Ukraine: The Latest

Day 1,631.Today, a train in Siberia, said to be carrying ballistic missiles from North Korea, goes up in flames. Then, not to be outdone, a Russian oil terminal near St Petersburg announces it has “completely” shut down following a recent Ukrainian attack. The Starlink spat between Poland and “big man” Elon Musk seems to be cooling and Putin has placed the son of US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr on Russia’s wanted list for fighting in Ukraine. Plus later, we speak to two women brought together by an NGO that helps Ukrainians improve their English – as one of their sons fights on the front line in Ukraine.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 ENGin volunteers Jane and Anastasia.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:Learn more about the ENGin program, which helps Ukrainians of all ages improve their English-language conversation via volunteers worldwide: https://www.enginprogram.org/ If you’re interested in sponsoring Dom’s upcoming defence event, email our colleagues at events@telegraph.co.ukKremlin hired assassin to murder American on Polish soil, says Tusk (The Telegraph)https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/08/13/kremlin-hired-assassin-to-execute-american-on-polish-soil/  Blast at Rotterdam port energy facility kills one person (Reuters)https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/rotterdam-port-explosion-causes-one-death-police-say-2026-08-13/ Putin flexes Moscow’s muscles in the Far East (The Telegraph)https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/08/14/putin-flexes-moscows-muscles-in-the-far-east/ US armoured brigade pummelled by Ukraine’s drones in wargame (The Telegraph)https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2026/08/13/us-armoured-brigade-pummelled-ukraine-drones-wargame/ Pictured: ‘Russian escort’ accused of assassinating Ukrainian defector (The Telegraph)https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/08/13/woman-assassinates-ukrainian-submarine-commander-who-defect/ Ukraine offers Russia truce in the Black Sea as food supply fears mount (Reuters)https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-offers-russia-truce-black-sea-food-supply-fears-mount-source-says-2026-08-13/ Russian Strikes on Dozens of Grain Ships Threaten Global Food Supplies (New York Times)https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/13/world/europe/russia-ukraine-ports-odesa-cargo-ship-attacks.html ‘We have nowhere to return to’: How Russia is seizing homes in occupied Ukraine (BBC Verify)https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/idt-f153d864-33b6-4ffa-823a-bf085f8ec5e1 Ukraine Receives Bodies of 261 Fallen Soldiers From Russia (Kyiv Post)https://www.kyivpost.com/post/82292 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 'destroys North Korean missiles 6000km inside Russia'Huge explosion rips through Italian munitions factory

Day 1,630.Today, following the significant raid on the home of Russia’s Black Sea fleet, hitting warships and port infrastructure, we look at Putin’s decision to threaten the seizure of ships belonging to countries seizing shadow fleet vessels keeping the Russian economy afloat, and his decision to visit islands whose ownership is fiercely contested with Japan. Then we bring you the latest Wildberries warehouse attacks, before dedicating the rest of the episode to answering your questions on many subjects relating to the war: on China’s calculus, on disgruntled soldiers returning to Russia, and your feedback on The Odyssey’s message about a new age of warfare and its consequences for the world.Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.Sophie O'Sullivan (Telegraph Journalist).Adelie Pojzman-Pontay (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @Adeliepjz on X.Producer: Phil AtkinsSenior Producer: Lilian FawcettVideo Producer: James EnglandSocial Producer: Anita BlayStudio 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 threatens to seize British ships (The Telegraph): https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/08/12/russia-threatens-to-seize-british-ships/ Zelensky: We need US to sell us 10pc of its Patriots to defend Ukraine (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/08/13/zelensky-trump-patriot-missiles-ukraine/ EU receives €1.4 billion in revenue from immobilised Russian assets to be used for supporting Ukraine (EEAS) - https://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/ukraine/eu-receives-eur14-billion-revenue-immobilised-russian-assets-be-used-supporting-ukraine_enWindfall Use of Russia's Frozen Assets (Model Diplomat): https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/windfall-use-russia-frozen-assetsUkrainian unit reports shortages of food, water on front line, command promises evacuation when 'security situation allows' (Kyiv Independent):https://kyivindependent.com/121st-brigade-soldiers-report-shortages-of-food-water-command-vows-to-evacuate-them-when-security-situation-allows/ Russian Embassy Protestors of Ottawa:https://www.facebook.com/RussianEmbassyProtesters Learn more about the Versuvius Challenge:https://scrollprize.org/ If you’re interested in sponsoring Dom’s upcoming defence event, email our colleagues at events@telegraph.co.ukEMAIL 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 liberates 745 square kilometersPutin enrages Japan with 'unacceptable' trip to disputed island

Day 1,629Today, just as Ukraine attacks a naval base, an oil terminal and port infrastructure in the Black Sea, we hear that US Vice President JD Vance asked Kyiv last month to stop drone strikes on oil tankers in the region. Then, we discuss the latest UN briefing about Ukraine’s POWs and civilian detainees imprisoned in Russia, and the horrible conditions they are being held in. Finally, our Russia expert James takes us through Syria’s evolving stance towards Russia and the economic fallout from the Wildberries strikes.Contributors: Adelie Pojzman-Pontay (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @Adeliepjz on X.Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.James Kilner (Russia Analyst). @Jkjourno on X.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:If you’re interested in sponsoring Dom’s upcoming defence event, email our colleagues at events@telegraph.co.ukUkraine Stops Reporting Russian Missile Data as Defenses Struggle (Bloomberg)https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-08-11/ukraine-stops-reporting-russia-missile-data-as-defenses-struggle?srnd=homepage-americasRussian Civilian Deaths Are Growing Rapidly as Ukraine Expands Its Air War (New York Times)https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/11/world/europe/russia-ukraine-civilian-casualties.htmlRussian Turns to India to Gasoline and Ukraine Pummels Refineries (Bloomberg)https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-08-12/russia-turns-to-india-for-gasoline-as-ukraine-pummels-refineriesDom’s visit to a prisoner of war camp in Ukraine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZuemttm2OM JD Vance asked Ukraine to halt strikes on tankers using Russian port (Financial Times)https://www.ft.com/content/725b4d15-bd8d-4083-a04e-db016338af2e?shareType=nongift&syn-25a6b1a6=1In Russia, wherever Putin goes, gasoline prices fall (Le Monde)https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2026/08/07/in-russia-wherever-putin-goes-gasoline-prices-fall_6756239_4.htmlBehind the Lines: Innocence No Defense for Young Crimean (CEPA)https://cepa.org/article/behind-the-lines-innocence-no-defense-for-young-crimean/Russians raid homes of Crimean Tatars and take four women to FSB in Simferopol (Ukrainska Pravda)https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2025/10/15/8002814/Crimea: Persecution of Crimean Tatars Intensifies (Human Rights Watch)https://www.hrw.org/news/2017/11/14/crimea-persecution-crimean-tatars-intensifiesCrimean Tatar leader: ‘My people and country need defending’ (Hyphen)https://hyphenonline.com/2024/08/27/my-people-and-country-need-defending-nariman-dzhelyal-ukraine-crimea/After four years of war, Ukrainian astronomy is battered but unbroken (Scientific American)https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/war-pushes-ukraines-astronomy-to-the-brink/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: Black Sea naval base in flames after huge Ukrainian drone attackTrump asks Kyiv to limit strikes on oil tankers

Day 1,628.Today, as President Zelensky warns that as many as 50,000 North Korean troops could be preparing to deploy to Russia, we examine what a renewed role for Pyongyang could mean for the war in Ukraine. We also report on Ukraine’s latest strikes against Wildberries, after one of the Russian e-commerce giant’s largest warehouses was set ablaze overnight, as Kyiv continues targeting the logistics infrastructure sustaining Moscow’s war machine. Then we turn to politics inside Russia, where a top Moscow court has barred an opposition anti-war party from standing in September’s elections, offering another glimpse of the Kremlin’s tightening grip on political life. And later, we hear firsthand what life is like in some of Ukraine’s key frontline cities as the war enters a new and potentially dangerous phase, from a journalist who has just returned from the battlefield. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.Sophie O'Sullivan (Telegraph Journalist). With thanks to journalist and author Felicity Spector. @felicityspector on Instagram.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:Felicity’s Book ‘Bread and War’:https://amzn.eu/d/07Go8UBm Learn more about ‘Bake for Ukraine’:https://bakeforukraine.org/ Putin’s war machine scours the home front for recruits (Financial Times):https://www.ft.com/content/45289802-848f-4fa6-9769-6971b4b69bcc?syn-25a6b1a6=1 Janis Kluge’s Substack:https://janiskluge.substack.com/p/russian-recruitment-stabilizes-at If you’re interested in sponsoring Dom’s upcoming defence event, email our colleagues at events@telegraph.co.ukEMAIL 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: North Korea 'sending 50,000 troops' as its missiles fall on Ukraine Wildberries campaign re-ignites as 156,000m2 warehouse ablaze

Day 1,627.Today, after a weekend that may have seen a record number of drones launched across Ukraine and Russia, we examine what it is actually like to endure a ballistic missile attack – and how different that experience is from a drone barrage. Then, as Kyiv and other cities come under constant bombardment from weapons Ukrainian air defences cannot reliably intercept, we assess the arguments made by some that Ukraine’s increasingly ambitious strikes inside Russia could give Vladimir Putin the pretext he needs to mobilise hundreds of thousands more men. We also answer your questions about what Kyiv can realistically do to solve its missile crisis, revealing why President Donald Trump appears to have reversed course over giving Ukraine the blueprints needed to manufacture Patriot missiles.Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.Antonia Langford (Freelance Journalist in Kyiv). @Antonialford on X.With thanks to RAND engineer Michael Bohnert. @mbohnert on X.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:Our Community Page can be found on our YouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest  Interview with Francis on ‘History in the Making’ Podcast:Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-war-beyond-the-headlines-a-chat/id1752915858?i=1000780259657Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/episode/1cOPsUP2JrZZOm8WxHFNao?si=L8UjqLVRRqGLxt6DIWrrSQ&utm_source=copy-link&nd=1&dlsi=1b28971d7531463e Ukraine: The Latest interview with WHO’s Dr Jarno Habicht: https://youtu.be/1Ujqi91joMU?si=7j0bfvysNICRjwE1&t=1282v Russia bombs Odesa’s city centre (The Telegraph)https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/08/09/russia-bombs-odesas-historic-city-centre/ Zwei Drohnen über Militärstützpunkt in der Eifel gesichtet (Die Zeit, in German)https://www.zeit.de/politik/deutschland/2026-08/drohnen-mechernich-militaerstuetzpunkt-bundeswehr-nrw Germany’s gas gamble puts Europe’s winter at risk (Politico)https://www.politico.eu/article/germany-gas-reserve-low-europe-winter-energy/ Kosovan police load up with weapons on the Serbian border as tensions rise (Danielle Sheridan for The Telegraph)https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/04/09/kosovan-police-weapons-serbia-border-tensions/ Paranoid Putin bans his fake opposition (Antonia Langford for The Telegraph)https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/08/08/paranoid-putin-cracks-down-opposition/ Russia turns Ukraine’s fallen soldiers into propaganda (Antonia Langford for The Telegraph)https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/08/06/russia-turns-ukraines-fallen-soldiers-into-propaganda/ ‘Ukrainian’ drone explodes near European gas pipeline (Antonia Langford for The Telegraph)https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/08/08/ukrainian-drone-explodes-european-gas-pipeline-bulgaria/ Ukraine’s audacious attacks may just play into Putin’s hands (The Times)https://www.thetimes.com/world/russia-ukraine-war/article/ukraine-russia-war-putin-escalation-npp285zgvUkraine’s Short-Lived Comeback (The Atlantic)https://www.theatlantic.com/national-security/2026/08/ukraine-war-zelensky-trump/688203/ Spy cameras on Navy drones secretly sent data to China (The Telegraph)https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/08/09/spy-cameras-on-navy-drones-secretly-sent-data-to-china/ 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:Revealed: Why Trump u-turned on Patriot missiles for UkraineKyiv fires 600+ drones in a single night

Day 1,624.Today, as Kyiv is in mourning following Wednesday's attack, President Donald Trump continues to backtrack on the promised Patriot blueprints. Ukraine hits another Wildberry warehouse overnight, which brings the number of hits to at least 20 since the beginning of the operation, and we reflect on the 40-day strike campaign – has it brought the war closer to an end? Meanwhile, President Zelensky performs a balancing act, meeting with two countries historically close to Russia. Finally, we discuss Ukraine’s effort to prosecute the war in real time, with a groundbreaking trial on Russia’s human safari.Contributors: Adelie Pojzman-Pontay (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @Adeliepjz on X.Alex Nichol (Telegraph Journalist).With thanks to Tom Watling, freelance reporter based in Kyiv. @TomAWatling 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:Russian attacks kill 9, injure 89 across Ukraine over past day as Dnipropetrovsk Oblast comes under nearly 80 attacks (Kyiv Independent)https://kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-kill-9-injure-89-across-ukraine-over-past-day-as-dnipropetrovsk-oblast-comes-under-nearly-80-strikes/What did Ukraine's '40-day campaign' against Russia deliver? (Kyiv Independent)https://kyivindependent.com/did-ukraines-40-day-campaign-against-russia-change-anything/U.S. Intel Finds Putin Could Test NATO’s Resolve With Limited Incursion (Wall Street Journal)https://www.wsj.com/world/europe/u-s-intel-finds-putin-could-test-natos-resolve-with-limited-incursion-e3b02e2cAlex’s interview with Andrei Sizov, head of SovEcon grain consultancyhttps://youtu.be/gzG-OjuHlgA?si=9zZZQ-aa41DeYvpj&t=1307Leipzig drone incident fuels fears of Russian election meddling (Politico)https://www.politico.eu/article/leipzig-drone-incident-fuels-fears-russia-election-meddling/Russians face a war trial. Ukrainians face having to defend them (Tom Watling for The Times)https://www.thetimes.com/world/russia-ukraine-war/article/ukraine-russia-crimes-against-humanity-icc-hssdzdswrIf you’re interested in sponsoring Dom’s upcoming defence event, email our colleagues at events@telegraph.co.ukEMAIL US:Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible.HIGHLIGHTSRussia ‘could attack Nato within weeks’, US intelligence warnsUkraine burns Wildberries site 2000km from frontline

Day 1,623.Today, after an extraordinary drone attack in Germany raises fresh questions about Russia’s campaign against the West, we ask whether it is finally time to stop describing Moscow’s actions as “hybrid”, “grey zone” or “sub-threshold” warfare – and instead call them what they are. We also report on Russia’s worsening fuel crisis, with queues once again forming outside petrol stations following Ukraine’s latest drone strike on Yaroslavl oil refinery. In Kyiv, Britain’s new Defence Secretary reaffirms UK support, declaring, “We’re with Ukraine until they win,” as we assess what the change in leadership could mean for military aid and European security. And later, we speak to the founder of an NGO supporting Ukrainian children with learning disabilities and other special educational needs, exploring how war affects those with heightened sensory sensitivities and what can be done to help.Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.Sophie O'Sullivan (Telegraph Journalist).Adelie Pojzman-Pontay (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @Adeliepjz on X.With thanks to Alex Khilodenko, the founder of the CodeIT4Life – an NGO that focuses on building secure underground spaces for children with learning disabilities or special needs, like autism, especially taking into account their sensory sensitivity in the midst of war.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:CodeIT4Life, the NGO in Kharkiv providing safe underground spaces for children with special needs: https://codeit4.life/no-limits-inclusive-resource-center-in-derhachi/Russia blamed for explosive drone at German airport (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/08/05/explosive-drone-found-ukraine-plane-russia-germany/ Ukraine strikes oil refinery 800 miles inside Russia (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/08/06/russia-strikes-ukrainian-train-station/ Report: ‘Russia’s UAV Campaign Over Europe’ (IISS):https://www.iiss.org/globalassets/media-library---content--migration/images-delta/publications/research-papers/2026-new/russia-uav/ammended-file/russia_uav-campaign-over-europe.pdfTrump declined Zelenskyy's request for additional Patriot missiles (Ukrainska Pravda): https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2026/08/05/8047361/ North Korean missile unit deploys in Russia for Ukraine war, Kyiv says (Reuters);https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/north-korean-missile-unit-deploys-russia-ukraine-war-kyiv-says-2026-08-05/ Trump, Hegseth clashed at Camp David over Iran missile depletion concerns (Washington Post)https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2026/08/05/trump-hegseth-clashed-camp-david-over-iran-missile-depletion-concerns/If you’re interested in sponsoring Dom’s upcoming defence event, email our colleagues at events@telegraph.co.ukEMAIL US:Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible.HIGHLIGHTSMoscow blamed for explosive drone at German airportFuel queues return to Russia as Ukraine hits refineries

Day 1,622.Today, Kyiv reels from the deadliest attack this year after failing to intercept any Russian missiles overnight, as North Korea continues to support Russia’s war, providing 120 ballistic missiles and six launchers. Meanwhile, Ukraine carries out air strikes on another Wildberries warehouse and several industrial sites, including an oil refinery. Then, we keep an eye on Kyiv and Washington’s warming relationship in recent weeks and discuss whether Ukraine could decide Italy’s next election. Finally, examine the lives of war widows as Russian losses mount, and Francis speaks to the World Health Organization’s representative in Ukraine about providing medical care in a war zone.Contributors: Adelie Pojzman-Pontay (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @Adeliepjz on X.Alex Nichol (Telegraph Journalist).Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.With thanks to Dr Jarno Habicht of the World Health Organization (WHO).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:Russian soldier opens fire on his own platoon (Antonia Langford for The Telegraph)https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/08/04/russian-soldier-opens-fire-on-his-own-platoon/Syria tells US it is willing to drastically drop Russian oil imports (Reuters)https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/syria-tells-us-it-is-willing-drastically-drop-russian-oil-imports-sources-say-2026-08-04/Russia Approves State-Funded IVF for Widows as Birth Rates Hit Historic Low (Kyiv Post)https://www.kyivpost.com/post/80941Facing a demographic catastrophe, Ukraine is paying for troops to freeze their sperm (BBC)https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cqxd9549y4xoUkraine's war widows: 'None of us was prepared to pay such a high price for our country' (Le Monde)https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2024/02/17/ukraine-s-war-widows-none-of-us-was-prepared-to-pay-such-a-high-price-for-our-country_6535062_4.htmlBritish Widows of the First World War, The Forgotten Legion, Andrea Hetheringtonhttps://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/British-Widows-of-the-First-World-War-Hardback/p/14718How 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.htmlMI6, DGSE, Ukraine... L’Express reveals an unprecedented ranking of Europe’s best spies (L’Express)https://shorturl.at/6t6hWFrench spy TV series, The Bureau: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4063800/If you’re interested in sponsoring Dom’s upcoming defence event, email our colleagues at events@telegraph.co.ukEMAIL 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 soldier opens fire on his own platoonMoscow rains missiles on Kyiv in heaviest attack this year

Day 1,621.Putin finds himself in a sticky situation this morning after two more Wildberry distribution centres are attacked. There is also more evidence of Russia’s drone safari against civilians after a market vendor in Kherson was seen being hunted by a drone. We look at the latest diplomatic developments, which have seen Kyiv’s ambassador to the US dismissed, and its ambassador to London Valery Zaluzhny say that Ukraine is unlikely ever to join NATO. And later, a frontline reporter tells us what life is like today in the embattled fortress cities of Sloviansk, Kramatorsk and Kostiantynivka.Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.Lily Shanagher (Foreign Breaking News Report for The Telegraph). @LilyShanagher on X.With thanks to Francis Farrell, Kyiv Independent Senior Reporter.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:Learn more about the Kyiv Independent’s October event in London:https://kyivindependent.com/live/ Russia’s Wildberries to build 260,000 square metres of warehouse space in Kazakhstan (Novaya Gazeta)https://novayagazeta.eu/en/articles/2026/08/04/russias-wildberries-to-build-260000-square-metres-of-warehouse-space-in-kazakhstan-en-news Ukraine energy chief says infrastructure attacks will shape war’s outcome (Politico)https://www.politico.eu/article/ukraine-energy-denys-shmyhal-winter-war/ "Twelve years of fairy tales": former commander-in-chief Zaluzhnyi says Ukraine will never join NATO (Ukrainska Pravda)https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2026/08/03/8047090/ If you’re interested in sponsoring Dom’s upcoming defence event, email our colleagues at events@telegraph.co.ukEMAIL 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’s ‘barbaric’ drone safari caught on filmAnother Wildberries warehouse burns in St Petersburg