Podcasts about kyiv independent

Silicon Bites Ep358 | 2026-06-24 | They stole it. They sunbathed on it. They shipped their children to it. Now the petrol's gone — and that, finally, is the thing that is forcing Russians to flee Crimea. Today: ISLAND CRIMEA. Sunday morning, the twenty-first of June. Nine o'clock local time. And across the entire occupied Crimean Peninsula, the petrol pumps stop. Not rationed. Not coupon-only. Stopped. Sergey Aksyonov, the Kremlin's man in Simferopol, posts the order to Telegram: from this hour, fuel goes only to the state. Petrol will be sold solely to the government agencies that keep the peninsula running and secure — and to nobody else. Not to you. Not to your car. Not to the tourist stranded sixty kilometres from a working tank.This is the prize Vladimir Putin seized in 2014 and called forever Russian. The sunlit trophy. The symbol of resurgent empire. And on a summer Sunday it cannot fill a single civilian fuel tank. Tonight: how Ukraine turned a trophy into an island, an asset into a liability — and why people who holidayed on stolen land will be stopped not by conscience, but by queue.----------ACTIVE CAMPAIGN:We are raising funds for 5 of 15 Vampire DronesSilicon Curtain for Kupiansk Vampires. Dzyga's Paw, together with Jonathan Fink, is joining forces to raise $40,000 to provide the Khartiia Brigade with Vampire Drones.https://dzygaspaw.com/silicon-curtain-for-kupiansk-vampiresThese heavy bombers are designed to destroy manpower and equipment, as well as for remote mining. The Vampire UAV, manufactured by Skyfall, has proven itself to be one of the most effective weapons in the Kupiansk direction. Skyfall is one of Ukraine's largest defense tech companies, producing Vampire bomber drones, various modifications of Shrike FPV drones, P1-SUN, Shahed drone interceptors, communication systems, and components.----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformation----------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.org----------SOURCES:AFP / The Moscow Times — Ukrainian Strikes on Russian-Annexed Crimea Kill 4, Pause Fuel Sales (21 Jun 2026)Associated Press / NPR — Ukrainian attacks prompt Russian-held Crimea to halt civilian gasoline sales (21 Jun 2026)Associated Press / CBC News — Russian-held Crimea halts civilian gasoline sales following Ukrainian attacks (21 Jun 2026)Bloomberg — Russia-Occupied Crimea Halts Fuel Sales After Ukrainian Attacks (21 Jun 2026)Euronews — Russian-occupied Crimea suspends petrol sales amid fuel crisis (21 Jun 2026)Reuters / U.S. News — Crimea Suspends Children's Summer Camps as Ukraine Strikes Squeeze Fuel Supplies (22 Jun 2026)Kyiv Independent — Children's camps in Crimea suspend arrivals as security concerns rose after Ukrainian drone strikes (22 Jun 2026)Kyiv Independent — Ukraine destroys key logistics bridge in Crimea, hits over 60 Russian military targets overnight (23 Jun 2026)Kyiv Independent — 'Hell is beginning' — Ukraine could isolate occupied Crimea as drone strikes disrupt logistics, Fedorov says (17 Jun 2026)Ukrainska Pravda (English) — Crimea will become isolated due to Ukrainian drone strikes, Ukraine's defence minister says (17 Jun 2026)----------

Silicon Bites SW26-217 | 2026-06-24 | Zelensky stops asking Lukashenko to stay out of the war — and starts counting down to the moment Ukraine removes the equipment Russia has placed on their territory to harm Ukraine, for him. He has been warned, but this warning also demonstrates a more muscular and confident approach from Ukraine. They are they only one globally who have shown the will and capacity to constrain and contain Russia and deliver consequences for its aggression.There is a clock counting down in Minsk now. It started on Friday. For four years and four months, the West has treated Alexander Lukashenko as a bystander to this war. A nervous neighbour. A man who lent Putin his territory once, in February 2022, watched the missiles fly out of his own country into Ukrainian apartment blocks, and then phoned Kyiv to apologise and explain it wasn't really his fault. The bystander narrative has been very convenient — for Lukashenko, for Moscow, and for every Western capital that would rather not think about NATO's longest land border with a hostile state, a willing puppet of the Kremlin's ambitions. ----------ACTIVE CAMPAIGN:We are raising funds for 5 of 15 Vampire DronesSilicon Curtain for Kupiansk Vampires. Dzyga's Paw, together with Jonathan Fink, is joining forces to raise $40,000 to provide the Khartiia Brigade with Vampire Drones.https://dzygaspaw.com/silicon-curtain-for-kupiansk-vampiresThese heavy bombers are designed to destroy manpower and equipment, as well as for remote mining. The Vampire UAV, manufactured by Skyfall, has proven itself to be one of the most effective weapons in the Kupiansk direction. Skyfall is one of Ukraine's largest defense tech companies, producing Vampire bomber drones, various modifications of Shrike FPV drones, P1-SUN, Shahed drone interceptors, communication systems, and components.----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformation----------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.org----------SOURCES:Kyiv Independent — "'A week will be enough' — Zelensky issues ultimatum to Lukashenko over drone-guidance equipment" (19 June 2026)UNITED24 Media — "'If He Does Not Do This, We Will': Zelenskyy Issues 7-Day Ultimatum to Lukashenko Over Border Military Tech" (19 June 2026)EUalive (via European Pravda) — "Zelenskyy issues ultimatum to Lukashenko: dismantle Russian drone retranslators or Ukraine will act" (20 June 2026)Yahoo News / Euronews wire — "Zelenskyy issues one-week ultimatum to Lukashenka over drone-guidance equipment" (20 June 2026): Censor.NET — "Zelenskyy issued an ultimatum to Lukashenko regarding relay stations" (19 June 2026)Charter97 — "Zelenskyy Issued An Ultimatum To Lukashenko" (19 June 2026)Kyiv Independent — "Ukraine denies Russian claim that Ukrainian drone struck bus carrying Belarusian children's football team" (17–18 June 2026)Ukrainska Pravda — "Kyiv posts Russian document refuting claim that Ukrainian drone hit bus carrying Belarusian children" (18 June 2026)Euronews — "Bus with Belarus children's football team hit by a drone in Russia, Moscow claims" (17 June 2026)RFE/RL — "Ukraine Denies Russian Claims Of Strike On Bus Carrying Belarusian Children" (17 June 2026)Kyiv Post — "Ukraine Has 500 Targets Ready in Belarus if Lukashenko Joins War" (26 May 2026)----------

Silicon Bites Ep357 | 2026-06-22 | When the island runs dry: how Ukraine turned Putin's crown jewel into his most exposed nerve — an Achilles heel rather than a strategic asset – and why the pumps going dry on Russia Day's weekend is the moment the myth of Putin's invincibility died. At nine o'clock this morning, in occupied Crimea, the petrol stopped. Not only rationed. Not accepting coupon-only. Not capped at twenty litres. Stopped entirely. The panic has truly set in. The Kremlin's man on the peninsula, Sergey Aksyonov, posted to Telegram that from 09:00 on Sunday 21 June, fuel would be sold to nobody — not for cash, not by card, not on a voucher, not to a private citizen, not to a business. Only the state gets to refuel now. This of course puts the military requirements above the population. Absolutely standard for Russia. ----------ACTIVE CAMPAIGN:We are raising funds for 5 of 15 Vampire DronesSilicon Curtain for Kupiansk Vampires. Dzyga's Paw, together with Jonathan Fink, is joining forces to raise $40,000 to provide the Khartiia Brigade with Vampire Drones.https://dzygaspaw.com/silicon-curtain-for-kupiansk-vampiresThese heavy bombers are designed to destroy manpower and equipment, as well as for remote mining. The Vampire UAV, manufactured by Skyfall, has proven itself to be one of the most effective weapons in the Kupiansk direction. Skyfall is one of Ukraine's largest defense tech companies, producing Vampire bomber drones, various modifications of Shrike FPV drones, P1-SUN, Shahed drone interceptors, communication systems, and components.----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformation----------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.org----------SOURCES:Euronews — Russian-occupied Crimea suspends petrol sales amid fuel crisis (21 June 2026)The Moscow Times — Ukrainian Strikes on Russian-Annexed Crimea Kill 4, Pause Fuel Sales (21 June 2026)Bloomberg — Russia-Occupied Crimea Halts Fuel Sales After Ukrainian Attacks (21 June 2026)WRAL / AP — Ukrainian attacks prompt Russian-held Crimea to halt civilian gasoline sales (21 June 2026)The New Voice of Ukraine — Fuel sales halted in occupied Crimea as fire burns at Kerch fuel terminal (21 June 2026)The New Voice of Ukraine — Explosions reported across occupied Crimea amid large drone attack (21 June 2026)Ukrainska Pravda — Explosions reported in occupied Crimea, fires break out in Kerch (21 June 2026)LIGA.net — Video of the attacks on the Port of Kerch on June 21, 2026 (21 June 2026)Kyiv Independent — Oil terminal, port infrastructure reportedly set ablaze on both sides of Kerch Strait (21 June 2026)Kyiv Independent — Ukrainian drones strike Russian oil, gas sites in Crimea and Siberia (20 June 2026)Kyiv Independent — 'Hell is beginning' — Ukraine could isolate occupied Crimea, Fedorov says (17 June 2026)Ukrainska Pravda — Crimea will become isolated due to Ukrainian drone strikes, Ukraine's defence minister says (17 June 2026)----------

Silicon Bites Ep356 | 2026-06-20 | On 12 June 2026, Vyacheslav Markhayev — Communist Party of the Russian Federation, sitting State Duma deputy, former Buryat OMON riot-police commander, former colonel of the Russian Interior Ministry — published a Telegram statement that, by the standards of the Russian state in 2026, should have produced an immediate Article 280.3 dissemination-of-false-information prosecution. Cross-confirmed across Meduza (12 June 2026), The Moscow Times (12 June 2026), Kyiv Post (12 June 2026), Novaya Gazeta Europe (12 June 2026), the statement read in part — and we paraphrase to preserve the substance:----------ACTIVE CAMPAIGN:We are raising funds for 5 of 15 Vampire DronesSilicon Curtain for Kupiansk Vampires. Dzyga's Paw, together with Jonathan Fink, is joining forces to raise $40,000 to provide the Khartiia Brigade with Vampire Drones.https://dzygaspaw.com/silicon-curtain-for-kupiansk-vampiresThese heavy bombers are designed to destroy manpower and equipment, as well as for remote mining. The Vampire UAV, manufactured by Skyfall, has proven itself to be one of the most effective weapons in the Kupiansk direction. Skyfall is one of Ukraine's largest defense tech companies, producing Vampire bomber drones, various modifications of Shrike FPV drones, P1-SUN, Shahed drone interceptors, communication systems, and components.----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformation----------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.org----------SOURCES:Michael Naki — long-form video analysis of 18 June 2026Meduza English — "Communist Party lawmaker warns Russia is 'on the brink of a social explosion' and demands a 'clear plan' to end the war" (12 June 2026) The Moscow Times — Markhayev statement coverage (12 June 2026).Kyiv Post — "Russian Lawmaker Warns of 'Social Explosion' Amid War Losses, Demands 'Public Plan' to End War" (12 June 2026).Eurasia Review — "Russia 'On Brink Of Social Explosion' Because Of Kremlin Policies Over The Last 25 Years – OpEd" (14 June 2026) Novaya Gazeta Europe — Markhayev statement and Russian-language criticism coverage (12 June 2026).The Moscow Times via Charter97 and Dagens.com — VTsIOM stopped publishing the open Putin trust rating after it fell to 29.5% in early April 2026; methodology change to door-to-door canvassing in mid-May 2026; closed-rating still at ~73% (8 June 2026).Mezha (Bukvy) — "VTsIOM halted open Putin approval rating after it fell below 30%" — methodology comparison between open recall and direct trust polling.Kyiv Independent — "Russian pollster stops publishing Putin's 'open trust' figures as ratings slide" (8 June 2026).Kyiv Independent — "Leaked Kremlin reports predict rising dissatisfaction with Putin, Zelensky claims" (14 June 2026)Kyiv Post — "Leaked Forecasts: Putin Faces Soaring Disapproval Ahead of Fall Elections" (14 June 2026)Janis Kluge via Yahoo / Daily Mail — Q1 2026 military spending analysis: 5.9 trillion rubles = 46% of federal budget = 30% YoY increase; military = two-thirds of revenues; oil/gas revenues -45% YoY; classified-spending category +40% to 40% of all expenditure; 12% of GDP per quarter on war.----------

Day 1,574.Today, as President Zelensky declares that “if Ukraine burns, so will Moscow”, we report on a wave of strikes inside Russia that have produced some of the most dramatic images of the war so far, with more than 1,000 drones sowing destruction across multiple regions. Then, after a prominent MAGA influencer admits she fell for Russian propaganda, we ask whether Putin's continued attacks on religious and cultural sites in Ukraine may finally be seen for what they are by the Christian Right in the United States. And after the Russian president appears to answer criticism that he is isolated and afraid of meeting ordinary people, we take a closer look at footage of an apparently spontaneous walkabout that raised eyebrows when a security guard was overheard referring to “background actors”. Throughout the episode, we'll be joined by our friendly RAND analyst to help make sense of the latest military and technological developments shaping Russia's war against Ukraine.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.With thanks to RAND engineer Michael Bohnert.Producer: Rachel PorterSenior Producer: Lilian FawcettVideo Producer: Sophie O'SullivanSocial Producer: Tom SteedStudio Director: Meghan SearleExecutive Editor: Francis DearnleyCreated by David KnowlesNOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest CONTENT REFERENCED:Moscow burns after Ukraine attacks Russia with 1,000 drones (The Telegraph)https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/06/18/ukraine-hits-moscow-oil-refinerylargest-attack-two-years/ Putin's adoring crowd accidentally outed as ‘extras' by bodyguard (The Telegraph)https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/06/18/putins-adoring-crowd-accidentally-outed-as-extras-bodyguard/ Almost 70% of Ukrainians expect Zelensky to be replaced after war, poll shows (Kyiv Independent)https://kyivindependent.com/almost-70-of-ukrainians-expect-zelensky-to-be-replaced-after-the-war-poll-shows/?mc_cid=d2d0ed0168&mc_eid=08d0680a95 Belarus' Lukashenko says both sides must compromise to end Russia-Ukraine war (Reuters):https://www.reuters.com/world/belarus-lukashenko-says-both-sides-must-compromise-end-russia-ukraine-war-2026-06-16/ EMAIL US:Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible.HIGHLIGHTS:Ukraine blitzes Moscow with 1,000 dronesConsidered the ‘biggest attack of war' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ukraine Fellow Anastasia Lapatina sits down with Chris Powers, the Brussels correspondent at the Kyiv Independent, to discuss the recent progress in Ukraine's bid to join the European Union and the many political dramas that surround that process both in Kyiv and in Europe.To receive ad-free podcasts, become a Lawfare Material Supporter at www.patreon.com/lawfare. You can also support Lawfare by making a one-time donation at https://givebutter.com/lawfare-institute.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lawfare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reporter Francis Farrell of the Kyiv Independent recently took a harrowing journey alongside a group of Ukrainian soldiers into what they describe as the kill zone.They travelled by foot down a long road swarmed by drones, littered with shell casings and bombed out vehicles. He captured the trip in a documentary that paints a stark and dystopian picture of a war that is at once both futuristic and primitive.He joins us to talk about that trip, and about the broader conflict as Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meets with other leaders at the G7, hoping to revive stalled peace talks.You can watch Francis's documentary here.For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts

2026-06-14 | UPDATES #214 | The Institute for the Study of War has formalised the analytical framework that explains why the campaign is achieving its current operational tempo. ISW's June 2026 analysis, as cited by the AP wire reporting: the long-range strike campaign is therefore reducing Russia's production capacity, while the midrange strike campaign is hurting Russia's ability to transport the gasoline Russia is still able to produce.This is what that doctrine means operationally. Long-range strikes — like the 1,500-kilometre reach to Salavat in Bashkortostan, the 1,700-km reach demonstrated against southern Russian targets, the Kotovo and Saratov-region pumping nodes — destroy production capacity. The refinery cannot be quickly rebuilt. The AVT units take months to replace. The destroyed production is gone from the market for the duration of the rebuild.----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformation----------ACTIVE CAMPAIGN:We are raising funds for 5 of 15 Vampire DronesSilicon Curtain for Kupiansk Vampires. Dzyga's Paw, together with Jonathan Fink, is joining forces to raise $40,000 to provide the Khartiia Brigade with Vampire Drones.https://dzygaspaw.com/silicon-curtain-for-kupiansk-vampiresThese heavy bombers are designed to destroy manpower and equipment, as well as for remote mining. The Vampire UAV, manufactured by Skyfall, has proven itself to be one of the most effective weapons in the Kupiansk direction. Skyfall is one of Ukraine's largest defense tech companies, producing Vampire bomber drones, various modifications of Shrike FPV drones, P1-SUN, Shahed drone interceptors, communication systems, and components.----------PLEASE HELP ME ME TO GROW SILICON CURTAINWe are planning our events for 2026, and to do more and have a greater impact. After achieving more than 12 events in 2025, we will aim to double that! 24 events and interviews on the ground in Ukraine, to push back against weaponized information, toxic propaganda and corrosive disinformation. Please help us make it happen!----------SOURCES:Associated Press via US News & World Report — "Ukraine Hits Fuel Supplies to Crimea, Sparking a Fuel Crisis on the Russian-Held Peninsula" (11 June 2026) Washington Times via AP — "Ukraine strikes fuel supplies to Crimea, sparking a fuel crisis on the Russian-held peninsula" (12 June 2026) The Moscow Times — "Annexed Crimea's Largest Gas Station Chain Suspends Fuel Vouchers as Shortage Worsens" (1 June 2026) AP via AOL — "Parts of Russia run dry as Ukraine's drone strikes hit oil refineries" — Far East and Crimea most affected; A-95 ~50% above January levels on St Petersburg Mercantile Exchange; Primorye 78 rubles/liter; online resellers 220 rubles/liter; Kuril Islands A-92 halt; Crimea coupon-only sales; gas-station rationing landscapeKyiv Post — "Ukraine Marks Russia Day With Massive Drone Raid on Key Oil Refineries in Tatarstan and Samara" (12 June 2026)Kyiv Post — "Deep Pipeline Strike: Ukraine's Drone Campaign Cripples Vital Volgograd Oil Hub" (13 June 2026)Ukrinform — "War | Daily situation report" (13 June 2026) Kyiv Independent — "Ukraine strikes Russia's oil depot, radar station, other military targets, General Staff confirms" (10 June 2026)BBC Verify / BBC Russian — "Surge in Ukrainian attacks on oil refineries sparks Russian fuel shortages" (2025-2026) Kyiv Independent — "Key Russian oil pipeline node hit in massive Ukrainian drone barrage" (May 2026) Reuters / Yahoo via AOL — "Russia's Saratov oil refinery erupts in flames as Ukraine drone attacks intensify" (May 2026)----------

Silicon Bites Ep351 | 2026-06-14 | OUT OF GAS: Russia Day 2026 Arrived with Empty Pumps, a 230-Drone Raid That Destroyed Samara's Kuibyshev Refinery, the Worst Crimean Fuel Crisis Since the 2014 Annexation, and a War That Has Stopped Being Something Russians Could Ignore. Happy Russia Day, swamp empire. Your days are numbered, as are those of the killer Putin. Breaking: 11–13 June 2026 — The Crimea fuel crisis hits its tourist-season inflection point on Russia Day; Ukraine's Russia Day raid lands 230 drones on Samara, Tatarstan, and Tolyatti and destroys AVT-4 and AVT-5 at the Kuibyshev refinery; the 13 June Kotovo and Tamanneftegas strikes extend the campaign into the Volgograd pumping network and the southern LPG export terminals; the Institute for the Study of War describes the dual-strike doctrine — and Russia's army runs out of momentum at the same moment its fuel system runs dry.----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformation----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SOURCES:Associated Press via US News & World Report — "Ukraine Hits Fuel Supplies to Crimea, Sparking a Fuel Crisis on the Russian-Held Peninsula" (11 June 2026) Washington Times via AP — "Ukraine strikes fuel supplies to Crimea, sparking a fuel crisis on the Russian-held peninsula" (12 June 2026) The Moscow Times — "Annexed Crimea's Largest Gas Station Chain Suspends Fuel Vouchers as Shortage Worsens" (1 June 2026) AP via AOL — "Parts of Russia run dry as Ukraine's drone strikes hit oil refineries" — Far East and Crimea most affected; A-95 ~50% above January levels on St Petersburg Mercantile Exchange; Primorye 78 rubles/liter; online resellers 220 rubles/liter; Kuril Islands A-92 halt; Crimea coupon-only sales; gas-station rationing landscapeKyiv Post — "Ukraine Marks Russia Day With Massive Drone Raid on Key Oil Refineries in Tatarstan and Samara" (12 June 2026)Kyiv Post — "Deep Pipeline Strike: Ukraine's Drone Campaign Cripples Vital Volgograd Oil Hub" (13 June 2026)Ukrinform — "War | Daily situation report" (13 June 2026) Kyiv Independent — "Ukraine strikes Russia's oil depot, radar station, other military targets, General Staff confirms" (10 June 2026)BBC Verify / BBC Russian — "Surge in Ukrainian attacks on oil refineries sparks Russian fuel shortages" (2025-2026) Kyiv Independent — "Key Russian oil pipeline node hit in massive Ukrainian drone barrage" (May 2026) Reuters / Yahoo via AOL — "Russia's Saratov oil refinery erupts in flames as Ukraine drone attacks intensify" (May 2026)----------

2026-06-13 | UPDATES #213 | How Putin's regime ends: the Abramovich Kyiv mission, the Beria precedent and why a chasm is opening between Putin, reality and his elites. 10 June 2026 — the most strategically consequential diplomatic event of the spring of 2026 was held in a Kyiv residence on 21 may, was disclosed by Putin himself at SPIEF on 5 June, and has now re-written the Russian elite's decisional arithmetic. But we must ask, is Abramovich negotiating on behalf of Putin, or the elites that may increasingly be diverging from him, in terms of their perceived interests. ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformation----------ACTIVE CAMPAIGN:We are raising funds for 5 of 15 Vampire DronesSilicon Curtain for Kupiansk Vampires. Dzyga's Paw, together with Jonathan Fink, is joining forces to raise $40,000 to provide the Khartiia Brigade with Vampire Drones.https://dzygaspaw.com/silicon-curtain-for-kupiansk-vampiresThese heavy bombers are designed to destroy manpower and equipment, as well as for remote mining. The Vampire UAV, manufactured by Skyfall, has proven itself to be one of the most effective weapons in the Kupiansk direction. Skyfall is one of Ukraine's largest defense tech companies, producing Vampire bomber drones, various modifications of Shrike FPV drones, P1-SUN, Shahed drone interceptors, communication systems, and components.----------PLEASE HELP ME ME TO GROW SILICON CURTAINWe are planning our events for 2026, and to do more and have a greater impact. After achieving more than 12 events in 2025, we will aim to double that! 24 events and interviews on the ground in Ukraine, to push back against weaponized information, toxic propaganda and corrosive disinformation. Please help us make it happen!----------SOURCES: Financial Times (via Ukrainska Pravda English) — "Zelenskyy proposed meeting to Putin via Abramovich – Financial Times" (7 June 2026) Kyiv Independent — "Zelensky asked Russian oligarch Abramovich to send message to Putin on peace talks" (8 June 2026) Kyiv Post — "Zelensky Confirms Abramovich Came to Kyiv in May, Carried Messages to Putin Including Ceasefire Offer" (8 June 2026) Kyiv Post — "Abramovich Delivered Putin Message on Possible Talks Framework to Kyiv, Zelensky Says" (9 June 2026) Censor.NET — "Zelenskyy confirmed Abramovich's visit in May" (8 June 2026) Michael Naki (YouTube) — "ПУТИН ВЫБЕСИЛ СВОЮ ЭЛИТУ. Абрамович — лишь начало" / "Putin Has Enraged His Elite. Abramovich Is Just the Beginning" (early June 2026)Financial Times (background reporting, 2022; recapitulated in current FT coverage) Time magazine archive — "Russia: At the Kremlin Corral" (reproducing 1953-period coverage) Babel — "71 years ago, the bloody Soviet KGB leader Lavrentiy Beria lost his chance to lead the USSR" (June 2025) History Today — "Lavrenti Beria Executed" — Beria's improbable post-Stalin push for liberalization "that went further than colleagues were ready for"; Presidium hastily convened 26 June 1953; Khrushchev "blistering attack" with British intelligence accusations; "lethal plot was hatched against him"Soviet History MSU archive — "Succession to Stalin" — "Alarmed at Beria's growing prominence and control of the police, Khrushchev conspired with Malenkov and several other presidium members to arrange for Beria's arrest at the hands of the military"; 26 June 1953 plot execution; secret trial and 24 December 1953 execution----------

Olena Halushka is a is a board member of the Ukrainian NGO “Anti-corruption Action Centre”, and co-founder of the International Centre for Ukrainian Victory. She has also worked as a chief of international advocacy at the post-Maidan coalition of 80 CSOs “Reanimation Package of Reforms”. Olena is a contributor to the Atlantic Council, Kyiv Independent. She has also written op-eds for the Washington Post, the Foreign Policy, and the EU Observer – but it's a major article she wrote for the UK's Guardian newspaper that we'll be discussing today.----------LINKS:https://twitter.com/OlenaHalushka https://twitter.com/AntAC_ua https://twitter.com/ICUVua https://www.linkedin.com/in/olena-halushka-b7342259/?originalSubdomain=ua https://ukrainianvictory.org/experts/olena-halushka/ https://www.fpri.org/contributor/olena-halushka/https://cepa.org/author/olena-halushka/https://archive.kyivpost.com/author/olena-halushkahttps://foreignpolicy.com/author/olena-halushka/----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformation----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Car4Ukrainehttps://car4ukraine.com/en-US/campaignsDzyga's Pawhttps://dzygaspaw.com/projectsSuperhumans - 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/----------PLATFORMS:Substack: https://substack.com/@siliconcurtainTwitter: https://twitter.com/CurtainSiliconLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/finkjonathan/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4thRZj6NO7y93zG11JMtqm----------

Esben og Jakob sender live fra Allinge, hvor de svarer på lytternes spørgsmål, taler om politik og fodbold - og får afgjort, hvem der var bedst til at gætte de rigtige ministre.Ugens emner i #dkpol:Ministerlisten (11.15): Inden regeringen blev præsenteret, kom Esben og Jakob med hver deres bud på det nye ministerhold. Nu er posterne fordelt, og tiden er kommet til at gøre regnskabet op: Hvem ramte flest rigtigt? De to værter gennemgår samtidig de største overraskelser i ministerkabalen.Fodbold og politik (26:31): VM er netop fløjtet i gang, og mens Esben holder med Sverige, hepper Jakob på Norge. Men fodbold er ikke bare en sport. De seneste år har vist, hvordan spillet i stigende grad hænger sammen med spørgsmål om politik. Det samspil dykker de to værter ned i. Så hatten passer(33:06): Esben og Jakob skyder årets sommerserie i gang, hvor de besvarer alle lytternes gode spørgsmål om dansk politik. Det starter på Folkemødet i Bornholm, hvor publikum spørger om alt fra, hvor meget fokus regeringen kommer til at lægge på folkeskolen, til det mere spekulative spørgsmål om, hvad der bliver af Moderaterne den dag, Lars Løkke Rasmussen ikke længere er en del af partiet.Værter: Esben Schjørring, politisk redaktør på Altinget, og Jakob Nielsen, ansvarshavende chefredaktør på AltingetProducer: Kristiane Dicte Wedel, podcastassistentJakobs anbefaling: Støt den ukraine avis Kyiv Independent, som bringer nyheder fra Ukraine på engelsk gennem et abonnement. Abonnementet kan også tegnes hos Altinget, hvor du får adgang til begge medier.Esbens anbefaling: BBC's dokumentar The Cold War #dkpol YouTube-kanal: https://www.youtube.com/@dkpol_podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Francis Farrell, reporter at the Kyiv Independent, talks about the technology Ukraine is deploying against Russia, and how it's affecting the war, plus how the strategies Russia and Ukraine are using on the battlefield are resonating in the Iran war.    Photo: FPV kamikaze drone at sky. Drones at war - stock photo by Anton Petrus Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Day 1,561.Today, Adelie and Dom look at how Ukraine continues embarrassing Russia during its three-day International Economic Forum, as Zelensky publishes an open letter to Vladimir Putin where he points out Russia's weaknesses. He again asks the Russian president for a face-to-face meeting to bring the war to an end. As we record the episode, Putin is set to take the stage in St Petersburg. Then, we discuss China's increasing involvement enabling the occupation in the occupied territories and how the Ukrainian resistance may have contributed to Ukraine's successful mid-range campaign.Contributors:Adelie Pojzman-Pontay (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @adeliepjz on X.Dom Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.Dr Jade McGlynn (Occupied Territories Expert, King's College London).Producer: Rachel PorterSenior Producer: Lilian FawcettVideo Producer: Max BowerSocial Producer: Katie InglisStudio Director: Meghan SearleExecutive Editor: Francis DearnleyCreated by David KnowlesNOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest CONTENT REFERENCED:Full text of Zelensky's open letter to Putinhttps://kyivindependent.com/full-text-of-zelenskys-open-letter-to-putin/'Just a show for Putin' — Inside the 2026 St. Petersburg Economic Forum (Kyiv Independent)https://kyivindependent.com/just-a-show-for-putin-inside-the-2026-st-petersburg-economic-forum/Russia is flooding Ukraine with fake migrant stories — and it's working (Kyiv Independent)https://kyivindependent.com/inside-the-campaign-behind-ukraines-migrant-influx-panic/EMAIL US:Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many on air and in our newsletter as possible.HIGHLIGHTS:'Fight for your existence,' Zelensky tells Putin in letter demanding face-to-face talksHow China is enabling the Russian regime in the occupied territories Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,560.Today, Sweden impounds a Russian cargo ship allegedly exporting Ukrainian grain from occupied territories. Then, as images of the results of yesterday's Ukrainian strikes in and around St Petersburg start to appear, Marco Rubio denies any knowledge at all of a US delegation at the nearby economic forum, just as said participants show that they really don't like the press asking them questions one little bit. Dom reports how Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte has directly addressed Russian men, telling them that if they go to fight in Ukraine “you'll be left to suffer in the mud and die”, and Lily looks at a tight vote in the US House of Representatives over Ukraine funding that managed, just, to get over the line. And later, we go hull down with Hamish de Bretton Gordon looking at his new book about tanks and ask: given the lessons we're learning from Ukraine, is his book out of date already, or released just in the nick of time?Contributors: Dom Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.Lily Shanagher (Telegraph journalist). @lilyshanagher on X.With thanks to Hamish de Bretton-Gordon.Producer: Phil AtkinsSenior Producer: Lilian FawcettVideo Producer: Sophie O'SullivanSocial Producer: Katie InglisStudio Director: Meghan SearleExecutive Editor: Francis DearnleyCreated by David KnowlesNOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest CONTENT REFERENCED:Rebuilding U.S. Missile Inventory: A Multiyear Project (Centre for Strategic and International Studies)https://www.csis.org/analysis/rebuilding-us-missile-inventory-multiyear-project'Heavy attack' hits Zaporizhzhia Thermal Power Plant, IAEA says (Kyiv Independent)https://kyivindependent.com/heavy-attack-hits-zaporizhzhia-thermal-power-plant-serving-russian-occupied-nuclear-plant-iaea-says/ Peter Magyar interview with Allgemeine Zeitung (in German)https://www.faz.net/aktuell/politik/ausland/peter-magyar-im-interview-wo-orban-recht-hatte-accg-200892861.htmlHamish's book Tank Command: How the Tank Changed the Face of Battle is out now:https://linktr.ee/TankCommandRussia considers working age of 12 to solve wartime jobs crisis (Antonia Langford for The Telegraph)https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/06/04/russia-considers-working-age-12-to-solve-wartime-job-crisis/Putin is under pressure as the Ukraine war finally comes to Moscow and St Petersburg (Hamish de Bretton-Gordon for The Telegraph)https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/06/04/putin-russia-st-petersburg-drone-strikes-moscow-casualties/ EMAIL US:Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many on air and in our newsletter as possible.HIGHLIGHTS:Sweden impounds a Russian cargo ship allegedly exporting Ukrainian grain from occupied territoriesUS delegation at ‘Putin's Davos' refuses to speak to journalists Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Silicon Bites Ep346 | 2026-06-04 | Some uninvited guests from HUR, the Ukrainian intelligence services have decided to decorate the backdrop to Putin's prestigious economic forum in St Petersburg. And it looks truly beautiful. I love the sight of Russia burning in the morning, especially when it's so humiliating for the killer gnome in the Kremlin. Mos Eisley on the Neva: how Putin's prestige forum opened this morning with a massive fire on its horizon, an American delegation of influencers, cranks, and trump appointees inside, and Russia's largest northwestern oil terminal burning six kilometres from the conference hall.----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformation----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SOURCES:TASS — "29th International Economic Forum begins its work in St. Petersburg" (3 June 2026) TASS — "About thirty US companies to attend SPIEF 2026 — AmCham" (2 June 2026)Interfax — "St. Petersburg International Economic Forum to open June 3" (2 June 2026) EconoTimes — "Putin's 'Russian Davos' Draws U.S. Influencers, Officials, and Global Business Figures Amid Economic Struggles" (3 June 2026) NEXTA (X / Twitter) — Documentation of Andrew Tate arrival in St Petersburg "welcomed with honours at the airport"; Gerhard Schröder also in Russia ahead of forum; Candace Owens framing (1 June 2026)Meduza — "Well, He's a Right-Wing Extremist" (30 May 2026) — SPIEF speakers' list including "people with 'scandalous reputations in their homeland'"; Candace Owens detail; far-right participation framework; Business Software Forum contextPravda.Ru / Pravda EN — "Presidents and Senior Officials From More Than 70 Countries to Join SPIEF" (2 June 2026) TASS — "Some 20,000 people from over 100 countries to take part in SPIEF 2026 — Kremlin aide" (2 June 2026) Kyiv Independent — "Fire, smoke greet Putin's Economic Forum as Ukraine strikes St. Petersburg oil terminal in major attack" (3 June 2026) RBC-Ukraine — "Drones strike oil terminal in St. Petersburg, triggering massive fire" (3 June 2026) ----------

2026-06-01 | UPDATES #210 | Is the Kerch Bridge about to fall? The siege of Crimea deepens — and why the bridge is the final edge of the geometry of defeat for Putin. Russian propagandists sense that something is coming, and they can't stop asking – when will the bridge come down? ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformation----------ACTIVE CAMPAIGN:We are raising funds for 5 of 15 Vampire DronesSilicon Curtain for Kupiansk Vampires. Dzyga's Paw, together with Jonathan Fink, is joining forces to raise $40,000 to provide the Khartiia Brigade with Vampire Drones.https://dzygaspaw.com/silicon-curtain-for-kupiansk-vampiresThese heavy bombers are designed to destroy manpower and equipment, as well as for remote mining. The Vampire UAV, manufactured by Skyfall, has proven itself to be one of the most effective weapons in the Kupiansk direction. Skyfall is one of Ukraine's largest defense tech companies, producing Vampire bomber drones, various modifications of Shrike FPV drones, P1-SUN, Shahed drone interceptors, communication systems, and components.----------PLEASE HELP ME ME TO GROW SILICON CURTAINWe are planning our events for 2026, and to do more and have a greater impact. After achieving more than 12 events in 2025, we will aim to double that! 24 events and interviews on the ground in Ukraine, to push back against weaponized information, toxic propaganda and corrosive disinformation. Please help us make it happen!----------SOURCES: Institute for the Study of War — "Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, May 22, 2026" (22 May 2026)UA.News — "Ukrainian strikes on Russian logistics are disrupting supplies to the front lines" (22-23 May 2026) Kyiv Post — "Russia Warns Ukraine Can Strike Key Crimea Supply Route 200 km Behind Front" (early May 2026) Euromaidan Press — "Ukraine wrapped the occupied south in three layers of drones. Russian trucks are burning" (24 May 2026)Defence Matters — "Ukraine's Medium-Range Drone Strikes Put Pressure on Russia's Land Corridor to Crimea" (early May 2026)6. Tochnyi (via Euromaidan Press) — Analytical monthly tracking; Strikes doubled February to March 2026; munitions storage / artillery usage correlation; fuel-targeting / mechanised operations correlationOko Gora (Ukrainian OSINT project) — Geolocated mapping of approximately 50 documented Ukrainian drone strikes on M-14 and H-20 highway logistics over the preceding two months (March-May 2026) — Project name translates as "Mountain Eye"; verification through photographic evidence and Russian milblogger documentationThe War Zone (TWZ) — "Ukraine Strikes At The Heart Of Russia's Highly Defended Kerch Bridge" (3 June 2025)Kyiv Independent — "Ukraine's SBU strikes Crimean Bridge in underwater attack" (3 June 2025) Defence Blog — "Ukraine's Navy strikes two Russian patrol boats guarding the Kerch Bridge" (30 April 2026) Ukrainska Pravda — "Ukrainian forces damage Russian boats guarding Kerch Bridge" (30 April 2026) Militarnyi — "Magura naval drones were involved in the attack on the Crimean bridge" (June 2025)----------

Ukraine Fellow Anastasiia Lapatina sits down with Jimmy Rushton, a Kyiv-based journalist and security analyst who recently published, “How Ukraine gained the upper hand in the drone war against Russia,” in the Kyiv Independent. They talk about how the balance of power in the drone war seems to have shifted in Ukraine's favor, Russia's latest missile strike on Kyiv, and what it all means for Russia's broader strategic position in its war against Ukraine.To receive ad-free podcasts, become a Lawfare Material Supporter at www.patreon.com/lawfare. You can also support Lawfare by making a one-time donation at https://givebutter.com/lawfare-institute.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lawfare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,553.Today, in the aftermath of one of the most intense aerial assaults on Ukraine of the entire war, we report on fresh strikes against Russia's Tuapse oil refinery – the site of the extraordinary “manmade volcano” that has become symbolic of Kyiv's campaign against Moscow's energy infrastructure. Antonia Langford joins us live from Kyiv after witnessing ballistic missile attacks on the capital firsthand. We also examine the shrinking number of countries contributing to the Czech-led ammunition initiative, which now supplies around half of Ukraine's artillery ammunition, and assess Britain's attempt to regain control of the political narrative after last week's easing of sanctions on Russia by unveiling new measures targeting cryptocurrency networks accused of financing Putin's war machine.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.Antonia Langford (Freelance Journalist in Kyiv). @Antonialford on X.NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest CONTENT REFERENCED:Learn more about ‘Ukraine Focus':https://ukrainefocus.org/ How a bombed-out café became a symbol of hope in Kyiv (Antonia Langford for The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/05/25/how-a-bombed-out-cafe-became-a-symbol-of-hope-in-kyiv/ UK sanctions crypto networks funding Putin's war machine (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2026/05/26/uk-sanctions-crypto-networks-funding-putins-war-machine/ Does the "White Tiger" scene pose a new terrorist threat? (Der Speigel):https://www.spiegel.de/netzwelt/web/white-tiger-droht-aus-der-szene-eine-neue-terrorgefahr-a-2a91696d-9746-40c1-8c30-a189f1fa7c01 Donald Trump's Board of Peace fund is empty (Financial Times):https://www.ft.com/content/5ba3bd2c-0e0e-4306-84be-99d6d89b0d49?syn-25a6b1a6=1 Nine countries pull out of Ukraine ammunition coalition (Financial Times):https://www.ft.com/content/f5dd7bd9-6da8-438b-bf80-1f942b91333d?syn-25a6b1a6=1 Zelensky's top negotiator flies to Berlin for talks with Germany, France, UK (POLITICO):https://www.politico.eu/article/volodymyr-zelenskyy-top-negotiator-rustem-umerov-in-berlin-for-ukraine-peace-talks/ Exclusive: Zelensky sends Trump urgent letter warning of Ukraine's critical missile defense shortages (Kyiv Independent):https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-sends-trump-urgent-letter-warning-of-critical-missile-defense-shortages/ EMAIL US:Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk . We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many on air and in our newsletter as possible.HIGHLIGHTS:Fresh strikes against Russia's Tuapse oil refineryAntonia Langford joins us live from Kyiv Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The predictions began soon after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine: the collapse of the Russian economy was imminent. Four years later, it still hasn't happened. And yet, the cracks are appearing: Ukrainian drones that are now capable of striking critical targets in Moscow; economic data that even the Kremlin can't spin as positive. But what do these changes actually feel like for Russian citizens? This week, Wojciech calls people with friends and family in Moscow to find out. We're also talking about why your bar of Milka is 10 grams lighter than it was. Oh, and we're calling up the winner of the Microsoft Excel World Championships. No biggie. Check out Diarmuid Early's YouTube videos here, including this one, which starts with an introduction to competitive spreadsheeting. This week's Inspiration Station recommendations are Aleksandar Vučić's interview with The Rest Is Politics: Leading, and Francesco Pacifico's essay in The Dial: Are You Enjoying Our Linguine?Resources for this episode: The Milka ruling from Bremen in full (German)“Russia blocks Telegram and cracks down on VPNs” – Ośrodek Studiów Wschodnich, 17 April 2026“Moscow bans publication of Ukrainian drone strike damage without official permission” – The Kyiv Independent, 13 May 2026“Ukraine conflict in January 2026” – Levada-Center, 4 February 2026“Ukrainian attacks on Russia's oil export infrastructure” – Ośrodek Studiów Wschodnich, 1 April 2026“Turning Point in the War in Ukraine?” – Kyiv Post, 19 May 2026“Disentangling effects of protection on seabed organic carbon and biodiversity in a rare highly protected mud-dominated MPA” – Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, August 2026 issue “Dutch court rules bottom trawling in Dogger Bank is unlawful” – Oceanographic, 11 May 2026 This podcast was brought to you in cooperation with Euranet Plus, the leading radio network for EU news. But it's contributions from listeners that truly make it all possible — we could not continue to make the show without you! If you like what we do, you can chip in to help us cover our production costs at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/europeanspodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (in many different currencies), or you can gift a donation to a superfan. You can also donate via our website if you prefer. And finally: we'd also love it if you could tell two friends about this podcast. We think two feels like a reasonable number.Produced by Katy LeeMixing and mastering by Wojciech OleksiakMusic by Jim Barne and Mariska MartinaThe Europeans is proudly produced using Europe's own Hindenburg.YouTube | Bluesky | Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Mastodon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Substack | hello@europeanspodcast.com

Day 1,545.Today, after a NATO fighter jet shoots down a suspected Ukrainian drone over Estonia, we examine the mounting risks of escalation on NATO's eastern flank and what the incident reveals about the increasingly crowded skies above the Baltic region. We also look at reports of a collapse in Russian defensive lines near a settlement in Zaporizhzhia as Ukraine presses its counterattacks in the south. Then we turn to Moscow to assess how the Kremlin and Russian state media are reporting – or not – news of Ukraine's major strikes on Russian infrastructure ahead of Putin's high-stakes visit to China. And later, we take a deep dive into how investigations into war crimes have evolved over the past four years.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.Adelie Pojzman-Pontay (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @Adeliepjz on X.With thanks to Yevhenia Motorevska – head of the War Crimes Investigation Unit at the Kyiv Independent.NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest CONTENT REFERENCED:The drone attacks Putin doesn't want Russians to see (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/05/19/drone-attacks-putin-doesnt-want-russians-see-ukraine/ Xi Jinping told Donald Trump that Putin might ‘regret' invasion of Ukraine (Financial Times):https://www.ft.com/content/567c57b0-6346-43e6-9d14-840a793b4d1d?syn-25a6b1a6=1 Dom's Video On the Frontline:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-LWZtJBCwY From the Kyiv Independent's War Crimes Investigation Unit: The War Before the War, Part I: https://kyivindependent.com/video/?slug=crimea-the-war-before-the-war-part-2From Stalin to Putin – Russia's history of torture: https://youtu.be/p7Ei6mAf3mQExposing Russia's indoctrination of Ukrainian children: https://youtu.be/RZGmv2EQdGkInvestigation: Uncovering the secret Russian FSB operation to loot Ukraine's museumshttps://kyivindependent.com/investigation-uncovering-fsbs-secret-operation-to-steal-ukraines-valuable-art/The Kyiv Independent doesn't have a paywall or an owner and is supported by acommunity of readers who make this work possible. Starting today, the Kyiv Independent team is on a quest to find 4000 new members globally. You can become a member here. EMAIL US:Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk . We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many on air and in our newsletter as possible.HIGHLIGHTS:Russian position 'collapses' in southeastern townThe drone attacks Putin ‘doesn't want you to see' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ukraine Fellow Anastasiia Lapatina sits down with Danylo Mokryk, a war crimes investigator at the Kyiv Independent and the author of a YouTube blog about domestic Ukrainian Politics, to talk about the latest corruption saga engulfing the Ukrainian government—and why, despite so many arrows pointing toward Zelensky personally, no one is calling for his removal.To receive ad-free podcasts, become a Lawfare Material Supporter at www.patreon.com/lawfare. You can also support Lawfare by making a one-time donation at https://givebutter.com/lawfare-institute.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lawfare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,541.Today, after the two days of near continuous strikes against Ukraine with over 1,600 drones and missiles fired on the country – with at least 12 killed by a single projectile – we hear the latest round of American withdrawals of thousands of troops from Europe, and a sobering assessment from experts at Chatham House about the direction of the war. Then we have an extraordinary exclusive interview with a Russian FSB agent who claims he fled Moscow in a dead cow.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.Roland Oliphant (Chief Foreign Analyst). @RolandOliphant on X.Hayley Dixon (Special Correspondent). @HaylesDixon on X.NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest CONTENT REFERENCED:‘Putin won't last': Russian agent who fled Moscow in a dead cow (The Telegraph):Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ng7-LI7VK8MLong Read: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/05/14/dmitry-senin-russia-fsb-escaped-putin-in-dead-cow/ Pentagon cancels deployment of thousands of troops to Europe (The Telegraph):https://kyivindependent.com/us-cancels-planned-deployment-of-4-000-troops-to-poland/?mc_cid=d10bd88d37&mc_eid=08d0680a95 Russia issues Ben Wallace with arrest warrant for ‘justifying terrorism' (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/05/13/russia-ben-wallace-arrest-warrant-justifying-terrorism/ How a Ukrainian air assault on Russia led to the resignation of a Latvian prime minister (Kyiv Independent):https://kyivindependent.com/how-2-ukrainian-drones-sparked-political-turmoil-in-latvia/ EMAIL US:Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk . We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many on air and in our newsletter as possible.HIGHLIGHTS:Exclusive: ‘Putin won't last' – Russian agent who fled Moscow in a dead cowZelensky's ‘revenge' attacks after three days of huge strikes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,540.Today, as Russia pummels Ukraine with over 1500 missiles and drones since yesterday, targeting civilians and energy infrastructure, Ukraine hits three energy facilities in Russia. We then focus on the issue of children who have been deported from Ukraine to Russia or to unknown locations in the occupied territories. The EU and UK announced further sanctions while the high-level meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukraine Children on Monday in Brussels pledged funds and support towards tracing, tracking and returning children from Russia.Contributors:Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Co-host of Ukraine: The Latest). @adeliepjz on X. Johanna Baxter, Labour MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire South. @JohannaBaxter on X. Maksym Maksymov, director of Bring Kids Back. @BringKidsBackUA on X.CONTENT REFERENCED:Returning the Stolen Children of Ukraine, Johanna Baxter, UK Friends of Ukrainehttps://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/582a1916-4c98-42de-936a-f74780c73b02/downloads/6c23bef6-a43d-4acd-a781-3b749bb46174/Report_%20Returning%20the%20Stolen%20Children%20of%20Ukrai.pdf?ver=1750937088779Bringing Ukraine's kids back: Almost 60 countries unite to stop Russia's genocidal kidnapping of children (Kyiv Independent)https://kyivindependent.com/bringing-ukraines-kids-back-almost-60-countries-unite-to-stop-russias-genocidal-kidnapping-of-children/EMAIL US:Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk . We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many on air and in our newsletter as possible.HIGHLIGHTS:- 'Longest massive attack': Russia fires 2000 drones and missiles in 24 hours- 60 nations sign historic pledge to 'track down' 20,000 stolen kids Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2026-05-14 | UPDATES #202 | Putin used the ceasefire to stockpile. He used the days after his tinpot dictator parade to probe Ukrainian airspace with decoy drones, and last night he struck. We said he would and explained why he would. Putin is a rational psychopath who can't bear to make concessions, or be perceived as in the debt of others, allies and partners, but especially not enemies. He knows that his pathetic so-called victory parade only happened because of concessions made by Ukraine, and that drives him insane. His elites and Z-Patriots understand this too. But lashing out, he is seeking to change the agenda, shift the optics, but he is also sending a message to his ‘elites' – I can still inflict pain, fear and violence. I am still the strongman you believed me to be – I have no moral or political restraints – so don't try anything. ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformation----------ACTIVE CAMPAIGN:We are raising funds for 5 of 15 Vampire DronesSilicon Curtain for Kupiansk Vampires. Dzyga's Paw, together with Jonathan Fink, is joining forces to raise $40,000 to provide the Khartiia Brigade with Vampire Drones.https://dzygaspaw.com/silicon-curtain-for-kupiansk-vampiresThese heavy bombers are designed to destroy manpower and equipment, as well as for remote mining. The Vampire UAV, manufactured by Skyfall, has proven itself to be one of the most effective weapons in the Kupiansk direction. Skyfall is one of Ukraine's largest defense tech companies, producing Vampire bomber drones, various modifications of Shrike FPV drones, P1-SUN, Shahed drone interceptors, communication systems, and components.----------PLEASE HELP ME ME TO GROW SILICON CURTAINWe are planning our events for 2026, and to do more and have a greater impact. After achieving more than 12 events in 2025, we will aim to double that! 24 events and interviews on the ground in Ukraine, to push back against weaponized information, toxic propaganda and corrosive disinformation. Please help us make it happen!----------SOURCES: UNITED24 Media — "Russia Launches Record 1,600-Drone and Missile Attack on Ukraine" (14 May 2026) NPR / AP — "Russia hits Kyiv with drones and ballistic missiles, killing 1 and injuring 31" (14 May 2026) Kyiv Post — "Kyiv Under Massive Russian Attack as Missiles and Drones Target Capital" (14 May 2026) Kyiv Independent — "Ukraine war latest: Ukraine targets 3 major Russian energy facilities overnight" (13-14 May 2026)ABC News / AP — "Russia hits Kyiv with drones and ballistic missiles, injuring at least 4" (14 May 2026) Kyiv Post / ISW — "ISW Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, Map and Update, May 13, 2026" (13 May 2026) New Geopolitics Research Network — Mykhailo Samus, "Complexity and Layering: How Ukraine's Air Defence Must Operate" (15 November 2025) New Geopolitics Research Network — Mykhailo Samus, "Ukraine's 'Small Air Defense' Revolution — and Why America Should Be Paying Attention" (11 March 2026) CEPA — "Ukraine's Air Defenses — World Class, and Improving" (April 2026) UNITED24 Media — "How Ukraine Started 2026 with Record Anti-Shahed Drone Production and a New Era in Air Defense" (9 January 2026) Defense News — "Novel interceptor drones bend air-defense economics in Ukraine's favor" (5 March 2026) Army Recognition — "Ukraine unveils new Stash air defense system armed with Hellfire missiles during Russian drone attack" (May 2026)Think Tank Journal — "The World War of Drones: How Ukraine Is Redefining Defense Technology" (30 April 2026) ----------

2026-05-12 | UPDATES #200 | How Andriy Yermak fell from shadow president to suspect — and why 'down' is not the same as 'out'. 11–12 May 2026 — the day Nabu and Sapo formally charged the most powerful man in Ukraine after Volodymyr Zelensky. Is this a sign of troubling issues, or of a vibrant democracy dealing with corruption and nepotism. Why this arrest is strong proof against the Russian narrative that ‘Ukraine is a dictatorship'. This stuff does not happen in tyrannies. ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformation----------ACTIVE CAMPAIGN:We are raising funds for 5 of 15 Vampire DronesSilicon Curtain for Kupiansk Vampires. Dzyga's Paw, together with Jonathan Fink, is joining forces to raise $40,000 to provide the Khartiia Brigade with Vampire Drones.https://dzygaspaw.com/silicon-curtain-for-kupiansk-vampiresThese heavy bombers are designed to destroy manpower and equipment, as well as for remote mining. The Vampire UAV, manufactured by Skyfall, has proven itself to be one of the most effective weapons in the Kupiansk direction. Skyfall is one of Ukraine's largest defense tech companies, producing Vampire bomber drones, various modifications of Shrike FPV drones, P1-SUN, Shahed drone interceptors, communication systems, and components.----------PLEASE HELP ME ME TO GROW SILICON CURTAINWe are planning our events for 2026, and to do more and have a greater impact. After achieving more than 12 events in 2025, we will aim to double that! 24 events and interviews on the ground in Ukraine, to push back against weaponized information, toxic propaganda and corrosive disinformation. Please help us make it happen!----------SOURCES: RBC-Ukraine — "Former Ukrainian presidential aide Yermak under investigation by anti-corruption bodies" (11 May 2026)Censor.NET — "NABU has notified former Head of the Presidential Office Yermak of the charges" (11 May 2026) Meduza — "Ukraine names Zelensky's former chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, as a suspect in a major money laundering case" (11 May 2026) Euronews — "Zelenskyy's chief of staff Yermak resigns after Ukraine anti-corruption investigators raid" (28 November 2025) OCCRP — "Anti-Corruption Raids Prompt Resignation of Ukraine's Top Presidential Aide" (28 November 2025)Kyiv Independent — "Zelensky's chief of staff Yermak resigns amid Ukraine's biggest corruption scandal" (28 November 2025)NBC News — "Top Zelenskyy aide at heart of U.S. peace talks resigns after being implicated in corruption probe" (28-29 November 2025)Kyiv Independent — "Zelensky's ex-chief of staff Yermak says he's 'going to the front' after resigning amid corruption probe" (28-29 November 2025) EA WorldView — "Ukraine War, Day 1,373: Corruption Investigation of Zelensky's Chief of Staff Yermak" (28 November 2025)Ukrayinska Pravda / EMPR Media — "Ali Baba and Forty Statesmen. How Yermak Lost His Seat on the Right and wasn't Charged" (December 2025) ----------

No tanks, great camera work. Victory Day is supposed to be Russia's most unshakeable story, the moment when the state proves its strength, its allies, and its confidence on Red Square. Yet watching this year's parade, I can't escape the sense that the symbolism is working harder than the reality: fewer troops, no heavy hardware in Moscow, and security concerns hanging over the whole performance. In the rest of the podcast, I look at a leaked report on spinning peace and wonder if it part of an attempt to lobby Putin indirectly, the appointment of a new commander of Aerospace Forces, Colonel General Chaiko, and that (to me, pretty dodgy) 'European intelligence report' that has caused such a storm. The bigger point is simple and uncomfortable: disinformation and psychological warfare are part of how this conflict is fought, and they thrive on our appetite for certainty. The Kyiv Independent report I mentioned is here.The podcast's corporate partner and sponsor is Conducttr, which provides software for innovative and immersive crisis exercises in hybrid warfare, counter-terrorism, civil affairs and similar situations.You can also follow my blog, In Moscow's Shadows, and become one of the podcast's supporting Patrons and gain question-asking rights and access to exclusive extra materials including the (almost-) weekly Govorit Moskva news briefing right here. Support the show

Day 1,533.Today, as Russia refused to follow Kyiv's proposed ceasefire, killing at least 26 civilians, Kyiv responded by hitting targets 1500 km into Russia's territory. Meanwhile, the corruption scandal uncovered in Ukraine last summer continues to send shockwaves across the country, possibly touching Zelensky himself. Ukraine's Chief negotiator, Rustem Umerov, himself under investigation in the probe, arrives in Miami for the first talks since the beginning of the war against Iran. Finally, we dive into Russia's latest online disinformation campaign.Help shape the future of Ukraine: The Latest. Share your thoughts in this quick survey:https://tinyurl.com/ukrainethelatestContributors:Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @adeliepjz on X. Dom Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X. Stephanie Baker (Investigative Journalist, Bloomberg). @StephaniBaker on X.NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest CONTENT REFERENCED:United Nations: At least 70 killed and over 500 injured in attacks across Ukraine since 1 Mayhttps://ukraine.ohchr.org/en/At-least-70-killed-and-over-500-injured-in-attacks-across-Ukraine-since-1-May?brid=YWdncwHX0NkpD1nGtCFuHnR85dYKThe corruption scandal Volodymyr Zelensky won't confront, (Kyiv Independent)https://kyivindependent.com/corruption-scandal-closes-in-zelensky-looks-away/Stephanie Baker's investigation: Russia's Disinformation War Most Potent Weapon is Bending Realities (Bloomberg): https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2026-russia-disinformation-storm-1516-videos/?accessToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJzb3VyY2UiOiJTdWJzY3JpYmVyR2lmdGVkQXJ0aWNsZSIsImlhdCI6MTc3ODE2NTI0OCwiZXhwIjoxNzc4NzcwMDQ4LCJhcnRpY2xlSWQiOiJURTY3T0lLR1pBTE4wMCIsImJjb25uZWN0SWQiOiJCNDdEQUVDNEVGNDE0NzBGOTAzNzRFM0U3NTNCQzg2QyJ9.TxyN9Bm4h-wlv29fjwocnYUdF0Q33zG8veGgtjMq49oHow To Spot a Russian Deefake, Bloomberg: https://youtu.be/X9GQiouEdJ8?si=9Tuc4AK0KpGsxk4HStephanie Baker's work: https://stephaniebakerwriter.com/Adélie's event with the Ukrainian Institute, London: The Newest Testament - Literature as Testimony to Ukraine's Defence.https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-newest-testament-literature-as-testimony-to-ukraines-defence-tickets-1986991762851?aff=oddtdtcreator&_gl=1*97sdgn*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTU3NTk1NjMyNC4xNzc4MTc0MDM1*_ga_TQVES5V6SH*czE3NzgxNzQwMzQkbzEkZzAkdDE3NzgxNzQwMzQkajYwJGwwJGgwEMAIL US:Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk . We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many on air and in our newsletter as possible.HIGHLIGHTS:Ukraine strikes refinery 1500 km inside Russia violates ceasefire 1,820 timesLeaked tapes from Ukraine's widest corruption scandal cast doubt on Zelensky Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,527.Today, we take you to Lviv and hear an update from Dom's week in the west of the country – including a visit to a prisoner of war camp and speaking to soldiers who fought for Russia. Then we bring you the latest on strikes by both sides, as Tuapse refinery is hit for the fourth time in a fortnight, before discussing the end of what's being called the biggest military exercise involving European forces since the end of the Cold War.NOTE: Monday is a bank holiday in the UK. Normal service will resume on Tuesday.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest CONTENT REFERENCED:Russia's Leningrad Oblast 'now a front-line region,' local governor says (Kyiv Independent):https://kyivindependent.com/russias-leningrad-oblast-now-a-frontline-region-local-governor-says-following-recent-ukrainian-attacks/ Venice Biennale jury resigns after row over Russian entry (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/30/venice-biennale-jury-resigns-row-russian-artists/ EMAIL US:Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk . We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many on air and in our newsletter as possible.HIGHLIGHTS:Exclusive: ‘My face-to-face with Russian prisoners of war' Europe ends largest military drill since the Cold War Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,526.Today, as President Putin once again dangles a ceasefire in front of President Trump to avoid any risk of disruption to his Victory Day commemorations, he discuss reports that US president might be considering pulling American forces out of Germany while, at the same, the Pentagon finally unlocks a $400 million military aid package. We also bring you the latest on Ukraine's strike campaign and how it's turned one of Russia's strengths – its size – into a weakness, before hearing from a Ukrainian Olympian diver about the decision by World Aquatics to permit Russian athletics to compete under the Russian flag once more.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.With thanks to Telegraph reporters Lily Shanagher and Alisa Butterwick, plus Ukrainian Olympic diver Oleksiy Sereda.NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest CONTENT REFERENCED:Ukrainian drones destroy £18m Russian helicopters behind enemy lines (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/30/ukrainian-drones-destroy-18m-russian-helicopters/ Trump threatens to pull troops out of Germany (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2026/04/29/trump-germany-troops-friedrich-merz/ Putin's ‘altar boy' is finally in Ukraine's sights (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/30/putin-altar-boy-finally-in-ukraine-sights/ Japanese drone maker doubles down on Ukraine as Tokyo eases arms rules (The Kyiv Independent):https://kyivindependent.com/terra-drone-moves-deeper-into-ukraine-with-second-investment-as-tokyo-loosens-arms-rules/ EMAIL US:Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk . We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many on air and in our newsletter as possible.HIGHLIGHTS:Ukraine ‘vaporises' Russian helicopters mid-flight behind enemy linesPutin proposes ‘brief' ceasefire in Trump call Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2026-04-24 | UPDATES #182 | Just stop Russian oil. Tuapse is burning, black rain is falling like some biblical end-times plague, and Ukraine is enforcing the sanctions against Russia oil that Trump won't.It is raining oil in Tuapse. Not metaphorically. Literally. Oily black droplets falling from the sky, coating cars, streets, houses, playgrounds, and beaches. Soot-blackened puddles forming on every surface. Birds found on the shoreline covered in crude. Schools and kindergartens closed. A seven-square-kilometre oil slick spreading across the Black Sea. A smoke plume visible from space, stretching more than three hundred kilometres inland to the city of Stavropol. And in the middle of it all, a Russian woman on Instagram, sobbing: "I desperately wanted to live by the sea with my child. Now the sea is full of heating oil. What are we supposed to do here?"----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformation----------A REQUEST FOR HELP!I'm heading back to Kyiv next month, to film, do research and conduct interviews. The logistics and need for equipment and clothing are a little higher than for my previous trips. It will be cold, and may be dark also. If you can, please assist to ensure I can make this trip a success. My commitment to the audience of the channel, will be to bring back compelling interviews conducted in Ukraine, and to use the experience to improve the quality of the channel, it's insights and impact. Let Ukraine and democracy prevail! https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrashttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformationNONE OF THIS CAN HAPPEN WITHOUT YOU!So what's next? We're going to Kyiv in April 2026 to film on the ground, and will record interviews with some huge guests. We'll be creating opportunities for new interviews, and to connect you with the reality of a European city under escalating winter attack, from an imperialist, genocidal power. PLEASE HELP ME ME TO GROW SILICON CURTAINWe are planning our events for 2026, and to do more and have a greater impact. After achieving more than 12 events in 2025, we will aim to double that! 24 events and interviews on the ground in Ukraine, to push back against weaponized information, toxic propaganda and corrosive disinformation. Please help us make it happen!----------SOURCES: Ukrainska Pravda — "Ukraine confirms repeat strike on Russia's Tuapse oil refinery" (April 20, 2026) Militarnyi — "Tuapse Oil Refinery Hit by Ukrainian Drone Strike, Large Fire Reported" (April 20, 2026) The Moscow Times — "Ukrainian Drone Attack on Tuapse Port Kills 1" (April 20, 2026)Al Jazeera — "Fires ignited by Ukrainian drones rage at Russian oil refinery" (April 22, 2026)Bloomberg — "Toxic Rain Falls on Russia's Tuapse City in Oil Facility Blaze" (April 23, 2026)Kyiv Independent — "'A nightmare' — Russians in Tuapse in disbelief after Ukrainian drones bring the war home" (April 23, 2026) HotAir — "Ukrainian Attack on Russian Oil Refinery Blankets Town in 'Black Rain'" (April 23, 2026) NV Ukraine (English) — "Drone attack on Tuapse oil refinery — smoke from fire reaches Stavropol" (April 21, 2026) PJ Media — "In This Russian City, It's Literally Raining Oil" (April 23, 2026) Nashaniva — "Ecological catastrophe in the Russian resort of Tuapse" (April 23, 2026)EADaily — "The third day in Tuapse extinguish the oil terminal: the beach of the city has darkened" (April 22, 2026) Censor.NET — "'Black rain' and water mixed with oil soot: fire at Tuapse refinery continues" (April 22, 2026) PRM.UA — "'Oil rain' fell after strikes on Tuapse refinery" (April 21, 2026) ----------

Day 1,517.Today, amid another exchange of drone and missile strikes between Ukraine and Russia, we report on growing speculation that the European Union's €90 billion loan for Kyiv could finally be approved as early as tomorrow. We also examine Ukraine's efforts to develop its own alternative to US-made Patriot air defence systems. Then, later, we take a deep dive into a major new Western film, The Wizard of the Kremlin, exploring how accurately it portrays Vladimir Putin's rise to power – and the wider questions raised by telling Russia's story through a pre-war, fictional lens.Contributors:Adelie Pojzman-Pontay (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @Adeliepjz on X.Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.With thanks to Chief Film Critic at The Telegraph Robbie Collin and political scientist Anna Colin Lebedev.NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest CONTENT REFERENCED:Exclusive interview: World faces new nuclear arms race (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/20/world-faces-new-nuclear-arms-race-head-of-un-atomic-agency/ Former tank commander reviews Challenger 3 (Hamish de Bretton-Gordon in The Telegraph):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PLOyJKtGKw Russian nursery-school children taught to fly drones (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/21/russia-nursery-school-children-fly-drones/ Jude Law as Vladimir Putin? It's a strangely flattering choice (Robbie Collin in The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/0/review-wizard-kremlin-putin-jude-law/ (Hom)mage du Kremlin, Anna Colin Lebedev: In French: https://colinlebedev.fr/2026/01/22/hommage-du-kremlin/In English: https://www.europe-solidaire.org/spip.php?article77848Personal Website: colinlebedev.frJude Law plays Putin in a film shot in Riga. Latvian officials say it serves Kremlin propaganda (Meduza):https://meduza.io/en/feature/2026/03/07/jude-law-plays-putin-in-a-film-shot-in-riga-latvian-officials-say-it-serves-kremlin-propaganda The History Bureau, Putin and the Apartment Bombs (BBC):https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m002q5dkUkraine pushing to produce home-grown ballistic defense system 'within a year,' Zelensky says (Kyiv Independent):https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-pushing-to-produce-home-grown-ballistic-defense-system-within-a-year-zelensky-says/EMAIL US:Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk . We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many on air and in our newsletter as possible.HIGHLIGHTS: Russian nursery-school children ‘taught to fly drones'Reviewing new film 'The Wizard of the Kremlin' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Silicon Bites Ep319 | 2026-04-17 | Russia's Donbas ultimatum, America's contradictions, and why JD Vance doesn't know what he's talking about. How do I know? On April 8th, from Budapest — standing alongside Viktor Orbán — JD Vance looked into a camera and said this: "We're talking about haggling at this point over a few square kilometres of territory in one direction or another. Is that worth losing hundreds of thousands of additional Russian and Ukrainian young men?"A few square kilometres. That's the Vice President of the United States describing the fate of millions of Ukrainian citizens, a fortified defensive belt holding back a Russian army of 680,000, and territory that — if surrendered — would give Moscow a launchpad for the next phase of its invasion.Two days later, Zelenskyy responded. "The Vice President, with all due respect, does not take part in the negotiations. If he were involved, he would probably have a deeper understanding of what Ukrainian territory actually is."----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformation----------SOURCES:Kyiv Independent — "Russia sets yet another Donbas capture deadline while demanding Ukraine withdraw without fighting, HUR says" (April 17, 2026) Kyiv Post — "Moscow Gears Up for New Offensive, Eyes Total Donbas Control by September – HUR" (April 17, 2026)Rubryka — "Russia prepares spring-summer offensive and aims to seize Donbas by autumn – Ukraine's intelligence" (April 17, 2026) Ostro Info / Hromadske — "Russia intends to carry out a summer offensive and capture Donbas by September" (April 2026) UNITED24 Media — "Russia Gives Ukraine Two-Month Deadline to Leave Donbas, Zelenskyy Says" (March 31, 2026) Al Jazeera — "Russia claims to take full control of Ukraine's Luhansk region" (April 1, 2026) CFR Global Conflict Tracker — "War in Ukraine" (updated April 2026) RFE/RL — "Rubio Accuses Zelenskyy Of Lying About US Position On Bid To End Russia's War" (March 27, 2026) Kyiv Independent — "'That's a lie' — Rubio dismisses Zelensky's claims US security guarantees tied to withdrawal from Donbas" (March 27, 2026)Kyiv Independent — "Zelensky responds to Rubio's accusation of lying" (March 28, 2026)Euronews — "Rubio slams Zelenskyy's Donbas comments and says US may divert Ukraine arms to Iran" (March 27, 2026)The Irish Times — "'That's a lie': Rubio denies Zelenskiy claim US is demanding Kyiv give up eastern Donbas" (March 28, 2026) Kyiv Post — "Rubio Rejects Zelensky's Claim That US Linked Security Guarantees to Ukraine's Withdrawal From Donbas" (March 27, 2026) ----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasWe need to scale up our support for Ukraine, and these events are designed to have a major impact. Your support in making it happen is greatly appreciated. All events will be recorded professionally and published for free on the Silicon Curtain channel. Where possible, we will also live-stream events.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------

2026-04-18 | UPDATES #177 | Putin has never been weaker — and he knows it. Everything is falling apart for the tyrant of the Kremlin. Putin has never been in a worse position than he is right now. Nothing is going his way — simultaneously, across every front — in the spring of 2026.The front is stalled. Losses are outpacing recruitment. The economy has contracted for the first time since the invasion. His approval rating is falling for the sixth straight week. Two-thirds of Russians want peace talks. His last remaining European ally was swept from power by his own voters. The oil windfall from the Iran war is evaporating. Ukrainian drones are systematically dismantling Russian refining capacity. And the propaganda machine — the machine that held the line through Kharkiv, through Prigozhin, through four years of attrition — is cracking. In 2022, when Putin lost Kharkiv and Kherson, he still had cards to play. Mobilisation. The war economy. Orbán. Trump. Iran as a partner. The threat of freezing Ukraine into submission. Every card has now been played. None of them worked. Ukraine has only got stronger despite the terrible suffering that Putin has inflicted on the country and its people. ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformation----------A REQUEST FOR HELP!I'm heading back to Kyiv next month, to film, do research and conduct interviews. The logistics and need for equipment and clothing are a little higher than for my previous trips. It will be cold, and may be dark also. If you can, please assist to ensure I can make this trip a success. My commitment to the audience of the channel, will be to bring back compelling interviews conducted in Ukraine, and to use the experience to improve the quality of the channel, it's insights and impact. Let Ukraine and democracy prevail! https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrashttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformationNONE OF THIS CAN HAPPEN WITHOUT YOU!So what's next? We're going to Kyiv in April 2026 to film on the ground, and will record interviews with some huge guests. We'll be creating opportunities for new interviews, and to connect you with the reality of a European city under escalating winter attack, from an imperialist, genocidal power. PLEASE HELP ME ME TO GROW SILICON CURTAINWe are planning our events for 2026, and to do more and have a greater impact. After achieving more than 12 events in 2025, we will aim to double that! 24 events and interviews on the ground in Ukraine, to push back against weaponized information, toxic propaganda and corrosive disinformation. Please help us make it happen!----------SOURCES: UNITED24 Media — "Putin's Approval Rating Slides to 66.7% Amid Falling Trust and Declining Party Support" (April 17, 2026) UNITED24 Media — "Putin's Approval Rating Falls to Lowest Level Since 2022" (April 10, 2026)Kyiv Post — "Putin's 'Real' Approval Rating Falls Below 30% for First Time Since Start of War" (April 10, 2026) RBC Ukraine — "Putin's approval rating continues to fall" (April 17, 2026) RFE/RL — "In Russia, Putin Sees Something Not Seen In Years: A Notable Drop In Approval Ratings" (April 2026)Meduza — "Putin's approval rating falls below 70%" (April 10, 2026) Kyiv Independent — "Russia sets yet another Donbas capture deadline" (April 17, 2026) Kyiv Post — "Moscow Gears Up for New Offensive, Eyes Total Donbas Control by September" (April 17, 2026)ISW / Critical Threats — "Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, April 13, 2026" ----------

Day 1,513.Today, as Hungary's new prime minister Péter Magyar signals he will not veto the €90 billion European Union loan for Ukraine – and Slovakia's opposition to the package appears to be crumbling – we ask whether Brussels can finally get the funding approved. We report on a continued surge in Ukrainian airstrikes against high-value Russian targets, and consider whether the air war in Russia's war against Ukraine is beginning to tilt in Kyiv's favour. We also examine developments in Ukraine's domestic politics, as former presidential aide Andriy Yermak faces scrutiny from the country's anti-corruption authorities. And later, we bring you a special interview from Adélie's recent trip to Ukraine with Asami Terajima on the military's efforts to prevent troops going AWOL and visiting a Kharkiv morgue.Contributors:Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.Adelie Pojzman-Pontay (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @Adeliepjz on X.With thanks to Asami Terajima – frontline reporter at the Kyiv Independent.NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest CONTENT REFERENCED:Top Zelensky allies Yermak, Arakhamia targeted in new searches, summons, source says (Kyiv Independent):https://kyivindependent.com/yermak/ The Mushroom Captivating Wartime Ukraine (New Lines):https://newlinesmag.com/reportage/the-mushroom-captivating-wartime-ukraine/ Russian air defenses are collapsing. Now Ukrainian warplanes can hit harder (Euromaidan):https://euromaidanpress.com/2026/04/15/donetsk-airport-raid/Inside Ukraine's AWOL and military desertion crisishttps://kyivindependent.com/inside-ukraines-awol-and-desertion-crisis/As Ukraine war deaths mount, Kharkiv morgue strains to identify the truthhttps://kyivindependent.com/you-cant-turn-off-your-emotion-inside-a-ukrainian-morgue-as-war-deaths-mount/Coming of age during war, where mistakes can cost a lifehttps://kyivindependent.com/coming-of-age-during-war-where-mistakes-can-cost-a-life/War Notes Newsletterhttps://kyivindependent.com/newsletters/war-notes/The Kyiv Independent doesn't have a paywall or an owner and is supported by acommunity of readers who make this work possible: https://kyivindependent.com/membership/?utm_source=membership-offline-arcola-theatre&utm_medium=offline&utm_campaign=prEMAIL US:Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk . We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many on air and in our newsletter as possible. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shortly after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, Elon Musk's company SpaceX swept in to restore internet connectivity to areas that had been affected by Russian attacks. But SpaceX and its internet service, Starlink, have hardly remained indisputable forces for good in the war in Ukraine. Earlier this month, the Kyiv Independent revealed that a fleet of old, rusty ships has been transporting hundreds of millions of barrels of Russian oil… with Starlink's help. Investigative journalist Tanya Kozyreva joins us to explain what her reporting uncovered about how Starlink is used by the Russian “shadow fleet” – and how Ukrainian sailors have found themselves onboard. We're also joined by The Europeans' resident Luxembourger, Nina Lamparski, to discuss a resurgence of bison in Europe and the imperiled fate of halloumi.JOIN OUR BOOK CLUB: We're so excited to be partnering with our friends at the European Review of Books on a new audio book club! Want to read along with us? We'll be discussing our first pick, Vincenzo Latronico's Perfection, on 14 May.Resources for this episode:“From biodiversity to carbon capture: Saving bison from extinction has brought big benefits to Europe” – Euronews, 8 April 2026“Foot-and-Mouth Disease - questions and answers” – European Commission“Disease and division threaten Halloumi in latest Cyprus-Turkey spat” – Politico, 10 April 2026Our 2021 episode about halloumi, “Cheese Diplomacy”“Exclusive: We discovered what's going on inside Russia's shadow fleet” – Kyiv Independent, 1 April 2026 If this podcast gets you singing “more, more, more!”, we'd love to introduce you to our newsletter, GOOD WEEK BAD WEEK. Same groove, different format, every Friday in your inbox.

Silicon Bites Ep314 | 2026-04-08 | Putin's quiet mobilisation and the breaking of the economic volunteer model. 409,000. That's how many men Vladimir Putin needs to push into uniform in 2026 to keep his war running. It's the figure Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi put on the record in February — Russia intends to draft over 400,000 people this year and stand up at least eleven new divisions. Four hundred thousand bodies to feed into the Pokrovsk meat grinder, into the Kupyansk line, into the drone killing fields of Donetsk Oblast.Putin has created an outsourced Gulag – where any infringement of the law, any threat to the regime will get you sent to the front – a one-way ticket for anyone other than the convict class of Wagner. Where the poor and powerless, where ethnic and identity minorities, where opponents and zealots can be sent to the outsourced concentration camp of the Donbas. ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformation----------SOURCES:Institute for the Study of War (ISW) — Analysis on Kremlin preparations for hidden draft, February 2026. Kyiv Independent — "Putin signs law allowing year-round conscription in Russia," November 4, 2025. Kyiv Post — "Putin Signs Decree to Call Up Reservists for 2026 Training," December 9, 2025. Kyiv Post — "Russian Regional Boss Orders Businesses to Find Army 'Volunteers' Among Employees" (Ryazan / Malkov decree), late March 2026. The Moscow Times — Reporting on Ryazan decree No. 17, March 2026. dagens.com / Obozrevatel — "Russia may turn to forced conscription, analysts warn" (recruitment dropping below losses), March 2026. Meduza — "Russia's conscription system will become year-round starting January 1," December 30, 2025. The Moscow Times — "Russia's New Military Recruits Dipped in 2025, Figures Show," January 16, 2026. The Moscow Times — "Regions Reintroduce Huge Sign-On Bonuses for Contract Soldiers After Lowering Payments in 2025," January 14, 2026. The Moscow Times — "Regions Calling: Governments Cut Back on Once-Lucrative Military Enlistment Payments," January 6, 2026.----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasWe need to scale up our support for Ukraine, and these events are designed to have a major impact. Your support in making it happen is greatly appreciated. All events will be recorded professionally and published for free on the Silicon Curtain channel. Where possible, we will also live-stream events.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------

2026-04-07 | UPDATES #166 | Russia goes offline, and Muscovites are not ‘loving it.' Cheburnet arrives, and Russians discover consequences. On Friday morning, April 3rd, at around ten o'clock Moscow time, Russia stopped working. The money stopped dispensing and flowing. Sberbank — Russia's largest lender — went down. Then VTB. Then T-Bank. Then Alfa-Bank. Then Gazprombank. Then the Central Bank's own Faster Payments System, the interbank rail that processes QR code transfers and phone-number payments. All of it, simultaneously, across Moscow, St Petersburg, Samara, Novosibirsk, the Sverdlovsk region, Chelyabinsk.Card terminals in shops threw errors. ATMs refused to dispense cash. Mobile banking apps wouldn't open. In the Moscow metro, turnstiles stopped accepting bank cards — staff had to wave passengers through for free just to stop crowds forming. Petrol stations demanded cash. A regional zoo in Belgorod put up a sign asking visitors to pay in physical roubles. Traffic jams stretched for kilometres on toll roads because the payment gates wouldn't read cards. Sberbank alone logged more than four thousand complaints in a single hour. This is the sound of a country sliding towards a digital cage. The Kremlin is the one building it, and Russians are only just waking up to the realisation they have no rights, and soon will have no privileges. ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformation----------A REQUEST FOR HELP!I'm heading back to Kyiv next month, to film, do research and conduct interviews. The logistics and need for equipment and clothing are a little higher than for my previous trips. It will be cold, and may be dark also. If you can, please assist to ensure I can make this trip a success. My commitment to the audience of the channel, will be to bring back compelling interviews conducted in Ukraine, and to use the experience to improve the quality of the channel, it's insights and impact. Let Ukraine and democracy prevail! https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrashttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformationNONE OF THIS CAN HAPPEN WITHOUT YOU!So what's next? We're going to Kyiv in April 2026 to film on the ground, and will record interviews with some huge guests. We'll be creating opportunities for new interviews, and to connect you with the reality of a European city under escalating winter attack, from an imperialist, genocidal power. PLEASE HELP ME ME TO GROW SILICON CURTAINWe are planning our events for 2026, and to do more and have a greater impact. After achieving more than 12 events in 2025, we will aim to double that! 24 events and interviews on the ground in Ukraine, to push back against weaponized information, toxic propaganda and corrosive disinformation. Please help us make it happen!----------SOURCES: The Moscow Times — "Mass Outage Hits Sberbank and Other Major Russian Lenders," April 3, Kyiv Independent — "Russia's banks face major service outages amid internet crackdown," April 3, 2026. The Record (Recorded Future News) — "Major outage hits Russian banking apps, metro payments across regions," April 6, 2026. Security Affairs — "Major outage cripples Russian banking apps and metro payments nationwide," April 6, 2026. AInvest — "Russia's VPN Crackdown: A $1B+ Banking Outage and the Cost of Digital Control," April 6, 2026. Reuters via Global Banking and Finance — "Moscow Payment System Problem Disrupts Shoppers, Metro & Retailers," April 3, 2026. The New Voice of Ukraine (NV) — "Russia bank outage halts payments and blocks cash withdrawals across key regions," April 3, 2026. Mediazona (English) — "Russia's internet censorship in 2026: VPN crackdowns, mobile shutdowns, Telegram blocks and the state messenger Max," April 7, 2026. ----------

In 2021, when Olga Rudenko and other journalists launched the English-language news outlet the Kyiv Independent, they were committed to making a publication that wouldn't face political pressure from an owner. A few months later, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and the Independent began reporting breaking news from the front lines, and conducting investigations of the Ukrainian government. David Remnick talks with Rudenko, the Independent's editor-in-chief, about the challenges of reporting in wartime; President Volodymyr Zelensky's pushback on independent journalism; how Iran and Russia have been providing military aid to one another; and why Ukraine cannot accept the peace deal with Russia that Donald Trump is insisting that it take. Further reading:  “The Assault on Ukraine's Power Grid,” by Michael Holtz “What Are Putin's Ultimate Demands for Peace in Ukraine?,” by Joshua Yaffa “Ukraine Has ‘Irrefutable Evidence' of Russia Providing Intelligence to Iran, Zelensky Says,” by Asami Terajima, of the Kyiv Independent “China, Iran Help Russia Prop Up Economy in Occupied Ukrainian Territories, Report Says,” by Yuliia Taradiuk, of the Kyiv Independent “Ukraine Heads to US with Drone Proposal Trump Dismissed Before War with Iran,” by Tim Zadorozhnyy, of the Kyiv Independent “We Interviewed Iran's Envoy to Ukraine and It Was Absolutely Wild,” by Polina Moroziuk, of the Kyiv Independent  The Political Scene draws on the reporting and analysis found in The New Yorker for lively conversations about the big questions in American politics. Join the magazine's writers and editors as they put into context the latest news—about elections, the economy, the White House, the Supreme Court, and much more. New episodes are available three times a week. Tune in to The Political Scene wherever you get your podcasts. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

2026-04-06 | UPDATES #165 | Ukraine takes the war to Russia's oil jugular. Novorossiysk is burning, again. Russia's most important oil export hub on the Black Sea — the endpoint for pipelines carrying crude from Siberia, the Urals, and Kazakhstan — was hammered overnight by more than fifty Ukrainian drones, in what multiple analysts are calling the most ambitious and damaging Ukrainian strike on the port to date.The West is telling Ukraine to ease up. And Ukraine is telling the West, no, through its actions. What are some of the so-called Western partners really asking – whether Ukraine can destroy itself, and submit to the invader, for their convenience. Die, to buy to West some time, while they fail to prepare for the Russian threat. The optics of this are gross, the hypocrisy nauseating and the lack of strategic understanding and myopia just astounding. If Russia is strengthened through oil and gas revenues, it's profile as a threat to Europe simply increases.And it wasn't just oil infrastructure. Ukraine hit a Russian missile frigate. It hit an offshore drilling rig. It hit a Be-12 amphibious aircraft in occupied Crimea. All in the same night. All while Russia was simultaneously raining drones on Odesa — killing three people there, including a toddler.----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformation----------A REQUEST FOR HELP!I'm heading back to Kyiv next month, to film, do research and conduct interviews. The logistics and need for equipment and clothing are a little higher than for my previous trips. It will be cold, and may be dark also. If you can, please assist to ensure I can make this trip a success. My commitment to the audience of the channel, will be to bring back compelling interviews conducted in Ukraine, and to use the experience to improve the quality of the channel, it's insights and impact. Let Ukraine and democracy prevail! https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrashttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformationNONE OF THIS CAN HAPPEN WITHOUT YOU!So what's next? We're going to Kyiv in April 2026 to film on the ground, and will record interviews with some huge guests. We'll be creating opportunities for new interviews, and to connect you with the reality of a European city under escalating winter attack, from an imperialist, genocidal power. PLEASE HELP ME ME TO GROW SILICON CURTAINWe are planning our events for 2026, and to do more and have a greater impact. After achieving more than 12 events in 2025, we will aim to double that! 24 events and interviews on the ground in Ukraine, to push back against weaponized information, toxic propaganda and corrosive disinformation. Please help us make it happen!----------SOURCES: Kyiv Independent — "Novorossiysk port on fire again as Ukrainian strike campaign on Russian oil. Kyiv Independent — "Ukraine targets Russian frigate, oil rig amid overnight Black Sea attack, military says," April 6, 2026. Kyiv Post — "Ukraine Nails Russian Missile Frigate in Novorossiysk Strike, Hits Black Sea Rig," April 6, 2026.Kyiv Post — "Ukrainian Drone Attack Badly Damages Russia's Main Black Sea Oil Terminal," April 6, 2026.Al Jazeera — "Ukraine strikes Russian Black Sea energy hub Novorossiysk," April 6, 2026. The Moscow Times — "Ukrainian Drone Attack Triggers Fire at Key Russian Black Sea Oil Terminal," April 6, 2026. Reuters via MarineLink — "Ukrainian Drones Attack Caspian Pipeline Consortium's Black Sea Terminal," April 6, 2026. Defence Blog — "Ukraine strikes key Russian oil terminal," April 6, 2026. ----------

2026-04-03 | UPDATES #161 | Today in Russia, the digital money stopped moving. On Friday morning, customers of Sberbank — Russia's biggest bank — began reporting failures in payments, transfers, app access, QR-code transactions, and even ATM withdrawals. Other major lenders, including VTB and T-Bank, were also hit by outage reports. Shops and petrol stations switched to cash-only. Moscow metro turnstiles opened for free because payment systems failed. Even a zoo in Belgorod told visitors to bring cash. In a metropolitan area of roughly 22 million people, that is not a glitch. That is a stress test of the everyday state.The official line was narrow and evasive. Russia's National Payment Card System — the NSPK, the backbone behind the fast-payments network — said there had been a “technical failure at one of the banks” and insisted people's funds were safe. Sberbank later said the problem had been resolved, without saying what caused it. At the time of reporting, there was no public proof of a cyberattack, and no official evidence of a systemic bank run or immediate insolvency event. What we do have is a government and banking system telling Russians, once again, not to panic while the digital plumbing collapses in public.----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformation----------A REQUEST FOR HELP!I'm heading back to Kyiv next month, to film, do research and conduct interviews. The logistics and need for equipment and clothing are a little higher than for my previous trips. It will be cold, and may be dark also. If you can, please assist to ensure I can make this trip a success. My commitment to the audience of the channel, will be to bring back compelling interviews conducted in Ukraine, and to use the experience to improve the quality of the channel, it's insights and impact. Let Ukraine and democracy prevail! https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrashttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformationNONE OF THIS CAN HAPPEN WITHOUT YOU!So what's next? We're going to Kyiv in April 2026 to film on the ground, and will record interviews with some huge guests. We'll be creating opportunities for new interviews, and to connect you with the reality of a European city under escalating winter attack, from an imperialist, genocidal power. PLEASE HELP ME ME TO GROW SILICON CURTAINWe are planning our events for 2026, and to do more and have a greater impact. After achieving more than 12 events in 2025, we will aim to double that! 24 events and interviews on the ground in Ukraine, to push back against weaponized information, toxic propaganda and corrosive disinformation. Please help us make it happen!----------SOURCES: Reuters, April 3 — Moscow shoppers and travellers hit by payment system problem. The Moscow Times, April 3 — Mass outage hits Sberbank and other major Russian lenders. The Kyiv Independent, April 3 — Russia's banks face major service outages amid internet crackdown. Reuters, March 31 — Russia goes after VPNs as “great crackdown” gathers pace. AP, March 14 / opened result — Moscow struggles with cellphone internet outages. The Guardian, March 31 — Russia slowly trying to splinter its internet from rest of world, analysts say. Chatham House, March 26 — Moscow internet blackouts: the Kremlin tightens its grip on Russia's digital space. Apple Support, updated April 1 — Billing for Apple subscriptions and digital purchases in Russia. Meduza, April 1 — Russia blocks Apple ID mobile top-ups amid App Store dispute. The Moscow Times, April 1 — Russians lose access to Apple ID mobile payments. ----------

2026-04-04 | UPDATES #162 | Russia recorded almost no territorial gains in March. With just 23 SQ km approximately taken in March and losses elsewhere offsetting that advance. Russia's rate of advance has collapsed compared with earlier months. (The Guardian)The fighting has not gone quiet. The war is not over. Moscow has not renounced its maximalist gains, not one bit. The big change is that their advance to achieve those aims has slowed already from a snail's pace to stall completely. The front is still burning across more than 1,200 kilometres. Russian missiles and drones are still hammering Ukrainian cities in what Zelensky has called an “Easter escalation.” Men are still dying every hour from Pokrovsk to Huliaipole. But something important has shifted. The central fact, the one that cuts through all the noise, is this: after more than two years of grinding, costly, attritional offensives, Russia's land campaign in Ukraine appears to have stalled. (Reuters) Does it have the techniques and resources to trigger movement again? ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformation----------A REQUEST FOR HELP!I'm heading back to Kyiv next month, to film, do research and conduct interviews. The logistics and need for equipment and clothing are a little higher than for my previous trips. It will be cold, and may be dark also. If you can, please assist to ensure I can make this trip a success. My commitment to the audience of the channel, will be to bring back compelling interviews conducted in Ukraine, and to use the experience to improve the quality of the channel, it's insights and impact. Let Ukraine and democracy prevail! https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrashttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformationNONE OF THIS CAN HAPPEN WITHOUT YOU!So what's next? We're going to Kyiv in April 2026 to film on the ground, and will record interviews with some huge guests. We'll be creating opportunities for new interviews, and to connect you with the reality of a European city under escalating winter attack, from an imperialist, genocidal power. PLEASE HELP ME ME TO GROW SILICON CURTAINWe are planning our events for 2026, and to do more and have a greater impact. After achieving more than 12 events in 2025, we will aim to double that! 24 events and interviews on the ground in Ukraine, to push back against weaponized information, toxic propaganda and corrosive disinformation. Please help us make it happen!----------SOURCES: Reuters, April 3, 2026 — Zelensky says the frontline situation is the best for Ukraine in 10 months. Reuters, April 3, 2026 — Zelensky denounces an “Easter escalation” as Russia intensifies daytime strikes. Reuters, April 1, 2026 — Russia claims full control of Luhansk; Ukraine disputes it. Associated Press, April 1, 2026 — Kyiv rejects Moscow's Luhansk claim; AP notes ISW sees Ukrainian tactics disrupting Russian advances. The Guardian / AFP, April 4, 2026 — Russian army records almost no territorial gains in March; January, February and March comparative figures; Starlink/Telegram factor. The Kyiv Independent, April 3–4, 2026 — Zelensky says Russian losses in March topped 35,000; General Staff tally reaches 1,302,370 on April 4. Kyiv Post, April 2, 2026 — Report that Ukrainian forces recaptured more ground in March than they lost; Syrskyi says 480 sq km liberated since late January. Euromaidan Press, April 1–2, 2026 — Russian advance slowing; Kovalenko estimate of 31,960 Russian losses for 155 sq km in March, or 206 troops per sq km. Institute for the Study of War correction, April 3–4, 2026 — March 2026 gains figure corrected to 5.46 sq km after adding Lyptsi-area occupied ground. ----------

In 2021, when Olga Rudenko and other journalists launched the English-language news outlet the Kyiv Independent, they were committed to making a publication that wouldn't face political pressure from an owner. A few months later, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and the Independent began reporting breaking news from the front lines, and conducting investigations of the Ukrainian government. David Remnick talks with Rudenko, the Independent's editor-in-chief, about the challenges of reporting in wartime; President Volodymyr Zelensky's pushback on independent journalism; how Iran and Russia have been providing military aid to one another; and why Ukraine cannot accept the peace deal with Russia that Donald Trump is insisting that it take. Further reading:  “The Assault on Ukraine's Power Grid,” by Michael Holtz “What Are Putin's Ultimate Demands for Peace in Ukraine?,” by Joshua Yaffa “Ukraine Has ‘Irrefutable Evidence' of Russia Providing Intelligence to Iran, Zelensky Says,” by Asami Terajima, of the Kyiv Independent “China, Iran Help Russia Prop Up Economy in Occupied Ukrainian Territories, Report Says,” by Yuliia Taradiuk, of the Kyiv Independent “Ukraine Heads to US with Drone Proposal Trump Dismissed Before War with Iran,” by Tim Zadorozhnyy, of the Kyiv Independent “We Interviewed Iran's Envoy to Ukraine and It Was Absolutely Wild,” by Polina Moroziuk, of the Kyiv Independent   New episodes of The New Yorker Radio Hour drop every Tuesday and Friday. Join host David Remnick as he discusses the latest in politics, news, and current events in conversation with political leaders, newsmakers, innovators, New Yorker staff writers, authors, actors, and musicians.

Day 1,498.Today, as President Donald Trump threatens to withdraw from the key US initiative that enables allies to purchase American weapons for Ukraine, we analyse new footage of emerging drone technologies on the frontline, before exposing the brutal realities of Russia's battlefield economy and the corruption sustaining Vladimir Putin's war effort. We also report on record crime rates in Russia since the invasion, as returning soldiers strain domestic stability, and hear expert analysis on this pivotal moment in Ukrainian politics.**Ukraine: The Latest will return after Easter on Tuesday 7th of April.**Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.Adelie Pojzman-Pontay (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @Adeliepjz on X.With thanks to freelance journalist Antonia Langford and Deputy Editor of the Kyiv Independent, Oleksiy Sorokin.NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest CONTENT REFERENCED:‘Rapists and murderers' in Russian army rampage while home from front (Antonia Langford in The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/01/rapists-murderers-russian-army-rampage-home-from-front/ Trump threatened to stop weapons for Ukraine unless Europe joined Hormuz coalition (Financial Times):https://www.ft.com/content/d304071a-ca97-4b3b-be93-ff880a6645c3?syn-25a6b1a6=1 On the front lines, Russian soldiers pay officers to stay alive (The Economist):https://www.economist.com/europe/2026/04/01/on-the-front-lines-russian-soldiers-pay-officers-to-stay-aliveEMAIL US:Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk . We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many on air and in our newsletter as possible. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,496.Today, as Ukraine offers to assist in re-opening the Strait of Hormuz, we hear reports of the Ukrainians being warned off attacking oil energy infrastructure as the world continues to reel from the war in Iran, before examining leaked calls between the Russian and Hungarian foreign ministers that suggest an even closer relationship between Moscow and Budapest than previously understood. Finally, we reflect on the anniversary of the Bucha massacre – one of the most notorious atrocities of Russia's invasion of Ukraine – and hear the view from the battlefield with frontline reporter Francis Farrell.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.Adelie Pojzman-Pontay (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @Adeliepjz on X.With thanks to Francis Farrell of the Kyiv Independent.NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest CONTENT REFERENCED:Francis's Documentary on Hungary, Russia, and Ukraine:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIILzKnFs2o Chernobyl Event Tomorrow by the Ukrainian Institute of London/Royal Society of the Arts:https://www.thersa.org/events/2026/04/40-years-on-chornobyls-legacy-and-european-environmental-security/ Kremlin hotline: Hungary colluded with Russia to delist sanctioned oligarchs, companies and banks (The Insider and others):https://theins.press/en/inv/290911 Foreign fighters in Russian ranks rise above 27,000, Ukraine says (Kyiv Independent):https://kyivindependent.com/foreign-fighters-in-russian-ranks-rise-to-27-407-ukraine-says/?mc_cid=84888effdc&mc_eid=08d0680a95Interview exclusive de Sergueï Lavrov, ministre des Affaires étrangères russe (France 2):https://www.franceinfo.fr/monde/russie/video-nous-nous-prononcons-pour-la-defense-des-interets-de-l-iran-regardez-l-interview-exclusive-de-serguei-lavrov-ministre-des-affaires-etrangeres-russe-sur-france-2_7896044.htmlPourquoi et dans quelles conditions la rédaction de France Télévisions a-t-elle réalisé l'interview de Sergueï Lavrov, chef de la diplomatie russe ? (France Info): https://www.franceinfo.fr/une-information-transparente-franceinfo/transparence-pourquoi-et-dans-quelles-conditions-la-redaction-de-france-televisions-a-t-elle-realise-l-interview-de-serguei-lavrov-chef-de-la-diplomatie-russe_7897925.htmlFrancis Farrell's recent journalism for The Kyiv Independent:https://kyivindependent.com/author/francis-farrell/ EMAIL US:Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk . We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many on air and in our newsletter as possible. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,491.Today, as extraordinary Ukrainian strikes in the Baltic region reportedly knock out around 40 per cent of Russia's crude oil export capacity in a single attack – and achieve the first known successful strike on a Russian military ship in the Baltic Sea, hundreds of kilometres from Ukraine – we assess the strategic impact on Russia's war economy. We also take the temperature from high-level meetings in Germany and Finland, and examine reports that Moscow is supplying Iran with vital assistance in its confrontation with the United States and Israel. What vulnerabilities has this widening conflict exposed for Washington?Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.With thanks to Dr Robert Person, nonresident senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute.NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest CONTENT REFERENCED:Ukraine drone attacks wipe out power for 500,000 Russians (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/03/25/ukraine-russia-drone-attacks-power-cut-500k-kyiv/ Trump denies it – but two wars are becoming one (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/03/26/converging-wars-leave-europe-panicked-and-putin-emboldened/ Exclusive: At least 40% of Russia's oil export capacity halted (Reuters):https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/least-40-russias-oil-export-capacity-halted-reuters-calculations-show-2026-03-25/ Russia sending drones to Iran, western intelligence says (The Financial Times):https://www.ft.com/content/d5d7291b-8a53-42cd-b10a-4e02fbcf9047?syn-25a6b1a6=1 Russian government ordered Moscow internet blackout, The Bell reports (Kyiv Independent):https://kyivindependent.com/orders-to-shut-down-internet-in-moscow-came-from-government-independent-russian-outlets-sources-confirm/?mc_cid=acf8847d40&mc_eid=08d0680a95 Pentagon considers diverting Ukraine military aid to the Middle East (The Washington Post):https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2026/03/26/us-iran-war-ukraine-missile-defense/ Over 5000 munitions shot in the first 96 hours of Iran war (Foreign Policy Institute):https://www.fpri.org/article/2026/03/over-5000-munitions-shot-in-the-first-96-hours-of-the-iran-war/Drone Warfare Has Come to the United States (National Interest):https://nationalinterest.org/feature/drone-warfare-has-come-to-the-united-states EMAIL US:Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk . We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many on air and in our newsletter as possible. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,489.Today, amid confirmation that Vladimir Putin's spring offensive in Russia's war in Ukraine has begun, we report on the assaults along the frontline that have driven a sharp rise in Russian casualty figures. We then examine the truth behind growing rumours of unrest and widespread internet outages in Moscow. We also speak to a senior official in the office of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán about allegations that Budapest's diplomats shared details of European Union meetings with Kremlin officials. And later, we look at the controversial cases of Ukrainians who fought for Russia and are now prisoners of war in Ukraine – asking what drove them to switch sides in the conflict.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.James Kilner (Russia Analyst). @Jkjourno on X.Adelie Pojzman-Pontay (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @Adeliepjz on X.With thanks to parliamentary state secretary of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's Cabinet Office, Balázs Hidvéghi, and freelance journalist Jen Stout.NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest CONTENT REFERENCED:Wave of Russian strikes kill five in Ukraine (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/03/24/wave-of-russian-strikes-kill-five-in-ukraine/ Ukraine strikes Russian oil export hub (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/03/23/ukraine-strikes-russias-largest-baltic-oil-terminal/ Ukraine names Hungarian officer allegedly behind spy network busted in 2025 (Kyiv Independent):https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-names-hungarian-officer-allegedly-behind-spy-network-busted-in-2025/ What makes a traitor? Interviews with Ukrainians who fought for Russia reveal how they became Putin's soldiers (Jen Stout in Prospect):https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/world/europe/ukraine/72210/what-makes-a-traitor EMAIL US:Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk . We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many on air and in our newsletter as possible. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,484.Today, as Russian casualty figures continue to climb, we ask whether Moscow's long-anticipated spring offensive has already begun. We also return to the situation in Moscow, where Vladimir Putin has been absent from public view for several days, as a formerly loyal supporter issues a dramatic call for the Russian president to step down. Then we examine the significance of comments by the CIA director on Moscow's involvement with Iran, before speaking to one of Britain's leading historians of strategy about where the war now stands – and the key mistakes made by both Russia and Ukraine.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.With thanks to historian Professor Sir Lawrence Freedman.NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest CONTENT REFERENCED:Sir Lawrence Freedman's book, ‘On Strategists and Strategy: Collected Essays, 2014-2024':https://www.amazon.co.uk/Strategists-Strategy-Collected-Essays-2014-2024-ebook/dp/B0F7GFDDNF Jürgen Habermas, eminent philosopher who sought to help Germany overcome its postwar spiritual ruin (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/obituaries/2026/03/15/jurgen-habermas-eminent-german-spiritual-philosopher/ Ukraine agrees to pump Russian oil to Hungary to secure EU loan (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/03/18/ukraine-agrees-pump-russian-oil-to-hungary-secure-eu-loan/ ‘Put him on trial': pro-Kremlin loyalist turns on Putin in rare outburst (The Guardian):https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/18/pro-kremlin-loyalist-turns-on-putin-ilya-remeslo-russia?CMP=share_btn_url Russia unveils plans to resettle occupied Ukrainian territories, media reports (Kyiv Independent):https://kyivindependent.com/russia-unveils-plans-to-resettle-occupied-ukrainian-territories-media-reports/?mc_cid=6dd8571311&mc_eid=08d0680a95 Two shipments of Russian oil and gas head to Cuba in defiance of US (Financial Times):https://www.ft.com/content/bdb055d0-62c3-445c-ba89-349c63c82c1f?syn-25a6b1a6=1 WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:Our weekly newsletter includes maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons, answers your questions, provides recommended reading, and gives exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights.. It's free for everyone, including non-subscribers. Join here – http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainenewsletter EMAIL US:Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk . We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many on air and in our newsletter as possible. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,468.Today, as war in the Middle East escalates and Putin attempts to position Russia as a potential peace broker, we examine Zelensky's claim that if Gulf States pressure Moscow towards a ceasefire in Ukraine, Kyiv could offer air defence support in return. We analyse claims that Ukraine captured more territory in February than Russia, and assess France's extraordinary shift in its nuclear posture and what it means for European security. Then we bring you a dispatch from Adélie in Irpin, and speak to an elections expert to debate whether Ukraine can realistically hold presidential elections in the event of a ceasefire.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @adeliepjz on X.With thanks to Ben Graham Jones.NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://youtu.be/UJebwNfLBwYCONTENT REFERENCED:Listen and watch ‘Iran: The Latest', covering events in the Middle East:https://linktr.ee/IranTheLatestYou can learn more and contact Ben Graham Jones at:https://www.bengjones.com/about-ben Propaganda Video from Africa:https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/NCZ0YSyWVhk Zelensky offers to save Gulf states –⁠ if they stop Putin (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/03/03/zelensky-offers-to-save-gulf-states-iran-war-putin-drones/ Ukraine captured more territory than it lost to Russia over February 2026, Syrskyi says (Kyiv Independent):https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-captured-more-territory-than-it-lost-to-russia-over-febraury-2026-syrskyi-says/ I Can Buy a British Election for $25m: Here's How (Andy Pryce for CEPA):https://cepa.org/article/i-can-buy-a-british-election-for-25m-heres-how/ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:Our weekly newsletter includes maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons, answers your questions, provides recommended reading, and gives exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights.. It's free for everyone, including non-subscribers. Join here – http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainenewsletter EMAIL US:Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk . We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many on air and in our newsletter as possible. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eric Ciaramella of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and Francis Farrell, a reporter at the Kyiv Independent who covers military and security dynamics in Ukraine, join Lawfare's Ukraine Fellow Anastasiia Lapatina for a look back at the first year of the Trump presidency through the lens of the war Ukraine. The three delve into the expectations surrounding the Trump administration's approach to Ukraine, the evolving battlefield situation, and the dynamics of U.S. aid. They also analyze the role of Europe in supporting Ukraine, the potential future scenarios for both Ukraine and Russia as they navigate the complexities of the ongoing war, and whether the ongoing peace talks have any chance of succeeding.To receive ad-free podcasts, become a Lawfare Material Supporter at www.patreon.com/lawfare. You can also support Lawfare by making a one-time donation at https://givebutter.com/lawfare-institute.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lawfare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.