Ukraine: The Latest
The Telegraph
We combine battlefield updates with long form interviews with leading Ukrainian politicians, historians and other cultural experts. We have published special episodes looking at the toll on ordinary civilians, the journey of foreign volunteers in their mission to help Ukrainian front line troops and put the voices of Ukrainians at the heart of our reporting.
In September 2024, our founder and presenter of the podcast, David Knowles, died suddenly at the age of 32. Every weekday since the war broke out, he has interviewed diplomats, soldiers and mothers - all with equal compassion, curiosity and rigour. David was utterly authentic and empathetic - able to bring humour and kindness into even the darkest of subjects. And he was modest; the show was never about him, it was always about Ukrainians, those at the heart of the story. He brought their voices to international audiences, continuing to do the hard work of making people care even when the war dropped off the front pages.
With his passing, and as the invasion reaches its third anniversary, the team behind Ukraine: The Latest has one simple goal: to record accurately and eloquently the progress of the war. To report on the impact of the war on Ukrainian society and to share the voices and experiences of those changed forever by the attack on their home. To continue David’s work and legacy, with the same considerate dedication he brought to the show every day.
The three entries to the Press Awards demonstrate the breadth and depth of our reporting. They also showcase David’s understated presence as a presenter as well as his genuine care when talking to civilians on the ground in Bucha.
Firstly, we share an episode from May 2024, where war correspondent Colin Freeman dials in from the frontline where Russian troops are advancing. We also feature an interview with Oleg Skrypka, one of the most popular musicians in Ukraine today, who has been playing for soldiers since 2014.
Our second entry is an episode from July 2024. We discuss the NATO summit with our correspondent in DC and provide analysis on Joe Biden’s gaffe. Then, we hear an exclusive interview with First Lady Olena Zelenska and our Defence Editor Danielle Sheridan.
Finally, we share a special report from a reporting trip to Bucha to hear the voices and stories of the civilians who are putting their lives back together after the brutal Russian occupation in 2022. We hear how the war impacted their lives and how they are coming to terms with the full scale war. For over two years, Vladimir Putin has upended global security in his war on Ukraine. This podcast has been there every step of the way.