Ukraine: The Latest

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 campaign to raise the cost of war for the Kremlin. Francis unpacks NATO secretary general Mark Rutte’s visit to Donald Trump in the Oval Office. Later, we take you to Gdańsk for the Ukraine Recovery Conference, where the first tranche of the EU’s €90 billion support package is formally handed over to Kyiv. Contributors:  Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X. Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X. With thanks to Orysia Lutsevych, head of the Ukraine Forum at Chatham House. Producer: Phil Atkins Senior Producer: Lilian Fawcett Video Producer: Sophie O’Sullivan Social Producer: Tom Steed Studio Director: Meghan Searle Executive Editor: Francis Dearnley Created by David Knowles NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE: Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest [https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest]   CONTENT REFERENCED: Orysia Lutsevych’s Chatham House paper, ‘Why a ‘whole-of-society’ model is essential for Ukraine’s recovery’: https://www.chathamhouse.org/2026/06/why-whole-society-model-essential-ukraines-recovery [https://www.chathamhouse.org/2026/06/why-whole-society-model-essential-ukraines-recovery]  «Дураки за деньги закончились»: как российские власти пытаются решить проблему нехватки контрактников (Vertska, in Russian) https://verstka.media/kak-rossiiskie-vlasti-pytayutsya-reshit-problemu-nehvatki-kontraktnikov [https://verstka.media/kak-rossiiskie-vlasti-pytayutsya-reshit-problemu-nehvatki-kontraktnikov] EMAIL US: Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk [ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk]. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible. HIGHLIGHTS: * Putin sacrifices Crimea air defences to shield Moscow * Zelensky says 'Russia will be forced to choose peace' ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

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 just how many targets Ukrainian forces have hit in the last 24 hours. We also examine growing frustration in Moscow as the Kremlin accuses the United States of failing to honour the Trump–Putin “understandings” that were supposed to shape the next phase of diplomacy. And later, we get an update from one of the leading campaigners pushing to unlock billions of dollars in frozen Russian assets for Ukraine’s defence and reconstruction.  Contributors:  Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X. James Kilner (Russia Analyst). @Jkjourno on X. Adelie Pojzman-Pontay (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @Adeliepjz on X. With thanks to Hugo Dixon of 'The Russian Transfer'. Senior Producer: Lilian Fawcett Video Producer: Sophie O’Sullivan Social Producer: Tom Steed Studio Director: Chris January Executive Editor: Francis Dearnley Created by David Knowles NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE: Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest [https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest]   CONTENT REFERENCED: Reported Gasoline Shortages in Russian Federal Subjects and Occupied Ukrainian Territories as of June 23, 2026 (Institute for the Study of War): https://understandingwar.org/map/reported-gasoline-shortages-in-russian-federal-subjects-and-occupied-ukrainian-territories-as-of-june-23-2026/ [https://understandingwar.org/map/reported-gasoline-shortages-in-russian-federal-subjects-and-occupied-ukrainian-territories-as-of-june-23-2026/]  Hugo Dixon’s initiative ‘The Russian Transfer’: moving Moscow’s account from Belgium: https://www.therussiantransfer.com/ [https://www.therussiantransfer.com/] EMAIL US: Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk [ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk]. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible. HIGHLIGHTS: *  Putin breaks silence over Moscow strikes humiliation *  Fuel shortages grip Russia ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

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 his country’s sovereignty – a suggestion that reveals much about the true nature of Russia’s relationship with its closest ally. We also bring you the latest Ukrainian strikes aimed at isolating Crimea, exposing the vulnerability of Russian supply routes as drones hunt convoys and pontoon crossings with increasing impunity. And later, in an exclusive interview, we speak to the European Union’s first Defence Commissioner about Europe’s plans to counter an increasingly aggressive Russia, strengthen continental security, and support Ukraine for the long haul. Contributor:  Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X. Producer: Phil Atkins Senior Producer: Lilian Fawcett Video Producer: Sophie O’Sullivan Social Producer: Tom Steed Studio Director: Chris January Executive Editor: Francis Dearnley Created by David Knowles NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE: Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest [https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest]   CONTENT REFERENCED: The European talks to create a Nato plan B (Joe Barnes for The Telegraph) https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/06/22/europe-rearms-european-talks-to-create-nato-replacement/ [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/06/22/europe-rearms-european-talks-to-create-nato-replacement/]  Poland tells Britain: Pay up for defence or risk global irrelevance (Adrian Blomfield for The Telegraph) https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/06/23/poland-tells-britain-pay-defence-risk-global-irrelevance/ Chalke Festival (this Friday): https://www.chalkefestival.com/ [https://www.chalkefestival.com/]    Ukrainian Institute London’s Summer Garden Party (this Saturday): https://uil.org.uk/events/uil-summer-garden-party/ [https://uil.org.uk/events/uil-summer-garden-party/] EMAIL US: Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk [ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk]. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible. HIGHLIGHTS: *  ‘Act Boldly’: Trump backs Ukraine’s ruthless new campaign *  Exclusive interview with EU's first defence commissioner ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

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 helping guide Russian drone strikes. Then, in Britain, Francis unpacks the political shockwaves following Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation and Dom looks at what his likely successor Andy Burnham has said about support for Ukraine. Contributors:  Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X. Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X. Producer: Rachel Porter Senior Producer: Lilian Fawcett Video Producer: Sophie O’Sullivan Social Producer: Tom Steed Studio Director: Chris January Executive Editor: Francis Dearnley Created by David Knowles NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE: Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest [https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest]   CONTENT REFERENCED: Vladimir Putin’s war machine sputters in drone age (Financial Times) https://www.ft.com/content/b409d72f-ccff-4952-8b71-dfd62d75a1cd?syn-25a6b1a6=1 [https://www.ft.com/content/b409d72f-ccff-4952-8b71-dfd62d75a1cd?syn-25a6b1a6=1]  Read more of The Telegraph’s coverage of Keir Starmer’s resignation: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2026/06/22/keir-starmer-resignation-labour-burnham-streeting-no-10/ [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2026/06/22/keir-starmer-resignation-labour-burnham-streeting-no-10/] https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2026/06/22/the-last-thing-country-needs-stalemate-until-september/ [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2026/06/22/the-last-thing-country-needs-stalemate-until-september/]  And listen to or watch The Daily T podcast: https://linktr.ee/thedailytpodcast Chalke Festival https://www.chalkefestival.com/ [https://www.chalkefestival.com/]  Ukrainian Institute London’s Summer Garden Party https://uil.org.uk/events/uil-summer-garden-party/ [https://uil.org.uk/events/uil-summer-garden-party/]  Thumbnail image credit: X/@front_ukrainian/Telegram/@other_nikopol EMAIL US: Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk [ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk]. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible. HIGHLIGHTS: * Ukraine explodes Zaporizhzhia bridge as strike campaign strangles Crimea * What Keir Starmer’s resignation – and an Andy Burnham premiership – could mean for Ukraine ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

'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 address the public? Later, the team examines the latest donations of military equipment to Kyiv at major meetings of Western leaders. Finally, Dr Jade McGlynn brings us her regular updates from the resistance operating inside occupied territories. Contributors: Adelie Pojzman-Pontay (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @Adeliepjz on X. Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X. Dr Jade McGlynn (Occupied Territories Expert, King’s College London). Producer: Rachel Porter Senior Producer: Lilian Fawcett Video Producer: Sophie O’Sullivan Social Producer: Tom Steed Studio Director: James England Executive Editor: Francis Dearnley Created by David Knowles NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE: Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest [https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest]   CONTENT REFERENCED: How Ukraine found a way through Moscow’s air defences (Antonia Langford for The Telegraph) https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/06/18/how-ukraine-found-a-way-through-moscows-air-defences/ [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/06/18/how-ukraine-found-a-way-through-moscows-air-defences/]  Russia vows ‘massive’ retaliation for largest attack on Moscow since war began (The Telegraph) https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/06/18/ukraine-hits-moscow-oil-refinerylargest-attack-two-years/ [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/06/18/ukraine-hits-moscow-oil-refinerylargest-attack-two-years/]  EU struggles to define Ukraine role (Euractiv) https://www.euractiv.com/news/eu-struggles-to-define-ukraine-role/ [https://www.euractiv.com/news/eu-struggles-to-define-ukraine-role/]  Some EU leaders furious at Costa official’s calls with the Kremlin (Politico) https://www.politico.eu/article/some-eu-leaders-furious-antonio-costa-official-pedro-lourtie-kremlin-calls/ [https://www.politico.eu/article/some-eu-leaders-furious-antonio-costa-official-pedro-lourtie-kremlin-calls/] Costa outreach to Russia was ‘misguided,’ Estonian PM says (Politico) https://www.politico.eu/article/antonio-costa-outreach-russia-misguided-estonia-prime-minister-kristen-michal/ [https://www.politico.eu/article/antonio-costa-outreach-russia-misguided-estonia-prime-minister-kristen-michal/] L’influente Xenia Fedorova, ancienne directrice de RT France et désormais protégée de Vincent Bolloré (Le Monde) https://www.lemonde.fr/politique/article/2026/05/26/l-influente-xenia-fedorova-ancienne-directrice-de-rt-france-et-desormais-protegee-de-vincent-bollore_6693959_823448.html?search-type=classic&ise_click_rank=3 [https://www.lemonde.fr/politique/article/2026/05/26/l-influente-xenia-fedorova-ancienne-directrice-de-rt-france-et-desormais-protegee-de-vincent-bollore_6693959_823448.html?search-type=classic&ise_click_rank=3] Maxime Audinet : « Xenia Fedorova relaie activement et sans ambiguïté les récits russes, et les adapte aux audiences françaises » (INA La Revue des Médias) https://larevuedesmedias.ina.fr/xenia-fedorova-influence-russe-cnews-jdnews-bollore [https://larevuedesmedias.ina.fr/xenia-fedorova-influence-russe-cnews-jdnews-bollore] La propagandiste russe Xenia Fedorova en majesté chez Bolloré, le gouvernement dans la nasse (Mediapart) https://www.mediapart.fr/journal/politique/310526/la-propagandiste-russe-xenia-fedorova-en-majeste-chez-bollore-le-gouvernement-dans-la-nasse [https://www.mediapart.fr/journal/politique/310526/la-propagandiste-russe-xenia-fedorova-en-majeste-chez-bollore-le-gouvernement-dans-la-nasse] EMAIL US: Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk [ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk]. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible. HIGHLIGHTS: * 'Black rain over Moscow' as Ukraine attacks again * Russia's 'own goal' revealed after oil refinery blast ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.