Ukraine: The Latest

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 weaken Moscow’s war machine far behind the front lines. Then we assess how Russia’s war against Ukraine is reshaping global grain exports and food prices, before unpacking the European Union’s latest sanctions against Vladimir Putin’s regime, finally agreed after weeks of difficult negotiations.Contributors:Adelie Pojzman-Pontay (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @Adeliepjz on X.Alex Nichol (Telegraph Journalist).Producer: Phil AtkinsSenior Producer: Lilian FawcettVideo Producer: Sophie O’SullivanSocial Producer: Tom SteedStudio Director: Meghan SearleExecutive Editor: Francis DearnleyCreated by David KnowlesNOW 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 CONTENT REFERENCED:Yesterday’s Ukraine: The Latest, offering a deep dive into Kyiv’s new commander-in-chief:YouTube – https://youtu.be/xqBiyMPM4jo?si=p1rlhUOodgg781ck Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ukraines-legendary-new-commander-takes-charge-after/id1612424182?i=1000777916224Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/episode/3CktsLADyTxmHVesqf6RxW?si=abe2835da3fc4782 Kremlin propagandist Xenia Fedorova escapes EU sanctions targeting Russian figures (Le Monde):https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2026/07/22/kremlin-propagandist-xenia-fedorova-escapes-eu-sanctions-targeting-russian-figures_6755722_4.html?srsltid=AfmBOopfQv9I8HMURwgR6Hkc7GNY7nqJuYDoS-YXXq1t3JMx29P71kMxFrom the Shannon to Siberia: How alumina from a Limerick refinery enters Russia’s weapons supply chain (The Irish Times)https://www.irishtimes.com/world/europe/2026/03/24/from-the-shannon-to-siberia-how-alumina-from-a-limerick-refinery-enters-russias-weapons-supply-chain/For more on Caolan Robertson’s investigation into the Auginish aluminium plant, Ukraine: The Latest June 16th episode: YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mimSeae4Nw&t=1492sApple podcast – https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/trump-tells-putin-to-make-a-deal-at-g7-revenge/id1612424182?i=1000772992491Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/episode/2XXCl4A8oZ871GwjvdXowYEMAIL US:Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible.HIGHLIGHTS: The European Union’s 21st sanction packageInterview with Kharkiv mayor Ihor Terekhov

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, and the likely strategy Kyiv will adopt as the war enters the next phase.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dr Jade McGlynn (Centre for Statecraft and National Security, King's College London)Special thanks to Dr Jack Watling – Senior Research Fellow for Applied Military Sciences at the Royal United Services Institute – and Dimko Zhluktenko,  best known as a drone pilot in the 413th Regiment of the Unmanned Systems Forces.Producer: Alexis AdimoraSenior Producer: Lilian FawcettVideo Producer: Sophie O’SullivanSocial Producer: Tom SteedStudio Director: Meghan SearleExecutive Editor: Francis DearnleyCreated by David KnowlesNOW 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 

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 group’s origins and the protest performance that led to members being sent to a Russian penal colony.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.With thanks to Nadya Tolokonnikova of Pussy Riot.Producer: Phil AtkinsSenior Producer: Lilian FawcettVideo Producer: Sophie O’SullivanSocial Producer: Tom SteedStudio Director: Meghan SearleExecutive Editor: Francis DearnleyCreated by David KnowlesNOW 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  CONTENT REFERENCED:The Pavilion of dis(Sense) – conceived and curated by the Russian dissident artist Katia Margolis – is in the former Church of San Leonardo, Venice, until August 7. Learn more: https://www.instagram.com/pavilionofdissense/ Francis’s Dispatches from La Biennale in Venice – Part I: https://youtu.be/ay2UT-SeKDI?si=HcbI6rpImmWdnEIM&t=559Part II (featuring the first section of Francis’s interview with Nadya of Pussy Riot): https://youtu.be/KVCZ9mVVFNI?si=zpNovKCPKyoDJdbU&t=829 Nadja’s Strasbourg exhibition, ‘Resistance Imprisoned’:https://www.ritschfisch.com/exhibition/resistance-imprisoned/ Russian warship opens fire off Devon (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/07/21/russian-warship-neustrashimy-fires-plymouth-royal-navy/  White House concerned over Miliband as Foreign Secretary (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2026/07/21/white-house-deeply-concerned-miliband-foreign-secretary/ Mykhailo Drapatyi, the man some protesters want to replace Syrskyi (Kyiv Independent):https://kyivindependent.com/mykhailo-drapatyi-the-man-some-protesters-want-to-replace-syrskyi/ Zelensky’s crisis deepens as ex-defence minister rejects offer to return (Financial Times):https://www.ft.com/content/51dad580-487a-43d4-8427-cdd764cbe8f5?syn-25a6b1a6=1EMAIL US:Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible.HIGHLIGHTS:Russia faces bloodiest month for a year and halfInterview with Pussy Riot founder Nadya Tolokonnikova

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 removal of Defence Minister Fedorov. And, with our guest, we try to answer a key question: now President Trump has promised to share the blueprints for Patriot missiles with Kyiv, how long will it take for Ukraine to build its own version?Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.Alex Nichol (Telegraph Journalist).With thanks for Michael Bohnert – Engineer at RAND.Producer: Rachel PorterSenior Producer: Lilian FawcettVideo Producer: Sophie O’SullivanSocial Producer: Tom SteedStudio Director: Meghan SearleExecutive Editor: Francis DearnleyCreated by David KnowlesNOW 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  CONTENT REFERENCED:Russia unleashes largest ballistic missile attack of the war (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/07/19/russia-ukraine-war-ballistic-missile-attack-kyiv-zelensky/ Ukraine strikes warehouses of ‘Russian Amazon’ in revenge attack (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/07/18/ukraine-strikes-warehouses-russian-amazon-revenge-attack/ Fires rage near Moscow after Ukrainian drone strikes (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/07/20/fires-rage-near-moscow-after-ukrainian-drone-strikes/ Russian pensioners dying in queues for fuel (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/07/17/russian-pensioners-dying-queues-fuel/ Video shows bomb attack on Ukrainian tycoon in Monaco (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/07/18/video-bomb-attack-ukrainian-tycoon-monaco/ FIFA risks prosecution over World Cup payments to Russian clubs (Follow The Money):https://www.ftm.eu/articles/fifa-world-cup-sanctions-payments-russian-clubs Russia Plans to Mobilize 500,000 Personnel by Autumn, Prepares for New Fronts (Kyiv Post):kyivpost.com/post/80585 More from Michael Bohnert on Patriot Missiles:https://x.com/mbohnert/status/2079146203795890363 EMAIL US:Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible.HIGHLIGHTS: Putin unleashes largest ballistic missile attack of the war Ukraine strikes warehouses of ‘Russian Amazon’ in revenge strikes

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 segment on the occupied territories. Finally, with British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer – one of Ukraine’s strongest international supporters – leaving office on Monday, we assess what his successor, Andy Burnham, will mean for the war.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dr Jade McGlynn (Centre for Statecraft and National Security, King’s College London)Lilian Fawcett (Senior Producer on Ukraine: The Latest)Producer: Rachel PorterSenior Producer: Lilian FawcettVideo Producer: Sophie O’SullivanSocial Producer: Tom SteedStudio Director: Meghan SearleExecutive Editor: Francis DearnleyCreated by David KnowlesNOW 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  CONTENT REFERENCED:Jade’s Project – ‘TOT Insights’ (Ukraine’s Temporarily Occupied Territories):https://totinsights.org/ Ukraine turns Sea of Azov into graveyard for Russian ships (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/07/17/ukraine-turns-sea-of-azov-into-graveyard-for-russian-ships/The sacking that turned Ukrainians against Zelensky (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/07/16/protests-erupt-zelensky-fires-defence-minister-fedorov/Why Zelensky has fired the man beating Russia (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/07/16/why-zelensky-fired-mykhailo-fedorov/ Starmer tells Zelensky: You have Britain’s ‘cast-iron’ support (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2026/07/16/keir-starmer-heads-to-ukraine-volodymyr-zelensky-burnham/Russia Strips Arctic Air Defenses As Ukraine War Strains Military (Radio Liberty):https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-air-defense-removal-arctic-satellite-photos-ukraine-war/33803628.html EMAIL US:Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible.HIGHLIGHTS:Spy chief named Ukraine's new defence minister amid Fedorov sacking fallout 12 Russian shadow fleet ships hit in single day

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 political ambitions had Zelensky worried. Is this the president’s biggest political miscalculation since his move against the country’s anti-corruption bodies in 2025? Then, we have the latest Ukrainian strikes on Russian ships in the Black Sea. Finally Adelie learns about the remarkably brave women who have become the backbone of the resistance movement in the occupied territories.Contributors:Roland Oliphant (Chief Foreign Analyst). @RolandOliphant on X.Alex Nichol (Telegraph Journalist).Adelie Pojzman-Pontay (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @Adeliepjz on X.Producer: Phil AtkinsSenior Producer: Lilian FawcettVideo Producer: Sophie O’SullivanSocial Producer: Tom SteedStudio Director: Meghan SearleExecutive Editor: Francis DearnleyCreated by David KnowlesNOW 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  CONTENT REFERENCED:Protests erupt after Zelensky fires popular defence minister (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/07/16/protests-erupt-zelensky-fires-defence-minister-fedorov/ Zelensky rejected push to fire Syrskyi as commander-in-chief, Fedorov reveals (Kyiv Independent):https://kyivindependent.com/fedorov-admits-trying-to-replace-syrskyi-before-his-dismissal-as-defense-minister/ Russia's Engels air base reportedly struck in Ukrainian drone attack (Kyiv Independent):https://kyivindependent.com/russias-engels-air-base-reportedly-struck-in-ukrainian-drone-attack/The Warrior-Witches of Ukraine’s Resistance (Ken Harbaugh in The Atlantic):https://www.theatlantic.com/international/2026/06/underground-intelligence-network-russia-ukraine/687578/EMAIL US:Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible.HIGHLIGHTS:Protests sweep Ukraine Zelensky sacks 'modernising' defence minister Fedorov

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 later, they are joined by Adelie to answer your questions on the Kerch bridge, the impact of fuel shortages for the Russian harvest, and European preparedness for the kind of aerial bombardments Ukraine suffers daily.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.Adelie Pojzman-Pontay (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @Adeliepjz on X.Producer: Phil AtkinsSenior Producer: Lilian FawcettVideo Producer: Sophie O’SullivanSocial Producer: Tom SteedStudio Director: Meghan SearleExecutive Editor: Francis DearnleyCreated by David KnowlesNOW 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  CONTENT REFERENCED:Unmanned Systems Forces Online Killboard: https://sbs-group.army/en/ ‘THE PINK FLAME OF THE TUZLY LAGOONS’ (Birding in Ukraine):https://www.birdinginukraine.com/blog/the-pink-flame-of-the-tuzly-lagoonsExclusive: Lockheed Martin supports granting Ukraine Patriot missile licenses, official says (Kyiv Independent):https://kyivindependent.com/lockheed-martin-supports-granting-ukraine-patriot-missile-licenses/ EMAIL US:Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible.HIGHLIGHTS:Drone 'downs' Russian Mi-28 helicopter'Moscow will fall through Crimea': Ukraine's new campaign

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 interview with the AfD’s defence chief – who claims a Russian attack on Germany is “completely unrealistic”.Contributors:Adelie Pojzman-Pontay (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @Adeliepjz on X.Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.James Rothwell (Berlin Correspondent). @JamesERothwell on X.Producer: Phil AtkinsSenior Producer: Lilian FawcettVideo Producer: Sophie O’SullivanSocial Producer: Tom SteedStudio Director: Meghan SearleExecutive Editor: Francis DearnleyCreated by David KnowlesNOW 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  CONTENT REFERENCED:Power Outages Hit Sevastopol as Russia Declares ‘Special Regime’ After Reported Ukrainian Attack (Kyiv Post)https://www.kyivpost.com/post/80213 Commander of Ukraine's 155th brigade detained in kidnapping, murder case (Kyiv Independent)https://kyivindependent.com/commander-of-ukraines-155th-brigade-detained-in-kidnapping-murder-case/Luftwaffe chief warns Europe has ‘no time’ to counter Putin without US weapons (Politico)https://www.politico.eu/article/europe-isnt-ready-replace-us-weapons-german-air-chief-warns/London Playbook: ‘Endings and beginnings’ (Politico)https://www.politico.eu/newsletter/london-playbook/endings-and-beginnings/Ukraine's parliament dismisses prime minister, paving way for government reshuffle (Kyiv Independent)https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-parliament-dismisses-prime-minister-paving-way-for-government-reshuffle/Zelensky eyes replacing Defense Minister Fedorov, source says (Kyiv Independent)https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-eyes-replacing-defense-minister-fedorov-source-says/Why the AfD is not scared of World War Three (James Rothwell for The Telegraph)https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/07/10/why-afd-not-scared-third-world-war/How Putin Turned Japan Into a Den of Spies (New York Times)https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/12/world/asia/russia-spies-japan-war-drones-electronics.htmlEMAIL US:Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible.HIGHLIGHTS:Russian recruits run dry, Ukrainian intelligence reportsParis holds biggest Bastille Day parade since WWII

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-war complex and asks what direction President Zelensky is heading in with his latest cabinet reshuffle. Dom looks at the latest United Nations response to the bombing of civilians and asks how they manage to condemn the killings in such strong terms, without once having to apportion blame. And later, he talks to US international affairs commentator Melinda Haring about the sudden death over the weekend of Senator Lindsay Graham and what the death of a leading Russia hawk means for Kyiv.Contributors:Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.Adelie Pojzman-Pontay (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @Adeliepjz on X.With thanks to Melinda Haring, nonresident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center.Producer: Rachel PorterSenior Producer: Lilian FawcettVideo Producer: Sophie O’SullivanSocial Producer: Tom SteedStudio Director: Meghan SearleExecutive Editor: Francis DearnleyCreated by David KnowlesNOW 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  CONTENT REFERENCED:Lindsey Graham, Republican Senator and Staunch Trump Ally, Dies at 71 (NYT)https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/12/us/politics/lindsey-graham-dead.htmlZelenskyy dismisses Ukraine’s prime minister in cabinet shake-up (FT)https://www.ft.com/content/db48418a-f906-4afd-86a2-1ab08004bd13?syn-25a6b1a6=1Beyond the Battlefield: Russia’s Information War Against Ukraine’s European Futurehttps://cpd.gov.ua/en/report/beyond-the-battlefield-russias-information-war-against-ukraines-european-future/EMAIL US:Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible.HIGHLIGHTS:Ukraine hits 100 Russian tankers in Sea of AzovWhat Lindsey Graham’s death means for Kyiv