Podcasts about Caucasus

In this episode of Breaking History, Matt Ehret and Ghost welcome special guest Joaquin Flores for an in-depth exploration of the escalating geopolitical conflicts in Syria, Azerbaijan, and beyond. The conversation opens with analysis of Israel's sudden strikes on Damascus and the Druze regions, dissecting how internal Israeli politics, including Netanyahu's fragile coalition, are driving aggressive military actions. The discussion expands to the strategic aims of partitioning Syria along sectarian lines to create buffer zones and disrupt Russian and Iranian influence. From there, the hosts dive into the tangled dynamics in the Caucasus, explaining how Azerbaijan's ambitions, energy corridors, and tensions with Armenia could be used to bait Russia into a second front. They examine Turkey's delicate balancing act between NATO and Russia, the implications of pan-Turkic ideology, and how overlapping proxy interests risk merging the Ukrainian and Middle Eastern theaters into one broader conflict. The episode closes with reflections on NATO's looming financial crisis, the potential bankruptcy of European powers fueling arms sales, and whether Trump's geopolitical maneuvers are deliberately designed to drain the West's war machine.

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Day 1,237.Today after Donald Trump says Putin “talks nice then bombs everybody in the evening” the world is braced for a potential uptick in US support for Ukraine and we report how Ukraine says it has killed the Russian agents responsible for assassinating an SBU officer last week. Plus, we hear the latest from the battlefields in eastern Ukraine, including a dispatch from those risking their lives to get electricity to the front lines.Contributors:Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Francis Farrell (Reporter, The Kyiv Independent). @francisjfarrell on X.Memphis Barker (Senior foreign correspondent). @memphisbarker on X.Content Referenced:Telegraph Live Blog on Trump's Statement:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/07/14/ukraine-russia-war-trump-putin-zelensky-latest-news/ Dispatch: Ukraine turns to machines to spare troops from drone-infested ‘grey zone' (Memphis Barker in The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/07/05/inside-ukraine-grey-zone-soldiers-machines-russia-war/ Francis Farrell's Latest Pieces in Kyiv Independent:https://kyivindependent.com/author/francis-farrell/SIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST' WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/ 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.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. Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,234.Today, after a report finds Putin's forces have gained 0.038 square kilometers of territory for every soldier it's lost since July 2024, we look at the significance of new announcements by Ukraine's allies in Rome and London, and discuss the Ukrainian theory of victory.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Journalist and Producer). @adeliepjz on X.Roland Oliphant (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @RolandOliphant on X.With thanks to Alina Frolova (Deputy Chairman of the Centre for Defence Strategies). @a_frolova_mod on X.Content Referenced:Film: ‘This is also Ukraine' Trailer, tickets and detail: https://factoryinternational.org/whats-on/balmy-ukraine-this-is-also-ukraine/Russia's summer Ukraine offensive looks like its deadliest so far (The Economist):https://www.economist.com/interactive/graphic-detail/2025/07/09/russias-summer-ukraine-offensive-looks-like-its-deadliest-so-far Zelensky considers Defense Minister Rustem Umerov for ambassador post in US (Kyiv Independent):https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-considers-defense-minister-rustem-umerov-to-become-ukraine-ambassador-to-usSIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST' WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/ 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.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. Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While the eyes of many have been on the US, Ukraine, Russia, Iran, Israel, Gaza, the wider Middle East and much more, the southern Caucasus, that collection of states composed of Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan, have been roiling between order and disorder - and attracting the attention of many power players. In Georgia, the Russia-backed government is cracking down on opposition leaders, while Armenia is in political disarray following Azerbaijan's military offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh in September 2023.Traditionally the playground of Russia - either as the Russian Empire or the Soviet Union - all three states are currently in flux, attracting the attention of Turkey, the US and the EU. Russia, on the other hand, immersed in its insane war on Ukraine, has lost its grip. Apparently insignificant states and regions have a nasty habit of suddenly coming to the fore, dominating the agenda and changing geopolitical focus. The southern Caucuses may be ripe for such a twist, not least as the war in Ukraine drags on, dragging Russia ever further away from prosperity and regional domination.To understand these fascinating dynamics, Ilana Bet-El is joined by the excellent Tinatin Japaridze, Eurasia analyst at the Eurasia Group. With fascinating insights into each state and the region as a whole, she helps clarify why Russia is on a losing pitch in the South Caucasus, the West is on the up, democracy does not always deliver, and peace is necessary - if elusive.This episode was recorded 10 July 2025 and we will be back in September after a short summer break!MentionsJailing of opposition politicians in GeorgiaZangezur corridorNagorno-Karabakh conflictTinatin's previous Women Leaders episodeFollowTinatin Japaridz LinkedIn, X/Twitter, Eurasia websiteHer book Stalin's Millennials: Nostalgia, Trauma and Nationalism@women_leaders podcastOur partner ELN Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, websiteIlana Bet-ElCreditsProduction: Florence FerrandoMusic: Let Good Times Roll, RA from #UppbeatContribute to the conversation with a comment & a 5-⭐️Reach us on our Instagram and follow for updates @women_leaders_podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,233.Today, as Kyiv endures yet another mass aerial attack and Pres Zel arr in Rome for the annual Ukraine Recovery Conference, we report on espionage activities inside Ukraine, and later we talk to the Chief Adoption Officer of the NATO Innovation Fund.Contributors:Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.With thanks to John Ridge (Chief Adoption Officer of the NATO Innovation Fund).Content Referenced:Ukrainian spy assassinated by gunman in Kyiv (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/07/10/ukrainian-spy-assassinated-by-gunman-in-kyiv/ Chinese father and son arrested for spying on Ukraine's missile programme (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/07/10/ukraine-arrests-chinese-father-son-spying-neptune-missile/ Russia grooms Ukrainian teens as spies and saboteurs (Financial Times):https://www.ft.com/content/5cb5ebf9-bfb3-4a50-bc2f-79540baf8f87 Secret Russian Intelligence Document Shows Deep Suspicion of China (New York Times):https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/07/world/europe/china-russia-spies-documents-putin-war.html Gardaí investigate bomb found at Russian-owned refinery in Limerick (Irish Times):https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/2025/07/06/gardai-probe-bomb-found-at-russian-owned-refinery-in-limerick SIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST' WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/ 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.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. Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Examining the history of nomadic pastoralism across Asia—from the Caucasus and Central Asian steppes to ancient Mesopotamia—reveals a consistent pattern: settled elites have repeatedly waged war against pastoral peoples. Both the Bible and the Qur'an emerged from nomadic pastoral societies, yet these same texts were later weaponized by sedentary civilizations against the very peoples once nurtured by them. We are witnessing this tragic pattern unfold again in real time—perhaps in its most brutal form yet—with escalating consequences that now reach into the heart of the West, the heir of Greco-Roman hubris.Even in pre-biblical East Asian traditions, such as the Confucian Book of Odes, herdsmen arrive with their flocks to establish an unnamed prince—a figure who emerges not from the city but from the periphery to usher in an era of divine justice. This archetype, consolidated in the Bible and the Qur'an, becomes active in the world whenever and wherever the voice from the pasture rises against the corruption of the palace.This is the Voice of the Scriptural God—The Voice of the Shepherd.It will not be silenced.It cannot be bought.It does not serve a throne.It does not belong to anyone.It roams freely upon the earth,calling its flock from the outlands, out of the city to the wilderness.The Biblical Jesus is near, habibi—And it's time for the Lord to act.It's time for Ibrahim's Discords.سُبْحَانَ مَنْ جَعَلَ فِي الْحَمْدِ نُورًا(subḥāna man jaʿala fī al-ḥamdi nūran)“Glory to the one who placed light within praise.”This week, I discuss Luke 8:32-34.Photo by Cajeo Zhang on UnsplashShow notesἀγέλη (agelē) / ע־ד־ר (ʿayin–dalet–resh) / غ–د–ر (ghayn–dāl–rāʾ)In the Gospel of Matthew, we are warned that God will separate the sheep from the goats. Mishearing this, the rule-followers among us foolishly turn their gaze outward, seeking to teach others which rules to follow. In doing so, they become goat-finders and goat-fixers—lions and bears who come not to protect the flock but to steal sheep from it.But in Luke's application of ע־ד־ר (ʿayin–dalet–resh) from the Song of Songs, this dichotomy is flipped on its head. When the mashal unfolds at the Decapolis in Luke, the Song's poetic use of ἀγέλη (agelē)—interchanging goats and sheep—reveals the Bible's mockery of human rule-followers. The constant switch between goats and sheep in the Song of Songs reflects a deliberate poetic symmetry: the goats evoke movement and allure (hair), while the sheep evoke purity and precision (teeth).This imagery, drawn from real pastoral life, is repurposed to undermine self-righteous Hellenistic legal constructs. There is no intent in the text to constrain the beloved or to define her by a boundary. Rather, it moves freely—dark and light, wild and ordered, descending and ascending—a complete pastoral image that cannot be systematized. The beloved is named not to be limited, but to be delighted in—not judged, but adored.David said to Saul, “Your servant was tending his father's flock [הָעֵדֶר (hā-ʿēder)], and when a lion or a bear came and took a sheep from the flock…” (1 Samuel 17:34)Know well the condition of your flocks [עֲדָרִים (ʿădārīm)], and pay attention to your herds; (Proverbs 27:23)Tell me, you whom my soul loves, where do you pasture your flock [עֵדֶר (ʿeder)], where do you have it lie down at noon? For why should I be like one who veils herself beside the flocks of your companions? (Song of Songs 1:7)Your hair is like a flock [כְּעֵדֶר (kə-ʿēder)] of goats, coming down from Mount Gilead. (Song of Songs 4:1)Your teeth are like a flock [כְּעֵדֶר (kə-ʿēder)] of newly shorn sheep, which have come up from their watering place… (Song of Songs 4:2)Your hair is like a flock [כְּעֵדֶר (kə-ʿēder)] of goats that have descended from Gilead. (Song of Songs 6:4)Your teeth are like a flock [כְּעֵדֶר (kə-ʿēder)] of ewes which have come up from their watering place… (Song of Songs 6:5)Still, even in the open pasture, there are rules of engagement. This is how one should hear the text—as a Bedouin.Surat Al-Anfāl (سورة الأنفال, The Spoils of War) addresses the terms of conflict and the proper conduct of the faithful toward their enemies. It contains the Qur'an's only occurrence of the Lukan-corresponding root غ–د–ر (ghayn–dāl–rāʾ)—a term that denotes treachery or betrayal. Even when nomadic clans behave treacherously, those who follow God are commanded to act transparently—even in the face of betrayal. The response to ghadr is not reciprocal deceit, but open disengagement.The verse also contains the word قَوْمٍ (qawm), meaning “those who stand or rise together as a group,” from the root ق–و–م (qāf–wāw–mīm). Its presence evokes the image of a herd rising for judgment—a disobedient gathering whose posture does not guarantee righteousness. Instead, it invokes divine judgment, alluding to the Day of the Lord. This imagery echoes the Gosp...

Day 1,232.Today, as Donald Trump calls out Vladimir Putin's “bullshit” and appears to back fresh US sanctions on Russia, we read between the lines of President Macron's address to the British parliament, and get an update on the so-called ‘Coalition of the Willing'.Contributors:Venetia Rainey (Planning editor & Co-host Battle Lines podcast). @venetiarainey on X.Roland Oliphant (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @RolandOliphant on X.Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Journalist and Producer). @adeliepjz on X.Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Content Referenced:Join us in Scarborough *tonight*:https://scarboroughfair.uk/events/putins-folly-the-war-in-ukraine-three-years-on/Troop deployment plans abandoned in latest Coalition of the Willing talks (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/07/08/troop-deployment-plans-abandoned-coalition-of-the-willing/ Macron oozes charm with a hint of triumphalism as he seduces MPshttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2025/07/08/emmanuel-macron-parliament-visit-keir-starmer-king-charles/Teach children how to catch Russian spies online, MPs toldhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/07/09/teach-children-catch-russian-spies-online-mps-told/Trump said he threatened to bomb Moscow if Putin attacked Ukrainehttps://edition.cnn.com/2025/07/08/politics/trump-tape-putin-bomb-fundraiserSIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST' WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/ 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.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. Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this eye-opening episode of Paranormal Activity, Yvette Fielding delves into one of the most fascinating and perplexing aspects of human history—the giants who may have once walked the Earth.From massive skeletal remains to ancient cities that could have belonged to giant beings, there are chilling reports throughout history of discoveries too large to ignore.Yvette explores the mysterious giant skeletal remains that have been unearthed in places like Death Valley, California, where F. Bruce Russell allegedly uncovered an enormous humanoid skeleton, and Castelnau, France, where bones of a being over 12 feet tall were found.Other bizarre discoveries, like the giant footprints in Mpuluzi, South Africa and Patagonia, continue to raise questions about a lost race of giants that could have inhabited the earth in antiquity.But it doesn't stop there—Yvette also investigates ancient cities and megalithic sites that could have been constructed by giants or in their honor, including the mysterious Göbekli Tepe in Turkey, the massive stone structures of Nan Madol in Micronesia, and the Titans of the Caucasus in Georgia.What could these giant statues and cities—some of which predate recorded history—reveal about the giants of our past?And why have these incredible discoveries been suppressed, ignored, or covered up?Join Yvette as she uncovers the secrets of these giant remains and lost civilizations, examining the beliefs, folklore, and mysteries that have surrounded these beings for centuries.Could giants really have once ruled the Earth, and why do their stories remain shrouded in secrecy?Tune in to uncover the truth behind the mysterious giants and their profound impact on history. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,231.Today, we report on the sudden death of Russia's former transport minister within hours of his sacking by Vladimir Putin. Then we examine Donald Trump's pledge to resume weapons deliveries to Ukraine and look ahead to President Macron's visit to the UK. Finally, we hear an updated figure of the number of children kidnapped by Russia, and discuss their fate if the Yale Humanitarian Research Lab closes this autumn amid its funding being pulled.Contributors:Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Journalist and Producer). @adeliepjz on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Nathaniel Raymond (Lecturer & Executive Director Humanitarian Research Lab at Yale School of Public Health) @nattyray11 on X.Content Referenced:‘Help the Humanitarian Research Lab Keep Finding Ukraine's Abducted Children ':https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/khoshnood/give-now/Fired Russian minister ‘kills himself' (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/07/07/russian-minister-found-dead-after-being-sacked-by-putin/ Trump U-turns on sending weapons to Ukraine (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/07/08/donald-trump-us-sends-weapons-ukraine/Russian airlines face $254 million losses from just 2 days of Ukrainian drone strikes, Kremlin media reports (Kyiv Independent):https://kyivindependent.com/drone-disruptions-reportedly-cost-russian-airlines-254-million-exposing-economic-pressure-from-ukraines-campaign-06-2025/ SIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST' WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/ 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.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. Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,230.Today, as Ukraine was hit over the weekend in Kharkiv, Kherson, Kramatorsk and Kostiantynivka, and Ukraine attacked Russia's airfields and fleets, we discuss the positive phone call between Trump and Zelensky, and dive into political fractures in Ukraine. Then we speak with Sam Cook about his foundation and the role of history in wartime.Contributors:Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Journalist and Producer). @adeliepjz on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Sam Cooke (Founder, Borderlands Foundation). @SamuelPNCook on X.Content Referenced:Learn More about the Borderlands Foundation:https://borderlands-foundation.org/Link to The Ukraine Freedom Summit: https://ukrainefreedomsummit.org/Ukraine's political infighting gets nasty (The Economist):https://www.economist.com/europe/2025/07/06/ukraines-political-infighting-gets-nastyMark Rutte interview in The New York Times:https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/05/magazine/mark-rutte-interview.html 93rd Brigade Post:https://x.com/93OMBr1/status/1941134571619393548 Putin's choice of a long war in Ukraine (Le Monde)https://www.lemonde.fr/en/opinion/article/2025/07/07/putin-s-choice-of-a-long-war-in-ukraine_6743095_23.htmlSIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST' WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/ 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.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. Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's June visit to Turkey marks the latest step in the ongoing rapprochement between the two countries. The move comes as Ankara seeks to expand its influence in the Caucasus, amid the waning power of regional rivals Iran and Russia. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's hosting of Pashinyan in Istanbul last month represents a notable diplomatic effort to normalise relations. Ankara had severed diplomatic ties and closed its border with Armenia in 1993 following the war between Armenia and Turkey's close ally, Azerbaijan, over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh enclave. However, Pashinyan's Istanbul visit is being hailed as groundbreaking. “I believe it was very significant for several reasons. It was the first bilateral diplomatic summit between the Turkish and Armenian leaders,” explains Richard Giragosian, Director of the Regional Studies Centre, a Yerevan-based think tank. Until now, interactions between the two leaders had been limited to multilateral engagements—such as Erdoğan's inauguration and meetings on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. But Giragosian argues that the Istanbul meeting carries deeper significance. “This is the first bilateral invitation from Turkey to the Armenian leader. That reflects a second important development: Turkey is seeking to regain its options with Armenia,” observes Giragosian. Armenia looks to reopen border with Turkey as potential gateway to the West Zangezur corridor at centre One of the key issues discussed was the creation of a land bridge through Armenia to connect Azerbaijan with its Nakhchivan exclave, which borders Turkey. Known as the Zangezur Corridor, this project is a strategic priority for Ankara. It would not only link Turkey directly to its key ally and vital trade partner Azerbaijan, but also open a new route for Turkish goods to Central Asia. “It is especially important now from an economic standpoint,” notes international relations professor Hüseyin Bağcı of Ankara's Middle East Technical University. Pashinyan's visit is seen as part of a broader Turkish diplomatic push to secure regional support for the Zangezur Corridor. “This is why Prime Minister Pashinyan came to Turkey,” says Bağcı, who suggests Erdoğan is attempting to counter Iranian resistance. “The Zangezur Corridor should not be held hostage by Iranian opposition. It shouldn't be conditional on Iran's stance,” he adds. Iran, Armenia's powerful neighbour, strongly opposes the corridor. Currently, Turkish goods must transit through Iran to reach Central Asia—giving Tehran significant leverage. Iran has often restricted this trade during periods of diplomatic tension with Ankara. More critically, Tehran fears the proposed 40-kilometre corridor would cut off a vital route it uses to bypass international sanctions. Despite Turkish diplomatic efforts, Iran remains firmly opposed. “Nothing has changed in Tehran's position regarding the Zangezur Corridor. Iran is still against the project,” warns Prof Dr Zaur Gasimov of the German Academic Exchange Service. Growing military buildup in Azerbaijan and Armenia a concern for peace talks Gasimov notes, however, that recent geopolitical developments—particularly Israel's ongoing conflict with Iran—have shifted the regional balance in Ankara's favour. “As of July 2025, Iran's diplomatic, political, and military capabilities are far more constrained than they were just a few years ago, due to Israel-led and US-led operations,” says Gasimov. “In both military and political terms, Iran is now significantly limited.” Yet Azerbaijan's insistence that the Zangezur Corridor operate independently of Armenian control remains a major sticking point for Yerevan, says Giragosian. Still, he believes the broader aim of establishing a new trade route—combined with Turkey's willingness to reopen its border—offers the region both economic incentives and a path towards stability through mutual dependence. “The reopening of closed borders, and the creation of trade and transport links, reshapes strategic thinking. It makes any renewal of hostilities far more costly,” says Giragosian. “In this context, it lifts all boats. It's a win-win for everyone,” he continues. “And I do think the real sticking point now will be Russia's reaction, more than any resistance from Turkey, Armenia, or Azerbaijan.” Russia and Iran push back Initially, Moscow supported the Zangezur Corridor, particularly since Russian personnel were envisioned to administer it under the original proposals. But Gasimov notes that Russia's enthusiasm has cooled as it grows increasingly wary of Turkey's expanding influence in a region it still considers part of its traditional sphere. “Moscow is very concerned about Ankara–Yerevan relations. Turkey, after all, is a NATO member—even if Russia cooperates with it in several areas,” says Gasimov. France pushes for peace in the Caucasus amid heat over Iran detainees   Despite being heavily engaged in its war in Ukraine, Gasimov suggests Russia still has leverage in the South Caucasus “After three years of war and sweeping sanctions, Russia's capabilities in the region are diminished. But it continues to try to assert itself—by intimidating vulnerable regional economies and exploiting internal political instability, as it did in Armenia just two weeks ago,” says Gasimov. Last month, Armenian security forces arrested several opposition figures, claiming to have foiled a coup attempt. As Moscow remains bogged down in Ukraine, Yerevan may have only a limited window of opportunity to capitalise on Russia's distraction and weakness. “We do see a storm on the horizon,” warns Giragosian. “With an angry and vengeful Putin lashing out at Russia's neighbours, he's seeking to reassert Russian power and influence across the near abroad—from Central Asia to the South Caucasus.” Armenia reconsiders alliances Giragosian argues that such threats could be the catalyst for historic diplomatic realignments. “From an Armenian perspective, it's deeply ironic. For decades, Armenia feared Turkey and turned to Russia for protection. Now, Armenia is looking to Turkey for a greater role—and seeking to distance itself from the Russian orbit.” Pashinyan has made no secret of his intent to pivot Armenia away from Russia and towards Europe. But with neighbouring Georgia increasingly under Moscow's sway, and with Iran and Azerbaijan offering few viable alternatives, Turkey may now represent Armenia's best chance to achieve that strategic realignment.

Day 1,227.Today, as Putin and Trump hung up the phones after an hour-long conversation yesterday, Kyiv headed to the shelters for another massive drone and missile attack and a long, sleepless night. This morning, Russia declared that it is ‘not possible' to achieve their goals through diplomatic means after the phone call. We discuss all these stories, then hear from Dr Jade McGlynn for the latest on resistance in the occupied territories, and talk to a British band who chose to perform in Kyiv.Contributors:Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Journalist and Producer). @adeliepjz on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dr. Jade McGlynn (War Studies Department of King's College). @DrJadeMcGlynn on X.With thanks to Hardwicke Circus.Content Referenced:Learn more about the band Hardwicke Circus:https://www.facebook.com/hardwickecircus/?locale=en_GB SIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST' WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/ 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.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. Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lots of boys have grown up wanting to be Superman but perhaps you grew up wanting to be award-winning journalist Lois Lane? Actor Rachel Brosnahan is known for her Emmy-winning portrayal of Midge Maisel in the TV series, The Marvellous Mrs. Maisel, her Emmy-nominated performance in House of Cards and her work on Broadway. Now she's playing Clark Kent's love interest, Lois Lane in the upcoming DC Universe film, Superman. She tells Nuala McGovern about the unusual circumstances in which she found out she had the role and the difficulties of working with CGI. A British teenager who is currently held in prison in Georgia says she was 'tortured' into smuggling drugs. Bella Culley who is 19 and from Teesside, has appeared at a Tbilisi court this week. She has pleaded not guilty to charges of possession and trafficking a large amount of illegal drugs. The BBC's Caucasus correspondent Rayhan Demytrie tells Nuala what's been happening. Jenny Evans was a young actress riding high on the success of her first feature film when she was sexually assaulted by someone who was in the public eye. When she later found the courage to report this crime to the police, details of what she had experienced were printed in a tabloid newspaper. Jenny decided to retrain as a journalist to try and figure out how this could have happened. She went on to help expose the abuses of power in the press and police that have become known as the 'phone-hacking scandal'. Nuala speaks to Jenny about her memoir Don't Let it Break You, Honey. To mark the start of the UEFA European Women's Championship Nuala speaks to BBC Sport's Correspondent Katie Gornall live from Switzerland. She's also joined by DJ, author and podcaster Annie Macmanus who was so inspired by the Lionesses Euro's win in 2022 that she decided to take the sport up herself, in her 40's. Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Andrea Kidd

Turkey has spent weeks walking a diplomatic tightrope, caught between its outrage over Israel's actions and its reluctance to cross the United States. A ceasefire deal brokered by President Donald Trump has given Ankara some breathing room – at least for now. “We welcome the news that an agreement has been reached on the establishment of a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, which came late last night,” Erdogan said before departing for the NATO summit in The Hague. Israel's war on Iran had put Erdogan in a tricky spot – maintaining his hostility towards Israel without damaging his ties with Trump. On Saturday, Erdogan slammed Israel, calling it a “terrorist state”, while warning that the war on Iran threatened to plunge the region into chaos. The speech, delivered in Istanbul at a meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, was just the latest in what has become an almost daily verbal assault on Israel. But the United States bombing of Iran just a few hours after Erdogan spoke drew little reaction from Ankara beyond a short statement expressing its “concern” over the attack. Turkey's rivalry with Iran shifts as US threats create unlikely common ground Words versus actions Erdogan's actions have also not always matched his rhetoric.The Turkish leader resisted opposition calls to close the US-operated NATO Kurecik radar base near the Iranian border. “Turkey is not interested once again in going into conflict with America because, if you close Kurecik, then it is a NATO issue, and Israel has close relations also with NATO,” said international relations professor Huseyin Bagci of Ankara's Middle East Technical University. The Kurecik radar station, Bagci said, is important to Israeli security. “Turkey signed the acceptance (agreement) that Israel should take information from Kurecik,” Bagci added. “There is no in an article in the case of war that Turkey would not provide the information. So, this is why Erdogan, based on this fact, is not undertaking any steps against Israel.” Earlier this month, Erdogan lobbied Baghdad not to follow Tehran's calls to intercept Israeli warplanes using Iraqi airspace to strike Iran. All moves that are likely to play well with Trump. Erdogan values what Trump has called a “great friendship”. The two leaders are expected to meet for the first time since Trump's re-election on the sidelines of the NATO summit in The Hague, where Erdogan will likely be seeking an invitation to Washington. With Turkey and Iran long-time regional rivals, competing for influence from the Caucasus to Central Asia and the Middle East, Ankara also shares the West's concerns over Tehran's nuclear programme. “Turkey definitely doesn't want a nuclear-armed Iran, because that is going to trigger a proliferation process in the Middle East,” said Serhan Afacan, head of the Center for Iranian Studies, a research organisation in Ankara. Interim president Sharaa weighs up Ankara and Riyadh in power struggle for Syria Refugee fears and regional risks The United States bombing of Iran's nuclear facilities – which Washington claims has ended Tehran's atomic programme – drew no condemnation from Ankara. But the risk of a wider conflict has raised fears of growing instability and the possibility of a refugee wave into Turkey from Iran. Trump's surprise move to broker a ceasefire between Iran and Israel will come as a relief to Ankara, said regional expert Professor Zaur Gasimov of the German Academic Exchange Service in Istanbul. He warned the ceasefire came just as signs were emerging of a refugee exodus. “What we see now is already now is the mobility of people within Iran, leaving Tehran and other bigger cities, going to different directions, that is a challenge for the entire region. And maybe Turkey is a country that is about to observe a refugee influx coming from Iran by the border,” said Gasimov. He warned Ankara is likely not prepared for such an exodus. “That is a challenge. So, Turkey is currently observing the situation with great attention, and certain answers to this challenge is not ready yet,” said Gasimov. Azerbaijan and Turkey build bridges amid declining influence of Iran Economic toll Turkey, which borders Iraq and Syria, has struggled for decades with chaos on its southern frontier. It currently hosts as many as five million refugees and has paid a heavy economic price through the loss of valuable regional markets. Ankara will likely be eyeing the potential rewards of a weakened Tehran in the long-running competition for regional influence. “A weak Iran is good for Turkey always, but not a dead Iran,” said Bagci. “Iran is important for connectivity. They [Iran] have many neighbours like Turkey. They are close to Russia, Central Asian republics, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, you name it. And the destabilisation of the region is in nobody's interest. "That is why China and Russia are very careful in their statements, and everybody is trying now for a diplomatic solution.” How long Trump's brokered ceasefire will last remains to be seen. But for Ankara, the hope is that wider regional chaos has been avoided – and that it has managed, at least for now, to balance its competing interests.

Day 1,220.Today, as the US Ambassador to Russia leaves Moscow, we look at the latest attacks on Ukraine from land and air, and hear how the war is perceived on the other side of the world: in New Zealand.Contributors:Roland Oliphant (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @RolandOliphant on X.Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.With thanks to Tenby Powell (founder of the NGO Kiwi K.A.R.E). @tenbypowell on X.Content Referenced:Learn more about Kiwi K.A.R.E:https://www.kiwikareukraine.co.nz/ SIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST' WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/ 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.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. Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,219.Today, after what some are calling a ‘triumphant' NATO summit in the Hague, we assess the pledges made by President Donald Trump, and ask whether it was a historic achievement by Secretary General Mark Rutte. Then we do deeper dives into Ukraine's military and strategic innovations, and the threat posed by Russia on Europe's eastern flank, with dispatches from Lithuania and Latvia.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.David Blair (Chief Foreign Correspondent). @davidblairdt on X.Roland Oliphant (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @RolandOliphant on X.With thanks to Baiba Braže (Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs). @Braze_Baiba on X.Content Referenced:Why calling Trump Daddy got Nato what they wanted (David Blair in The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/06/25/how-nato-conquered-trump/Europe is building a new ‘Iron Curtain'– with millions of landmines (David Blair in The Telegraph): https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/06/24/lithuania-iron-curtain-landmines-europe/ An Interview With Andriy Zagorodnyuk (Professor Phillips O'Brian's Substack):https://open.substack.com/pub/phillipspobrien/p/an-interview-with-andriy-zagorodnyuk?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=webSIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST' WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/ 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.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. Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matthew C. JohnsonPresidentSustainable Ascents FoundationMatthew is a self-described adventure traveler in search of a plot, a part-time endurance athlete, a mosh pit enthusiast and an accidental Fellow at the Royal Geographical Society.summaryIn this episode, Jason Elkins speaks with Matthew Johnson, president of the Sustainable Ascents Foundation, about the importance of sustainable tourism in climbing and how it can empower local communities. Matthew shares his personal journey from a free-range childhood to becoming an advocate for responsible climbing practices that benefit local economies. They discuss the disparities in privilege observed during climbing expeditions, particularly in Kilimanjaro, and how the foundation aims to create a model that ensures local communities are involved in tourism. The conversation also touches on new projects in Bolivia and the Caucasus region, emphasizing the need for community involvement and sustainable practices in tourism.takeawaysSustainable tourism can empower local communities.Climbing development should prioritize local involvement.Cultural immersion enhances the travel experience.Tourism can create economic opportunities for locals.Community engagement is crucial for sustainable practices.The foundation aims to create a model for responsible tourism.Volunteers are essential for community projects.Cultural exchange enriches both travelers and locals.Sustainable tourism should avoid overwhelming local cultures.Future projects will focus on gradual, responsible growth. Learn more about Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Marketing and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

* Iran, Israel trade strikes; Trump dismisses nuke intel * Arab leaders urge global action to stop Israeli attacks * Israeli bombs kill dozens of Palestinians in fresh Gaza strikes * Trump hails major DRC-Rwanda peace agreement * Türkiye pursues diplomacy to stabilise Caucasus, region: Erdogan

Day 1,212.Today, as we pass 100 days since Ukraine unconditionally accepted the US peace proposal for a total cease fire, we report how Russia continues to kill civilians across the country. We look at how much effort Russian officials are putting into telling the world sanctions are having no impact whatsoever on their economy, and report on Finland's exit from the Ottawa Treaty. And we hear a number of voices from our recent trip to Odesa in southern Ukraine. Contributors:Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.With thanks to Dalibor Rohac, Melinda Haring, and Ugo Poletti.SIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST' WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/ 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.Content Referenced:EU devises scheme to squeeze more profit from Russian frozen assets (POLITICO):https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-russia-frozen-assets-moscow-money-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. Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this wide reaching discussion, we sit down with historian Alex Marshall. Using his own works such as "The Caucasus under Soviet Rule" (2010) and the edited volume "Global Impacts of Russia's Great War and Revolution: The Arc of Revolution, 1917-24" (2019) as jumping off points, we discuss everything from how Soviet history is written and persistent historiographic debates, to why the Soviet past is still relevant to the left and how current political shifts influence how questions about the Soviet Union are asked and why. Framing the whole discussion is liberalism's terminal crisis, and what this means for history writing about the Soviet Union, the historical and political imagination of the left and more. Alex Marshall is a senior lecturer of History at the University of Glasgow. His books include "The Caucasus Under Soviet Rule" (2010) and the edited volume "Global Impacts of Russia's Great War and Revolution: The Arc of Revolution, 1917-24" (2019). He is currently working on a manuscript about Soviet Second Secretary during the Cold War, Mikhail Suslov.

Day 1,205.Today, as Russian casualties reportedly pass one million, we assess an extraordinary press release by the Trump administration marking ‘Russia Day', and examine the mentality underpinning the United States's stance on the war. Then we hear again from a Ukrainian winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, and discuss Margaret Thatcher's attitude towards Russia with the Iron Lady's definitive biographer and confidant.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Charles Moore, Baron Moore of Etchingham (Member of the House of Lords and former editor of The Daily Telegraph). @CharlesHMoore on X.Olseandra Matviichuk (Ukrainian Human Rights Lawyer and Head of Centre for Civil Liberties). @avalaina on X.SIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST' WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/ 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.Content Referenced:Oleksandra's list of some trusted NGOs and charities supporting Ukraine:https://www.ukraineshortlist.com/ Russia sends its most valuable planes as far away from Ukraine as possible (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/06/11/russia-sends-nuclear-bombers-further-after-ukraine-drone/ “They are hunting us”: systematic drone attacks targeting civilians in Kherson (Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine): https://www.ohchr.org/en/hr-bodies/hrc/iicihr-ukraine/index 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. Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,204.Today, as Russia continues to attack civilians in Ukraine – two weeks after Donald Trump said it would take him a fortnight to work out if Vladimir Putin was serious about peace or just ‘tapping' him along – we take the temperature in Brussels where more sanctions have been announced, and also hear from a senior Ukrainian defence official.Contributors:Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Joe Barnes (Brussels Correspondent). @Barnes_Joe on X.Yulia Marushevska (Head of the Reforms Support Office in Ukraine's Ministry of Defense). @MarushevskaY on X.SIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST' WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/ 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.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. Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,203.Today, as Ukraine fends off yet another overnight aerial bombardment, the first prisoners of war to return since the latest rounds of peace talks arrive in Ukraine. Meanwhile in London, we hear about NATO's Secretary General Mark Rutte's punchy speech at Chatham House yesterday. Finally, we talk with former Swedish Defence minister Peter Hulqvist. Contributors:Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Journalist and Producer). @adeliepjz on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.With thanks to former Swedish Defence minister Peter Hulqvist.SIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST' WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/ 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.Content Referenced:Spend more or get ready to speak Russian, Nato chief warns UK, The Telegraphhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/06/09/russia-ukraine-zelensky-putin-nato-war-latest-news/Families of missing Ukrainians gather as prisoner exchange begins, BBChttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c20q4wgx5xxoFamilies of Ukraine's missing fear peace will not bring them home, BBChttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9wg2jelpynoParis' Hotel Lutetia Is Haunted by History, The Smithsonian Magazinehttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/paris-hotel-lutetia-haunted-history-180971629/#:~:text=The%20exhibit%20would%20be%20called,between%20April%20and%20August%201945.The Postcard by Anne Berest review – an autofictional tale of family survival, The Guardianhttps://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/oct/04/the-postcard-by-anne-berest-review-an-autofictional-tale-of-family-survival 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. Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,199.Today, as Ukraine strikes more military targets deep inside Russia, Moscow responds by launching a massive missile and drone attack against civilian targets across much of Ukraine. We hear what life is like in the embattled city of Pokrovsk in the Donbas, and then the latest updates on resistance in the occupied territories with Dr Jade McGlynn. Later, we interview Lord Robertson - architect of the UK's Strategic Defence Review.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Fermín Torrano (Freelance Reporter). @FerminTorrano on X.Dr. Jade McGlynn (War Studies Department of King's College). @DrJadeMcGlynn on X.Roland Oliphant (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @RolandOliphant on X.With thanks to Lord Robertson (former NATO Secretary General of NATO and lead author of Britain's Strategic Defence Review)SIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST' WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/ 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.Content Referenced:Hear the full interview with Lord Robertson on our sister podcast ‘Battle Lines':https://www.telegraph.co.uk/battle-lines/ Learn more about ‘Helping to Leave' - the charity mentioned by Jade McGlynn:https://helpingtoleave.org/en My 24 hours on the front line (Fermín Torrano for The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/on-ukraine-front-line-pokrovsk-russia/ 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. Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, Congressman Buddy Carter returns to break down the “Big Beautiful Bill,” explain how congressional math really works, and share details on his new legislation calling for a full investigation into the Biden cover-up. Then, Dan McLaughlin of National Review joins us to unpack the five major Supreme Court wins for conservatives this week and what these rulings could mean for the future of key legal battles. Later, Wall Street Journal reporter Thomas Grove checks in from Warsaw to discuss how the war between Russia and Ukraine might end, what Poland's elections reveal about shifting political dynamics in Europe, and what Russia's war-focused economy means for the West. Plus, on Kiley's Corner, Kiley shares the heartbreaking story of two Arcadia High School students whose Memorial Day camping trip ended in a double homicide, drawing chilling parallels to Arizona's unsolved Bumblebee Road murders. Stream now!www.breakingbattlegrounds.voteTwitter: www.twitter.com/Breaking_BattleFacebook: www.facebook.com/breakingbattlegroundsInstagram: www.instagram.com/breakingbattlegroundsLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/breakingbattlegroundsTruth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@breakingbattlegroundsShow sponsors:Invest Yrefy - investyrefy.comOld Glory DepotSupport American jobs while standing up for your values. OldGloryDepot.com brings you conservative pride on premium, made-in-USA gear. Don't settle—wear your patriotism proudly.Learn more at: OldGloryDepot.comDot VoteWith a .VOTE website, you ensure your political campaign stands out among the competition while simplifying how you reach voters.Learn more at: dotvote.vote4Freedom MobileExperience true freedom with 4Freedom Mobile, the exclusive provider offering nationwide coverage on all three major US networks (Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile) with just one SIM card. Our service not only connects you but also shields you from data collection by network operators, social media platforms, government agencies, and more.Use code ‘Battleground' to get your first month for $9 and save $10 a month every month after.Learn more at: 4FreedomMobile.comAbout our guest:Congressman Earl L. “Buddy” Carter is an experienced businessman, health care professional and faithful public servant. For over 32 years Buddy owned Carter's Pharmacy, Inc. where South Georgians trusted him with their most valuable assets: their health, lives and families. While running his business, he learned how to balance a budget and create jobs. He also saw firsthand the devastating impacts of government overregulation which drives his commitment to ensuring that the federal government creates policies to empower business instead of increasing burdens on America's job creators.A committed public servant, Buddy previously served as the Mayor of Pooler, Georgia and in the Georgia General Assembly where he used his business experience to make government more efficient and responsive to the people. Buddy is serving his fifth term in the United States House of Representatives and is a member of the House Energy and Commerce (E&C) Committee and the House Budget Committee. He proudly serves as Chairman of the E&C Subcommittee on Health. As a pharmacist serving in Congress, Buddy is dedicated to working towards a health care system that provides more choices, less costs and better services.A lifelong resident of the First District, Buddy was born and raised in Port Wentworth, Georgia and is a proud graduate of Young Harris College and the University of Georgia where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy. Buddy married his college sweetheart, Amy. Buddy and Amy have three sons, three daughters-in-law and eight grandchildren.-Dan McLaughlin is a senior writer at National Review Online and a fellow at National Review Institute.-Thomas Grove covers the confrontation between Russia and the West for The Wall Street Journal. He is based in Warsaw.Before that Thomas covered Russia for more than a decade and he has traveled to Ukraine regularly since Russia's invasion. He writes on Russia's military, the arms trade and the Russian defense sector as well as great power competition.He started his career in Istanbul with Reuters writing about the economy and the rise of Recep Tayyip Erdogan's AKP. Thomas has since reported from across Central Asia, the Caucasus region and the Middle East. Get full access to Breaking Battlegrounds at breakingbattlegrounds.substack.com/subscribe

Day 1,198.Today, as the true impact of the historic drone strikes on the Russian air fleet become clear, we reflect more deeply on their implications for the war, and what it tells us that Putin refused to reference them in televised remarks. Plus we share more on our experiences in the port city of Odesa this week, including recordings from inside a basement during an air raid.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.SIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST' WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/ 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.Content Referenced:'Nothing secret left' - Ukraine hacks Russia's Tupolev bomber producer, source claims (Kyiv Independent)https://kyivindependent.com/there-is-nothing-secret-left-ukraine-hacks-russias-tupolev-aircraft-manufacturer-source-claims/?mc_cid=2b5c0b70f8&mc_eid=08d0680a95 U.S. Is Redirecting Critical Antidrone Technology From Ukraine to U.S. Forces (Wall Street Journal)https://www.wsj.com/politics/national-security/us-halts-ukraine-anti-drone-russia-ce0b5b75 UK Parliament Petition to send Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicles to Ukraine: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/719124NOW 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. Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're moving onto the region's most dominant country - Turkey. Sitting at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East, and the Caucasus, Turkey's military, economy, and political identity have all been shaped by this unique identity.Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihanFull Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/whats-up-with-the-middle-east-turkish-dominance

Day 1,197.Today, after another series of deadly strikes on civilians in Sumy, Russia continue to push ahead in the north of the region. Meanwhile, we continue to assess the damages from Operation Spider's Web and the Kerch Bridge explosion. We also dive into the UK's Strategic Defence Review and what it means for Ukraine, while the UK promises 100,000 drones to Ukraine by Spring 2026.Contributors:Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Journalist and Producer). @adeliepjz on X.Roland Oliphant (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @RolandOliphant on X.Joe Barnes (Brussels Correspondent). @Barnes_Joe on X.Hamish De Bretton-Gordon (Former British Army Tank Commander). @HamishDBG on XDominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.With thanks to Michael Weiss, Editor at The Insider.SIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST' WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/ 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.Content Referenced:Ukraine strikes Putin's prized spy planes, The Telegraphhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/06/03/ukraine-strikes-putin-prized-spy-plane/Trump official who shut down counter-Russia agency has links to Kremlin, The Telegraphhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2025/06/03/trump-official-shut-russia-propaganda-unit-kremlin-ties/We led the Strategic Defence Review. This is how Starmer can keep Britain safe, The Telegraphhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/06/01/strategic-defence-review-lord-robertson-fiona-hill-barrons/Ukraine Defaults on Sovereign Debt Payment, Wall Street Journalhttps://www.wsj.com/articles/ukraine-defaults-on-sovereign-debt-payment-03267386NOW 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. Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,196.Today, while fighting continues around the area of Pokrovsk, Ukraine claims yet another attack on crucial Russian infrastructure. This time, it is the Kerch Bridge, which connects Russia to Crimea that was hit with underwater explosives. Meanwhile, in Istanbul yesterday, the Russia and Ukrainian delegations continue to be at a deadlock, despite agreeing on an exchange of POWs.Contributors:Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Journalist and Producer). @adeliepjz on X.Roland Oliphant (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @RolandOliphant on X.Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Venetia Rainey (Co-host of 'Battle Lines'). @venetiarainey on X.David Blair (Chief Foreign Affairs Commentator). @davidblairdt on X.SIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST' WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/ 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.Content Referenced:Explosion rocks Kerch Bridge to Crimeahttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/06/03/russia-ukraine-zelensky-putin-war-latest-news5291/Putin hands surrender terms to Ukrainehttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/06/02/putin-offers-ukraine-truce-surrenders-regime-change/Rachel Reeves threatens Roman Abramovich over frozen £2.35bn Chelsea sale funds https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2025/06/02/rachel-reeves-threatens-roman-abramovich-chelsea-sale-money/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. Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,195.Today, after what some are calling the most successful special operation in modern history, we assess the strategic significance of Ukraine's strikes on Russia's bomber fleet. We also discuss the Polish presidential elections and the Strategic Defence Review, coming out later today in the UK.Contributors:Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Journalist and Producer). @adeliepjz on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Roland Oliphant (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @RolandOliphant on X.James Rothwell (Berlin Correspondent). @JamesERothwell on X.SIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST' WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/ 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.Content Referenced:Ukrainian drones destroyed Putin's bombers. A secret smuggling operation made it possiblehttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/06/01/ukraine-drones-russia-nuclear-bombers-olenya-belaya-bases/Right-winger Karol Nawrocki wins Polish presidential electionhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/06/01/liberal-mayor-narrowly-leads-poland-election-blow-trump/Britain's new nuclear-powered attack submarines to ‘face down' Russiahttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/06/01/britain-nuclear-powered-attack-submarines-face-down-russia/Starmer's defence strategy in disarrayhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2025/06/01/starmer-3pc-defence-spending-pledge-in-disarray/Massive security breach: Russian nuclear facilities exposed onlinehttps://danwatch.dk/en/serious-security-breach-russian-nuclear-facilities-exposed/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. Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ilya Lozovsky and the co-authors of his research article investigated nearly 50,000 internal emails obtained from a Russian foundation that pitches itself as offering legal aid to Russian "compatriots" abroad. In fact, "Pravfond" also helps numerous spies, criminals, and blatant propagandists, works hand-in-glove with intelligence services, and builds networks of Russian influence around the world. Today we will discuss this detailed look at the inner workings an influence machine that seeks to turn every Russian in the world into an agent of the Kremlin.----------Ilya Lozovsky is a Senior Editor and Writer at the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP). He is an Investigative Journalist with expertise in Democracy and Corruption. Based in Amsterdam, he writes about the intersection of corruption and democracy; covers Russia, Ukraine, Central Asia, and the Caucasus. Ilya was a key editor on OCCRP's award-winning ‘Plunder and Patronage' and ‘Matraimov Kingdom' projects about smuggling and money laundering in Central Asia. He was also integrally involved in the ‘Azerbaijani Laundromat,' ‘Troika Laundromat,' ‘Paradise Papers,' ‘Russian Asset Tracker,' and other high-profile investigative series. Ilya's work has appeared in Foreign Policy, the Washington Post, The Atlantic, Haaretz, and other outlets.----------Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilyalozovsky/ https://www.occrp.org/en/project/dear-compatriots/russian-foundation-aimed-at-helping-compatriots-abroad-supports-spies-criminals-and-propagandists https://www.occrp.org/en/investigation/make-a-molotov-cocktail-how-europeans-are-recruited-through-telegram-to-commit-sabotage-arson-and-murder ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyślhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/----------PLATFORMS:Twitter: https://twitter.com/CurtainSiliconInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/siliconcurtain/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4thRZj6NO7y93zG11JMtqmLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/finkjonathan/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------Welcome to the Silicon Curtain podcast. Please like and subscribe if you like the content we produce. It will really help to increase the popularity of our content in YouTube's algorithm. Our material is now being made available on popular podcasting platforms as well, such as Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Day 1,192.Today, while missiles and drones ran down on Ukraine, and especially on Kharkiv, Ukraine and its allies are still waiting for Russia's memo on their terms for a potential ceasefire and peace talks next week in Istanbul. We also discuss the increase of electronic warfare on the battlefield and share an exclusive interview with former deputy assistant to the US president and senior director for European and Russian affairs on the U.S. National Security Council, Fiona Hill. Contributors:Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Journalist and Producer). @adeliepjz on X.Hamish De Bretton-Gordon (Former British Army Tank Commander). @HamishDBG on XWith thanks to Fiona Hill (Former deputy assistant to the US president and senior director for European and Russian affairs on the U.S. National Security Council) and Cameron Henderson (US Reporter at the Telegraph). @CamHenderson98 on X.SIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST' WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/ 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.Content Referenced:Fiona Hill: Trump is terrified of Putin, I've seen it first hand, The Telegraph https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/politics/2025/05/25/fiona-hill-interview-trump-terrified-putin-seen-firsthand/Lessons of Ukraine: Properly equipped modern tanks will still rule the battlefield, The Telegraphhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/05/29/main-battle-tanks-ads-active-defence-ew-ukraine-drone-war/Moscow is now a target for Ukraine's Western missileshttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/05/28/moscow-target-ukraine-missiles-kremlin-putin-merz-taurus/Ukraine Drone Carriers Launch First Long-Range Autonomous Strikeshttps://www.forbes.com/sites/davidhambling/2025/05/26/ukraine-drone-carriers-launch-first-long-range-autonomous-strikes/China Cut Drone Sales to West But Supplies Them to Russia, Ukraine Sayshttps://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-05-29/china-cut-drone-sales-to-west-but-supplies-them-to-russia-ukraine-saysNOW 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.Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,191.Today, Ukraine targets Moscow with drone attacks for the second consecutive days and strikes several industrial plants linked to the war effort in Russia. Meanwhile, Russia proposes a new round of peace talks in Istanbul on June 2nd. We discuss the memorandums that both Ukraine and Russia are drafting ahead of the meeting and whether we'll see a change from Russia's maximalist stance from earlier this month. And we look ahead to the Polish presidential elections on Sunday. Finally, Francis Dearnley sits down with Mykola Bielieskov of the National Institute for Strategic Studies. Contributors:Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Journalist and Producer). @adeliepjz on X.James Rothwell (Berlin Correspondent). @JamesERothwell on X.James Kilner (Former Russia Correspondent). @jkjourno on X.Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.With thanks to Mykola Bielieskov (Research Fellow at the National Institute for Strategic Studies). @MBielieskov on X.SIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST' WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/ 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.Content Referenced:Exclusive: Putin's demands for peace include an end to NATO enlargement, sources say, Reutershttps://www.reuters.com/world/europe/putin-ukraine-peace-wants-pledge-halt-nato-enlargement-sources-say-2025-05-28/Germany and Ukraine reach deal for long-range weapons productionhttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/28/zelenskyy-merz-germany-ukraine-sumyOver half of Azov fighters returned to Ukraine, official says, Kyiv Independenthttps://kyivindependent.com/over-half-of-azov-fighters-returned-to-ukraine-official-says/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.Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,190.Today, as Ukraine reels from yet another record drone bombardment, we look at warnings that Russia is massing 50,000 troops near Sumy ahead of a new offensive. Plus we bring you some of the top lines from Chancellor Friederich Merz's press conference with Vlodomyr Zelensky, where he announced that Germany would help Ukraine build long-range missiles. We'll also be hearing Dom's interview with Estonia's defence minister about Moscow's shadow fleet and how to protect critical infrastructure from Russia. And Roland Oliphant reports from Armenia on the dilemma facing small former Soviet Union states in the midst of what some politicians there are describing as a geopolitical earthquake. Contributors:Venetia Rainey (Co-host Battle Lines podcast). @@venetiarainey on X.Joe Barnes (Brussels Correspondent). @@Barnes_Joe on X.Roland Oliphant (Chief Foreign Analyst). @RolandOliphant on X.Dom Nicholls (Associate Editor for Defence). @DomNicholls on X.With thanks to Hanno Pevkur (Minister of Defence of Estonia).SIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST' WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/ 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.Content Referenced:Ukraine launches massive drone attack on Russiahttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/05/28/ukraine-launches-massive-drone-attack-on-russia/Ukraine War latest newshttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/05/28/russia-ukraine-zelensky-putin-war-latest-news529/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.Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Oldest Stories, we return to the Armenian Highlands in 786 BCE to witness the death of King Menua of Urartu (Biainilli) and the rise of his son Argishti I—a transition that begins the golden age of the Urartian kingdom. Explore the geopolitics, warfare, urbanization, and social engineering of one of the most impressive and least understood Iron Age empires.We trace Argishti I's ruthless expansion across Anatolia and the Caucasus, highlighting his staggering military campaigns—including the mass deportation of over 50,000 captives from the Diauehi—and the founding of major cities like Argishtikhinili and Erebuni (modern Yerevan). His reign marks a peak of Urartian power, economic integration, and cultural homogenization, supported by a complex bureaucracy and a militarized frontier strategy aimed at rival Assyria.The episode also dives into Argishti's successor, Sarduri II, and the approaching storm of Tiglath-Pileser III's Assyrian military revolution. We examine the collapse of Urartu's frontier buffer, the mysterious succession crisis involving multiple kings named Rusa, and the kingdom's eventual unraveling under Cimmerian pressure and internal fragmentation. From glorious conquest to slow collapse, we recount the full arc of Urartian dominance, with attention to archaeological gaps, historiographic debates, and ancient sources.Whether you're interested in Iron Age imperialism, ancient warfare, Near Eastern archaeology, or the origins of Armenian civilization, this episode offers deep insight into one of history's great highland kingdoms.#Urartu #Argishti #AncientArmenia #IronAge #OldestStoriesPodcast #Assyria #TiglathPileser #AncientHistory #Biainilli #Diauehi #Etiuni #Cimmerians #HistoryPodcast #NearEast #Yerevan #Archaeology #AncientWarfare #Khaldi #NeoHittites #Mesopotamia #KingsAndConquests #AncientEmpiresI am also doing daily history facts again, at least until I run out of time again. You can find Oldest Stories on Reels, Tiktok, and Youtube.If you like the show, consider sharing with your friends, leaving a like, subscribing, or even supporting financially:Buy the Oldest Stories books: https://a.co/d/7Wn4jhSDonate here: https://oldeststories.net/or on patreon: https://patreon.com/JamesBleckleyor on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCG2tPxnHNNvMd0VrInekaA/joinYoutube and Patreon members get access to bonus content about Egyptian culture and myths.

Day 1,189.Today, after Kyiv suffers some of the most intense bombardments of the war, we look at why more drones and ballistic missiles are piercing Ukrainian defences, and assess the significance of Donald Trump saying that Vladimir Putin has gone “absolutely crazy.” Plus we hear another interview from Dom's trip to Estonia, and reflect on how the podcast began with Ukraine's: The Latest's original producer.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dom Nicholls (Associate Editor for Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Giles Gear (Audio Executive Editor). @GilesGear on LinkedIn.With thanks to Dr Jack Watling (Senior Research Fellow at Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies). @Jack_Watling on X.SIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST' WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/ 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.Content Referenced:Russia Is Raining Hellfire On Ukraine (The Economist):https://www.economist.com/europe/2025/05/25/russia-is-raining-hellfire-on-ukraineSlammed by Russian missiles, Ukraine seeks more U.S. air defense systems (Washington Post):https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/05/26/ukraine-patriot-missiles-air-defense-raytheon/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.Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Umayyad Caliphate, we continue our exploration of Caliph Hisham ibn Abdul Malik's reign as the Umayyad Caliphate faces mounting crises across its vast empire. The year is 110 AH (728 CE), and the empire's edges are on fire. In the Caucasus, Maslamah ibn Abdul Malik leads a grueling campaign against the Khazar Khaganate through the treacherous Darial Pass. Despite claiming victory, his retreat is chaotic, marked by ambushes, torrential rain, and widespread exhaustion. Meanwhile, cracks appear in the empire's eastern front. In Khurasan, a well-intentioned tax policy by Governor Ashras unleashes a wave of conversions among non-Arab Muslims—but when the policy is reversed, these new converts revolt. Their rebellion draws in the powerful Turgesh Khaganate, sparking a devastating loss for the Umayyads at the Battle of Baykand and the bloody Siege of Karmajah. We also examine the collapse of Muslim authority in India, the chaotic military campaigns in Anatolia led by Hisham's sons, and the shocking fall of Ardabil to the Khazars—a disaster that results in the death of a Muslim governor and the capture of tens of thousands of civilians. As we move through these events, we see a common theme: a once-dominant caliphate now overstretched, undermanned, and increasingly reactive. The Muslim armies are no longer conquering; they're fighting to survive. Strategic missteps, overreliance on loyalist Syrian troops, and a refusal to adapt military policy are setting the stage for further instability. This episode paints a grim but necessary portrait of an empire entering a period of sustained decline. From Armenia to Transoxiana, we witness the human cost of imperial overreach—and the resilience of those left to defend a collapsing frontier.

Today is a public holiday here in the UK, and so we're releasing a special episode on one of the great taboo subjects in the history of warfare: that of role of gender and sexual violence. Firstly, Adelie speaks with Sofi Oksanen, who just published the viral essay 'Same River, Twice, Putin's War on Women'. She discusses how historic attitudes to gender in Russia impacted post-Soviet history. The second interview is with Tatyana Tymoshenta, a therapist who works with survivors of rape in Ukraine. Listener discretion is especially advised for this episode.Contributors:Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Reporter and Producer). @adeliepjz on X.With thanks to Sofi Oksanen, @SofiOksanen on X. SIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST' WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/ 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.Content Referenced:Conference: Thought and Truth under Pressurehttps://www.svenskaakademien.se/en/events/thought-and-truth-under-pressureSame River, Twice: Putin's War on Womenhttps://harpercollins.co.uk/products/same-river-twice-putins-war-on-women-sofi-oksanen?variant=53507032514939An online psychotherapy support platform for survivors of conflict-related violence Aurora operates in Ukraine, UNFPAhttps://ukraine.unfpa.org/en/aurora_engNOW 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.Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,182.Today, as Vladimir Putin makes his first visit to Kursk after the Kremlin erroneously claimed all Ukrainian soldiers had been completely pushed out of the territory, we look at the latest deep strikes on Russian infrastructure, hear from an ambulance convoy in Ukraine, and speak to a central advisor of the European Union on Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dom Nicholls (Associate Editor for Defence). @DomNicholls on X.With thanks to Brock Bierman (Founder of the non-profit Ukraine Focus).And Bob Dean (Head of the Security Unit of the Netherlands Institute of International Relations)SIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST' WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/ 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.Content Referenced:Learn more about ‘Ukraine Focus', delivering ambulances to Ukraine:https://ukrainefocus.org/ https://ukrainefocus.org/programs/zelensky-truck/ Ukraine has shown you can now buy an intelligence agency off the shelf (Ben Wallace in The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/05/20/intelligence-agencies-no-longer-just-for-governments/Trump's New Position on the War in Ukraine: Not My Problem (New York Times):https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/20/us/politics/trump-ukraine-russia.html Russian Troops Are War-Weary, but Want to Conquer More of Ukraine (New York Times):https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/17/world/europe/russian-troops-peace-putin.html Losing friends, fast (POLITICO):https://www.politico.eu/newsletter/brussels-playbook/losing-friends-fast/ 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.Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,182.Today, we continue dissecting the phone call between Putin and Trump and what it means for the prospect of negotiations. We discuss the latest Russian ‘Frankenstein' missile and tactics on the ground, plus a dive into a report investigating Russian strikes on hotels near the frontline in an effort to target journalists. Finally we hear a dispatch from Sweden and interview with a Swedish chief of defence staff on the Russian threat on the Finnish border. Contributors:Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Reporter and Producer). @adeliepjz on X.Dom Nicholls (Associate Editor for Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Iona Cleave (Foreign Reporter). @cleaveiona on X.Venetia Rainey (Co-host of the podcast 'Battle Lines'). @venetiarainey on X.With thanks to Kenza Rharmaoui (Senior Researcher at Truth Hounds). @truth_hounds on X.SIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST' WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/ 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.Content Referenced:Russia's new ‘Frankenstein' missile terrorising Ukraine, The Telegraphhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/05/13/russias-new-frankenstein-missile-terrorising-ukraine/Russia's motorbike squads may be suicidal but they are hurting Ukraine, The Telegraphhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/05/19/ukraine-war-are-russias-motorcycle-assaults-really-working/Last Check-In: The Russian Strikes on Ukrainian Hotels Silencing the Press, Truth Houndshttps://truth-hounds.org/en/cases/last-check-in/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.Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,181.Today, just minutes after Presidents Putin and Trump spoke over the phone following the failed peace talks in Turkey last week, we react to the strategy being adopted by both sides: is Putin playing Trump like a fiddle? Then, later, we hear about the worst aerial bombardment Ukraine has experienced of the entire war, which took place not three years ago, but on Sunday.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dom Nicholls (Associate Editor for Defence). @DomNicholls on X.With thanks to Gabriellus Landberghis (Lithuania's former Minister of Foreign Affairs). @GLandsbergis on X. SIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST' WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/ 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.Content Referenced:Putin: Russia is strong enough to end what we started in Ukraine (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/05/18/putin-russia-strong-enough-to-end-what-we-started-ukraine/Pope Leo meets JD Vance after calling for peace in Ukraine (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/05/18/pope/ Germany drops opposition to nuclear power in rapprochement with France (Financial Times):https://www.ft.com/content/e99efa2b-338a-4065-89c6-0683d5759ed7 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.Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,178.Today, as Ukraine and Russia hold their first direct negotiations in over three years today in Istanbul, we bring you live coverage from two major political and defence conferences in Europe, featuring key NATO and EU figures. How united is Europe in its stance on security and support for Ukraine? Plus, we speak with a former senior U.S. official to assess whether Donald Trump's influence in American politics is beginning to fade, and hear about the new commander of Moscow's ground forces: a man nicknamed ‘General Blood'.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dom Nicholls (Associate Editor for Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Joe Barnes (Brussels Correspondent). @Barnes_Joe on X.With thanks to Professor Eliot Cohen (writer at the Atlantic, former counselor to the head of the US State Department). @EliotACohen on X.SIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST' WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/ 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.Content Referenced:Ukrainian and Russian delegations begin negotiations (The Telegraph Live Blog):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/05/16/russia-ukraine-peace-talks-zelensky-putin-war-latest-news/ Eliot A. Cohen's Articles for The Atlantic:https://www.theatlantic.com/author/eliot-a-cohen/ 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.Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,177.Today, as Vladimir Putin rejects mounting Western pressure to attend peace talks in Turkey with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, attention turns to the controversial delegation he's sending in his place. Who are these representatives, and why are international diplomats describing their presence as an ‘insult' to the peace process? Plus, we report on a new monument to Joseph Stalin unveiled in Moscow, and investigate how Russia's military build-up is accelerating, not slowing, despite the war's toll.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dom Nicholls (Associate Editor for Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Joe Barnes (Brussels Correspondent). @Barnes_Joe on X.James Kilner (Foreign Correspondent). @jkjourno on X.SIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST' WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/ 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.Content Referenced:‘A potentially historic day descends into chaos' (The Telegraph Live Blog):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/05/15/russia-ukraine-peace-talks-turkey-putin-zelensky-trump/ A glimpse inside Putin's secret arms empire (The Economist)https://www.economist.com/interactive/briefing/2025/05/08/a-glimpse-inside-putins-secret-arms-empireZelensky to travel to Turkey for peace talks regardless of Putin's plans (Financial Times):https://www.ft.com/content/a43c7876-7d7b-4d1c-96fd-98b60a1c6223 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.Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,175.Today, we look ahead to what might happen on Thursday in Istanbul. We discuss whether Putin will show up at all. We also dive into the potential 17th round of sanctions if Russia doesn't agree to a ceasefire, and whether Europe can deliver on its promises. Finally, Francis has a robust conversation with the Hungarian Secretary of State for International Communication and Relations, Zoltán Kovács, at the Hungarian embassy in London. Contributors:Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Reporter and Producer). @adeliepjz on X.Dom Nicholls (Associate Editor for Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Joe Barnes (Brussels Correspondent). @Barnes_Joe on X.Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.With thanks to Zoltan Kovacs, Hungarian Secretary of State for International Communication and Relations.SIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST' WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/ 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.Content Referenced:Joe Barnes, on the Telegraph:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/j/jk-jo/joe-barnes/Trump toys with late entrance to Ukraine-Russia peace talks, Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/05/12/russia-ukraine-zelensky-putin-war-latest-news/UK to Unveil New Russia Sanctions as European Ministers Meet, Bloomberghttps://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-05-11/uk-to-unveil-new-russia-sanctions-as-european-ministers-meetWhy the EU is racing to expand its Russia sanctions in a push for peace, Financial Timeshttps://www.ft.com/content/2a781235-ad89-4aaf-a55f-c4863ba060c1EU readies capital controls and tariffs to safeguard Russia sanctions, Financial Timeshttps://www.ft.com/content/7f7687da-b31a-4c64-a446-221c4a756a05NOW 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.Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,174.Today, we unpack a momentous weekend of diplomacy which began with the European leaders of Britain, Germany, France, and Poland assembling in Kyiv to demand an unconditional ceasefire, escalated with a late-night address from Vladimir Putin and fresh drone attacks, then culminated in a shock intervention from Donald Trump. Afterwards, we offer a detailed analysis on the strategic picture on the front lines.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Francis Farrell (Reporter, The Kyiv Independent). @francisjfarrell on X.SIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST' WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/ 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.Content Referenced:Francis Farrell's reporting for the Kyiv Independent: https://kyivindependent.com/author/francis-farrell/ Putin defies ceasefire demand with major drone barrage (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/05/12/russia-ukraine-zelensky-putin-war-latest-news/ Trump's top negotiator accused of breaking protocol in talks with Putin (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/05/11/witkoff-used-kremlin-interpreter-breach-of-protocol/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.Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Synopsis: This episode covers the early civilizations of Egypt and the Caucasus region, including the Kura-Araxes and Maikop. “In succession to the Spirits of the Dead and the Demigods, the Egyptians reckon the First Dynasty to consist of eight kings. Among these was Menes (Narmer), whose rule in Egypt was illustrious. I shall record the rulers of each race from the time of Menes. Their succession is as follows…” – Manetho's Aegyptiaca, as quoted by Syncellus. Map of SW Eurasia: https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/A2_Map.png Map of Egypt: https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/A2_Egypt.png Images: https://www.flickr.com/photos/75506172@N07/albums/72177720325959543/ References and Further Reading: https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/A2_References.pdf Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on this podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Day 1,171.Today, as Vladimir Putin hosts world leaders in Moscow for his Victory Day Parade, we break down what was really on display: both in military hardware and political messaging. How much of the spectacle honored World War II, and how much signaled the rise of a militarised Russia? Then, we speak with a former Ukrainian MP and leader of the Sky Shield initiative about proposals for Kyiv's allies to shoot down enemy missiles, and report on the latest resistance efforts in occupied territories.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Oksana Pyzik (Associate Professor Pharm Prac & Policy at UCL). @OksanaPyzikUCL on X.With thanks to Lesia Orobets (former Member of Parliament of Ukraine). @LesyaOrobets on X and Illia Riepin.Content Referenced:SIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST' WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/ 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.In full: Russia Victory Day parade 2025 w. commentary from Dom/Oksana (The Telegraph):https://www.youtube.com/live/YMfnk-j42Rs Soviets determined WW2, Putin tells Victory Day parade in Trump rebuff (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/05/09/russia-ukraine-zelensky-putin-war-latest-news529/ Russia building major new explosives facility as Ukraine war drags on (Reuters):https://www.reuters.com/investigations/russia-building-major-new-explosives-facility-ukraine-war-drags-2025-05-08/ Learn more about the Sky Shield plan: https://drive.google.com/file/d/16e4_huHkGl_MU2Qk2CH6skxnKn6kYzH3/viewLearn more about Ukrainian Action:https://www.ukrainianaction.com/ 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,170.Today, as the end of the Second World War in Europe is marked in most European countries, we report how Vladimir Putin's three-day ‘goodwill ceasefire' designed to protect his own commemoration tomorrow appears to have been broken already, we examine three very strong and uncharacteristically critical comments by the United States administration about Russia, and we ask whether Friedrich Merz has hit the ground running, or fallen at the first hurdle.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.James Rothwell (Berlin Correspondent). @JamesERothwell on X.Hamish De Bretton-Gordon (Chemical Weapons Expert and Former Tank Commander). @HamishDBG on X.Content Referenced:'Putin's top 3 lies: from Ukraine to the Second World War' (Video by Francis):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mdvqJy-zVkPutin welcomes Xi Jinping at Kremlin (The Telegraph Live Blog):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/05/08/russia-ukraine-zelensky-putin-xi-jinping-moscow/ JD Vance: Russia is asking for too much from Ukraine (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/politics/2025/05/07/jd-vance-russia-asking-too-much-from-ukraine/ Former British Army soldier “Swampy” killed in Ukraine (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/05/07/former-british-soldier-killed-in-ukraine/ Putin's Victory Day display is a charade, not a parade (Hamish's article):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/05/08/putins-victory-day-display-is-a-charade-not-a-parade/ Russia has damaged, destroyed over 2,300 medical infrastructure facilities since beginning of full-scale invasion, health ministry says (Kyiv Independent):https://kyivindependent.com/russia-has-damaged-destroyed-over-2-300-medical-infrastructure-facilities-since-beginning-of-full-scale-invasion-health-ministry-says/SIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST' WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/ 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.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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,169.Today, as – for the third day running – Ukrainian drones sow chaos in the skies above Moscow, we analyse the final preparations for Putin's Victory Day parade, and discuss President Biden's first interview since leaving office, hours after Friedrich Merz finally became Chancellor of Germany at a pivotal moment in modern European history.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on XJames Kilner (Editor of The Central Asia & South Caucasus Bulletin and The Russia Morning Memo). @jkjourno on XContent Referenced:James Kilner's Bulletins -The Russian Memo: https://www.thememo.news/The Central Asia and South Caucasus Bulletin: https://www.thememo.news/ Battle Lines episode on India-Pakistan fears:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/04/28/battle-lines-global-rearmament-india-pakistan-kashmir/ Interview with Biden Advisor Mike Carpenter:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2DeReNhsKg Biden: Trump is appeasing Putin, that's not who we are (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/05/07/biden-trump-is-appeasing-putin-that-is-not-who-we-are/ Merz becomes chancellor of ‘unstable' Germany after first vote humiliation (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/05/06/merz-unexpectedly-fails-not-elected-as-german-chancellor/ Europe vows to halt all Russian gas imports (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/05/07/europe-vows-to-halt-all-russian-gas-imports/ What If America Abandons Ukraine? (Foreign Affairs):https://www.foreignaffairs.com/ukraine/what-if-america-abandons-ukraineSIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST' WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/ 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.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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.