Trapped Russian troops 'blown apart' fleeing by boat & Trump's summit with Putin in Hungary threatened as Europe pulls rank

Day 1,336.Today, amid growing signs the planned Trump-Putin summit in Hungary is already in jeopardy, we assess a breakthrough in Europe that could see finally frozen Russian state assets loaned to Ukraine. Then we uncover disturbing accounts revealing the dire state of Russia’s armed forces, and bring you the latest stories from Moscow as the economy continues to display signs of fracture.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Verity Bowman (Reporter). @VerityBowman on X.James Kilner (Former Telegraph Russia Correspondant). @jkjourno on X.MORE TICKETS JUST RELEASED 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: https://www.squadup.com/events/ukraineliveCONTENT REFERENCED:Putin ‘should only be allowed to travel to Hungary if he agrees to a ceasefire’ (The Telegraph): https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/20/putin-travel-hungary-if-he-agrees-ceasefire-russia-ukraine/How Putin could reach Hungary peace summit without being shot down or arrested (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/17/putin-route-to-budapest-summit/ Trapped on the Dnipro, Putin’s troops tried to flee by boat — and were blown apart (Verity Bowman in The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/21/russia-putin-dnipro-river-troops-boat-ukraine/Russian troops handcuffed to trees and left for dead after defying orders (Verity Bowman in The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/17/russian-troops-handcuffed-left-for-dead-refusing-orders/ Putin sends squads of sick soldiers into Pokrovsk ‘meat grinder’ (Verity Bowman in The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/terror-and-security/putin-sends-squads-of-sick-soldiers-into-pokrovsk-meat-grin/ EU closes in on deal to use Russian frozen assets to fund Ukraine (POLITICO):https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-deal-russian-frozen-assets-ukraine-loan-belgium/ US is stalling on G7 plan over Russian assets (Bloomberg):https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-10-20/us-is-stalling-on-g-7-plan-to-expand-use-of-russian-assets Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,332.Today, as President Zelensky meets Donald Trump at the White House, we unpack Vladimir Putin’s emergency – if predictable – intervention: an unscheduled call with the US President that may have derailed Kyiv’s hopes of securing Tomahawk missiles. Then, in a special cultural dispatch, we dive into the world of Ukrainian classical music.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.With thanks to Hobart Earle, Music Director and Principal Conductor of the Odesa Philharmonic Orchestra.MORE TICKETS JUST RELEASED 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: https://www.squadup.com/events/ukraineliveSIGN 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:Francis’s Odesa Documentary featuring Hobart Earle:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28HqbQLYGMM ‘Animals in war’ winners, suggested by listeners:https://x.com/FrancisDearnley/status/1978856072648499329 Trump to meet Putin in Hungary (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2025/10/16/trump-holds-phone-call-putin-tomahawks/ Trump meeting Putin in Budapest is blow to Europe (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/16/trump-meeting-putin-budapest-blow-europe-hungary-orban/ North Korean troops helping to direct Russian strikes into Ukraine (Kyiv Independent):https://kyivindependent.com/russia-now-using-north-korean-troops-to-attack-inside-of-ukraine-general-staff/?mc_cid=ccbf455194&mc_eid=08d0680a95 How Vladimir Putin’s history rant in Alaska nudged Donald Trump closer to Ukraine (Financial Times):https://www.ft.com/content/7af3b49e-c4da-405b-8199-3e12957b78c2  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,331.Today, as President Zelensky heads to Washington for another high-stakes meeting with Donald Trump, we break down the latest from the frontlines as NATO vows to ramp up its military support for Ukraine. We also examine a rare protest in St Petersburg calling for Vladimir Putin’s death, explore how recent drone incursions are reshaping German attitudes toward the war, and ask why Syria’s president – once a sworn enemy of the Kremlin – has now met the Russian President in Moscow.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Journalist and Producer). @adeliepjz on X.James Rothwell (Berlin Correspondant). @JamesERothwell on X.MORE TICKETS JUST RELEASED 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: https://www.squadup.com/events/ukraineliveSIGN 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:Crowds in St Petersburg sing about overthrowing Putin (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/15/crowds-sing-banned-song-overthrowing-putin-st-petersburg/ Trump plans victory fund for Ukraine (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2025/10/15/trump-plans-victory-fund-for-ukraine/ Ukraine Is Starving Russia of Oil (Michael Bohnert in The Wall Street Journal):https://www.wsj.com/opinion/ukraine-is-starving-russia-of-oil-de6ca866 Russia Isn’t Done With Syria (Hanna Notte in Foreign Affairs):https://www.foreignaffairs.com/russia/russia-isnt-done-syria Antoni Lallican, photojournalist killed in Ukraine, was 'insatiably curious and truly interested in others' (Le Monde):https://www.lemonde.fr/en/obituaries/article/2025/10/07/antoni-lallican-a-french-photojournalist-killed-in-ukraine-was-insatiably-curious-and-truly-interested-in-others_6746169_15.html Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,330.Today, as NATO defence ministers meet in Brussels with the US representative to NATO warning Russia of “consequences” if the Kremlin doesn’t move towards a peace agreement, we report how Mexican and Colombian drug cartels have infiltrated the Ukrainian military to learn how to fly kamikaze drones. Plus we take a deep dive into the current political crisis in France and examine what impact it could have on the war. Contributors:Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Journalist and Producer). @adeliepjz on X.Special thanks to our guest Colin Freeman. @colinfreeman99 on X.MORE TICKETS JUST RELEASED 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: https://www.squadup.com/events/ukraineliveSIGN 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:UDCG Livestream Press conference Livestream info on NATO website: https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/events_67375.htmMexican and Colombian drug cartels infiltrate Ukrainian militaryhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/14/drug-cartels-learn-modern-warfare-ukrainian-front-lines/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,329.Today, as Donald Trump vows to harness the momentum of the Gaza ceasefire to bring peace to Ukraine, we examine global reaction – or the striking silence – after a UN convoy was attacked by Russian forces. Then we assess reports of a possible chemical weapons attack in Donetsk and take a deep dive into stories emerging from inside Russia – revealing the cracks in its economy and the growing strains within its society.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Hamish de Bretton-Gordon (Chemical Weapons Expert and Former Tank Commander). @hamishdbg on X.James Kilner (Former Telegraph Russia Correspondant). @jkjourno on X.MORE TICKETS JUST RELEASED 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: https://www.squadup.com/events/ukraineliveSIGN 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:Trump: Now let’s end the Ukraine war (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2025/10/13/trump-threatens-putin-sending-tomahawks/Frontline report: Ukraine’s kill zone takes shape in Sumy Oblast—Russians trapped in Yunakivka say hope is gone (Euromaidan):https://euromaidanpress.com/2025/10/12/frontline-report-ukraines-kill-zone-takes-shape-in-sumy-oblast-russians-trapped-in-yunakivka-say-hope-is-gone/UN CONVOY CAME UNDER ATTACK WHILE DELIVERING AID TO A FRONT-LINE COMMUNITY IN THE KHERSON REGION (United Nations):https://ukraine.un.org/en/303211-un-convoy-came-under-attack-while-delivering-aid-front-line-community-kherson-region Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,328.Today, as we learn the Donald Trump administration has been sharing intelligence enabling Kyiv to strike at Russian energy facilities, we reflect on the likelihood that Tomahawk missiles are incoming, and the fallout from the US President not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. Then we hear live from the country of Georgia, where protests continue and tensions remain high, before Francis ends with an appeal on a neglected subject: animals in war.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Marika Mikia-shvili (Foreign affairs, Droa Party - Georgia). @Mikiashvili_M on X.MORE TICKETS JUST RELEASED 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: https://www.squadup.com/events/ukrainelive 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:Learn more about the Dickin Medal - the animals’ Victoria Cross:https://www.pdsa.org.uk/what-we-do/animal-awards-programme/pdsa-dickin-medal Trump gave specific intelligence to Ukraine for strikes on Russian energy (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/12/trump-shares-intelligence-ukraine-strike-russian-energy/ Putin: Trump’s too good for the Nobel Peace Prize (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/10/donald-trump-loses-out-on-nobel-peace-prize-2025/ Melania Trump: I convinced Putin to send Ukrainian children home (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/politics/2025/10/10/melania-trump-putin-children-families/ Senate Passes Bipartisan $925 Billion Defense Policy Bill (New York Times):https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/09/us/senate-passes-bipartisan-925-billion-defense-policy-bill.html  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,325.Today, after another wave of intense Russian bombardments, we explore what the Gaza ceasefire could mean for the war. Will it bring renewed international attention, or further distraction? Plus, we deliver our latest fortnightly update on resistance inside the occupied territories, and ask: how strong is America’s commitment to Europe’s defense now, with insights from one of the U.S. Army’s former top generals.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Dr. Jade McGlynn (War Studies Department of King's College). @DrJadeMcGlynn on X.With thanks to Lieutenant General (Retired) Ben Hodges (former commanding general of United States Army Europe). @general_ben 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/ukraineliveThey 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:Clip of Francis and Dom on Russian TV:https://x.com/FrancisDearnley/status/1976267739284279375?t=ew1_r1Jv5Pkwig8urg48ow&s=03 Putin is losing the war, so prepare for escalation (Ambrose Evans-Pritchard in The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/10/10/putin-is-losing-the-war-so-prepare-for-escalation/ China unveils sweeping rare-earth export controls to protect ‘national security’ (Financial Times):https://www.ft.com/content/c4b2c5d9-c82f-401e-b763-bc9581019cb7?sharetype=blocked Russia's industrial titans furlough workers as its war economy stalls (Reuters):https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russias-industrial-titans-furlough-workers-its-war-economy-stalls-2025-10-09/ Ukrainian Icon Finds Safe Haven In Aldershot (UK Army):https://shorturl.at/bsIFs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,324.Today, Ukraine hits yet another pipeline and oil plant, while fuel shortage in Russia approaches 20 percent. Meanwhile, more than half of Ukraine's natural gas production capacity has been destroyed by Russian strikes. We also discuss the state of US-Russia relations and what will happen to the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty when it expires. Finally Dom speaks with Benjamin Tallis about the use of AI in defence.Contributors:Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Journalist and Producer). @adeliepjz on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.With thanks to Ben Tallis of Helsing.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/ukraineliveThey are going fast, so don't delay!CONTENT REFERENCED:Harvard Harris Poll:https://harvardharrispoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/HHP_Sep2025_KeyResults.pdf?fbclid=IwRlRTSANToABleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHnA9xoXt2SpxYCCBdJuO4g1UGgT821G0bM4XTQX4lCD5fhcBSb0r7HRSOiHN_aem_-xXfOwXzlIzGw9Sm8ooWJASubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,323Today, 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/ukraineliveThey 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/ukrainethelatestEmail: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,322Today, 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/ukraineliveThey 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/ukrainethelatestEmail: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.