.Today, the market is already reacting to President Zelensky’s warning last night that Russian airspace is now "completely unsafe” thanks to Ukrainian drones, with some flights cancelled. We report August’s statistics from the ground in Ukraine, which don’t end well for Putin, or the over 40,000 soldiers who became casualty statistics of their own. We assess the reaction to Nato member Ge
Ukraine suffers some of deadliest attacks of war & Estonia spy chief says 'revolution could come overnight in Russia’
Day 1,648.Today, we hear the latest from the capital as Ukraine suffers one of the deadliest waves of raids of the entire war, with new jet-powered drones wreaking havoc. How will Kyiv and its allies respond? Then, we have exclusive remarks from the head of Estonia’s intelligence service on the likelihood of a large-scale Russian mobilisation – and threats to Putin – as well as an update on what K
Kyiv hit by longest air-raid alert since war began & frontline troops test rifle-wielding robots
Day 1,644.Today, after Kyiv endured the longest period of air raid alerts since the start of the war – and yes, we do mean 2014 – Ukrainians get back to their new normal: recovering family memories from the ashes of destroyed homes and grabbing a morning coffee amid shattered glass. Ukraine reorganises its Donbas defence, whilst also wiping out another long range Russian bomber, deploying brand-ne
Kyiv intercepts first ballistic missiles in a month & Ukraine’s secret Donbas counterattack
Day 1,643.Today, an hours-long drone and missile attack on Kyiv overnight as Russia continues its push on three key towns in the fortress belt in the East. But in some welcome news, Ukraine appears to have repelled Putin’s forces north of Lyman in a secret counterattack. Plus, the real reason for CIA director John Ratfcliffe’s visit to Moscow this week, and President Zelensky’s top aid says Ukrain
CIA head meets Russian spy chiefs in Moscow & Putin's fuel crisis deepens as Ukraine hits 16 key sites
Day 1,642.Today, after the CIA apparently finds a way through Russian air defences, sneaking their director into the country with the Kremlin spokesman later denying any knowledge of a US military plane landing in Moscow, and with the Vatican’s Foreign Minister turning up nearby, we ask what was so interesting about Moscow yesterday. Then, after his call for elections blew up in his face, Ukraine’
Zelensky finally handed 'some' Patriot missiles & Russian soldier fires rocket at his own feet
Day 1,642.Today, after a parade of robots marks Ukraine’s Independence Day, we turn to New York, where the United States has refused to join NATO allies and other partners in calling for Russia to join Ukraine in an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. Meanwhile Britain’s Andy Burnham has said he will join European allies in pressuring Donald Trump to provide Patriot missiles to Ukraine – just a
Storm Shadow missile blueprints gifted to Kyiv as Zelensky hands over 'goldmine of Ukrainian battlefield data'
Day 1,641.Today we assess a hectic weekend of diplomacy, with Andy Burnham and other world leaders in Kyiv to mark Ukraine’s Independence Day – his first foreign trip as Britain’s new Prime Minister. He came ready to hand over blueprints for Storm Shadow cruise missiles, not long after President Zelensky discussed fresh supplies of missile interceptors with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron.
Exclusive: Russia defenceless in the Mediterranean & Crimea's ‘highway of death’ under constant drone attack
Day 1,638.Today, as Russia is accused of yet another incursion into Nato airspace, there are reports of a major Ukrainian drone attack on occupied Crimea. Kyiv is apparently seeking approval – again – from Elon Musk, this time to use Starlink in strikes on Russian missile launchers. Meanwhile, Russia is defenseless in the Mediterranean for the first time in a decade. We speak to the Telegraph jour
Putin breaks silence on Wildberries carnage as 15 killed in Russian bombardment on Kyiv
Day 1,637Today, as at least 15 people are killed in another terrible missile bombardment on Kyiv, Putin is finally forced to acknowledge the Wildberries strikes that have seen warehouses ablaze across Russia. Meanwhile Ukraine targets Russian oil refineries once again. Then we ask whether former Defence Minister Fedorov overplayed his hand by calling for election – as key supporters reject the ide
Zelensky in crisis as axed defence minister Fedorov demands election
Day 1,636.Today, in a blistering attack on his former boss, ousted Ukrainian defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov has taken aim at President Zelensky, calling out government corruption and a governance system “in crisis” and calling for fresh elections. It comes as Zelensky’s new defence minister is endorsed by parliament, but also as Ukraine’s national anti-corruption body launches dawn raids on a “
Drone blitz on Moscow as Ukraine launches 637 drones & UN 'not fit for purpose', says UN
Day 1,635.Today, after a huge drone attack on the Moscow region – potentially breaking another record – we report on the latest major Red Square military parade to be cancelled. Meanwhile, the Kremlin reportedly makes sure an outspoken banker is silenced for daring to suggest that Russia cannot win a war of attrition against Ukraine and its allies. Then Dom asks the UN’s representative in Ukraine
Smoke fills Moscow sky after Ukraine wipes out key Wildberries warehouse in 'largest attack of the year'
Day 1,634.Today, Ukraine sets the sky alight over Moscow oblast as it wipes out the latest Wildberries warehouse. Plus, in what Moscow said was Kyiv’s biggest attack of the year, the plant manufacturing rockets for Russia’s space programme was also destroyed, 9000km inside Russia. Thousands of protesters gathered in Kyiv over the weekend in support of former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov, and
Ukraine 'destroys North Korean missiles 6000km inside Russia' & huge explosion rips through Italian munitions factory
Day 1,631.Today, a train in Siberia, said to be carrying ballistic missiles from North Korea, goes up in flames. Then, not to be outdone, a Russian oil terminal near St Petersburg announces it has “completely” shut down following a recent Ukrainian attack. The Starlink spat between Poland and “big man” Elon Musk seems to be cooling and Putin has placed the son of US Health Secretary Robert F Kenne
Ukraine liberates 745 square kilometers & Putin enrages Japan with 'unacceptable' trip to disputed island
Day 1,630.Today, following the significant raid on the home of Russia’s Black Sea fleet, hitting warships and port infrastructure, we look at Putin’s decision to threaten the seizure of ships belonging to countries seizing shadow fleet vessels keeping the Russian economy afloat, and his decision to visit islands whose ownership is fiercely contested with Japan. Then we bring you the latest Wildber
Black Sea naval base in flames after huge Ukrainian drone attack as Trump asks Kyiv to limit strikes on oil tankers
Day 1,629Today, just as Ukraine attacks a naval base, an oil terminal and port infrastructure in the Black Sea, we hear that US Vice President JD Vance asked Kyiv last month to stop drone strikes on oil tankers in the region. Then, we discuss the latest UN briefing about Ukraine’s POWs and civilian detainees imprisoned in Russia, and the horrible conditions they are being held in. Finally, our Rus
North Korea 'sending 50,000 troops' as its missiles fall on Ukraine & Wildberries campaign re-ignites as 156,000m2 warehouse ablaze
Day 1,628.Today, as President Zelensky warns that as many as 50,000 North Korean troops could be preparing to deploy to Russia, we examine what a renewed role for Pyongyang could mean for the war in Ukraine. We also report on Ukraine’s latest strikes against Wildberries, after one of the Russian e-commerce giant’s largest warehouses was set ablaze overnight, as Kyiv continues targeting the logisti
Revealed: Why Trump u-turned on Patriot missiles for Ukraine & Kyiv fires 600+ drones in a single night
Day 1,627.Today, after a weekend that may have seen a record number of drones launched across Ukraine and Russia, we examine what it is actually like to endure a ballistic missile attack – and how different that experience is from a drone barrage. Then, as Kyiv and other cities come under constant bombardment from weapons Ukrainian air defences cannot reliably intercept, we assess the arguments ma
Russia ‘could attack Nato within weeks’, US intelligence warns & Ukraine burns Wildberries site 2000km from frontline
Day 1,624.Today, as Kyiv is in mourning following Wednesday's attack, President Donald Trump continues to backtrack on the promised Patriot blueprints. Ukraine hits another Wildberry warehouse overnight, which brings the number of hits to at least 20 since the beginning of the operation, and we reflect on the 40-day strike campaign – has it brought the war closer to an end? Meanwhile, President Ze
Moscow blamed for explosive drone at German airport & fuel queues return to Russia as Ukraine hits refineries
Day 1,623.Today, after an extraordinary drone attack in Germany raises fresh questions about Russia’s campaign against the West, we ask whether it is finally time to stop describing Moscow’s actions as “hybrid”, “grey zone” or “sub-threshold” warfare – and instead call them what they are. We also report on Russia’s worsening fuel crisis, with queues once again forming outside petrol stations follo
Russian soldier opens fire on his own platoon as Moscow rains missiles on Kyiv in heaviest attack this year
Day 1,622.Today, Kyiv reels from the deadliest attack this year after failing to intercept any Russian missiles overnight, as North Korea continues to support Russia’s war, providing 120 ballistic missiles and six launchers. Meanwhile, Ukraine carries out air strikes on another Wildberries warehouse and several industrial sites, including an oil refinery. Then, we keep an eye on Kyiv and Washingto
Russia’s ‘barbaric’ drone safari caught on film as another Wildberries warehouse burns
Day 1,621.Putin finds himself in a sticky situation this morning after two more Wildberry distribution centres are attacked. There is also more evidence of Russia’s drone safari against civilians after a market vendor in Kherson was seen being hunted by a drone. We look at the latest diplomatic developments, which have seen Kyiv’s ambassador to the US dismissed, and its ambassador to London Valery
Wildberries strikes light up sky 1000km inside Russia as Zelensky ‘reveals’ wartime death tolls
Day 1,620. Today, we report on another weekend of intense military activity: from renewed strikes on Wildberries warehouses – so severe that the company's owner and CEO Tatyana Kim was compelled to issue a public statement – to assassination attempts and a bombing at a Moscow restaurant. Plus, drone strikes on Russian positions in Crimea and a brutal attack on Kyiv that reveals the city's vul
Russians 'fear being killed by drones in Red Square' & Zelensky asks Elon Musk a favour
Day 1,617.As yet more Russian Wildberries distribution sites reach for the stars, Ukrainian missile producer Firepoint wins the month’s top-trolling award by offering merch to anyone who correctly predicts their next target. Dom reports how ballistic-missile defence is the hot topic of military and diplomatic discussion at the moment, with offers from Poland, favours asked of SpaceX and, perhaps l
Russian missile leaves crater in Poland & Fedorov reveals all in first interview since sacking
Day 1,616.A Russian cruise missile is believed to have landed in Poland overnight, just after President Zelensky and Polish prime minister Donald Tusk met to patch up a rumbling diplomatic spat. Meanwhile, inside Ukraine, former Minister of Defence Fedorov gives his first big interview since being sacked, saying there is 'resistance to change' in the defence ministry and laying out his vision to w
Ukraine wipes out seventh Wildberries warehouse and major oil refinery as US senate advances key Russia sanctions bill
Day 1,615.After Russia sees another night of Ukrainian drone strikes on a Wildberries warehouse and oil refinery attacks, Francis examines Kyiv’s campaign to disrupt Putin’s logistics and wartime economy. He also looks at encouraging developments in Washington, where Presidents Zelensky and Trump met ahead of the funeral of Senator Lindsey Graham, before Graham’s landmark bipartisan sanctions bill
Crimea 'without power' after deadly raids as Zelensky meets Trump
Day 1,614.As Ukraine strikes a target more than 1,300 kilometres from Kyiv, Francis and Alex Nichol assess the significance of President Zelensky’s visit to Washington for Lindsey Graham’s funeral and to meet with President Trump. It comes a day after Ukraine struck a tanker from Iran in the Caspian Sea, something the US president was asked about on Air Force One. Meanwhile, attention is focused o
‘Humiliated’ Putin poses with fake submarine after navy parade cancelled & Ukraine strikes Iranian tanker in Caspian Sea
Day 1,613.As Putin is forced to cancel his annual Navy Day parade in St. Petersburg for the second year in a row – forced to stand by an image of a submarine instead – we report on another major weekend on the battlefield for both Russia and Ukraine, including a strike by Kyiv on an Iranian-linked tanker in the Caspian Sea. Meanwhile Volodymyr Zelensky is in London to meet with new British PM Andy
Major fire in St. Petersburg as Ukraine’s new ‘number one’ target revealed & touring Mykolaiv with Kyiv’s new Veterans Minister
Day 1,610.Today, as Ukraine expands its long-range strike campaign with fresh attacks on Russian logistics hubs and warehouses – including targets in St Petersburg – we examine the growing economic cost to Moscow as Kyiv intensifies its effort to disrupt supply chains and undermine Russia’s war machine. We also explore why American political commentator and Donald Trump ally Laura Loomer has drama
'He hates us': Russians react to new ‘tank hero’ Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief
Day 1,609.Today, after Mykhailo Drapatyi is appointed Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, we examine the reaction from Russian soldiers and military commentators as Kyiv reshapes its wartime leadership. We also report on Ukraine’s continuing campaign of long-range strikes, with fresh attacks on a key Russian logistics hub and another strategically important oil refinery as Kyiv seeks to
Ukraine's ‘legendary’ new commander takes charge after biggest military shake-up of war
Day 1,608.Today, in another historic day for the war, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi is replaced with one of the most famous generals in Ukraine: Mykhailo Drapatyi, a popular and innovative military leader with a remarkable backstory. We bring together a frontline Ukrainian drone pilot and two leading experts to hear what really happened in the past 72 hours, what this means for the conflict
Russia faces bloodiest month for a year and half & interview with P*ssy Riot founder Nadya Tolokonnikova
Day 1,607.Today, as Ukraine strikes a plant belonging to Russia’s largest steel producer, we assess Moscow’s increasing use of ballistic missiles as the fighting on the frontline heads towards Russia’s bloodiest month in a year and a half. We also report on the man expected to replace Kyiv’s Commander-in-Chief, before a special interview with one of the founding members of Pussy Riot about the gro
Putin unleashes largest ballistic missile attack of the war as Ukraine strikes warehouses of ‘Russian Amazon’ in revenge strikes
Day 1,606.Today, after one of its biggest ballistic missile attacks on Kyiv of the war, we hear about Ukraine’s strikes on warehouses belonging to Russia’s equivalent to Amazon, costing millions in damages and a 2000 square mile cloud that can be seen from space. Then we consider the rumours that Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi may be next for the chop as protests continue over President Zelensky’s rem
Spy chief named Ukraine's new defence minister amid Fedorov sacking fallout & 12 Russian shadow fleet ships hit in single day
Day 1,603. Today, as Ukraine reels from the dismissal of its popular Defence Minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, we examine the speculation surrounding his sudden departure, and reveal details of his new successor. We also bring you the latest on Ukraine’s extraordinary campaign in the naval theatre, where more than 100 Russian vessels have been struck in little over a week, before our regular segmen
Protests sweep Ukraine after Zelensky sacks 'modernising' defence minister Fedorov
Day 1,602.Following President Zelensky’s seismic sacking of 35-year-old Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov – a popular, dynamic moderniser in the government – we bring you the reaction on the streets of Kyiv, where protests have broken out. Reports suggest it was irreconcilable differences with commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi that ultimately got Fedorov dismissed – but also that his personal p
'Moscow will fall through Crimea': Ukraine's new Black Sea strike campaign revealed
Day 1,601.As Ukraine expands its campaign in the Black Sea, tightening Kyiv’s stranglehold on occupied Crimea, Dom reports on the fifth consecutive day of combined missile and drone attacks on the southern Odesa region, as civilians continue to bear the brunt of the bombardment. Then Francis turned to the latest political developments shaping the war, including fresh manoeuvring in Hungary. And la
Russian recruits run dry as Paris holds biggest Bastille Day parade since WWII
Day 1,600.In Paris, the Coalition of the Willing announces a new joint anti-missile defence system to ensure Ukraine’s winter supply of Patriots before attending the military parade on Bastille Day. Dom reports on the latest Russian oil refinery strike by Ukraine and Adelie has the latest on Ukraine’s cabinet reshuffle. Later, they hear from Berlin correspondent James Rothwell after his exclusive
Ukraine hits 100 Russian tankers in Sea of Azov & what Lindsey Graham’s death means for Kyiv
Day 1,599.After a weekend that took the tally of oil exporting Russian ships hit by drones in the Sea of Azov to over 100, Dom reports how Ukraine has trialled an autonomous amphibious assault into Russian-held territory. Meanwhile Ukraine strikes another oil refinery, as fights break out over Russian fuel shortages. Adelie examines the first-ever joint EU-UK sanctions against the Russian cyber-wa
Ukraine smashes major Russian oil refinery & US sells Tomahawks to Germany
Day 1,596.Ukraine continues playing its game of Whack-A-Hole on the Kremlin's energy plants. Dom looks at technical developments on the battlefield, including the suggestion Ukrainian troops are now deliberately starting their assaults with next to no equipment, before turning to politics: with Tomahawks on their way to Europe and Marine Le Pen, possibly, on her way to the Elysee Palace. Adelie Fr
Ukraine strikes 30 Russian ships in four days as Putin under pressure over Crimea fuel crisis
Day 1,595.Ukraine strikes yet more Russian shadow fleet tankers in the Black Sea, bringing their total to more than 30 in just four days. Adelie reports on how Kyiv’s latest strikes on oil facilities has President Putin feeling the mounting frustration of ordinary Russians. Then we hear from our correspondents in Ankara who reflect on “a Nato summit of two halves,” where Donald Trump’s bombastic r
‘Make them yourself’: Trump unlocks Patriot missile blueprints for Ukraine in NATO triumph for Zelensky
Day 1,594.Donald Trump has handed Ukraine permission to build its own Patriot missiles as he met with Volodymyr Zelensky at the Nato summit. It comes after the American president told the meeting in Ankara the US-Iran ceasefire was “over”, and said Washington would cut all trade ties with Spain as he met with Mark Rutte. Our team in Ankara has all the latest updates from a busy day in the Turkish
Ukraine hits Russia with ‘biggest drone attack in two years’ as Trump tells NATO war will ‘end soon’
Day 1,593.Today, as Ukraine reportedly launches one of the largest waves of air strikes inside Russia since the full-scale invasion began – while also targeting multiple Russian vessels in the Sea of Azov – we bring you the latest from the NATO summit in Turkey, where world leaders are gathering for what could prove one of the most consequential meetings of the war. What is really at stake for the
Kyiv strikes St Petersburg again as NATO leaders prepare for Trump summit
Day 1,592.Ahead of the NATO summit in Turkey, Russia kills more Ukrainian civilians in the second mass aerial strike in four days. Moscow also claims they’ve taken the Donbas city of Kostiantynivka, then later says fighting is ongoing – Dom tries to decipher the conflicting reports. Then he has the latest on Ukraine’s most recent drone strikes against a St Petersburg oil terminal, as Russians cons
Russia planning attack on Poland, US warns as Ukraine strikes shut down occupied oil refineries
Day 1,589.Russia’s fuel crisis continues, to the intense frustration of ordinary Russians, and to the delight of Ukrainians, who are trolling Russians by flooding a fuel availability app with fake reviews. After Ukraine’s attack on the NORSI oil refinery in Kstovo, 800km inside Russia, Alex Nichol reports on how Kyiv is shutting down more energy facilities in occupied areas. Adelie dives into repo
Ukraine's '40-day campaign' to break Russia continues as Kyiv suffers huge attack & shadow fleet drones spy on Europe's nuclear warheads
Day 1,588.After Russia unleashes one of its deadliest attacks on Kyiv in recent weeks, killing at least 20 people and injuring dozens more, Dom reports on a city that knew the assault was coming hours in advance. He then examines a major new report alleging that Russia’s shadow fleet has been used not only to evade sanctions, but potentially to launch drones targeting military bases and civilian a
Ukraine prepares for fresh attack from north & Russians survive 'only 35 minutes' on frontline
Day 1,587.As more of Russia’s ground-based space infrastructure is launched by Ukraine into low earth orbit, eight days after the first such strike, Dom asks: where are the air defences? In the words of Ukrainian defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov it’s just “one crisis after another" for Russia, as he talks about the campaign to strangle Crimea. Meanwhile, Russian milbloggers are complaining that t
Ukraine blows up railway bridges and Russian space centre & UK claims army will be '10 times more lethal' as new defence plan revealed
Day 1,586.Today, as Vladimir Putin continues to make grossly exaggerated claims about Russia’s gains on the battlefield, we assess the latest military progress of both sides, before looking at the long-delayed and controversial defence investment plan finally announced by the British. More money for drones, autonomous systems, and artificial intelligence: but does it go far enough, and how close i
Putin confesses 'problems' in Ukraine war for first time & fuel hoarding sweeps Russia
Day 1,585.After a weekend that saw Ukraine’s Constitution Day celebrated with yet more lengthy queues at petrol stations in Russia and Crimea – a situation not helped by Russian oil refineries continuing to self-sanction – Putin shrugs that these ‘difficult’ days are just a speed bump on the road to inevitable victory. Dom and Francis ponder on Alexander Lukashenko’s slightly odd weekend jaunt to
Crimea declares state of emergency as Kyiv launches 40-day Russia blitz
Day 1,582.Crimea declares a state of emergency after days of intense Ukrainian attacks, as footage shows thousands of cars queuing to leave the Russian-occupied peninsula. It comes as president Zelensky authorises a 40-day operation against Russia “to press for an end to the war”, days before the Nato summit in Ankara. Alex Nichol reports on a major scandal as the commander of one of Ukraine’s la
Putin sacrifices Crimea air defences to shield Moscow & Zelensky says 'Russia will be forced to choose peace'
Day 1,581.As the clock ticks down on President Zelensky’s ultimatum to Belarus, Dom examines reports that the drone relay stations Kyiv accused Minsk of hosting have suddenly stopped working – and asks whether Lukashenko may be edging away from Putin. He also has the latest on Ukraine’s long-range strikes deep inside Russia, as France seizes another shadow fleet tanker and Kyiv presses its campaig
Putin breaks silence over Moscow strikes humiliation & fuel shortages grip Russia
Day 1,580.Today, after days of memes and mounting panic across Russia, Vladimir Putin finally breaks his silence on last week’s dramatic strikes on Moscow – insisting they are not a sign of vulnerability, but proof of Russian strength on the battlefield. Dom reports on the remarkable own goal from Russia’s defence ministry, which appears to have done Zelensky’s press office a favour by detailing j
Revealed: Trump backed Ukraine’s ruthless new campaign & exclusive interview with EU's first defence commissioner
Day 1,579.Today, as reports emerge that Donald Trump urged President Zelensky to act “more boldly” towards Russia, the clock is ticking on Ukraine’s threat to target drone relay stations in Belarus that Kyiv says are helping facilitate attacks on Ukrainian territory. We examine the Kremlin’s extraordinary demand that Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko travel to Moscow for advice on protecting
Ukraine destroys bridges as strike campaign cuts off Crimea & UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer resigns
Day 1,578.As fresh waves of drones are reported heading towards Moscow, Francis and Dom examine Ukraine’s escalating campaign against Crimea, where new strikes on key infrastructure have prompted restrictions on civilian fuel purchases as some residents attempt to flee the occupied peninsula. They also assess President Zelensky’s ultimatum to Belarus, threatening to target communications equipment
'Black rain over Moscow' as Ukraine attacks again & Russia's 'own goal' revealed after oil refinery blast
Day 1,575.After one of the most significant raids of the war left a cloud hanging over Moscow – in every sense – we report a fresh Ukrainian drone attack targeting the Russian capital. As the true extent of the chaos and confusion is revealed, new footage shows the blast at the Moscow oil refinery from a different angle, and indicates the true reason for the huge explosion. Will Vladimir Putin add
Ukraine blitzes Moscow with 1,000 drones in biggest attack of war
Day 1,574.Today, as President Zelensky declares that “if Ukraine burns, so will Moscow”, we report on a wave of strikes inside Russia that have produced some of the most dramatic images of the war so far, with more than 1,000 drones sowing destruction across multiple regions. Then, after a prominent MAGA influencer admits she fell for Russian propaganda, we ask whether Putin’s continued attacks on
Russian warship fires shots at boat in English Channel & Putin 'hiding in bunkers' as popularity plummets
Day 1,573.Today, after a Russian warship fires warning shots at an unarmed vessel in the English Channel, we take you to the G7 Summit, where observers are describing a “turning point” in perceptions of Ukraine’s progress in the war, as it continues to batter Russian infrastructure and strangle Crimea. We hear live from the ground about what has been unlocked for Kyiv, and later – in our regular s
Trump tells Putin to ‘make a deal’ at G7 & 'Revenge strike' as Kyiv hits major Moscow oil refinery
Day 1,572.Today, as Donald Trump tells the G7 summit that “Russia should make a deal”, we examine what this apparent shift in tone from the US president could mean for Ukraine, and what President Volodymyr Zelensky can realistically hope to achieve from this crucial gathering – perhaps even a face-to-face meeting with Vladimir Putin. We also ask how Ukrainian drones continue to penetrate Moscow’s
'Barbarism' as Moscow bombs historic Kyiv cathedral & British commandos seize Russian shadow fleet ship
Day 1,571.In what could prove one of the most consequential weeks of the year for international diplomacy, Francis and Dom assess what a ceasefire in Iran might mean for the war – and whether it could help unlock a pathway towards peace after another bloody weekend in which a Russian attack left one of Kyiv’s most historic cathedrals in flames. They also examine the significance of British Royal M
Ukraine wipes out 'critical' supply route on Russia's national day
Day 1,568.As Putin marks Russia Day by handing out state prizes, including to a former human rights commissioner who’s been sanctioned for gross human rights violations, Ukraine chose to celebrate the big day by launching attacks across Russia. Dom reports how repeated Ukrainian strikes have reduced traffic along the critical supply corridor to Crimea by nearly three quarters, and looks at the lat
Ukraine destroys key bridges to 'strangle' occupied Crimea & shock resignation by UK Defence Secretary John Healey
Day 1,567.As Ukraine intensifies its campaign against Crimea by striking key bridges and transport links in an effort to isolate the peninsula, we examine potentially seismic political developments in London. Britain’s Defence Secretary John Healey – one of Kyiv’s strongest allies and a leading advocate for military rearmament – has dramatically resigned in protest over defence spending and the co
Putin arms up summer palace as Ukraine deep strikes tear through Russian defences
Day 1,566.As Putin installs yet more anti-drone defences around his mistress’ lakeside retreat north west of Moscow, Ukraine shows there are still glaring holes in the Russian air defence network with deep strikes on oil refineries and weapons factories elsewhere across the country. The main bridge linking to occupied Crimea from Kherson oblast has been hit again, this time reportedly closing it c
Putin's troops abandon positions as supply lines 'at breaking point' & Russian commander 'assassinated by car bomb'
Day 1,565.As Russian forces reportedly withdraw from part of the southern Ukrainian frontline amid mounting supply problems, Francis and Dom examine claims that logistics networks in the sector are approaching breaking point. Dom reports on a huge explosion in Russia’s Belgorod region and a car bomb in Moscow Oblast, as the war’s effects continue to be felt far beyond the battlefield. Then they as
Putin’s home city struck again as Ukraine blows up Crimea bridge
Day 1,564.After Vladimir Putin rejects President Zelensky’s offer in his letter last week of face to face talks, claiming he doesn’t need a ceasefire as he’s on the verge of victory – plot spoiler, he does and he isn’t – the political momentum in support of Kyiv continues, with the leaders of Ukraine, France and Germany in London for talks hosted by Britain’s Prime Minister. Then Putin suffers ano
'Fight for your existence,' Zelensky tells Putin in letter demanding face-to-face talks & Ukraine strikes five Russian ships
Day 1,561.Today, Adelie and Dom look at how Ukraine continues embarrassing Russia during its three-day International Economic Forum, as Zelensky publishes an open letter to Vladimir Putin where he points out Russia’s weaknesses. He again asks the Russian president for a face-to-face meeting to bring the war to an end. As we record the episode, Putin is set to take the stage in St Petersburg. Then,
'You will die in the mud,' Nato chief tells Russians & Poland demands permanent US base
Day 1,560.Today, Sweden impounds a Russian cargo ship allegedly exporting Ukrainian grain from occupied territories. Then, as images of the results of yesterday’s Ukrainian strikes in and around St Petersburg start to appear, Marco Rubio denies any knowledge at all of a US delegation at the nearby economic forum, just as said participants show that they really don’t like the press asking them ques
Zelensky crashes 'Putin's Davos' with humiliating St Petersburg strike as oligarchs bail out Russian state
Day 1,559.Today, smoke billows over St Petersburg after Ukraine hits an oil terminal and military facilities, embarrassing Putin on the opening day of his International Economic Forum. Ukraine continues its mid-range and long-range strike campaign as Russia’s economy is bailed out by oligarchs. Finally, we hear from one of our reporters who bravely attempted to train with the Royal Marines snipers
'Out of ideas' Putin rains missiles on Ukraine as Russia loses momentum on battlefield
Day 1,558.Today, as more civilians across Ukraine are murdered by Russia in the latest mass aerial attack we look to the US for a response, given Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio last week that Russia planned only to strike Ukrainian "decision-making centers". We ask, again, when the United Nations is going to take a meaningful interest in the war, an
France seizes Russian shadow fleet tanker & Ukrainian drones dominate skies over occupied cities
Day 1,557.Today, after a weekend that saw Russian ships hit by drones, hit by drones and hit by drones again, it ended with another Russian ship being seized by abseiling Frenchmen. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s “logistics lockdown” continued, leading to fuel rationing in Crimea and more Russian oil refineries self-sanctioning in very dramatic ways; no wonder Putin’s Finance Minister has said Russia’s spen
Putin strikes NATO: Romania hit in 'major escalation' & interviews with ‘brainwashed’ Russian PoWs
Day 1,554.Today, as Romania kicks Russian diplomats out of the country following a drone strike last night that has injured civilians in the eastern city of Galati, we ask, why is it so easy for Romania to name the perpetrator of such attacks when others still seek to avoid apportioning blame. We then look at reports Russia is continuing to be hit hard on the southern corridor, including now by dr
'500,000 Russians killed,' says UK spy chief & Sweden pledges new fighter jets
Day 1,554.Today, as a senior intelligence chief cites a considerably higher figure of Russian deaths than has previously been cited, there are a raft of announcements from Ukraine’s allies that will see new fighter jets and Patriot missiles available to Kyiv, as the country suffers a new wave of strikes. Then – in a special dispatch – Francis takes you to Venice for our first film looking at the d
Russians flee sinking warship after Ukrainian attack & Kyiv strikes ‘volcanic’ oil refinery for fifth time
Day 1,553.Today, in the aftermath of one of the most intense aerial assaults on Ukraine of the entire war, we report on fresh strikes against Russia’s Tuapse oil refinery – the site of the extraordinary “manmade volcano” that has become symbolic of Kyiv’s campaign against Moscow’s energy infrastructure. Antonia Langford joins us live from Kyiv after witnessing ballistic missile attacks on the capi
Russia burns through best missiles in ‘desperate’ Ukraine fightback & Putin 'losing power of speech'
Day 1,552.Today, as Russia plays the victim, claiming its latest mass attack that killed and injured civilians over the weekend was a ‘retaliation’ for a Ukrainian attack, we ask who the audiences are for such cynical mischaracterisation. We report on Ukraine’s continued mid-range strike campaign that has forced Russia to limit traffic on the land corridor to Crimea and look at the upcoming NATO s
Exclusive: Inside NATO's secret base preparing for war with Russia
Day 1,548.Today, as the US administration reveals details of its participation in Vladimir Putin’s flagship business and investment forum, Russia and Belarus conclude major nuclear exercises just as Ukraine continues its campaign of strikes against oil and gas infrastructure near Moscow. We also examine Kyiv’s latest act of political trolling: a “Refinery Advent Calendar” tracking how many Russian
Russia abandons ‘meat-grinder’ tactics to try four-man ambushes as ‘staggering’ scale of losses revealed
Day 1,547.Today, we assess the reported scale of Russian military losses since 2026 and examine the new battlefield infiltration tactics Moscow has developed in an attempt to break through Ukrainian positions. We also take a closer look at the impact of Kyiv’s strikes on Russian oil refineries and investigate whether there is more behind London’s apparent easing of sanctions on Russian oil than me
