Ukraine: The Latest

Day 1,537Today, as the final day draws to a close of the ceasefire supposedly brokered by the US to see Russia’s Victory Day parade on Saturday pass unscathed, we ask: what happened to the supposed prisoner swap that had been part of the deal? Plus Brussels Correspondent Joe Barnes asks Estonia’s PM and a Ukrainian defence analyst what the weekend’s events - or lack thereof - tells us about the state of the war. And we also hear updates on the work of the Come Back Alive charity, the organisation securing battle-winning technology for Ukraine, and a firm favourite of this podcast’s creator, David Knowles. Contributors:Dom Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X. Joe Barnes (The Telegraph's Brussels Correspondent) @Barnes_Joe on XMykola Bielieskov (Defence Analyst) @MBielieskov on XHelp shape the future of Ukraine: The Latest. Share your thoughts in this quick survey:https://tinyurl.com/ukrainethelatestCONTENT REFERENCED:Don’t abandon Nato’s eastern flank, Estonian PM tells Starmerhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/05/10/dont-leave-nato-eastern-flank-defenceless-estonia-starmer/Help shape the future of Ukraine: The Latest. Share your thoughts in this quick survey:https://tinyurl.com/ukrainethelatestContact 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:- EU dismisses 'sham' offer for Putin’s 'buddy' to be mediator in Ukraine peace talks- With no tanks or missiles on parade, Putin claims 'this matter is coming to an end'

Day 1,534.Today, as President Zelensky said he "doesn't recommend" that foreign representatives attend tomorrow’s May Day parade in Moscow, we report on the Kremlin’s cool and measured response to the threat of Ukrainian strikes, with Russian State Duma deputies threatening the use of Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missiles against Kyiv whilst, for reasons known only to them, warning that these statements are Russia’s “last warning to Brussels”. And, as the Azov Corps say they have returned to occupied Mariupol - albeit using strike drones - somewhat fittingly we have our regular update of resistance activity in the occupied areas. Help shape the future of Ukraine: The Latest. Share your thoughts in this quick survey:https://tinyurl.com/ukrainethelatestContributors:Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @adeliepjz on X. Dom Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.Dr Jade McGlynn (Occupied Territories Expert, King’s College London).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  CONTENT REFERENCED:Will Ukrainian drones spoil Putin’s Victory Day parade? (The Spectator)https://spectator.com/article/will-ukrainian-drones-spoil-putins-victory-day-parade/Rosenberg: Russia's Victory Day parade with no tanks a sign Ukraine war not going to plan (BBC)https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwy2gj2jlr8oIs Frustration With Armenia’s Pashinyan Enough to Bring the Pro-Russia Opposition to Power? (Carnegie Endowment)https://carnegieendowment.org/russia-eurasia/politika/2026/04/vojna-mir-i-socseti-kuda-vedet-predvybornaya-kampaniya-v-armenii'They are stealing the election': How Armenia became the next Russia-EU battlefieldhttps://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20260419-stealing-election-how-armenia-became-next-russia-eu-battlefieldEU prepares for ‘potential’ talks with Vladimir Putin, says official (Financial Times) https://www.ft.com/content/b093dae1-939b-47b4-96e4-40f212e87430?shareType=nongift&syn-25a6b1a6=1Ukraine war 'led me to surrogacy' to earn money but a new law could end those plans (BBC)https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/clyp4kp687goEMAIL 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:Putin running scared with pared back V-Day parade plans Zelensky visits brigades on the frontline

Day 1,533.Today, as Russia refused to follow Kyiv’s proposed ceasefire, killing at least 26 civilians, Kyiv responded by hitting targets 1500 km into Russia’s territory. Meanwhile, the corruption scandal uncovered in Ukraine last summer continues to send shockwaves across the country, possibly touching Zelensky himself. Ukraine’s Chief negotiator, Rustem Umerov, himself under investigation in the probe, arrives in Miami for the first talks since the beginning of the war against Iran. Finally, we dive into Russia’s latest online disinformation campaign.Help shape the future of Ukraine: The Latest. Share your thoughts in this quick survey:https://tinyurl.com/ukrainethelatestContributors:Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @adeliepjz on X. Dom Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X. Stephanie Baker (Investigative Journalist, Bloomberg). @StephaniBaker on X.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  CONTENT REFERENCED:United Nations: At least 70 killed and over 500 injured in attacks across Ukraine since 1 Mayhttps://ukraine.ohchr.org/en/At-least-70-killed-and-over-500-injured-in-attacks-across-Ukraine-since-1-May?brid=YWdncwHX0NkpD1nGtCFuHnR85dYKThe corruption scandal Volodymyr Zelensky won't confront, (Kyiv Independent)https://kyivindependent.com/corruption-scandal-closes-in-zelensky-looks-away/Stephanie Baker’s investigation: Russia’s Disinformation War Most Potent Weapon is Bending Realities (Bloomberg): https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2026-russia-disinformation-storm-1516-videos/?accessToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJzb3VyY2UiOiJTdWJzY3JpYmVyR2lmdGVkQXJ0aWNsZSIsImlhdCI6MTc3ODE2NTI0OCwiZXhwIjoxNzc4NzcwMDQ4LCJhcnRpY2xlSWQiOiJURTY3T0lLR1pBTE4wMCIsImJjb25uZWN0SWQiOiJCNDdEQUVDNEVGNDE0NzBGOTAzNzRFM0U3NTNCQzg2QyJ9.TxyN9Bm4h-wlv29fjwocnYUdF0Q33zG8veGgtjMq49oHow To Spot a Russian Deefake, Bloomberg: https://youtu.be/X9GQiouEdJ8?si=9Tuc4AK0KpGsxk4HStephanie Baker’s work: https://stephaniebakerwriter.com/Adélie’s event with the Ukrainian Institute, London: The Newest Testament - Literature as Testimony to Ukraine's Defence.https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-newest-testament-literature-as-testimony-to-ukraines-defence-tickets-1986991762851?aff=oddtdtcreator&_gl=1*97sdgn*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTU3NTk1NjMyNC4xNzc4MTc0MDM1*_ga_TQVES5V6SH*czE3NzgxNzQwMzQkbzEkZzAkdDE3NzgxNzQwMzQkajYwJGwwJGgwEMAIL 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 strikes refinery 1500 km inside Russia violates ceasefire 1,820 timesLeaked tapes from Ukraine’s widest corruption scandal cast doubt on Zelensky

Day 1,532.Today, Vladimir Putin gives his answer to President Zelensky’s offer of an open-ended ceasefire: a brutal attack on the civilians of Ukraine which killed 20, including 12 in a single strike. What does this mean for the likelihood of a ceasefire over May 8 and 9th for Moscow’s Victory Day parade? Then we hear the latest from Kyiv, and hear the latest from Russia, including how Putin has banned staff from using phones amid assassination fears.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.James Kilner (Russia Analyst). @Jkjourno on X.With thanks to freelance journalist Antonia Langford in Kyiv.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  CONTENT REFERENCED:Help shape the future of Ukraine: The Latest. Share your thoughts in this quick survey:https://tinyurl.com/ukrainethelatest As Ukraine strikes deeper inside Russia, Putin retreats further into paranoia (Antonia Langford in The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/05/05/paranoid-putin-cornered-ukrain-morphing-deep-strike-tactics/ Putin bans staff from using phones amid assassination fears (Antonia Langford in The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/05/04/putin-bans-staff-using-phones-assassination-fears/ 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: Vladimir Putin gives his answer to President Zelensky’s ceasefire offer A brutal attack on the civilians of Ukraine kills 20, including 12 in a single strike

Day 1,531.Today, after a weekend in which Zelensky joined more than 30 European leaders – along with the prime minister of Canada – at the European Political Community summit in Armenia, a country Moscow considers a close ally in the South Caucasus, and Ukraine calls Russia’s bluff over “ceasefires”, we report on further shadow fleet sanctions activity – from new regulations to unexplained explosions. And later, we look ahead to May Day celebrations in Russia and ask whether a Ukrainian drone penetrating Moscow’s layers of air defence suggests the parade could go off with a real bang.Contributors:Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.Adelie Pojzman-Pontay (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @Adeliepjz on X.With thanks to Yuliya Sotska of Ukrainian charity ‘Children of Heroes’.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  CONTENT REFERENCED:Learn more about ‘Children of Heroes’:https://childrenheroes.org/en/ Francis’s Long Interview with Silicon Curtain:Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vopvERNHGtg Audio: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0qwPAXSkPTvScvGtdKa2rmZelensky challenges Putin to new ceasefire (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/05/04/zelensky-challenges-putin-to-new-ceasefire/ Starmer to lobby Macron for closer EU ties (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/05/03/keir-starmer-join-eu-defence-fund-loan-ukraine/ Zelensky has scrapped open-ended military contracts to attract new recruits (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/05/01/zelensky-scraps-indefinite-contracts-soldiers-recruits/ Europe fears Putin’s ‘window of opportunity’ is now (Politico):https://www.politico.eu/article/europe-fears-valdimir-putin-window-opportunity-nato-test/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: Putin challenged to new ceasefire by Zelensky Fears NATO 'disintegrating' as Trump pulls thousands of troops from Europe

Day 1,527.Today, we take you to Lviv and hear an update from Dom’s week in the west of the country – including a visit to a prisoner of war camp and speaking to soldiers who fought for Russia. Then we bring you the latest on strikes by both sides, as Tuapse refinery is hit for the fourth time in a fortnight, before discussing the end of what’s being called the biggest military exercise involving European forces since the end of the Cold War.NOTE: Monday is a bank holiday in the UK. Normal service will resume on Tuesday.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.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  CONTENT REFERENCED:Russia's Leningrad Oblast 'now a front-line region,' local governor says (Kyiv Independent):https://kyivindependent.com/russias-leningrad-oblast-now-a-frontline-region-local-governor-says-following-recent-ukrainian-attacks/ Venice Biennale jury resigns after row over Russian entry (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/30/venice-biennale-jury-resigns-row-russian-artists/ 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:Exclusive: ‘My face-to-face with Russian prisoners of war’ Europe ends largest military drill since the Cold War

Day 1,526.Today, as President Putin once again dangles a ceasefire in front of President Trump to avoid any risk of disruption to his Victory Day commemorations, he discuss reports that US president might be considering pulling American forces out of Germany while, at the same, the Pentagon finally unlocks a $400 million military aid package. We also bring you the latest on Ukraine’s strike campaign and how it’s turned one of Russia’s strengths – its size – into a weakness, before hearing from a Ukrainian Olympian diver about the decision by World Aquatics to permit Russian athletics to compete under the Russian flag once more.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.With thanks to Telegraph reporters Lily Shanagher and Alisa Butterwick, plus Ukrainian Olympic diver Oleksiy Sereda.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  CONTENT REFERENCED:Ukrainian drones destroy £18m Russian helicopters behind enemy lines (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/30/ukrainian-drones-destroy-18m-russian-helicopters/ Trump threatens to pull troops out of Germany (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2026/04/29/trump-germany-troops-friedrich-merz/ Putin’s ‘altar boy’ is finally in Ukraine’s sights (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/30/putin-altar-boy-finally-in-ukraine-sights/ Japanese drone maker doubles down on Ukraine as Tokyo eases arms rules (The Kyiv Independent):https://kyivindependent.com/terra-drone-moves-deeper-into-ukraine-with-second-investment-as-tokyo-loosens-arms-rules/ 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 ‘vaporises’ Russian helicopters mid-flight behind enemy linesPutin proposes ‘brief’ ceasefire in Trump call

Day 1,525.Today, following a 1500 kilometer Ukrainian deep strike on a Russian oil facility, we hear how – for the first time in 18 years – Moscow’s Victory Day parade will feature no military kit as Vladimir Putin’s paranoia continues. Then we take you to Washington, where King Charles III sought to charm the Trump administration by deploying pomp, circumstance, and a sprinkling of history, before speaking to a war artist about what it’s like painting soldiers on the frontline in an active warzone.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.James Kilner (Russia Analyst). @Jkjourno on X.With thanks to war artist Max Denison-Pender. 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  CONTENT REFERENCED:Learn more about Max Denison-Pender’s war art:https://www.denisonpender.com/ukraine ‘If France can seize Russia’s oil tankers, so can Britain’ (Joe Barnes in The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/29/ukraine-tells-starmer-to-hunt-russian-shadow-fleet/ King brings the House down on day of jokes, ovations and warm words (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2026/04/28/king-state-visit-congress-trump-house-down-jokes/ Hezbollah attacks Israeli military helicopter with fibre optic drones (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/28/hezbollah-attack-israeli-idf-helicopter-fibre-optic-drones/b US ambassador to Ukraine to leave over differences with Donald Trump (Financial Times):https://www.ft.com/content/33d5d8d4-a7db-4647-9751-c21de8ebecb8?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 on air and in our newsletter as possible.HIGHLIGHTS:Moscow’s Victory Day parade will feature no military kitKing Charles III charms the Trump administration

Day 1,524.At what point do frontline soldiers in Ukraine reach a breaking point?Today, as Russia’s Tuapse oil refinery is hit yet again, we discuss a new study underscoring the strain on troops in Ukraine, with many now serving longer in “the kill zone” than in some of the deadliest wars of the 20th century. We also report on a new museum in North Korea dedicated to soldiers killed fighting for Russia in Ukraine, highlighting deepening ties between Moscow and Pyongyang. And later, Joe Barnes speaks to Ukraine’s international sanctions representative about what more can be done to tighten sanctions on Russia and weaken the Kremlin’s war effort.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.Joe Barnes (Brussels Correspondent). @Barnes_Joe on X.With thanks to Vladyslav Vlasiuk, Presidential Commissioner for Sanctions Policy of Ukraine.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  CONTENT REFERENCED:Joe Barnes’s Pieces for The Telegraph:‘Britain and France should lead new European Nato, says ex-chief’ –https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/25/britain-france-european-nato-coalition-willing-ukraine/ Britain and allies could pool weapons funding in ‘defence bank’ – https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/26/britain-allies-pool-weapons-fund/ Putin humiliated as Russian mercenaries in Africa forced to withdraw (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/27/putin-humiliated-after-russian-mercenaries-africa-withdraw/ The heroic postmen of war-torn Ukraine putting Royal Mail to shame (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/consumer-affairs/heroic-postmen-of-ukraine-delivering-faster-royal-mail/ North Korea Displays US M1A1 and Leopard 2A4 Tanks Likely Sourced from Russia for Study of Western Armor (Army Recognition Group):https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/2026/north-korea-displays-us-m1a1-and-leopard-2a4-tanks-likely-sourced-from-russia-for-study-of-western-armor 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:Frontline psychological 'breaking point' discovered Exclusive interview with Ukraine sanctions chief