Best Louisa Wells Francis Dearnley Podcasts (2025)

1
Special: Trump tears into Zelensky in White House shouting match 22:03

8h ago22:03

22:03

In a bonus episode recorded just minutes after one of the most extraordinary press conferences in modern political history, we react to the public row that broke out in front of the world press between President Trump and President Zelensky, and ask: who leads the free world now? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
How nuclear-armed Ukraine could become ‘Europe’s Israel’ & assassinations in occupied territories 'accelerate' 56:14

2h ago56:14

56:14

Please note: this episode was recorded before the extraordinary events at the White House on Friday afternoon. Day 1,101. Today, we return to Kursk, Russia, where fighting has intensified, consider the outcomes of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s vital visit to Washington, and hear the latest update on resistance in the occupied territories. P…

1
Putin 'will not surrender' territory amid 'most vital week of diplomacy since Second World War' 54:39

21m ago54:39

54:39

Day 1,100. Today, amid more drone strikes on Ukraine and North Korea deploying new troops, we return to what some are calling one of the most significant weeks of diplomacy since the Second World War, as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s attempts to persuade the President to provide a security “backstop” for Ukraine. Later, we hear a training e…

1
Zelensky strikes 'win-win' deal with Trump & Russia's nuclear arsenal in 'inevitable' decline 56:56

7h ago56:56

56:56

Day 1,099. Today, we delve into Russia's expanding drone production and the arrival of a North Korean delegation in Moscow. On the political front, we explore the complex minerals deal and the challenging negotiations surrounding security guarantees. Later, we engage with experts to discuss the deteriorating state of Russia's nuclear arsenal. Contr…

1
Exclusive interview with Dmytro Kuleba - Ukraine's Minister of Foreign Affairs 2020-2024 1:02:59

18h ago1:02:59

1:02:59

Day 1,098. Today, we talk about a Ukrainian attack in the Zaporizhia Oblast and more hits on Russia’s Ryazan oil refinery. We also discuss Keir Starmer’s announcement to increase defence spending, President Macron’s visit to Washington, and the possibility that France could use its nuclear deterrent force to help protect Europe. Later, we sit down …

1
Air defence defeats largest drone attack of the war & Boris Johnson joins live for third anniversary 1:08:17

24h ago1:08:17

1:08:17

Day 1,097. Today, we mark the third anniversary of the full scale invasion. We hear live from Kyiv - where world leaders are gathering - talk about Ukraine’s announcement to produce missiles - including ballistic missiles - and make sense of what the German election result means for Ukraine. We also hear from what it was like at Number 10 on the da…

1
Ukraine 'could get instant NATO membership' if Russia breaks peace deal & Moscow set to declare 'victory' 1:09:33

1d ago1:09:33

1:09:33

Day 1,094. Today, we hear how Washington is said to be considering a deal, which – if Russia broke – would see Ukraine automatically acquire membership to NATO, hear about possible European-specific alternatives to the alliance, and return again to the subject being forgotten in many discussions at the moment: war crimes. Later, to end the week, yo…

1
'Gen Z will fight' - conscription divides Europe & the view from Ukrainian trenches 1:00:49

4d ago1:00:49

1:00:49

Day 1,093. Today, as Donald Trump calls President Zelensky a ‘dictator’, we look at the conundrum facing Europe: to speak out and risk fraying American support, or to stay quiet, and not articulate their sense of betrayal. And, later, we talk about the strategic options available, and dive deeper into the British plans of putting boots on the groun…

1
Trump says Zelensky ‘started’ the war & British troops 'ready to fight' on Ukraine border 53:46

2d ago53:46

53:46

Day 1,092. Today, we look at the fallout from the first talks between the US and Russia, consider the next emergency summit taking place in Paris, and look at one of Ukraine’s less talked about sectors, and its vital importance in this war. Later, our Defence Editor Danielle Sheridan is on the ground with British troops conducting a NATO exercise a…

1
Revealed: Trump’s confidential plan to put Ukraine in a stranglehold 56:10

6d ago56:10

56:10

Day 1,091. Today, as the US welcomes Russia back in from the diplomatic cold with so-called peace talks in Saudi Arabia, we ask who now speaks for Europe and we examine whether hybrid warfare could trigger Article 5. Plus, we discuss Trump’s demand for a $500bn (£400bn) “payback” from Ukraine. Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Def…

1
UK pledges 'boots on the ground' in Ukraine as European leaders meet for emergency summit 57:48

4d ago57:48

57:48

Day 1,090. Today, just as the Munich Security Conference ends, two new summits begin: in Saudi Arabia – where the US will enter peace talks with the Russians – and in Paris, as European prime ministers and defence secretaries scramble to forge a collective position. Meanwhile, attacks continue in Ukraine and Russia, and we interview again the 2022 …

1
Nuclear fears as 'high explosive warhead' hits Chernobyl & Europe pledges high-tech arms at Munich 1:05:20

7d ago1:05:20

1:05:20

Day 1,087. Today, as the Munich Security Conference tops a critical diplomatic week for Ukraine, we examine the latest political manoeuvres, talk to the UN Senior Mine Action Advisor in Ukraine, and hear the latest on the underground war being waged in the occupied territories. Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicho…

1
'Betrayal': Trump talks to Putin & US says it is 'no longer a guarantor' of Europe's defence 49:57

8d ago49:57

49:57

Day 1,086. Today, we discuss what many are calling a “turning point” in the war and in Western foreign policy, as the Trump administration declares definitively the US will no longer be a primary guarantor of Europe's security, and seeks a deal with Russia over the heads of Kyiv and its allies. We hear the reaction from Brussels and Ukraine, and co…

1
Putin 'unleashes hell' with huge ballistic missiles strikes on Ukraine 56:20

9d ago56:20

56:20

Day 1,085. Please note: today's episode was recorded hours before the phone call between President Trump and President Putin. This will be covered in detail in tomorrow's episode. Today, we report on the ballistic missiles that fell on Kyiv and other cities overnight, consider the American and Ukrainian approaches to forthcoming talks, and hear fro…

1
Ukraine's cutting-edge 'Drone Line' project & Trump suddenly 'pauses' talks with Russia 57:14

10d ago57:14

57:14

Day 1,084. Today, The Telegraph reveals that the Trump administration has paused its peace plan for Ukraine in order to give Europe a seat at the negotiating table. Meanwhile, the American president says that Kyiv had agreed to sign a resource deal in exchange for military support. Finally, we we discuss Wagner troops in the Central African Republi…

1
Trump: Putin 'does care' about battlefield losses & EU states turn off Russian electricity forever 43:12

11d ago43:12

43:12

Day 1,083. Today, we look to the Baltic Sea, where a Russian Shadow tanker exploded in “man-made incident”, as states disconnect the cables between Russia and Europe's power grid. Plus, Trump claims to have spoken to Vladimir Putin. Contributors: Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Narrative Podcast Producer). @adeliepjz on X. Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor…

1
Daring new offensive sees Ukraine push 5km behind Russian line 1:06:57

19d ago1:06:57

1:06:57

Day 1,080. Today, we talk about Ukrainian advances in Kursk, a potential leaked peace plan from the Trump administration, and the impact of the withdrawal of USAID on Ukrainian media. Contributors: Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Narrative Podcast Producer). @adeliepjz on X. Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X. Hamish De Bretto…

51
Russia's drone airfield 'in flames' & French fighter jets unleashed 42:34

19d ago42:34

42:34

Day 1,079. Today, we mark the six month anniversary of the Kursk offensive, talk about how Russian spies may be involved in bombings at Ukrainian army recruitment offices, and discuss how politicians in Ukraine have been quietly pushing the profiles looking ahead to elections at the end of the war. We're also on the ground in Ukraine at the deminin…

1
Guerrillas strike Russian boats in occupied territory & EU agrees to prosecute Putin's generals 54:55

21d ago54:55

54:55

Day 1,078. Today, as British Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrives for talks in Kyiv we hear how a special tribunal to prosecute Russia’s leadership for the crime of aggression against Ukraine gets a step closer, and we hear from Finland’s Foreign Minister who says that sanctions against the Kremlin are working and ‘serious cracks’ are starting to …

1
Moscow suffers its second bloodiest month of the war & "great powers do not fear escalation" says Trump's envoy 48:06

17d ago48:06

48:06

Day 1,077. Today, we discuss the slashing of USAID and how Trump wants to access Ukraine’s rare minerals in exchange for military support, and we report on Russia having more losses over the last two months than at any other point since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. Contributors: Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Narrative Podcast Producer). @adel…

1
Landmine blast kills Russia's highest-ranking casualty of entire war 59:17

18d ago59:17

59:17

Day 1,076. Today, as Britain’s Prime Minister prepares to hold defence and security talks with EU leaders for the first time since Brexit, we report from the front line near Pokrovsk in the Donbas and, later, interview a West Point Professor who says negotiating with Moscow is a doomed enterprise. Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of…

1
Explosion 'rips open' oil refinery in former Stalingrad & revolt in occupied territories 45:11

24d ago45:11

45:11

Day 1,073. Today, we hear the latest acts of resistance in the occupied territories, report on new deep strikes into Russia – reaching as far as the city formerly called Stalingrad – and discuss deficiencies in military training, and how it needs to change. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X Roland Ol…

1
Spy ship in underwater skirmish & Russia loses 10,000 tanks 47:46

22d ago47:46

47:46

Day 1,072. Today, we join the dots of coordinated efforts to destroy Putin's war machine, discuss the opportunities of a Europe no longer dependent on Russian energy, hear about a mysterious ship trawling the coast of Britain, and learn about another podcast about Ukraine. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnle…

1
Putin rejects peace talks & Tank crew wipes out Russian armoured column 49:37

23d ago49:37

49:37

Day 1,071. Today, following the news a Ukrainian drone attack hit yet another oil depot last night, and as Trump threatens to lower the price of oil and stall Russian exports, we focus on oil. We also talk tank action with our guest Hamish De Bretton-Gordon. Contributors: Adelie Pojzman-Pontay (Narrative Podcast Producer). @Adeliepjz on X. Dominic …

1
Tactical retreat: North Korea withdraws troops from frontline 44:43

24d ago44:43

44:43

Day 1,070. Today, we analyse Russian attempts at encirclement around Pokrovsk, hear of a North Korean retreat in Kursk, discuss new stories of Russian activities in the occupied territories, and hear how the landscape of Ukraine has been forever transformed by the violence of war. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor, Audio). @FrancisDe…

1
'Devastating' HIMARS ambush - Ukrainian troops lure in Russians 1:04:04

25d ago1:04:04

1:04:04

Day 1,069. Today, on the 80th International Holocaust Remembrance Day, we report on an operation in Kursk Oblast last week that apparently saw a large number of Russian troops lured into a trap, and we look at the literally unbelievable election win for Lukashenko in Belarus - returned to power with, we are expected to believe, 87% of the vote. Con…

1
Massive fireball as Russian thermal power plant explodes & rebellion in the occupied territories 43:51

1M ago43:51

43:51

Day 1,066. Today, we discuss Trump’s latest threats to Putin and Moscow’s fears about the strategic outlook, why the pathways to a lasting peace are more complex that many realise, and our first new segment summarising resistance activities in the occupied territories. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor, Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.…

1
1000 North Korean forces slain in Russia & 200,000 European troops 'critical' for Ukraine 46:41

29d ago46:41

46:41

Day 1,065. Today, following fresh news from the frontline, we discuss Russian war crimes, Zelensky’s speech at Davos yesterday, and the upcoming German election. Contributors: Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Narrative Podcast Producer). @adeliepjz on X. Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X. Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor, Au…

1
Firefight in Russia kills North Korean troops & interview with weapons manufacturer 52:14

1M ago52:14

52:14

Day 1,064. As news breaks of an eight-hour firefight between Ukrainian Special Operations Forces and North Korean troops inside Russia, we report how the new US Secretary of State has said any peace plan cannot allow Russia to pause before attacking Ukraine again. Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X. Jame…

1
Deep strike blasts Russian bomber factory & Trump threatens Putin 56:46

1M ago56:46

56:46

Day 1,063. Today, less than 24 hours into the second Trump Presidency, we consider in detail his and his transition team’s latest remarks about the war, and what they tell us about the approach being adopted behind closed doors. Plus we take the temperature of the British Parliament with two vocal voices on the conflict calling for further actions …

1
Secret new weapon 'Gravehawk' declassified & Russian troop losses doubled in 2024 45:00

1M ago45:00

45:00

Day 1,062. Today, we talk about secretive air-defence systems - some developed by Ukraine and others donated by the UK in the 100-year partnership signed last week. We look ahead to the beginning of the second Trump era starting later today, in Washington. And Joe Barnes talks to lead trauma surgeon Dr Shehan Hettiaratchy about the realities of hea…

1
Strike on Russian gunpowder factory sparks massive explosion & Kremlin 'diplomats' break into UK Parliament 54:23

1M ago54:23

54:23

Day 1,059. Today, we cover Ukrainian hits on a Russian refinery and gunpowder plot, reports of North Korean suicide troops, and Russian diplomats infiltrating the UK parliament. And we interview senior correspondent and author, Simon Shuster, on key decisions made by the outgoing Biden administration over the past three years. Contributors: Adélie …

1
Mafia smuggles weapons from frontline to Russia & 100-year military pact signed 54:24

1M ago54:24

54:24

Day 1,058. Today, we follow Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s first official visit to Kyiv and the 100-year partnership deal he’s bringing with him. Plus we talk about a UN report that investigates alleged violations and abuses of human rights in the war against Ukraine by Russia. Contributors: Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Narrative Podcast Producer). @adeli…

1
Ukraine strikes 1,000km deep in Russian rear & NATO jets scrambled as infrastructure hit 53:06

1M ago53:06

53:06

Day 1,057. Today, as the impact of Monday’s huge aerial strikes inside Russia becomes clearer, we report how the British government’s policy to allow Ukrainians to stay in the UK is starting to unravel, we talk with the producers of a new film showing how one veteran of the war has sought solace in the Carpathian Mountains, and we hear how Germany’…

1
Ukraine launches massive onslaught inside Russia & NATO 'boots on the ground': what would it mean? 57:08

1M ago57:08

57:08

Day 1,056. Today, we discuss one of the largest mass drone attacks of the war, as Ukraine sets sites in many territories across Russia ablaze, and then do a deep dive into what Western ‘boots on the ground’ as part of any peace settlement would actually mean in practice. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley …

151
Ukrainian special forces capture first North Koreans alive in Kursk - 'they would rather die than surrender' 46:48

1M ago46:48

46:48

Day 1,055 Today, as Kyiv captures its first North Korean soldiers alive, we return to the pivotal question of the Russian economy's fragility and later speak to Ukrainian actors who have recreated their own experience of the war. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X. Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor o…

1
Drone-armed Russian mercenary enters US illegally & US pledges $500 million to Ukraine 49:40

1M ago49:40

49:40

Day 1,052 Today, as top diplomat Kaja Kallas claims the EU will be ready to step into the breach if the US withdraws support for Ukraine, we discuss the latest weapon donations at Ramstein and include a dispatch from Kyiv at a drone workshop. Contributors: Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Journalist & narrative podcast producer). @adeliepjz on X. Dominic Nic…

1
Trump to end war 'within 100 days' & Russian spies paid $200,000 per killed American in Afghanistan 57:42

1M ago57:42

57:42

Day 1,051. Today, in a significant day in both the military and political realms, we discuss Trump’s new plans to end the war within the next 100 days, reports that Moscow paid for American and coalition troops killed in Afghanistan, and hear live from Syria. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X. Domini…

1
F-16 fighter jet in 'world first' shootdown & war-born superbug may spark next pandemic 58:38

1M ago58:38

58:38

Day 1,050. Today, as the new Ukrainian offensive in Kursk continues, we discuss the evolving picture in that region, look at the latest developments in unmanned aerial and land warfare, and fears superbugs spawned in war could spark the next pandemic. Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X. Francis Dearnley …

1
980,000 troops: Ukraine now 'largest army in Europe' & interview with ex-British Army chief 59:44

2M ago59:44

59:44

Day 1,049. Today, as Ukrainian forces continue to expand their lodgement inside Russia, we hear how a Ukrainian F-16 pilot shot down six Russian cruise missiles. We also have an interview with General The Lord Dannatt, former head of the British Army. Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X. Francis Dearnley …

1
Ukraine counter-attacks with lightning new offensive into Russia & Moscow 'planned attacks' on South Korea and Japan 43:34

2M ago43:34

43:34

Day 1,048. Today, we discuss breaking news of a surprise counterattack in Kursk and its implications, consider how Kyiv is positioning itself before Trump's inauguration, and discuss the elections upcoming in Europe in 2025. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X. Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Def…

201
Hunting Russian soldiers with Ukraine's ace drone unit & tank brigade goes AWOL in France 53:54

2M ago53:54

53:54

Day 1,045. Today, after the latest updates from the battlefield, we hear about the cutting edge drones being used to wage war against Moscow's forces, and the moral conundrums they raise. Plus, we consider the state of the Russian economy as we enter 2025. Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X. Francis Dear…

1
'Devastating' Russian casualties pass 760,000 in Ukraine, says British intelligence 45:15

2M ago45:15

45:15

Day 1,044. Today, we look at the likely military innovations and political events in the year to come. We also report on Russia's decisions to ban crypto-currency mining to preserve its energy grid and to charge nightclub attendees for trying to arouse interest in non-traditional relations. How portentous will 2025 be for Russia? Contributors: Domi…

201
'My mother-in-law remembers Stalingrad - this war is worse' 10:56

2M ago10:56

10:56

Today, in a special short episode recorded in the frontline city of Kharkiv, Francis Dearnley interviews a woman who had to flee her home "the day the Russians came", and how life for her and her relatives has been changed forever. Recorded by Adélie Pojzman-Pontay and Jack Leather. Edited by James Shield. Video of Kharkiv Dispatch with Francis: ht…

201
Azerbaijan ramps up pressure on Moscow over downed jet & murdered writer honoured with new Fellowship 44:26

2M ago44:26

44:26

Day 1,041 Today, we report how Azerbaijan's President accuses Russia of trying to "hush up" Moscow's responsibility for the doomed jet and we hear about a new Fellowship in the name of Ukrainian writer and friend to the podcast, Victoria Amelina. Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X. Dr Sasha Dovzhyk (Dire…

201
Russia 'shoots down' passenger jet in Azerbaijan & Putin's Christmas Day bombardment 34:11

2M ago34:11

34:11

Day 1,038 Today, we look at Russia’s Christmas day attack and the highly suspicious crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane, and we interview a former beautician based in Kharkiv, who decided to train as an explosive ordnance specialist after the war began. Contributors: Venetia Rainey (Co-host Battle Lines podcast). @venetiarainey on X. Francis Dear…

1
Football in wartime, with David Knowles 31:01

2M ago31:01

31:01

Today, in a special episode recorded before his death, David Knowles attends a football match in Ukraine, exploring how 'the beautiful game' has served as an anchor in a country at war. Produced by Rachel Porter. Donate to David's charity: This Christmas, the Telegraph is honouring the life and work of our late colleague David Knowles by working wi…

1
Ukraine's all-robot assault force 'wins first battle' & rare testimony from the occupied territories 42:22

2M ago42:22

42:22

Day 1,034 Today, in addition to military and political updates, we report speculations about potential offensives over the New Year period, and feature an interview we did in Kharkiv with a lady who lived under Russian occupation. Then, we end with music in David's memory. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Assistant Comment Editor). @FrancisDearnley …

1
Putin hits Kyiv with North Korean missiles & Russian airbase near Moscow 'ablaze' 53:40

2M ago53:40

53:40

Day 1,031 Today, as Kyiv comes under renewed intense bombardment, we speculate over a possible Russian advance in the South, and later, we interview a blind lawyer in Kharkiv. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Assistant Comment Editor). @FrancisDearnley on X. Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor, Defence). @DomNicholls on X. With thanks to Adélie Pojzm…

1
Putin challenges West to 'high-tech duel' with new missile & Russia ‘getting closer’ to achieving war goals 53:36

2M ago53:36

53:36

Day : 1,030 Today, as continued attacks on civilians in the Kherson area suggest Russia’s so-called 'human safari' is ongoing, we report on Putin’s annual press conference, where he said Russia had ‘reached all its goals’ in Syria. Then, our latest dispatch from the frontline city of Kharkiv. Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor, Defenc…

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