Putin burns through best missiles in ‘desperate’ Ukraine fightback | Russia-Ukraine latest war news

Who is Russia trying to convince with its claims of “retaliation” against Ukraine?
Today, as Russia portrays itself as the victim by claiming its latest mass attack – which killed and injured civilians over the weekend – was “retaliation” for a Ukrainian strike, we ask who the intended audiences are for such cynical mischaracterisation. We report on Ukraine’s continued mid-range strike campaign, which has forced Russia to limit traffic along the land corridor to Crimea, and look ahead to the upcoming NATO summit after the Secretary General said United Kingdom, France and other allies blocked a proposal for members to spend a quarter of one per cent of GDP on military aid for Ukraine. And later, we hear from our regular Russia expert about growing speculation that Vladimir Putin may be losing his power of speech.
Contributors:

Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.
Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.
James Kilner (Russia Analyst). @Jkjourno 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 burns through his best missiles in desperate Ukraine fightback (The Telegraph):
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/05/26/putin-burns-through-his-best-missiles-in-ukraine-fightback/

Britain rejects Nato plan for extra Ukraine military aid (The Telegraph):
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/05/24/britain-rejects-nato-plan-for-extra-ukraine-military-aid/

Putin’s mid-air hijackings turn Ukraine’s drones against Europe (The Telegraph):
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/05/22/putin-mid-air-hijackings-turn-ukraine-drones-against-europe/

Revealed: The secret suburban life of Britain’s greatest Cold War spy (The Telegraph):
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/05/26/revealed-the-secret-suburban-life-of-britains-greatest-cold/

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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.

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