Russian cruise missile ship 'hit' in asymmetric attack & 'hellfire' rains down on Lviv and Belgorod

Day 1,321.

Today, we break down Ukraine’s escalating drone war targeting Russian industry and examine how Ukrainian intelligence claims China supplied satellite imagery of US-funded factories. We also cover the latest riots in Georgia and election results in Czechia, analysing what they reveal about European political stability. Later, following a weekend of explosions across Russia and occupied Crimea, a RAND Corporation analyst joins us to assess Putin’s weakening oil industry, the potential breaking point for Russia’s energy sector, and how a proposed European “drone wall” could reshape the continent’s defences.

Contributors:

Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.

Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.

With thanks to RAND Analyst Michael Bohnert.

CONTENT REFERENCED:

‘The Battle for Odesa: Ukraine's Culture War’ (Francis & Dom Video Documentary):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28HqbQLYGMM

Europe is facing its ‘Pearl Harbor moment’ (Landbergis in The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/05/europe-faces-pearl-harbor-moment/

Georgia’s presidential palace ‘attacked’ after pro-Russia party’s win (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/05/georgia-protests-presidential-palace-georgian-dream-tbilisi/

Santander hires former head of British Army (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/10/06/santander-hires-former-head-of-british-army/

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/ukrainelive

They are going fast, so don't delay!

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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.

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