Day 1,323

Today, as Moscow tightens restrictions on gas sales and mobile networks amid Ukraine’s escalating campaign against Moscow’s oil industry, reports emerge that Russian workers are being told to halt operations as “preemptive measures” against drone attacks. We also discuss Dom and Francis’s appearance on Russian state TV, and speak with Australia’s military representative to NATO and the EU about the broader implications for the war.

Contributors:

Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.

Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.

With thanks to Air Vice-Marshal Dianne Turton.

BOOK NOW: 'UKRAINE: THE LATEST' LIVE, IN-PERSON:

Join us for an in-person discussion and Q&A at the distinguished Honourable Artillery Company in London on 22nd October at 7pm.

Our panel includes General Sir Richard Barrons, former head of UK Joint Forces Command and latterly one of the authors of Britain’s Strategic Defence Review, and Orysia Lutsevych, head of the Ukraine Forum at the Chatham House think tank. Tickets are open to everybody and can be purchased at:

https://www.squadup.com/events/ukrainelive

They are going fast, so don't delay!

CONTENT REFERENCED:

Francis and Dom’s Video Documentary on Odesa:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28HqbQLYGMM

Kremlin’s anti-West propaganda film makes just £845 at box office (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/07/russian-propaganda-film-flops/

Chris O tweet on Russian recruitment:

https://x.com/ChrisO_wiki/status/1975617573946585577

EU pressure builds on Belgium to allow use of Russia’s frozen assets (Financial Times):

https://www.ft.com/content/6c2dace9-a3be-485a-bf79-59e361709764

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,322

Today, we examine the escalating conflict in Ukraine after another night of bombardments, looking at the potential impact of US Tomahawk missiles if supplied to Kyiv, along with new Western weapons innovations shaping the battlefield. We also discuss another mysterious death in Moscow and what it reveals about the power struggles inside Russia. Finally, we explore whether the post-World War II reconstruction of Germany offers a realistic blueprint for rebuilding Ukraine once the war ends.

Contributors:

Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.

Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.

With thanks to historian Dr Thomas Clausen. @DrThomasClausen on X.

BOOK NOW: 'UKRAINE: THE LATEST' LIVE, IN-PERSON:

Join us for an in-person discussion and Q&A at the distinguished Honourable Artillery Company in London on 22nd October at 7pm.

Our panel includes General Sir Richard Barrons, former head of UK Joint Forces Command and latterly one of the authors of Britain’s Strategic Defence Review, and Orysia Lutsevych, head of the Ukraine Forum at the Chatham House think tank. Tickets are open to everybody and can be purchased at:

https://www.squadup.com/events/ukrainelive

They are going fast, so don't delay!

CONTENT REFERENCED:

The mini-missiles designed to ram Putin’s drones out of the sky (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/04/mini-missiles-swedish-defence-system-russia-putin-drones/

The West is waking up to the Russian drone onslaught (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/10/05/the-west-is-waking-up-to-the-russian-drone-onslaught/

ISW map on Tomahawk ranges:

https://understandingwar.org/map/russian-military-and-security-service-objects-within-range-of-tomahawk-cruise-missiles-in-the-russian-federation-control-of-terrain-assessment-as-of-october-3-2025/

Former Soviet media executive among Russia’s suspicious suicides (The Times):

https://www.thetimes.com/world/russia-ukraine-war/article/vyacheslav-leontyev-pravda-soviet-death-czsq0ljn6

Thales arms maker delivers new missiles to Ukraine designed to take out Russian drones (Kyiv Independent):

https://kyivindependent.com/thales-arms-maker-delivers-new-missiles-to-ukraine-designed-to-take-out-russian-drones/

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,321.

Today, we break down Ukraine’s escalating drone war targeting Russian industry and examine how Ukrainian intelligence claims China supplied satellite imagery of US-funded factories. We also cover the latest riots in Georgia and election results in Czechia, analysing what they reveal about European political stability. Later, following a weekend of explosions across Russia and occupied Crimea, a RAND Corporation analyst joins us to assess Putin’s weakening oil industry, the potential breaking point for Russia’s energy sector, and how a proposed European “drone wall” could reshape the continent’s defences.

Contributors:

Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.

Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.

With thanks to RAND Analyst Michael Bohnert.

CONTENT REFERENCED:

‘The Battle for Odesa: Ukraine's Culture War’ (Francis & Dom Video Documentary):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28HqbQLYGMM

Europe is facing its ‘Pearl Harbor moment’ (Landbergis in The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/05/europe-faces-pearl-harbor-moment/

Georgia’s presidential palace ‘attacked’ after pro-Russia party’s win (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/05/georgia-protests-presidential-palace-georgian-dream-tbilisi/

Santander hires former head of British Army (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/10/06/santander-hires-former-head-of-british-army/

BOOK NOW: 'UKRAINE: THE LATEST' LIVE, IN-PERSON:

Join us for an in-person discussion and Q&A at the distinguished Honourable Artillery Company in London on 22nd October at 7pm.

Our panel includes General Sir Richard Barrons, former head of UK Joint Forces Command and latterly one of the authors of Britain’s Strategic Defence Review, and Orysia Lutsevych, head of the Ukraine Forum at the Chatham House think tank. Tickets are open to everybody and can be purchased at:

https://www.squadup.com/events/ukrainelive

They are going fast, so don't delay!

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.

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,318.

Today, after yet another drone incursion forces the closure of a major European airport - this time in Germany - we examine growing calls from officials to take tougher measures, including shooting drones down on sight. We’ll also look at one of Ukraine’s most far-reaching strikes to date, more than 1,400 kilometers inside Russia, before turning to some of the lighter, more curious moments in encounters between Russian presidents and world leaders. Later, we bring you our latest dispatch from Odesa, where debate is intensifying over whether to remove a certain statue of Russian poet Alexander Pushkin.

Contributors:

Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.

Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.

With thanks to Tetyana Kagitina.

CONTENT REFERENCED:

Francis’s Video Documentary ‘The Battle for Odesa: Ukraine’s Culture War’ -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28HqbQLYGMM

Fears US shutdown will delay weapons shipments to Ukraine (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2025/10/02/us-shutdown-weapons-shipments-ukraine/

Let Nato jets pursue Russian intruders across borders, urges Estonia (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/10/03/estonia-natos-disjointed-air-defence-failing-to-deter-putin/

BOOK NOW: 'UKRAINE: THE LATEST' LIVE, IN-PERSON:

Join us for an in-person discussion and Q&A at the distinguished Honourable Artillery Company in London on 22nd October at 7pm.

Our panel includes General Sir Richard Barrons, former head of UK Joint Forces Command and latterly one of the authors of Britain’s Strategic Defence Review, and Orysia Lutsevych, head of the Ukraine Forum at the Chatham House think tank. Tickets are open to everybody and can be purchased at:

https://www.squadup.com/events/ukrainelive

They are going fast, so don't delay!

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.

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,317.

Today, as Donald Trump reportedly provides Ukraine with intelligence for long-range missile strikes against Russia, we assess just how serious the economic situation is becoming amid reports of gas shortages. Then, as European leaders join President Zelensky in Copenhagen, we hear about the new 'drone wall' and how Moscow has upgraded its missiles to better evade Patriot air defense systems.

Contributors:

Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.

Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.

James Kilner (Foreign Correspondent). @jkjourno on X.

BOOK NOW: 'UKRAINE: THE LATEST' LIVE, IN-PERSON:

Join us for an in-person discussion and Q&A at the distinguished Honourable Artillery Company in London on 22nd October at 7pm.

Our panel includes General Sir Richard Barrons, former head of UK Joint Forces Command and latterly one of the authors of Britain’s Strategic Defence Review, and Orysia Lutsevych, head of the Ukraine Forum at the Chatham House think tank. Tickets are open to everybody and can be purchased at: https://www.squadup.com/events/ukrainelive

They are going fast, so don't delay!

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:

Adelie’s interview with mother of Ukrainian child adopted by Putin ally:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nato-and-russia-edge-closer-to-standoff-exclusive/id1612424182?i=1000728072996

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5qaTQOZyq5jVUK1B2U7Cqh

US ‘to provide Ukraine with intelligence for long-range strikes in Russia’ (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2025/10/02/us-ukraine-intelligence-long-range-strikes-russia/

Russian missile upgrade outpaces Ukraine’s Patriot defences (Financial Times):

https://www.ft.com/content/078b8e70-a58c-47cc-b573-598850dd5685

Baltic Defences Compared (Eesti Ekspress):

https://ekspress.delfi.ee/artikkel/120403794/baltic-defences-compared-the-enemy-is-the-same-but-the-preparations-and-considerations-very-different

Ukraine hacks Crimea proxy head, uncovers child abduction files, intelligence source says (Kyiv Independent):

https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-hacks-crimea-proxy-uncovers-child-abduction-files/

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/ukrainethelatest

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,316.

Today, as fears are sounded over the state of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, we hear how Princess Anne has made a surprise visit to Kyiv to “demonstrate solidarity” with Ukrainian children and families affected by the conflict. Then we report how French authorities have seized a shadow fleet tanker and Polish police arrested a Ukrainian man for the Nordstream 2 pipeline sabotage. Later, you’ll hear Dom’s interview with the UN’s Special Rapporteur for Torture, Alice Edwards, and a note: our discussion covers graphic descriptions of sexual torture.

Contributors:

Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.

India McTaggart (Royal Correspondent). @indiamctaggart on X.

With special thanks to Alice Edwards.

BOOK NOW: 'UKRAINE: THE LATEST' LIVE, IN-PERSON:

Join us for an in-person discussion and Q&A at the distinguished Honourable Artillery Company in London on 22nd October at 7pm.

Our panel includes General Sir Richard Barrons, former head of UK Joint Forces Command and latterly one of the authors of Britain’s Strategic Defence Review, and Orysia Lutsevych, head of the Ukraine Forum at the Chatham House think tank. Tickets are open to everybody and can be purchased at: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainelive They are going fast, so don't delay!

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:

Leaders press to reshape EU under Putin’s aggressive shadow:

https://www.politico.eu/article/leaders-press-to-reshape-eu-under-vladimir-putin-russia-aggressive-shadow/

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/ukrainethelatest

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,315.

Today, Ukraine assassinates a Russian senior officer from the National Guard and Moscow launches the biggest autumn conscription round since 2016. We look at Russian influence of European politics, from the UK to Hungary. And finally, we speak with a Ukrainian-American poet, Ilya Kaminsky, whose award-winning book about a fictional village resisting occupation has now been adapted to the stage.

Contributors:

Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Journalist and Producer). @adeliepjz on X.

Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.

With thanks to Ilya Kaminsky, Ukrainian-American poet.

SIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘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:

Unmanned killer submarines can win war for Ukraine, says Gen Petraeus

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/09/30/unmanned-killer-submarines-win-war-ukraine-general-petraeus/

Deaf Republic review — an urgent and moving drama about resistance and empathy, Financial Times

https://www.ft.com/content/3b58624b-3e90-4389-b626-4dc35bdda231

Deaf Republic at the Dublin Theatre Festival

https://dublintheatrefestival.ie/event/deaf-republic/

JOIN US FOR 'UKRAINE: THE LATEST' LIVE, IN-PERSON:

Join us for an in-person discussion and Q&A at the distinguished Honourable Artillery Company in London on 22nd October starting at 7pm.

Our panel includes General Sir Richard Barrons, former head of UK Joint Forces Command and latterly one of the authors of Britain’s Strategic Defence Review, and Orysia Lutsevych, head of the Ukraine Forum at the Chatham House think tank. Tickets are open to everybody and can be purchased at: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainelive

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,314.

Today, amid heavy assaults on Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia, while Ukraine attacks more energy sites deep inside Russia, we hear about the evacuation of families from eastern Ukraine, where Moscow’s offensive continues to flatten whole cities – and about the half-marathon Dom ran to help raise money for one charity trying to help. Plus, we reflect on the historic election result in Moldova, and why it's bad news for Moscow.

Contributors:

Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.

Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.

Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Journalist and Producer). @adeliepjz on X.

With special thanks to Ada Wordsworth and - as ever - to David Knowles (creator of 'Ukraine: The Latest').

DAVID KNOWES FUNDRAISERS:

KHARPP (Ada Wordsworth’s in Ukraine):

https://donorbox.org/kharpp-fundraiser-in-memory-of-david-knowles

British Heart Foundation:

https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/bhfteamdavidknowles

Please give generously!

SIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘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:

Pro-EU party wins Moldova election against Russian-leaning rival (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/09/29/moldova-election-results-pro-eu-pas-party-wins/

Why Ukraine is winning the war (Harari in The Financial Times):

https://www.ft.com/content/2a4d7883-e9b5-4a98-b245-76232e70d3df?sharetype=blocked

Exclusive: Russia has secret war drones project in China (Reuters):

https://www.reuters.com/world/russia-has-secret-war-drones-project-china-intel-sources-say-2024-09-25/

JOIN US FOR 'UKRAINE: THE LATEST' LIVE, IN-PERSON:

Join us for an in-person discussion and Q&A at the distinguished Honourable Artillery Company in London on 22nd October starting at 7pm.

Our panel includes General Sir Richard Barrons, former head of UK Joint Forces Command and latterly one of the authors of Britain’s Strategic Defence Review, and Orysia Lutsevych, head of the Ukraine Forum at the Chatham House think tank. Tickets are open to everybody and can be purchased at: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainelive

Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest

Email: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.