Ukraine: The Latest

Moscow slams Ukraine with new glide bombs as Lavrov's future in doubt

Day 1,353. Today, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban visits President Trump in Washington, a few weeks after the collapse of the Budapest meeting with Russia. Meanwhile, we look at reports claiming that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov may have fallen out of favour with President Putin, and the UN Commission of Inquiry accuses Russia of committing crimes against humanity and torture. Finally, our regular contributor Jade McGlynn shares the latest Contributors Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Journalist and Producer). @adeliepjzon X. Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X. Dr. Jade McGlynn (War Studies Department of King's College). @DrJadeMcGlynn on X. SIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER: http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainenewsletter [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: United Nations Human Rights Council: Independent International Commission of Inquiry report https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2025/11/commission-visits-kyiv-reiterating-its-findings?sub-site=HRC [https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2025/11/commission-visits-kyiv-reiterating-its-findings?sub-site=HRC] Orbán to visit US to try to broker another Putin summit but questions raised over motives https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/nov/07/orban-hungary-white-house-visit-trump [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/nov/07/orban-hungary-white-house-visit-trump] What’s the truth about South Africa’s ‘genocide’ of white farmers? https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/whats-the-truth-about-south-africas-genocide-of-white-farmers/ [https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/whats-the-truth-about-south-africas-genocide-of-white-farmers/] Fact-checking Trump’s claims of white farmer ‘genocide’ in South Africa https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/fact-checking-trumps-claims-of-white-farmer-genocide-in-south-africa [https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/fact-checking-trumps-claims-of-white-farmer-genocide-in-south-africa] South Africa crime statistics debunk 'white genocide' claims - minister https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgr5xe7z0y0o [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgr5xe7z0y0o] Is there a genocide of white South Africans as Trump claims? https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9wg5pg1xp5o [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9wg5pg1xp5o] Killing of White Farmer Becomes a Flash Point in South Africa https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/16/world/africa/South-Africa-murder-protests.html [https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/16/world/africa/South-Africa-murder-protests.html] ‘Kill the Boer’ Song Fuels Backlash in South Africa and U.S. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/02/world/africa/south-africa-kill-boer-song.html [https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/02/world/africa/south-africa-kill-boer-song.html] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Ukraine blitzes Shahed drone factory as Russia sends disabled soldiers to die

Day 1,352. Today, as more and more Russian forces flow into Pokrovsk, Ukrainian soldiers manage to fly a Ukraine flag on the city council’s building. Ukraine also scrambles to put together a new budget for next year, while Zelensky faces harsh criticism after the announcement of relief packages ahead of winter. We hear reports of how Russia is sending disabled men to fight and wonder if the cannon fodder strategy is reaching an end. Contributors Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Journalist and Producer). @adeliepjz on X. Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X. Verity Bowman (Journalist). @VerityBowman on X. With thanks to Albina Kovalyova, @agent_Alka on X. SIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER: http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainenewsletter  [http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainenewsletter%C2%A0]  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: Kharkiv War Diaries: Stories from a City on the Edge https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlrrWx3hBek [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlrrWx3hBek] Kharkiv: Love in a War Zone https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w3ct82ky [https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w3ct82ky] Occupied, 2022 https://www.albinakovalyova.com/work/documentary/ [https://www.albinakovalyova.com/work/documentary/] 'Catastrophic populism:' Critics push back against Zelensky's winter support package for Ukrainians https://kyivindependent.com/catastrophic-populism-critics-push-back-against-zelenskys-winter-support-package-for-ukrainians/?mc_cid=1d6cb51478&mc_eid=4a5b852913 [https://kyivindependent.com/catastrophic-populism-critics-push-back-against-zelenskys-winter-support-package-for-ukrainians/?mc_cid=1d6cb51478&mc_eid=4a5b852913] Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest Email: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

The Ukrainian spy who fooled Moscow & interview with a frontline drone unit commander

Day 1,351. Today, as reports from Pokrovsk indicate Russian troops now hold positions across nearly the entire city, prosecutors in Kharkiv launch a new war crimes investigation after footage emerged of an alleged Russian FPV drone strike on two civilians carrying a white flag near Kharkiv. We also examine today’s Joint Expeditionary Force meeting in Norway – asking whether it’s wise for the group to brand itself as “NATO’s first responders” – before doing a deep dive into recent cases of Ukrainian and Russian spycraft. Later, we speak with the commander of a Ukrainian drone unit who helped destroy Russian forces following the so-called “breakthrough” in Dobropillya. Contributors Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X. Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X. With thanks to Dimko Zhluktenko. SIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER: http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainenewsletter  [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: Learn more about Dimko’s charity, Dzyga’s Paw: https://dzygaspaw.com/ [https://dzygaspaw.com/]  Dom’s story on MI5 chief’s warnings (The Telegraph): https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/10/16/sir-ken-mccallum-mi5-china-spy-scandal-national-security/ [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/10/16/sir-ken-mccallum-mi5-china-spy-scandal-national-security/]  The Ukrainian double-agent playing Russia at its own game (The Telegraph): https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/11/01/ukraine-russia-war-double-agent-security-services/ [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/11/01/ukraine-russia-war-double-agent-security-services/]  A champion like no other: The curious life of a Unit 29155 operative (The Insider): https://theins.ru/en/inv/286477 [https://theins.ru/en/inv/286477]  Russia moves to year-round conscription from 2026 (Kyiv Independent): https://kyivindependent.com/putin-signs-law-allowing-year-round-conscription-in-russia/?mc_cid=fb29c7d440&mc_eid=08d0680a95 [https://kyivindependent.com/putin-signs-law-allowing-year-round-conscription-in-russia/?mc_cid=fb29c7d440&mc_eid=08d0680a95]  Is there a risk of encirclement in Pokrovsk and what awaits Myrnohrad? Soldiers explain (Hromadske): https://hromadske.ua/en/war/254005-ti-khto-v-pokrovsku-na-peredovykh-pozytsiiakh-vze-v-pryntsypi-v-otochenni-z-iakoho-malo-shansiv-vyyty [https://hromadske.ua/en/war/254005-ti-khto-v-pokrovsku-na-peredovykh-pozytsiiakh-vze-v-pryntsypi-v-otochenni-z-iakoho-malo-shansiv-vyyty]  Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest Email: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Ukraine strikes elite Russian unit on Black Sea oil rig & rescues camel from overrun Russian position

Day 1,350. Today, as fierce fighting continues around Pokrovsk and Ukrainian forces strike energy facilities inside Russia, we report on a surge in American surveillance flights over the Black Sea – coinciding with the arrival of Washington’s Ambassador to NATO in Kyiv. We also examine Ukraine’s claim to have hit an elite Russian special forces unit stationed on a Black Sea oil platform, and speak with sanctions expert Stephanie Baker, who explains why Donald Trump’s sanctions on Russian oil giants Lukoil and Rosneft are so significant. Contributors Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X. Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X. With thanks to Stephanie Baker (Senior Writer at Bloomberg). @StephaniBaker on X. 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: Stephanie Baker’s Book, ‘Punishing Putin: ‘The gripping expose of the global economic sanctions against Russia’s war in Ukraine’: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Punishing-Putin-gripping-economic-sanctions-ebook/dp/B0CWWFJ52G [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Punishing-Putin-gripping-economic-sanctions-ebook/dp/B0CWWFJ52G] Ukraine rescues camel used by Russian military (The Telegraph): https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/30/ukraine-rescues-camel-used-by-russian-military/ [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/30/ukraine-rescues-camel-used-by-russian-military/]  Ukraine ‘strikes elite Russian unit’ on Black Sea oil rig (The Telegraph): https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/11/03/ukraine-strikes-elite-russian-unit-on-black-sea-oil-rig/ [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/11/03/ukraine-strikes-elite-russian-unit-on-black-sea-oil-rig/]  Putin’s shadow fleet under threat as Trump tries to ‘terrify’ Russia’s allies (The Telegraph): https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/11/04/putins-shadow-fleet-runs-aground-against-us-sanctions/ [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/11/04/putins-shadow-fleet-runs-aground-against-us-sanctions/]  Russian Oil Finds Fewer Takes in China After Hit From Sanctions (Bloomberg): https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-11-02/russian-oil-finds-fewer-takers-in-china-after-hit-from-sanctions [https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-11-02/russian-oil-finds-fewer-takers-in-china-after-hit-from-sanctions]  Kramatorsk, Donetsk Oblast's iconic front-line rail stop, closed for 'indefinite period' (Kyiv Independent): https://kyivindependent.com/key-train-route-to-ukraines-east-has-been-reduced-for-an-indefinite-period-due-to-safety-concerns/ [https://kyivindependent.com/key-train-route-to-ukraines-east-has-been-reduced-for-an-indefinite-period-due-to-safety-concerns/]  Intense US surveillance activity over the Black Sea (ItaMilRadar): https://www.itamilradar.com/2025/11/03/intense-us-surveillance-activity-over-the-black-sea/ Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest Email: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Ukraine special forces launch Black Hawk helicopter raid to stop Russian encirclement & exclusive interview with former NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg

Day 1,349. Today, as reports emerge that General Budanov, head of Ukraine’s military intelligence, travelled to the embattled frontline city of Pokrovsk, we sit down with former NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who led the alliance in the first years of the full-scale invasion. We also speak with Norwegian filmmaker Tommy Gulliksen about his powerful new documentary Facing War – which takes viewers inside the rooms where Stoltenberg and world leaders made pivotal decisions that shaped the course of the conflict. Contributors Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X. Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X. With thanks to former NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg. @jensstoltenbergdocumentary on X. SIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER: http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainenewsletter [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: Learn more about ‘Facing War’ - new film about Jens Stoltenberg by Tommy Gulliksen: https://m.imdb.com/title/tt35671816/ [https://m.imdb.com/title/tt35671816/]  Ukraine special forces launch helicopter raid to stop Russian encirclement (The Telegraph): https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/11/01/ukraine-special-forces-helicopter-assault-pokrovsk/ [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/11/01/ukraine-special-forces-helicopter-assault-pokrovsk/]  Draft dodger who jumped from moving train faces deportation to Russia (The Telegraph): https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/11/01/draft-dodger-who-jumped-moving-train-deportation-russia/ [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/11/01/draft-dodger-who-jumped-moving-train-deportation-russia/]  Russia deploys 170,000 troops in battle for Pokrovsk (The Telegraph): https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/31/russia-deploys-170000-troops-battle-pokrovsk/ [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/31/russia-deploys-170000-troops-battle-pokrovsk/]  ‘How to Negotiate with Putin’ by Robert Person (Journal of Democracy): https://www.journalofdemocracy.org/online-exclusive/how-to-negotiate-with-putin/ [https://www.journalofdemocracy.org/online-exclusive/how-to-negotiate-with-putin/]  Zelensky Is Winning Trump Voters Over (Wall Street Journal): https://www.wsj.com/opinion/zelensky-is-winning-trump-voters-over-72d5f6c1?reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink [https://www.wsj.com/opinion/zelensky-is-winning-trump-voters-over-72d5f6c1?reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink]  Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest [http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest] Email: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk [ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.