Ukraine: The Latest

Today, in a special pre-recorded episode, we take you back to Kharkiv, where Francis and Adélie met a young theatre company called Ocheret. Proud heirs to a city with a long tradition of artists defending Ukrainian identity, and one that is primarily Russian-speaking, these performers are part of Kharkiv’s cultural frontline. With the city lying just kilometres from active fighting, the members of the company, all in their early twenties, remain unflinching in their decision to carry on Kharkiv’s artistic legacy, creating theatre in the midst of war. We hear their reflections, and then an update on what has happened in the months since. Theatre Ocheret: https://www.instagram.com/ocheret.theatre.kh/?hl=enDruk Centre in Kharkiv: https://www.druk.space/statti-en/druk-and-kharkiv-art-a-space-for-interactionSIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainenewsletter Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It’s free for everyone, including non-subscribers.Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,405. Today, as the Kremlin tries to divert attention from President Zelensky’s seemingly successful meeting with Donald Trump in Florida with un-evidenced claims of an attempt on Putin’s life, we report on Russian advances in Zapporizhia oblast that may lead to legal difficulties for a Ukrainian commander. And, later, Francis watches, and reports on, Ukrainian TV and I take a brief look back at the main events of 2025. ContributorsDominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Journalist and Producer). @adeliepjz on X.Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.SIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainenewsletter Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It’s free for everyone, including non-subscribers.CONTENT REFERENCED:Exclusive: 'Be careful' — European leaders warned Zelensky to assess Trump's real stance at Mar-a-Lago, Kyiv Independent:https://kyivindependent.com/european-leaders-warned-zelensky-to-assess-real-us-stance-at-trump-meeting/?mc_cid=9ce9652bd4&mc_eid=4a5b852913LISTEN TO THIS PODCAST IN NEW LANGUAGES:The Telegraph has launched translated versions of Ukraine: The Latest in Ukrainian and Russian, making its reporting accessible to audiences on both sides of the battle lines and across the wider region, including Central Asia and the Caucasus. Just search Україна: Останні Новини (Ukr) and Украина: Последние Новости (Ru) on your on your preferred podcast app to find them. Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,404. Today, President Volodymyr Zelensky appears to have secured a 15-year American security guarantee from President Donald Trump after their meeting in Mar-a-Lago. But questions remain over the other key sticking points of a potential peace deal. Plus, a postcard from Kyiv’s first marathon since the full-blown war began. Journalist Benjamin Lynch ran the half-marathon with a recorder alongside 13,000 other people to give us a flavour of the event. Pic credit: Joe Raedle/Getty ImagesContributorsVenetia Rainey (Co-host Battle Lines podcast). @venetiarainey on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.With thanks to Ben Lynch (Journalist). @ben_lynch99 on X.SIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainenewsletter Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It’s free for everyone, including non-subscribers.CONTENT REFERENCED:Listen to Adelie Pojzman-Pontay reflect on Russia and China’s relationship on our sister podcast Battle Lines: https://linktr.ee/BattleLinesZelensky asks Trump for 50 years of US security guarantees: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/12/29/zelensky-asks-trump-for-50-years-of-security-guarantees/Roland’s Oliphant’s comment piece on Mariupol Theatre being reopened: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/12/11/mariupol-theatre-putin-ukraine-plans/LISTEN TO THIS PODCAST IN NEW LANGUAGES:The Telegraph has launched translated versions of Ukraine: The Latest in Ukrainian and Russian, making its reporting accessible to audiences on both sides of the battle lines and across the wider region, including Central Asia and the Caucasus. Just search Україна: Останні Новини (Ukr) and Украина: Последние Новости (Ru) on your on your preferred podcast app to find them. Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,399. Today, President Zelensky has revealed details of the proposed peace plan worked out between US and Ukraine delegations last weekend in Miami, that is due to be put to Russia later today. Plus, since it's Christmas Eve, something a little different: a special look at the Ukrainian art scene, past and present.We begin with the generation of Ukrainian artists at the dawn of the 20th century who helped drive the Modernist movement, breaking with centuries of figurative tradition and pushing art decisively into modernity. We examine how artists are later reclaimed by national narratives – and why – as well as how the full-scale invasion has reshaped the global art market. We then turn to Ukraine’s contemporary art scene, focusing on one young, emerging artist and exploring how their generation, and their creativity, is being transformed by the war.CONTENT REFERENCED:In the Eye of the Storm, Modernism in Ukraine, 1900–1930s, Royal Academy of Arts: https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/exhibition/eye-of-the-stormJames Butterwick. Ukrainian and Russian Art Expert: https://www.jamesbutterwick.com/PinchukArtCentre Prize 2025: https://prize.pinchukartcentre.org/enSIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainenewsletter Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It’s free for everyone, including non-subscribers.Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,398.Today, as reports come in of a renewed Russian cross-border incursion in the north east of the country, Ukraine is clearing up after another massive overnight aerial attack which has left thousands without power. We report the diplomatic fallout from the inconclusive talks in Miami and Later, we have an interview with Ukrainian artist and designer, Mariya Dykalo, the Creative Director of Aspinal of London.Pic credit: The Russian Ministry of Defense/Anadolu via Getty ImagesContributors:Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.With thanks to Ukrainian artist and designer, Mariya Dykalo (Creative Director of Aspinal of London). @MariyaASPINAL on X.SIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainenewsletter Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It’s free for everyone, including non-subscribers.CONTENT REFERENCED:Learn more about Mariya Dykalo's work:https://mariyadykalo.com/ The scarf given to Melania Trump designed by Ukrainian children:https://www.aspinaloflondon.com/products/we-can-dream-again-silk-scarfUN report: Weekend attacks in Ukraine bring more casualties, damage infrastructurehttps://news.un.org/en/story/2025/12/1166652?_gl=1*l4bfr6*_ga*MTIwMjkxNTk1MC4xNzY1ODAyMzEw*_ga_TK9BQL5X7Z*czE3NjY0OTE4MjQkbzMkZzEkdDE3NjY0OTE4OTgkajYwJGwwJGgwMiyamoto article: Addressing Ukraine’s Asbestos Crisishttps://miyamotointernational.com/addressing-ukraines-asbestos-crisis/Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.