Ukraine: The Latest

Day 1,706.
As the first buses evacuate residents in Russian-occupied Oleshky, Dr Jade McGlynn puts us on the ground with reports from local sources. During a brief local ceasefire, brokered by US first lady Melania Trump, she tells us about residents’ mistrust of the process and fear of Russian authorities, to the point that some may prefer to stay in the starved city. In Russia’s Samara oblast, a Ukrainian strike transforms an oil refinery into an apocalyptic landscape, amid reports that Kyiv defied President Trump’s energy truce. Finally, we discuss Washington’s latest plans to ease sanctions on Moscow and the closure of the last independent Russian newspaper, Novaya Gazeta.

Contributors:
Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @Adeliepjz on X.
Jade McGlynn (Senior Research Fellow, King’s College London). @DrJadeMcGlynn on X.
Sophie O’Sullivan (Telegraph journalist).

Producer: Rachel Porter
Senior Producer: Lilian Fawcett
Video Producer: Sophie O’Sullivan
Social Producer: Tom Steed
Studio Director: Meghan Searle
Executive Editor: Francis Dearnley
Created by David Knowles

SUPPORT US – JOIN OUR MEMBERS’ CLUB
For more from the team, join UTL+. For a small monthly fee, you’ll get behind-the-scenes content, bonus videos, and discounted tickets to live events and merch: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdHjleMvPSs-JEjiQ8_D2cA/join

If you joined shortly after we launched the membership scheme on Monday 26th October, email [email protected] with your YouTube handle and mailing address. If you’re one of the first 50, we’ll send you a mug!

You can also join in the conversation on our YouTube community page (it’s free!): https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest/community

Buy tickets to War Room, a new interactive event in London:
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph-events/the-war-room/

Members of UTL+ can read the members-only YouTube post here to find out how they could win a free ticket:
https://www.youtube.com/post/UgkxqSgx1mio5cviI1WrQnrbAdIurGr7AxyO

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:
Listen to Adélie’s interview with the mother of a Ukrainian child adopted by Putin ally
On Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/nato-and-russia-edge-closer-to-standoff-exclusive/id1612424182?i=1000728072996
On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5qaTQOZyq5jVUK1B2U7Cqh?si=bL1xPwIMT_CbT1xUlTPd8g

Residents leave devastated Russian-occupied Oleshky as evacuation corridor opens (BBC)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c60me298k1yeo

Melania’s ceasefire is cover for major offensive, say Ukrainian soldiers (The Telegraph)
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/30/melania-trump-pope-ceasefire-oleshky-southern-ukraine/

Ukraine Hits Russian Oil Refinery, Ending Pause and Defying Trump (Wall Street Journal)
https://www.wsj.com/world/europe/ukraine-hits-russian-oil-refinery-ending-a-pause-and-defying-trump-be68eeff?mod=hp_lead_pos2

South Korean ‘tilt’ towards Russia alarms European allies (Financial Times)
https://www.ft.com/content/91f45684-1e10-4aa1-b1d5-019fc41ff1c5

EU governments helpless as energy prices soar to four-year highs (Politico)
https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-energy-prices-fossil-fuels-gas-middle-east-four-year-high/

Ukrainian composer Lubomyr Melnyk
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7KVIfxOuAwtuVaWejKmKuA

EMAIL US:
Contact the team on [email protected]. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Inside Oleshky’s chaotic evacuation as Russia ‘prepares fresh offensive’
Ukraine ‘defies Trump’s energy truce’ with major strike on Russian refinery
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,705.
Today, as civilians prepare to leave occupied Oleshky while the ceasefire holds, we ask whether all is as it seems, with reports suggesting Putin approached Melania Trump to help broker the ceasefire. Meanwhile, as Moscow hosts representatives from 48 African countries, we hear Putin describe Elon Musk as “a genius”. Plus, Britain’s former Defence Secretary, now in charge of the nation’s finances, announces fresh support for Ukraine. But does it go far enough? Then, later, we shine a spotlight on one extraordinary volunteer.

Contributors:
Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.
Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.
Lilian Fawcett (Telegraph Journalist and Senior Producer on Ukraine: The Latest). @LilianFawcett on X.
With thanks to Peter and his family, as well as photographer William Jones-Warner (www.williamjoneswarner.com).

Producer: Rachel Porter
Senior Producer: Lilian Fawcett
Video Producer: Sophie O’Sullivan and Tom Steed
Social Producer: Natalia Makohon and Lilian Fawcett
Studio Director: Meghan Searle
Executive Editor: Francis Dearnley
Created by David Knowles

SUPPORT US – JOIN OUR MEMBERS’ CLUB
For more from the team, join UTL+. For a small monthly fee, you’ll get behind-the-scenes content, bonus videos, and discounted tickets to live events and merch: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdHjleMvPSs-JEjiQ8_D2cA/join
If you joined shortly after we launched the membership scheme yesterday (Monday 26th), email [email protected] with your YouTube handle and mailing address. If you’re one of the first 50, we’ll send you a mug!

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:
Buy tickets to War Room, a new interactive event in London:
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph-events/the-war-room/

Members of UTL+ can read the members-only YouTube post here to find out how they could win a free ticket:
https://www.youtube.com/post/UgkxqSgx1mio5cviI1WrQnrbAdIurGr7AxyO

Read about the charity that Peter and his family work with, Stand For U Brighton & Hove:
https://www.standforukrainebnh.org/

Join our Members’ Club, UTL+:
For a small monthly fee, you’ll get behind-the-scenes content, bonus videos, and discounted tickets to live events and merch: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdHjleMvPSs-JEjiQ8_D2cA/join

Exclusive: Putin 'wanted very much' for Melania Trump to broker Oleshky ceasefire, first lady adviser says (Kyiv Independent):
https://kyivindependent.com/exclusive-putin-wanted-very-much-for-melania-trump-to-broker-oleshky-ceasefire-first-lady-adviser-says/

Volodymyr Zelenskyy opens door to security guarantees for Russia (Financial Times)
https://www.ft.com/content/8ec7d6f2-403a-4f80-89fc-5ed5e75fed63?syn-25a6b1a6=1

Russia turns to Arctic WW2 route to export grain (Reuters)
https://www.reuters.com/business/russia-turns-arctic-ww2-route-export-grain-2026-10-28/

Putin hails Musk as ‘real genius’ after Starlink slowdown (The Telegraph):
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/29/putin-hails-musk-real-genius-starlink-slowdown/

EMAIL US:
Contact the team on [email protected]. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Putin hails Musk the 'genius' as Moscow builds its own version of Starlink
Russian president 'wanted very much' for Melania Trump to broker Oleshky ceasefire
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,704.
Today, as the ceasefire in occupied Oleshky is extended across the wider region, we discuss disturbing reports that Ukrainian civilians evacuating the town may be taken to Russia. Then, we bring you reports of a row between the Ukrainian delegation and Donald Trump’s envoys when the latter tabled a peace plan that would see Russian oil and gas flow through Ukrainian pipelines. Later, we bring you the next of our regular deep drives into Russian politics and the economy, and details of the conversation between Putin and the leaders of Norway and Finland. Finally, we hear about a visit of Ukrainian drones companies showcasing their abilities here in Britain as the government warns of the possibility of war with Moscow.

Contributors:
Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.
James Kilner (Russia Analyst). @Jkjourno on X.
Danielle Sheridan (Defence Editor). @SheridanDani on X.

Senior Producer: Lilian Fawcett
Video Producer: Sophie O’Sullivan
Social Producer: Tom Steed
Studio Director: Meghan Searle
Executive Editor: Francis Dearnley
Created by David Knowles

SUPPORT US – JOIN OUR MEMBERS’ CLUB:
For more from the team, join UTL+. For a small monthly fee, you’ll get behind-the-scenes content, bonus videos, and discounted tickets to live events and merch: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdHjleMvPSs-JEjiQ8_D2cA/join

If you joined shortly after we launched the membership scheme yesterday (Monday 26th), email [email protected] with your YouTube handle and mailing address. If you’re one of the first 50, we’ll send you a mug!

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:

If you’re interested in sponsoring Dom’s upcoming defence event, email our colleagues at [email protected]

Ukrainian refugees will be sent to Russia under Melania Trump’s ceasefire (Joe Barnes, Antonia Langford and Emily Smith for The Telegraph)
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2026/10/27/melania-trump-ceasefire-ukrainians-russia/

Derrière le revirement de Donald Trump en faveur de la Russie, les promesses d’affaires juteuses de Kirill Dmitriev, l’habile VRP de Vladimir Poutine (Le Monde, in French):
https://www.lemonde.fr/international/article/2026/10/27/derriere-le-revirement-de-donald-trump-en-faveur-de-la-russie-les-promesses-d-affaires-juteuses-de-kirill-dmitriev-l-habile-vrp-de-vladimir-poutine_6801086_3210.html

Washington discusses Russian deals for US oil majors in Ukraine peace talks (Financial Times)
https://www.ft.com/content/d703aaae-f607-4b30-9830-ac2a25472d44?syn-25a6b1a6=1

Fabian Hoffmann’s post on X:
https://x.com/FRHoffmann1/status/2115004747736383861?a=gbidbOnqXHOkn-Y5_HI&s=20

My pregnancy triggered an autoimmune disease that left me needing major surgery (Danielle Sheridan in The Telegraph):
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/health-fitness/parenting/pregnancy/pregnancy-triggered-graves-disease-thyroid/

EMAIL US:
Contact the team on [email protected]. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Oleshky ceasefire extended across Kherson oblast
Ukraine's frontline positions their strongest in a long time, Zelensky says
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,703.
Today, as the ceasefire in occupied Oleshky – brokered by Melania Trump and the Pope – seems to be holding, we report how the Kremlin is already looking to exploit the rare outbreak of genuine humanitarian news. Europe deploys the Trump-whisperer Alexander Stubb to speak to Putin ahead of peace talks in Abu Dhabi. Meanwhile, the UN accuses Russia of war crimes and US vice president JD Vance rails against ‘tin pot dictators’ forcing up gas prices in America. And later, Adelie looks at one unexplored consequence of the war on Ukrainian children: the thousands of Ukrainian teenagers that are growing up in Europe…alone.

Contributors:
Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.
Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.
Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @Adeliepjz on X.

With thanks to Gabriella Jozwiak (@GabriellaJ on X) and Gabriella Ramirez (@higabyramirez on X).

Producer: Phil Atkins
Senior Producer: Lilian Fawcett
Video Producer: Sophie O’Sullivan
Social Producer: Tom Steed
Studio Director: Meghan Searle
Executive Editor: Francis Dearnley
Created by David Knowles

SUPPORT US – JOIN OUR MEMBERS’ CLUB:
For more from the team, join UTL+. For a small monthly fee, you’ll get behind-the-scenes content, bonus videos, and discounted tickets to live events and merch: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdHjleMvPSs-JEjiQ8_D2cA/join
If you joined shortly after we launched the membership scheme yesterday (Monday 26th), email [email protected] with your YouTube handle and mailing address. If you’re one of the first 50, we’ll send you a mug!

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 Ukrainian children struggling to survive alone in Europe (The Telegraph):
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/terror-and-security/ukrainian-children-struggling-to-survive-alone-in-europe/

If you’re interested in sponsoring Dom’s upcoming defence event, email our colleagues at [email protected]

EMAIL US:
Contact the team on [email protected]. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Guns fall silent in besieged Oleshky after Melania Trump-brokered ceasefire
Putin holds phone call with Norwegian and Finnish leaders
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,702.
Today, as the Kremlin prioritises Putin’s lakeside retreat for additional air defence systems, the impact is felt elsewhere with multiple Ukrainian strikes across the rest of Russia over the weekend, some by new stocks of British Storm Shadow cruise missiles. Then we discuss the latest on the ceasefire agreed for the people of the besieged city of Oleshky and consider whether the White House is taking credit for something brokered by others. Plus, we reveal a new way to support our work and access behind-the-scenes content from us: become a member of the Ukraine: The Latest club.

Contributors:
Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.
Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.
Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @Adeliepjz on X.

Producer: Rachel Porter
Senior Producer: Lilian Fawcett
Video Producer: Sophie O’Sullivan
Social Producer: Lucy Hadlow
Studio Director: Meghan Searle
Executive Editor: Francis Dearnley
Created by David Knowles

SUPPORT US – JOIN OUR MEMBERS’ CLUB
For more from the team, join UTL+. For a small monthly fee, you’ll get behind-the-scenes content, bonus videos, and discounted tickets to live events and merch: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdHjleMvPSs-JEjiQ8_D2cA/join

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:
Support our work and access behind-the-scenes and bonus content by joining our members’ club: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest/membership

New air defense towers have appeared around Putin's residence, their number has exceeded 50 – OSINT analysis (Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, in Ukrainian)
https://www.radiosvoboda.org/a/news-valdaj-putin-novi-vezhi-ppo/33883907.html

Zelensky’s interview with ABC
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWyYHGC0tkA

Ukraine’s Starlink back on after Trump dispute (The Telegraph)
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/24/ukraines-starlink-back-on-after-trump-dispute/

The Man in the Middle of Trump’s Deeply Conflicted Ukraine Policy (The Atlantic)
https://www.theatlantic.com/national-security/2026/10/ukraine-russia-trump-john-ratcliffe/689090/

In U.S. Gas Talks With Kremlin, Hidden Financing for Alaska Project Emerges (New York Times)
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/10/23/us/politics/in-us-gas-talks-with-kremlin-hidden-financing-for-alaska-project-emerges.html

Hegseth wanted Eisenhower’s globe in his office. His staff broke it (Washington Post)
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2026/10/22/hegseth-wanted-eisenhowers-globe-his-office-his-staff-broke-it/

CBS documentary on Eisenhower: CBS Reports (1964): "D-Day Plus 20 Years - Eisenhower Returns to Normandy"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNaxTXfjfXk

Hemingway Knows Nothing by Artur Dron
https://www.jantarpublishing.com/product-page/hemingway-knows-nothing

Hemingway n'y connaît rien (French translation of Artur Dron’s poetry collection Hemingway Knows Nothing)
https://les-editions-bleu-et-jaune.sumupstore.com/product/hemingway-ny-connait-rien

EMAIL US:
Contact the team on [email protected]. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Musk admits shutting off Starlink at Zelensky confirms it’s back online
Moscow boosts defences at Putin’s dacha as Ukraine strikes across Russia
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.