Best Louisa Wells / Francis Dearnley Podcasts (2025)

1
Trump tells Ukraine: ‘Take back all your land... then go further’ 50:15

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8h ago50:15

50:15

Day 1,309. Today, as the world digests Donald Trump's apparent U-turn on support for Ukraine, we examine developments in New York. Plus, we hear about a story of American citizens being lured to Russia on so-called "anti-woke visas", and hear from a global health expert about the latest of the health crisis, and that to come, in Ukraine. You watch …

1
NATO and Russia edge closer to standoff & exclusive interview with mother of Ukrainian child adopted by Putin ally 49:05

17h ago49:05

49:05

Day 1,308. Today, amid more violations of European airspace by Moscow, we assess the reactions of NATO, including extraordinary remarks by the Polish deputy prime minister at the UN Security Council. Then – in a world first – we interview a Ukrainian woman whose stolen daughter has been adopted in Russia by one of Vladimir Putin's allies. She tells…

1
Ukrainian raid destroys Mi-8 helicopters in Crimea & Poland scrambles jets as Russia bombs Ukraine 58:27

1d ago58:27

58:27

Day 1,307. Today, as the UN Security Council debates Russia’s latest airspace violations, we ask why Estonia held fire – unlike Turkey in 2015 – before hearing frontline perspectives from Ukrainian soldiers with The Kyiv Independent’s Francis Farrell, and exploring Russia’s answer to the Eurovision Song Contest. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Exec…

1
Ukraine 'liberates' 160 square kilometers in counteroffensive in Donetsk & night-time raid destroys Russian multi-purpose vehicle 57:27

5d ago57:27

57:27

Day 1,304. Today, as President Zelensky claims Ukraine has liberated 160 square kilometers in a 'counteroffensive operation' in Donetsk, we hear live from Istanbul for the final speech of an old spymaster before retirement. Then we bring you another recording from David Knowles, who speaks to a witness to the murders which took place in Bucha, and …

1
Huge explosions across Russia as Ukraine blows up more key oil facilities & ‘massive losses’ reported around Kupyansk 46:35

6d ago46:35

46:35

Day 1,303. Today, as Russian troops continue to advance in Kupyansk, bringing fighting inside the city, Ukraine strikes an oil complex more than 800 miles inside Russia. We discuss how NATO would implement a no-fly zone in Ukraine and zoom in on Russian frozen assets. Finally, we hear from Anastasia Dovbnia of Save Ukraine about the latest news on …

1
Putin flies in for final shots of Zapad 25, but where’s Gerasimov? 41:54

7d ago41:54

41:54

Day 1,302. Today, Donald Trump arrives in Britain for his second state visit, possibly bringing a gift to Ukraine. Putin watches the last blast of Zapad 25 - but without the head of his military - and we hear how Russia may be close to cutting oil output due to Ukrainian drone strikes. Later, an interview with Jack Lopresti, the former British Memb…

1
Kyiv’s “Revenge operation” hits Russia’s far east as RAF commits Typhoons to NATO’s flank 1:01:46

8d ago1:01:46

1:01:46

Day 1,301. Today, we report on Kyiv’s so-called “revenge operation” targeting Russian forces said to have been involved in war crimes, we hear live from Kharkiv after a strike on a medical university and, later, we speak to the Telegraph’s former Chief Foreign Correspondent about his new book telling the untold story of Ukraine’s Foreign Legion. Co…

1
F-16s chase Russian drone in Romania & Ukrainian saboteurs derail trains, blow up Russian soldiers 48:10

9d ago48:10

48:10

Day 1,300. Today, we unpack what happened in Romania over the weekend, where a Russian drone flew into its airspace for almost an hour. And we look at the fall out responses from Nato & Europe since last week’s similar incursion in Poland. Meanwhile in Russia, Ukrainian saboteurs derailed two trains over the weekend. Finally, we discuss Russia’s ec…

51
How Trump's purges weaken the CIA & Russian ship on fire after drone hit 1:07:26

12d ago1:07:26

1:07:26

The original edit of this podcast episode stated that Europe was close to a trade deal with Russia. This was a misspeak and should have said Europe was close to a deal with China. Thank you to those who flagged this mistake, we are happy to correct the record. Day 1,297. Today, we dive into Donald Trump’s campaign of revenge against CIA officials a…

51
'Putin is testing us' says Healey & NATO determines drone incursion 'not an attack' on Poland 48:47

13d ago48:47

48:47

Day 1,296. Today, we continue to unpack NATO’s response to the incursion of 19 Russian drones into Polish airspace. We hear the latest news from the resistance in the Ukrainian territories occupied by Russia, and we zoom in on the water crisis in Donetsk. Contributors: Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Reporter and Producer). @adeliepjz on X. Dominic Nicholls…

51
NATO engages Russia for first time after drone attack on Poland 40:59

14d ago40:59

40:59

Day 1,295. Today, in a historic moment for Europe, NATO fighter jets shoot down Russian drones over Poland in the first ever direct engagement between the Western alliance and Moscow. We assess the global reaction and what it means, before asking how Vladimir Putin is manipulating the information space to conceal his crimes and shape opinion. Contr…

51
Explosions put 3 Russian pipelines 'out of action' & headless corpse of Russian CEO discovered 57:04

15d ago57:04

57:04

Day 1,294. Today, as Ukraine strikes yet more oil and gas facilities deep inside Russia, we hear how Donald Trump has deported dozens of political refugees fleeing Vladimir Putin back to the country. Then we report how Putin’s present for General Gerasimov’s 70th birthday was a nice medal and an extension of his military service, plus we report on …

51
Putin launches largest air attack of the war & remembering David Knowles 1:00:56

16d ago1:00:56

1:00:56

Day 1,293. Today, as Ukraine suffers the largest air attack of the war, killing four and setting dozens of buildings on fire in Kyiv, including the main seat of government, we assess the response from world leaders. Then, in a special segment to mark the one year anniversary of his passing, we hear new interviews recorded by Ukraine: The Latest’s c…

51
Huge explosion at ‘vital’ Russia oil refinery & how China secretly arms Russia with drones 41:35

19d ago41:35

41:35

Day 1,290. Today, after another important Coalition of the Willing summit in Paris, we discuss Vladimir Putin’s warning that any Western peacekeeping forces deployed to Ukraine would be considered a “legitimate” target. Then, we dive into an investigation on how China is providing drones parts to Russia and effectively sustaining its ability to con…

51
Ukraine destroys Russian speedboat as it tries to land troops & hot mic picks up Putin and Xi discussing immortality 42:57

20d ago42:57

42:57

Day 1,289. Today, as the Coalition of the Willing meets to discuss security guarantees in Paris, we hear live from Prague minutes after the speech of NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Then – after the military updates – we assess in greater detail the attendance of other world leaders alongside Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping in Beijing: who were th…

1
Russia and North Korea fighting ‘Nazism’ in Ukraine, says Putin in first meeting with Kim Jong-un & exclusive interview with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy 38:48

22d ago38:48

38:48

Day 1,288. Today, as China unveils new weapons at the huge military parade in Beijing attended by Russia’s Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong-un, we assess just how significant the gathering is, and whether it has put the West ‘on notice’. Then we sit down for an exclusive interview with the British Foreign Secretary as the UK announces sanc…

1
Ukrainian troops destroy ‘all Russian positions’ to liberate town & EU chief's plane 'forced to land blind after Moscow jams GPS’ 39:22

23d ago39:22

39:22

Day 1,287. Today, as a Nato leader meets with Vladimir Putin while Ukraine is subjected to the latest wave of Russian drone strikes, we look at the ongoing Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in China that is attempting to rewrite the global security order. Plus, we examine quite what happened to European Commission President Ursula von der Le…

51
Trump in talks to deploy private army to Ukraine & exclusive interview with Phillips O'Brien 54:07

23d ago54:07

54:07

Day 1,286. Today, we offer the most comprehensive version yet of the peace plan taking shape behind closed doors, as the Europeans ask Donald Trump to deploy a private army of military firms to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire. Plus we report on the significance of the meeting between Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, and Narendra Modi. Later, with Pr…

1
Zelensky urges ceasefire as UN Security Council convenes after Russian attack on Kyiv 1:04:02

26d ago1:04:02

1:04:02

Day 1,283. Today, we continue reporting on the attack on Kyiv, which Zelensky called “a strike by Russia against President Trump”, and we hear about the work the State Emergency Services have been doing on the ground. We also discuss how Russia may be flying surveillance drones over Germany, gathering intelligence for potential sabotage campaigns, …

1
Two weeks after the red carpet in Alaska, Putin kills at least 17 in second biggest strike of the war 49:03

27d ago49:03

49:03

Day 1,282. Today, we hear from on the ground in Kyiv after a massive strike last night damaged the British Council and the EU mission, after Ukraine hit another 2 oil refineries in Russia to continue its strategy of undermining the Russian oil industry. Then we look towards a meeting between the Ukrainians and Steve Witkoff in the US next week, and…

1
America ‘offers’ air and intelligence support to postwar force in Ukraine & Russian oil terminals 'continue to burn', destroying 17% capacity 38:15

29d ago38:15

38:15

Day 1,281. Today, we discuss reports that the US has offered air and intelligence support to a postwar force in Ukraine, the impact of strikes on Russia’s energy infrastructure, and hear the latest twist in the ongoing saga of the destruction of the Nord Stream pipeline back in 2022. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @Fra…

1
Ukrainian strikes push Russia to brink of oil catastrophe 50:51

29d ago50:51

50:51

Day 1,280. Today, as continued Ukrainian attacks are said to have depleted Russian oil production by the equivalent of a million barrels a day, Donald Trump says Putin is unlikely to meet President Zelensky because he “doesn’t like him”. We also hear how the latest Coalition of the Willing meeting occurred as China said - with caveats - that it mig…

1
Special: Drones, AI, and the New Rules of War 56:43

1M ago56:43

56:43

Today is a public holiday in Britain, so we bring you a special panel Francis Dearnley hosted during his trip to Germany at the LANDEURO conference hosted by the Association of the U.S. Army. Titled “Ukrainian Innovation at the Speed of Relevance”, it offers a firsthand look at how Ukraine’s defense forces are reshaping the future of military confl…

1
Moscow hoards troops for renewed offensive while Trump continues to extend Putin’s deadline 38:37

1M ago38:37

38:37

Day 1,276. Today, as Ukraine strikes again inside occupied Crimea and in the Russian Black Sea port of Novorossisk, we report how Moscow appears to be amassing forces in the north and east. We hear how Donald Trump has set another two-week deadline to know whether Putin is serious about peace and we examine what any deployment of the COTW might loo…

1
Russia bombs American factory in one of war’s largest attacks, defying Trump peace efforts 56:49

1M ago56:49

56:49

Day 1,275. Today, as Russia’s foreign minister accuses the Coalition of the Willing of “undermining” efforts to secure peace in Ukraine – comments later described as nothing but “noise” – Vladimir Putin makes clear how serious he is about negotiating peace by launching another mass aerial attack. Far from ending the war, we hear how Donald Trump is…

1
US air force ‘could police Ukraine's skies’ as 10 European nations 'ready' to send peacekeeping forces & the numbers that show Russia is years from victory 55:10

1M ago55:10

55:10

Day 1,274. Today, as President Donald Trump says the US may provide air support to back a Ukraine peace deal, we assess reports that as many as 10 European countries are considering putting boots on the ground if Russia agrees to end its war. Then we take a step back and try to make sense of the historic past few days. What, if anything, has change…

1
Ukraine ‘offers Trump $100bn arms deal’ for security guarantees & leaders debate venues for Putin-Zelensky talks 44:44

1M ago44:44

44:44

Day 1,273. Today, as we get more clarity on what the Europeans proposed to Donald Trump in the historic White House summit yesterday, we hear the latest from the battlefront as Russian progress appears to have been stymied, and then do a deep dive into Moscow’s reaction to this week’s diplomatic developments. What exactly are they signalling? Contr…

1
BONUS: Putin and Zelensky to meet within two weeks & US 'to protect Ukraine as part of a peace deal' 34:47

1M ago34:47

34:47

In this special episode, recorded just after an unprecedented White House summit, we analyse the impact on President Volodymyr Zelensky and his European allies. Was the meeting a diplomatic win for Ukraine? How credible is Donald Trump’s pledge to commit US forces to defend Ukraine in a future peace deal? And could it benefit Zelensky strategically…

1
‘One of the most vital days since the Soviet Union collapsed’: Russia kills civilians as Trump rules out Ukraine reclaiming Crimea or joining NATO ahead of Zelensky White House talks 27:10

1M ago27:10

27:10

Day 1,272. Today, after the Trump and Putin summit in the United States ends without accord – but with certain principles for peace seemingly agreed between them – we look ahead to the vital meeting between Zelensky, Trump, and European leaders in the White House, and consider why the proposal for Ukraine to cede Donbas would leave Ukraine strategi…

1
BONUS: Putin and Trump fail to reach Ukraine peace deal 20:16

1M ago20:16

20:16

In a special episode recorded just minutes after the summit in Alaska between Presidents Putin and Trump, we discuss what it was like in the room, and the ramifications of a meeting which leaves more questions than answers. What happens next? Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X. Dominic Nicholls (Assoc…

1
Putin ‘to test nuclear missiles’ ahead of Trump Alaska summit 48:26

1M ago48:26

48:26

Day 1,269. Today, as the world awaits what some say could be the most consequential summit for Europe since the end of the Second World War, we hear the latest updates live from Alaska, from journalists, experts, and protestors gathering there. Plus, we assess the fast-moving situation on the battlefield, and provide our regular update on the occup…

1
Trump proposes West Bank-style occupation of Ukraine & offers Putin minerals for peace 33:13

1M ago33:13

33:13

Day 1,268. Today, as reports suggest Russian advances near Pokrovsk have “stalled”, we hear the contrasting European and American positions as we approach the summit in Alaska, including suggestions of a new minerals deal for Russia and a ‘West Bank-style occupation of parts of Ukraine’. Then you’ll hear Dom’s dispatch from Odesa, where he joined a…

1
Russian units hunted deep within Ukraine & Europe hosts ‘critical call’ with Trump 48:55

1M ago48:55

48:55

Day 1,267. Today, as reports flood in of Russian units being hunted deep within Ukraine, we reveal more details of the operation, and assess its significance for the Trump-Putin summit on Friday. Then we hear more from Adelie about her reporting trip to Ukraine, and discuss a new report into what Europe can do for its long-term strategic autonomy. …

1
Exclusive: Ukraine prepared to cede territory held by Russia & 'breach' sparks alarm on eastern front 49:02

1M ago49:02

49:02

Day 1,266. Today, as Russian forces surge behind Ukrainian lines in the Donbas, we ask if this is just leverage for the upcoming talks in Alaska, or signs of a fundamental weakness in Ukraine’s defence. We also hear how President Zelensky’s line on ceding territory may be softening and look at how Russian propaganda is interpreting Putin’s upcoming…

1
Trump and Putin to meet in Alaska for Ukraine-Russia 'land swap' 46:02

1M ago46:02

46:02

Day 1,265. Today, as the world looks ahead to this week’s Alaska summit between Presidents Trump and Putin, European foreign ministers gather in search of what one former minister calls a “shadow of power.” We also bring you news of another long-range Ukrainian strike on Russian energy infrastructure, explore how Italy could soon become a world lea…

1
Russians panic over 'new Operation Spiderweb’ & Trump abandons three-way talks with Putin and Zelensky 48:54

2M ago48:54

48:54

Day 1,262. Today, as deadline day begins, we discuss how plans for a trilateral summit of Trump, Zelensky, and Putin are already in jeopardy, and assess how the new tariffs on India are already impacting Russia’s increasingly precarious economy. We also cover reports of a new attack similar to Operation Spiderweb, and we do a deep dive into the his…

1
Trump to meet Putin and Zelensky 'next week' & declares Russia 'extraordinary threat to US' 44:08

2M ago44:08

44:08

Day 1,261. Today, with 24 hours to go until Donald Trump’s ceasefire deadline passes, we assess reports that he intends to meet Putin within days, and broker a meeting between the Russian President and President Zelensky. Has the Kremlin done enough to avoid those tariffs? Plus, also hear from the Ukrainian border with Belarus, where families are r…

1
Putin 'may stop air attacks' to placate Trump & Mongoose, Ukraine’s new jet-powered, shotgun-carrying interceptor drone 42:06

2M ago42:06

42:06

Day 1,260. Today, as Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff meets Vladimir Putin for so-called ceasefire negotiations, President Zelensky releases a video marking a year since Ukrainian troops invaded Russia’s Kursk oblast and Ukraine's Prosecutor General's Office opens another investigation into alleged Russian war crimes after a video emerges…

1
Over 330 Russian troops 'killed in failed attack' & Zelensky says African and Asian mercenaries fighting for Putin 42:05

2M ago42:05

42:05

Day 1,259. Today, as President Trump’s deadline fast approaches, we discuss renewed bombardments in Kharkiv and elsewhere, before looking at the media landscape in the United States and considering the vital role of international volunteers in the war effort. Plus, we hear Adelie’s latest dispatch from her trip to Ukraine. Contributors: Francis Dea…

1
Russian resort city 'ablaze' after Ukrainian air raid & Trump calls nuclear bluff of Putin’s hawk-in-chief 53:58

2M ago53:58

53:58

Day 1,258. Today, after a weekend in which Ukrainian drones brought the war to Russian tourists flying into the Black Sea resort of Sochi, the week starts with news of another long-range strike against Russian air assets. Plus, we look ahead at what is likely to be another lively week on the diplomatic front, before hearing the second of our two-pa…

1
'Disgusting' attack on Kyiv deadliest of 2025 & Russia’s nuclear submarine base 'damaged by tsunami’ 54:54

2M ago54:54

54:54

Day 1,255. Today, as the death toll from this week’s massive strike on Kyiv edges upwards, we look at the pressure now being applied to President Zelensky’s chief advisor over the anti-corruption bill that proved so controversial. Plus, we have our regular segment on resistance activities in the occupied territories, and hear from Adélie on the gro…

1
Ukrainian MPs brawl after Zelensky reverses anti-corruption law & Russia deploys rocket-powered drones 52:56

2M ago52:56

52:56

Day 1,254. Today, after protestors once again gathered across Ukraine, we look at today’s parliamentary vote to reinstate the independence of anti-corruption agencies. Plus, as Donald Trump’s latest deadline for a ceasefire approaches, we ask if his patience is actually running out as he warns Dmitry Medvedev is “entering dangerous territory” by cr…

1
Elon Musk ‘ordered Starlink shutdown’ during Ukraine counterattack & special forces raid island in Black Sea 59:36

2M ago59:36

59:36

Day 1,253. Today, after a quieter night in the skies, we turn our focus to renewed tank movements on the ground and covert operations at sea – before sitting down with the director of the Oscar-winning ‘20 Days in Mariupol’ to discuss his new film, ‘2000 Metres to Andriivka’. Plus we share how Elon Musk reportedly stopped Starlink operations during…

1
Russian fuel train 'erupts in fireball' at strategic railway hub & Trump abruptly shortens Putin's ceasefire deadline 52:44

2M ago52:44

52:44

Day 1,252. Today, after another 24 hours of heavy civilian losses in Ukraine, and significant strikes on Russian railway infrastructure, we assess Trump’s claim that he is shortening the 50-day deadline for a ceasefire. Then, we hear the latest on German military reforms and return to the Black Sea for a second dispatch with the Ukrainian navy. Con…

1
Tank assault 'repelled' in Donetsk by Ukrainian brigade & saboteurs use 'Molotov cocktail' to torch Russian fighter jet 58:12

2M ago58:12

58:12

Day 1,251. Today, as Russia continues its mechanised push in the Donetsk region, we continue reporting on the corruption bill that has shaken Ukraine, as some MPs fear ‘revenge’ if they were to reinstate anti-corruption agencies. Meanwhile, Russia cancels its annual Navy Day parade for security reasons, Russian tourists continue flocking to Europe …

1
Revealed: The untold story of Trump’s U-turn on Ukraine & fully Chinese-made drone found for first time 55:22

2M ago55:22

55:22

Day 1,248. Today, we reveal new Patriot air-defence systems have already arrived in Ukraine, and provide the full, extraordinary story of the events leading up to President Trump’s u-turn which made that possible. Then we speak to a former US fighter pilot about the significance of such weapons deliveries in the air war, and about the mood in the U…

1
Backlash grows as Zelensky 'retreats' after mass protests over bill & Trump approves $322 million package including HAWK and Bradleys 51:50

2M ago51:50

51:50

Day 1,247. Today, as Zelensky seeks to make concessions to those protesting a bill many argue threatens the independence of Ukraine’s anti-corruption bodies, we assess the significance of Trump’s new $332 million military package, then resume our two-part dispatch from Moldova, sometimes described as a frontline in Cold War II. Contributors: Franci…

1
Anti-government protests break out in Kyiv & our clash with Russian sympathisers on the frontline of Cold War II 54:06

2M ago54:06

54:06

Day 1,246. Today, after a historic vote in the Ukrainian parliament which sparked the country’s biggest protest in wartime, we assess the damage to President Zelensky’s credibility following his decision to approve a bill some argue has gifted Putin a propaganda victory. Then we take you to Moldova – a nation on Europe’s edge, with the first of a t…

1
Exclusive: Russian elite living in fear as Putin purges take bloody toll & inside the ‘dark destroyer’ drone factory manned by teenagers 48:50

2M ago48:50

48:50

Day 1,245. Today, we hear the mood from Kremlin insiders following a series of high profile purges by Putin, discuss a new drone factory showcased in Russian propaganda, and consider drama in the Ukrainian parliament which risks impacting the international perception of the government. Plus, we hear the latest on the mood in the British House of Co…

1
Ukrainian hackers 'wipe databases' in major cyberattack & Russian strikes hit Kyiv metro where hundreds sheltering 56:00

2M ago56:00

56:00

Day 1,244. Today, after another sleepless night for millions in Kyiv, we bring in experts to look at the shifting strategy of the Russian intelligence services, and hear a firsthand account of Putin’s seizure of power and the complicity of Russia’s elite. How did a fledgling democracy die? Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio)…