Ukraine special forces launch Black Hawk helicopter raid to stop Russian encirclement & exclusive interview with former NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg

Day 1,126.Today, following the latest updates from the battlefront, we look at the extraordinary security breach that saw a journalist invited into a secret chat group for Donald Trump’s war cabinet, and then hear about the mood of Ukrainian soldiers at the front. Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Gareth Corfield (Transport Correspondent). @GazTheJourno on X.Verity Bowman (Foreign Correspondent). @VerityBowman on X.Content Referenced:The Trump Administration Accidentally Texted Me Its War Plans (The Atlantic):https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2025/03/trump-administration-accidentally-texted-me-its-war-plans/682151/Francis’s Video Interview on Silicon Curtain:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25uu4_YHgPQ&t=586s Verity’s Telegraph Pieces:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/v/va-ve/verity-bowman/ Trump cabinet complained about ‘free-loading Europe’ in top secret group chat (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/politics/2025/03/24/trump-cabinet-complained-free-loading-europe-secret-chat/Zelensky on Trump, Putin, and the Endgame in Ukraine (TIME):https://time.com/7270880/zelensky-trump-putin-ukraine-endgame-interview/What the Kremlin Wants in New Talks with the U.S. on Ukraine (The Moscow Times):https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/03/23/playing-for-time-what-the-kremlin-wants-in-new-talks-with-the-us-on-ukraine-a88445 NOW AVAILABLE IN NEW LANGUAGES:The Telegraph has launched translated versions of Ukraine: The Latest in Ukrainian and Russian, making its reporting accessible to audiences on both sides of the battle lines and across the wider region, including Central Asia and the Caucasus. Just search Україна: Останні Новини (Ukr) and Украина: Последние Новости (Ru) on your on your preferred podcast app to find them, or click the links below.Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestLearn more about the tech: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/02/24/ukraine-the-latest-podcast-russian-ukrainian-ai-translation/Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

25 Mars 42min

Day 1,125.Today, amid ongoing US-mediated proximity talks in Saudi Arabia between Ukraine and Russia, we discuss the remarks of US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to Tucker Carlson, and what they tell us about the mentality of Donald Trump’s administration. Plus we interview the author of a new United Nations report shedding light on alarming 'widespread and systematic' war crimes committed against civilians.Contributors:Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.With thanks to Pablo de Greiff (Colombian academic and human rights activist, and Commissioner of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine to United Nations Security Council). War Crimes Report by the United Nations:https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2025/03/ukraine-enforced-disappearances-committed-russian-authorities-amount-crimes Telegraph Ukraine Live Blog:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/03/24/russia-ukraine-zelensky-putin-ceasefire-war-latest-news/ NOW AVAILABLE IN NEW LANGUAGES:The Telegraph has launched translated versions of Ukraine: The Latest in Ukrainian and Russian, making its reporting accessible to audiences on both sides of the battle lines and across the wider region, including Central Asia and the Caucasus. Just search Україна: Останні Новини (Ukr) and Украина: Последние Новости (Ru) on your on your preferred podcast app to find them, or click the links below.Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestLearn more about the tech: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/02/24/ukraine-the-latest-podcast-russian-ukrainian-ai-translation/Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

24 Mars 57min

Day 1,122.Today, we report on accusations from Ukraine that Moscow has staged a false flag attack on energy infrastructure in the Kursk region, and examine Germany’s proposed defence reforms, how much room Friedrich Merz actually has and how long he has to deliver tangible results. Contributors:Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.James Rothwell (Berlin Correspondent). @JamesERothwell on X.Learn more about the album in David Knowles's memory:https://castlealumni.enthuse.com/cf/chapel-choir-recordingFollow our sister podcast Battle Lines, which covers wider global affairs:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/battle-lines/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/battle-lines/id1712903296 https://open.spotify.com/show/7gPBO0qnZI1YBi25zaVT1cNOW AVAILABLE IN NEW LANGUAGES:The Telegraph has launched translated versions of Ukraine: The Latest in Ukrainian and Russian, making its reporting accessible to audiences on both sides of the battle lines and across the wider region, including Central Asia and the Caucasus. Just search Україна: Останні Новини (Ukr) and Украина: Последние Новости (Ru) on your on your preferred podcast app to find them, or click the links below.Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestLearn more about the tech: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/02/24/ukraine-the-latest-podcast-russian-ukrainian-ai-translation/Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

21 Mars 38min

Day 1,121.Today, following new Russian bombardments and a huge explosion in Saratov, 600km east of Ukraine after a drone strike, we discuss a new phone call between Presidents Trump and Zelensky, then the row breaking out in Europe about which countries should be ‘considered’ European for vital weapons purchases. Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Dr Benjamin Tallis (Director, Democratic Strategy Initiative). @bctallis on X.Content Referenced:EU shuts Britain out of €150bn rearmament fund (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/03/19/european-union-ukraine-russia-defence-britain-150bn-fund/Benjamin's Report: 'Emerging Defence: Offset and Competitive Strategies for Europe':https://www.democratic-strategy.net/s-projects-basicWhy Europe cannot rely on French nuclear umbrella alone (Financial Times):https://www.ft.com/content/7fed8f2b-98c7-43c6-88b3-d66be449bfacFollow our sister podcast Battle Lines, which covers wider global affairs:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/battle-lines/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/battle-lines/id1712903296 https://open.spotify.com/show/7gPBO0qnZI1YBi25zaVT1cNOW AVAILABLE IN NEW LANGUAGES:The Telegraph has launched translated versions of Ukraine: The Latest in Ukrainian and Russian, making its reporting accessible to audiences on both sides of the battle lines and across the wider region, including Central Asia and the Caucasus. Just search Україна: Останні Новини (Ukr) and Украина: Последние Новости (Ru) on your on your preferred podcast app to find them, or click the links below.Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestLearn more about the tech: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/02/24/ukraine-the-latest-podcast-russian-ukrainian-ai-translation/Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

20 Mars 47min

Day 1,120.Today, we discuss the Russian bombardments on Ukraine that began within hours of the "immediate ceasefire” on energy and infrastructure allegedly agreed between Trump and Putin, the European reaction to the call between the two presidents, and the latest military battlefield updates, including in Kursk and a new incursion launched into Belgorod.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Roland Oliphant (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @RolandOliphant on X.With thanks to Svitlana Morenets. @SvMorenets on X.Content Referenced:Follow our sister podcast Battle Lines, which covers wider global affairs:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/battle-lines/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/battle-lines/id1712903296 https://open.spotify.com/show/7gPBO0qnZI1YBi25zaVT1cNOW AVAILABLE IN NEW LANGUAGES:The Telegraph has launched translated versions of Ukraine: The Latest in Ukrainian and Russian, making its reporting accessible to audiences on both sides of the battle lines and across the wider region, including Central Asia and the Caucasus. Just search Україна: Останні Новини (Ukr) and Украина: Последние Новости (Ru) on your on your preferred podcast app to find them, or click the links below.Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestLearn more about the tech: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/02/24/ukraine-the-latest-podcast-russian-ukrainian-ai-translation/Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

19 Mars 39min

Day 1,119.Today, following another historic call between Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, we bring you immediate reaction. Plus, we discuss the latest measures adopted by Europe to signal preparedness for war, and hear about the significance of major protests in the Balkans. Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.David Blair (Chief Foreign Affairs Commentator). @davidblairdt on X.Ivana Stradner (Special Correspondent at the Kyiv Post). @ivanastradner on X.Content Referenced:Telegraph Ukraine Live Blog:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/03/18/russia-ukraine-zelensky-putin-peace-talks-war-latest-news/ Bundestag prepares to vote on historic borrowing package in key test for Merz (The Guardian):https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/18/friedrich-merz-bundestag-vote-germany-borrowing-planTrump will make — or break — Europe’s Russia sanctions (POLITICO):https://www.politico.eu/article/donald-trump-europe-russia-moscow-goods-energy-oil-latvia/NOW AVAILABLE IN NEW LANGUAGES:The Telegraph has launched translated versions of Ukraine: The Latest in Ukrainian and Russian, making its reporting accessible to audiences on both sides of the battle lines and across the wider region, including Central Asia and the Caucasus. Just search Україна: Останні Новини (Ukr) and Украина: Последние Новости (Ru) on your on your preferred podcast app to find them, or click the links below.Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestLearn more about the tech: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/02/24/ukraine-the-latest-podcast-russian-ukrainian-ai-translation/Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

18 Mars 39min

Day 1,118.Today, as another call is scheduled between Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, we analyse the latest developments in Kursk, where Ukrainian forces continue to hold a sliver of Russian territory. Meanwhile, European leaders weigh their next steps, with French President Emmanuel Macron declaring that Russia would have "no say" if Western peacekeeping troops were deployed in Ukraine.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Joe Barnes (Brussels Correspondent). @Barnes_Joe on X.Hamish De Bretton-Gordon (Former British Army Tank Commander). @HamishDBG on XContent Referenced:U.S. to Withdraw From Group Investigating Responsibility for Ukraine Invasion (New York Times):https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/17/us/politics/trump-ukraine-invasion-accountability.html No more lost territory, return of deported children — Kyiv names red lines for peace deal (Kyiv Independent):https://kyivindependent.com/no-more-lost-territory-return-of-deported-children-kyiv-names-red-lines-for-peace-deal-independent-reports/ France Should Join NATO’s Nuclear Sharing Arrangements To Strengthen Deterrence (Chatham House Report):https://www.chathamhouse.org/2025/03/france-should-join-natos-nuclear-sharing-arrangements-strengthen-european-deterrence?utm_source=twitter.com&utm_medium=organic-social&utm_campaign=france&utm_content=nato Hamish de Bretton-Gordon’s article in The Telegraph:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/03/15/putin-peace-trump-nato-war-ukraine/ NOW AVAILABLE IN NEW LANGUAGES:The Telegraph has launched translated versions of Ukraine: The Latest in Ukrainian and Russian, making its reporting accessible to audiences on both sides of the battle lines and across the wider region, including Central Asia and the Caucasus. Just search Україна: Останні Новини (Ukr) and Украина: Последние Новости (Ru) on your on your preferred podcast app to find them, or click the links below.Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestLearn more about the tech: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/02/24/ukraine-the-latest-podcast-russian-ukrainian-ai-translation/Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

17 Mars 53min

Day 1,115.Today, as Ukraine holds on in Russia’s Kursk region, we analyse Moscow’s evolving strategy following Vladimir Putin’s rejection of Donald Trump’s ceasefire proposal—and what further concessions the U.S. might consider. We also uncover the realities of life under Russian occupation, the latest resistance efforts, and the impact of France’s post-World War II defense policies on today’s global security landscape.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Dr. Jade McGlynn (War Studies Department of King's College). @DrJadeMcGlynn on X.Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Narrative Producer). @adeliepjz on X.With thanks to Elie Tenenbaum (Head of Institut français des relations internationales Security Studies Center). @ElieTenenbaum on X.Content Referenced:Telegraph Ukraine Live Blog: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/03/14/russia-ukraine-peace-ceasefire-zelensky-putin-latest-news/Putin is using a classic Russian negotiating tactic to delay a ceasefire (Roland Oliphant in The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/03/13/putin-is-choosing-to-drag-out-the-war-in-ukraine/ US toughens sanctions on Russian energy payments (Kyiv Independent):https://kyivindependent.com/us-toughens-sanctions-on-russian-energy-payments/?mc_cid=faec38e356&mc_eid=08d0680a95NOW AVAILABLE IN NEW LANGUAGES:The Telegraph has launched translated versions of Ukraine: The Latest in Ukrainian and Russian, making its reporting accessible to audiences on both sides of the battle lines and across the wider region, including Central Asia and the Caucasus. Just search Україна: Останні Новини (Ukr) and Украина: Последние Новости (Ru) on your on your preferred podcast app to find them, or click the links below.Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestLearn more about the tech: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/02/24/ukraine-the-latest-podcast-russian-ukrainian-ai-translation/Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

14 Mars 1h 15min