Fleeing Russians using Ukrainian civilians as 'human shields' in Kharkiv

Day 1,676.

Today, amid yet more deadly strikes on Kyiv and the surrounding oblast – and as parts of airspace above Poland are once again shut down – we bring you developments causing deep concern across Europe. President Trump, frustrated by the lack of progress and eager to unlock a path to business, is reportedly considering a deal with the Kremlin that would see the US ease sanctions on Russia in exchange for the release of political prisoners. Then, Francis is joined by journalists from the Kyiv Independent to talk about why Ukrainians feel “betrayed” by Europe.

Contributors:

Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.

With thanks to Francis Farrell, Toma Istomina, and Dominic Culverwell of the Kyiv Independent.

Senior Producer: Lilian Fawcett

Video Producer: Sophie O’Sullivan

Social Producer: Tom Steed

Studio Director: Meghan Searle

Executive Editor: Francis Dearnley

Created by David Knowles

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:

Exclusive: Trump's push for a Ukraine energy truce runs into a Putin problem (Kyiv Independent)

https://kyivindependent.com/trumps-push-for-a-ukraine-energy-truce-runs-into-a-putin-problem/

Putin envoy, US officials discussed Ukraine war and energy initiatives, US official says (Reuters)

https://www.reuters.com/world/putin-envoy-us-officials-discussed-ukraine-war-energy-initiatives-us-official-2026-09-29/

Trump’s Latest Appeal to Russia Could Outrage Even His Allies (Simon Shuster for The Atlantic)

https://www.theatlantic.com/national-security/2026/09/trump-russia-putin-ukraine-sanctions/688808/

Frontline Club Event with the Kyiv Independent on 1st October (Francis Dearnley moderating):

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/panel-discussion-ukraine-inside-their-war-tickets-2000033706656?aff=oddtdtcreator

The Kyiv Independent Live in London on 2 October:

https://tickets.kyivindependent.com/events/thekyivindependentlive/2281999/r/frontline

If you’re interested in sponsoring Dom’s upcoming defence event, email our colleagues at events@telegraph.co.uk

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:

• Fleeing Russians using Ukrainian civilians as 'human shields' in Kharkiv
• Huge blaze after Russian bomber crashes in Far East

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