Day 1,015. As the NATO Foreign Ministers meeting ends in Brussels with no invitation for Ukraine to join, we interview Andrei Yermak, adviser to President Zelensky. Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X. Francis Dearnley (Assistant Comment Editor). @FrancisDearnley on X. Roland Oliphant (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @RolandOliphant on X. With thanks to our special guest, Andrei Yermak, adviser to President Zelensky. Conten...
Dec 04, 2024•1 hr 4 min
Day 1,014. Today, on its 30th anniversary, we look at the myopic approach to the Budapest Treaty and its far-reaching effects on present-day Ukraine, and we discuss the extraordinary events of recent days in Syria, with massive ramifications for Russia's influence in the region. Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X. Francis Dearnley (Assistant Comment Editor). @FrancisDearnley on X. Hamish De Bretton-Gordon (Former British ...
Dec 03, 2024•48 min
Day 1,013. Today, we report on the dramatic shift in rhetoric from President Zelensky towards any future peace deal, and hear about Ukraine’s 'mobilisation police' and the effect they are having among young Ukrainian men. Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X. Joe Barnes (Brussels Correspondent). @Barnes_Joe on X. With thanks to Anna Conkling (Journalist). @ConklingAnna on X. Content referenced: ‘Like dealing with cornered rats’: The men w...
Dec 02, 2024•41 min
Day 1,010. Today, amid more drone strikes by Russia targeting Ukraine, we get the view from Tbilisi on last night's protests against Georgia's pro-Kremlin government. We also have a fascinating interview with Estonia's Foreign Minister, Margus Tsahkna, about Donald Trump and how he could be the Churchill of our times. Contributors: Venetia Rainey (Co-host Battle Lines podcast). @venetiarainey on X. Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X. With...
Nov 29, 2024•1 hr 3 min
Day 1,009. Today, we hear who Donald Trump has named as his envoy to Ukraine and we have an exclusive interview with former British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson. Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X. Francis Dearnley (Assistant Comment Editor). @FrancisDearnley on X. With thanks to our very special guest, former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. His memoir, 'Unleashed', is available here: https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/unleashed-bor...
Nov 28, 2024•1 hr
Day 1,008. Today, further to the usual updates, the team share details of their secret trip to the east of Ukraine, including what it's like to hear missiles landing nearby. Plus, we trail an upcoming interview with one of our most requested guests on the podcast. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Assistant Comment Editor). @FrancisDearnley on X. Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X. Content referenced: Russian rouble falls to 31-month low as fresh sanctions ...
Nov 27, 2024•33 min
Day 1,007. Today, we hear how Valery Zaluzhny’s told Ukrainian troops they must be willing to die, and former Ukrainian defence minister Andrei Zagorodunyuk calls on the West to come up with a positive strategy for victory. Contributors: Roland Oliphant (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @RolandOliphant on X. Joe Barnes (Brussels Correspondent). @Barnes_Joe on X. Danielle Sheridan (Defence Editor). @SheridanDani on X. Andriy Zagorudnyuk (Former Ukrainian Defence Minister). @Andriypza...
Nov 26, 2024•58 min
Day 1,006. Today, we report on Russian advances on the battlefield around the town of Kurakhove, a plane crash in Lithuania raises fears of Russian sabotage, and the journalist Inna Varenytsia tells us why civilians in Kherson are now afraid to walk in the park. Contributors: Roland Oliphant (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @RolandOliphant on X. James Kilner (Foreign Correspondent). @jkjourno on X. With special thanks to our guest Inna Varenytsia (Journalist). @InnaVarenytsia...
Nov 25, 2024•51 min
Day 1,003. Today, we report on Russia's use of a new intermediate range ballistic missile and Vladimir Putin's threat to attack the United States and Britain in revenge for their assistance to Ukraine on the battlefield. Plus, we hear the latest dispatch from Francis Dearnley in Ukraine. Contributors: Roland Oliphant (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @RolandOliphant on X. James Kilner (Foreign Correspondent). @jkjourno on X. James Rothwell (Berlin Correspondent). @JamesERothwel...
Nov 22, 2024•49 min
Day 1,002. Today, amid reports of Russia using intercontinental ballistic missiles against Ukraine for the first time, we look at the impact of Kyiv firing British-made Storm Shadow missiles, and hear from a Ukrainian MP about his views on the peace deal and why Kyiv’s use of long-range weapons is well within international law. Contributors: Venetia Rainey (Co-host on 'Battle Lines' Podcast). @venetiarainey on X. James Rothwell (Berlin Correspondent). @JamesERothwell on X. Francis Dearnley...
Nov 21, 2024•1 hr 9 min
Day 1,001. Today, as the US closes its embassy in Kyiv in anticipation of Russian retaliation for Joe Biden’s recent policy shifts, we examine in more detail Russia’s new nuclear doctrine and ask: is it just the same old wine in a slightly newer bottle?. Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X. Hamish de Bretton-Gordon (Chemical Weapons Expert and Former Tank Commander). @HamishDBG on X. Plus we hear from Francis Dearnley in Ukraine. Subscribe to...
Nov 20, 2024•47 min
Day 1,000. Today, we report on Russia's response to President Biden's change of positions on long range weapons, and hear from our team on the ground in Ukraine relaying the mood in the country on the 1,000th day of the full scale invasion. Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X. Roland Oliphant (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @RolandOliphant on X. Francis Scarr (Journalist at BBC Monitoring). @francis_scarr on X. Francis Dearnley (Assistant Com...
Nov 19, 2024•1 hr 8 min
Day 999. Today, after a weekend that saw the biggest missile and drone attack on Ukraine in almost a year, we examine whether President Biden’s permission - finally - for Ukraine to use US weapons inside Russia, is responsible statecraft or too little, too late? Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X. Francis Dearnley (Assistant Comment Editor). @FrancisDearnley on X. Joe Barnes (Brussels Correspondent). @Barnes_Joe on X. James Crisp (Europ...
Nov 18, 2024•46 min
Day 997. Today, we assess the state of the Russian army, hear new revelations from inside the Biden administration, and look deeper at the impact of this war in other theatres, such as Korea and Africa. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Assistant Comment Editor). @FrancisDearnley on X. Roland Oliphant (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @RolandOliphant on X. With thanks to Dr Samual Ramani of the Royal United Services Institute and Oxford University. @SamRamani2 on X. Dr Samuel Ramani's late...
Nov 15, 2024•59 min
Day 996. Today, as Russia's state TV propagandists and government officials express delight at the Donald Trump's cabinet selections, we ask how feasible it would be for Ukraine to develop its own nuclear weapon. Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X. Francis Dearnley (Assistant Comment Editor). @FrancisDearnley on X. Hamish de Bretton-Gordon (Chemical Weapons Expert and Former Tank Commander). @HamishDBG on X. Kamal Ahmed (Director of Audio an...
Nov 14, 2024•50 min
Today, we discuss the new wave of bombardments on Kyiv, the latest appointments to the Trump administration and what it means for the wider West, and learn more about Radio Liberty’s impact during the Cold War. Then, later, we do a deep dive into the cosmopolitan history of the city of Odesa and what its people have endured over the course of the war. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Assistant Comment Editor). @FrancisDearnley on X. Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNi...
Nov 13, 2024•47 min
Day 994. Today, we look at renewed Russian efforts to retake Kursk before Trump returns to the White House, consider the evidence Europe is responding to the threat of an American withdrawal, and assess potential new appointments in for the new government Washington. Then, later, we hear the euphoric memories of a Ukrainian officer who served in the historic Kharkiv counteroffensive. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Assistant Comment Editor). @FrancisDearnley on X. Dominic Nicholls (Ass...
Nov 12, 2024•1 hr 8 min
Day 993. Today, after a weekend in which Ukrainian forces launched their largest ever drone attack on Moscow, and Russian losses in Ukraine reached a record daily high, we reflect on the Prague Defence Conference, with discussions centred heavily on President-elect Donald Trump. Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X. Venetia Rainey (Co-host Battle Lines podcast). @venetiarainey on X. With thanks to Admiral Rob Bauer (Chair of the Military Commi...
Nov 11, 2024•1 hr 18 min
Day 990. Today, we consider the Trump peace plan reportedly being mooted by his staffers, hear live from another vital summit of European leaders, and discuss a ‘shopping list’ of weapons and permissions Western leaders could action over the next two months to support Ukraine. Later, following the missile damage to Kharkiv’s iconic Derzhprom building, we do a deeper dive into the impact of this war on Ukrainian heritage and architecture. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Assistant Comment Edi...
Nov 08, 2024•1 hr 2 min
Day 989. Today, as the White House seeks to send Ukraine as much as it can before Trump’s inauguration, we discuss the potential appointments the president-elect might make, and – later – hear about the mood near the frontlines to the political earthquake. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Assistant Comment Editor). @FrancisDearnley on X. Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X. Jonah Goldberg (Editor-in-Chief, The Dispatch). @JonahDispatch on X. Adrian Simpson (of Missio...
Nov 07, 2024•1 hr 23 min
Day 988. Today, as Ukraine hits a Russian naval base on the Caspian Sea and North Korean troops enter combat for the first time, we examine the fallout from the US presidential election and ask: is Donald Trump the best thing that’s ever happened to NATO? Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X. Francis Dearnley (Assistant Comment Editor). @FrancisDearnley on X. Adam Kinzinger (Former Republican Congressman, now senior political commentator at CNN) @AdamKi...
Nov 06, 2024•57 min
Day 987. Today, as Ukraine, and the world, waits with bated breath for the results of the US presidential election, we look at the situation on the battlefield as Moscow seeks to strengthen its foothold, and hear more about how ordinary Russians view the war. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Assistant Comment Editor). @FrancisDearnley on X. Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X. James Kilner (Moscow Desk). @jkjourno on X. Content referenced: 'To Avoid Another Munich, E...
Nov 05, 2024•39 min
Day 986. Today, as Moldova resists alleged Russian meddling in Sunday's presidential vote, we report on how Russia is arming drones with thermobaric 'lung-busting' warheads, according to a leading Forensic Research Institute. Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X. Roland Oliphant (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @RolandOliphant on X. Content Referenced: Russia Deploys Deadly New Weapon in Drone Race With Ukraine (Newsweek) https://www.newsweek.com/russia-...
Nov 04, 2024•31 min
Day 983. Today, we discuss the North Korean general sent to lead troops in Ukraine, hear the latest from Georgia, and consider the impact of the First World War on Putin’s worldview, and how the treaty that ended the battles of the Eastern Front serves as a warning for today. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Assistant Comment Editor). @FrancisDearnley on X. Venetia Rainey (Co-host Battle Lines podcast). @venetiarainey on X. Marika Mikiashvili (Analyst and Lecturer). @Mikiashvili_M on X. Dr Thomas...
Nov 01, 2024•56 min
Day 982. Today, further to updates on the front and in the political realms, we are joined by Danylo Mokryk, a war crime reporter, and Evan Williams, a multi-award winning producer and director, about their recent documentaries on the subject of war crimes. A warning: today's episode features graphic descriptions. Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X. Francis Dearnley (Assistant Comment Editor). @FrancisDearnley on X. Danylo Mokryk (Investigative Journa...
Oct 31, 2024•54 min
Day 981. Today, as Ukraine announces a mobilisation drive to get another 160 thousand people into uniform we report how Russia is continuing to use chemical substances on the frontline, and we hear live from a cyber security expert in Kyiv about how the unseen war online is progressing. Contributors: Dom Nichols (Associate Editor). @DomNicholls on X. Daryna Antoniuk. @daryna_antoniuk on X. Hamish de Bretton Gordon @HamishDBG on X. Subscribe to The Telegraph: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelates...
Oct 30, 2024•51 min
Day 980. Today, we assess reports of Russian progress in Donetsk, hear live from Tbilisi as protestors crowd the streets following the weekend’s contested election, and hear from our correspondent who was on the ground at the BRICS summit in Russia. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Assistant Comment Editor). @FrancisDearnley on X. James Rothwell (Berlin Correspondent). @JamesERothwell on X. James Kilner (Moscow Desk). @jkjourno on X. Nate Ostiller (Editor at OC Media). @NateOstiller on X. Content...
Oct 29, 2024•51 min
Day 979. Today, further to the latest military developments, we do a deep dive into the election in Georgia over the weekend, and what the result there means not only for the future of democracy in that country, but the potential ramifications for the West as a whole. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Assistant Comment Editor). @FrancisDearnley on X. Roland Oliphant (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @RolandOliphant on X. With thanks to Kateryna Shenheliia-Hanapolska (The Moscow Times). @eshenheliia ...
Oct 28, 2024•42 min
Day 976. Today, as Putin admits Russia is working with North Korea, we look at several investigations into Moscow’s interactions with terrorist groups, and consider the former Ukrainian prisoners released to fight on the front lines. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Assistant Comment Editor). @FrancisDearnley on X. Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X. Francis Farrell (Report, The Kyiv Independent). @francisjfarrell on X. Content Referenced: Elon Musk’s Secret Convers...
Oct 25, 2024•48 min
Day 975. Today, as Russia shifts its battlefield priority in the Donbas, we hear how Putin has proclaimed the start of a new “world order” as his allies rushed to sign up to a Kremlin-led economic club at a summit in Russia. Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X. Francis Dearnley (Assistant Comment Editor). @FrancisDearnley on X. Roland Oliphant (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @RolandOliphant on X. Yuriy Boyechko, CEO and Founder of the humanitarian orga...
Oct 24, 2024•51 min
