Fierce fighting in Russia as Ukrainian troops ‘hold on’ & Trump asks Putin to 'spare surrounded forces’

Day 1,115.

Today, as Ukraine holds on in Russia’s Kursk region, we analyse Moscow’s evolving strategy following Vladimir Putin’s rejection of Donald Trump’s ceasefire proposal—and what further concessions the U.S. might consider. We also uncover the realities of life under Russian occupation, the latest resistance efforts, and the impact of France’s post-World War II defense policies on today’s global security landscape.

Contributors:

Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.

Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.

Dr. Jade McGlynn (War Studies Department of King's College). @DrJadeMcGlynn on X.

Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Narrative Producer). @adeliepjz on X.

With thanks to Elie Tenenbaum (Head of Institut français des relations internationales Security Studies Center). @ElieTenenbaum on X.

Content Referenced:

Telegraph Ukraine Live Blog:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/03/14/russia-ukraine-peace-ceasefire-zelensky-putin-latest-news/

Putin is using a classic Russian negotiating tactic to delay a ceasefire (Roland Oliphant in The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/03/13/putin-is-choosing-to-drag-out-the-war-in-ukraine/

US toughens sanctions on Russian energy payments (Kyiv Independent):

https://kyivindependent.com/us-toughens-sanctions-on-russian-energy-payments/?mc_cid=faec38e356&mc_eid=08d0680a95

NOW AVAILABLE 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, or click the links below.

Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatest

Learn more about the tech: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/02/24/ukraine-the-latest-podcast-russian-ukrainian-ai-translation/

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Email: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk

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