Ukraine: The Latest

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.Senior Producer: Lilian FawcettVideo Producer: Sophie O’SullivanSocial Producer: Tom SteedStudio Director: Chris JanuaryExecutive 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: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/ Hugo Dixon’s initiative ‘The Russian Transfer’: moving Moscow’s account from Belgium:https://www.therussiantransfer.com/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 breaks silence over Moscow strikes humiliation Fuel shortages grip Russia

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 AtkinsSenior Producer: Lilian FawcettVideo Producer: Sophie O’SullivanSocial Producer: Tom SteedStudio Director: Chris JanuaryExecutive 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 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/ 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/   Ukrainian Institute London’s Summer Garden Party (this Saturday):https://uil.org.uk/events/uil-summer-garden-party/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: ‘Act Boldly’: Trump backs Ukraine’s ruthless new campaign Exclusive interview with EU's first defence commissioner

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 PorterSenior Producer: Lilian FawcettVideo Producer: Sophie O’SullivanSocial Producer: Tom SteedStudio Director: Chris JanuaryExecutive 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:Vladimir Putin’s war machine sputters in drone age (Financial Times)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/the-last-thing-country-needs-stalemate-until-september/ And listen to or watch The Daily T podcast:https://linktr.ee/thedailytpodcastChalke Festivalhttps://www.chalkefestival.com/ Ukrainian Institute London’s Summer Garden Partyhttps://uil.org.uk/events/uil-summer-garden-party/ Thumbnail image credit: X/@front_ukrainian/Telegram/@other_nikopolEMAIL 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 explodes Zaporizhzhia bridge as strike campaign strangles CrimeaWhat Keir Starmer’s resignation – and an Andy Burnham premiership – could mean for Ukraine

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 PorterSenior Producer: Lilian FawcettVideo Producer: Sophie O’SullivanSocial Producer: Tom SteedStudio Director: James EnglandExecutive 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: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/ 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/ EU struggles to define Ukraine role (Euractiv)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/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/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=3Maxime 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-bolloreLa 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-nasseEMAIL 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:'Black rain over Moscow' as Ukraine attacks againRussia's 'own goal' revealed after oil refinery blast

Day 1,574.Today, as President Zelensky declares that “if Ukraine burns, so will Moscow”, we report on a wave of strikes inside Russia that have produced some of the most dramatic images of the war so far, with more than 1,000 drones sowing destruction across multiple regions. Then, after a prominent MAGA influencer admits she fell for Russian propaganda, we ask whether Putin’s continued attacks on religious and cultural sites in Ukraine may finally be seen for what they are by the Christian Right in the United States. And after the Russian president appears to answer criticism that he is isolated and afraid of meeting ordinary people, we take a closer look at footage of an apparently spontaneous walkabout that raised eyebrows when a security guard was overheard referring to “background actors”. Throughout the episode, we'll be joined by our friendly RAND analyst to help make sense of the latest military and technological developments shaping Russia’s war against Ukraine.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.With thanks to RAND engineer Michael Bohnert.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:Moscow burns after Ukraine attacks Russia with 1,000 drones (The Telegraph)https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/06/18/ukraine-hits-moscow-oil-refinerylargest-attack-two-years/ Putin’s adoring crowd accidentally outed as ‘extras’ by bodyguard (The Telegraph)https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/06/18/putins-adoring-crowd-accidentally-outed-as-extras-bodyguard/ Almost 70% of Ukrainians expect Zelensky to be replaced after war, poll shows (Kyiv Independent)https://kyivindependent.com/almost-70-of-ukrainians-expect-zelensky-to-be-replaced-after-the-war-poll-shows/?mc_cid=d2d0ed0168&mc_eid=08d0680a95 Belarus' Lukashenko says both sides must compromise to end Russia-Ukraine war (Reuters):https://www.reuters.com/world/belarus-lukashenko-says-both-sides-must-compromise-end-russia-ukraine-war-2026-06-16/ 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 blitzes Moscow with 1,000 dronesConsidered the ‘biggest attack of war’ 

Day 1,573.Today, after a Russian warship fires warning shots at an unarmed vessel in the English Channel, we take you to the G7 Summit, where observers are describing a “turning point” in perceptions of Ukraine’s progress in the war, as it continues to batter Russian infrastructure and strangle Crimea. We hear live from the ground about what has been unlocked for Kyiv, and later – in our regular segment on life inside Russia – we ask why Vladimir Putin may (or may not) be cracking down on organised crime at a time when public dissatisfaction is reportedly growing and his popularity plummeting.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.Joe Barnes (Diplomatic Editor). @Barnes_Joe on X.James Kilner (Russia Analyst). @Jkjourno on X.Senior 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:Give us Patriot blueprints so we can make our own, Zelensky tells Trump (Joe Barnes The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/06/16/zelensky-patriot-blueprints-trump/ Russian warship fires shots at yacht in Channel (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/06/16/russian-warship-fired-warning-shot-at-yacht-in-channel/ Warning shots should be a last resort. This is a dangerous escalation (Dom Nicholls in The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/06/16/russian-warning-shots-channel-dangerous-escalation/ Anti-Putin artist shot dead in Poland car park ‘execution’ (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/06/16/anti-putin-artist-shot-dead-in-poland-car-park-execution/ Sending fuel trucks up in flames, Ukraine tries to cut off Crimea (New York Times):ttps://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/17/world/europe/russia-ukraine-crimea-fuel-shortages.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:Russian warship fires shots at boat in English Channel Putin 'hiding in bunkers' as popularity plummets

Day 1,572.Today, as Donald Trump tells the G7 summit that “Russia should make a deal”, we examine what this apparent shift in tone from the US president could mean for Ukraine, and what President Volodymyr Zelensky can realistically hope to achieve from this crucial gathering – perhaps even a face-to-face meeting with Vladimir Putin. We also ask how Ukrainian drones continue to penetrate Moscow’s formidable air defences, after another strike reportedly hit a Russian oil refinery and disrupted operations at airports across the capital. We report on allegations that a Russian diplomat was involved in an arson attack targeting the home of Britain’s Prime Minister, and later speak to the independent journalist leading an investigation into an Irish manufacturing plant accused of supplying components that may be helping to sustain Putin’s war machine.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.With thanks to Caolan Robertson. @CaolanReports 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:Our sister podcast Iran: The Latest:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran--the-latest/G7 Live Blog:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/06/16/g7-summit-latest-news-trump-ukraine-iran-war-peace-deal/Russian diplomat ‘linked to Starmer firebomb attack’ (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/06/15/russia-firebombers-verdict-london-ukraine-keir-starmer/ Britain to supply Ukraine with more nuclear fuel (The Telegraph)https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/06/15/britain-to-supply-ukraine-with-more-nuclear-fuel/ 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:Trump tells Putin to ‘make a deal’ at G7'Revenge strike' as Kyiv hits major Moscow oil refinery

Day 1,571.In what could prove one of the most consequential weeks of the year for international diplomacy, Francis and Dom assess what a ceasefire in Iran might mean for the war – and whether it could help unlock a pathway towards peace after another bloody weekend in which a Russian attack left one of Kyiv’s most historic cathedrals in flames. They also examine the significance of British Royal Marines boarding and seizing a Russian shadow fleet tanker, and report the latest on Ukraine’s EU negotiations as formal accession talks kick off today. Finally, Dom considers the sweeping military reforms now being undertaken by Kyiv that could have profound consequences for Ukraine’s armed forces and those fighting on the frontline.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.Producer: Rachel PorterSenior Producer: Lilian FawcettVideo Producer: Sophie O’SullivanSocial Producer: Tom SteedStudio Director: James EnglandExecutive 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:Our sister podcast Iran: The Latest: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran--the-latest/Trump negotiators to visit Moscow after birthday call with Putin (The Telegraph)https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/06/14/iran-ukraine-g7-witkoff-kushner-russia/ Russia bombs historic Kyiv cathedral (The Telegraph)https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/06/15/russia-bombs-kyiv-cathedral/ Royal Marines seize Russian shadow fleet tanker in Channel (The Telegraph)https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/06/14/british-armed-forces-russian-oil-tanker-english-channel/ Inside six-hour mission to storm Putin’s shadow oil tanker (The Telegraph)https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/06/14/inside-six-hour-mission-to-storm-russias-shadow-oil-tanker/ EU countries weigh ‘tearing apart’ bloc’s diplomatic service (Financial Times)https://www.ft.com/content/a7278d93-98fc-4fa7-a14c-d0c089b693dd?syn-25a6b1a6=1 Russian MP warns Putin: We’re on the brink of social collapse (Antonia Langford for the Telegraph)https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/06/13/russian-mp-warns-putin-were-on-the-brink-of-social-collapse/ It Was Meant to Unify. Now the G7 Is Dogged by Chaos and Divided by Trump (New York Times)https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/14/world/europe/g7-summit-evian-trump.html Donald Trump stages show of political domination with UFC bout on White House lawn (Financial Times)https://www.ft.com/content/11f71770-5872-4769-9ea5-a21f12151e10?syn-25a6b1a6=1 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:'Barbarism' as Moscow bombs historic Kyiv cathedralBritish commandos seize Russian shadow fleet ship

Day 1,568.As Putin marks Russia Day by handing out state prizes, including to a former human rights commissioner who’s been sanctioned for gross human rights violations, Ukraine chose to celebrate the big day by launching attacks across Russia. Dom reports how repeated Ukrainian strikes have reduced traffic along the critical supply corridor to Crimea by nearly three quarters, and looks at the latest European diplomatic overtures to the Kremlin. Later, Adelie interviews two charities that rescue animals from the frontline.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:Yuriy Tokarski, CEO of U-Hearts Foundation and Yaryna Vintoniuk and Yuliana Symchych of Animal Rescue Kharkiv.Senior Producer: Lilian FawcettVideo Producer: James EnglandSocial 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:Exclusive: Ukraine's drone commander wants to cut Crimea off from Russia (Reuters)https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraines-drone-commander-wants-cut-crimea-off-russia-2026-06-11/ Learn more about Animal Rescue Kharkiv:https://youtube.com/@animalrescuekharkiv?si=eXf93VmXprnAGoMbhttps://www.facebook.com/spt.kh/https://www.instagram.com/animal.rescue.kharkiv.enhttps://www.animalrescuekharkiv.org/Learn more about U-Hearts Foundation:https://u-hearts.com/EMAIL US:Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many on air and in our newsletter as possible.HIGHLIGHTS:Ukraine wipes out 'critical' supply route on Russia's national day50 Russian military trucks also destroyed