Putin tests 'invincible' nuclear missile & Serhii Plokhy on the new arms race

Day 1,342.

Today, after a weekend of Russian bombardments on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities – with fires killing multiple civilians – we examine Moscow’s failed diplomatic bid to block Donald Trump’s latest sanctions on Russian energy. Then we consider how Vladimir Putin’s unveiling of a “next-generation” cruise missile reveals growing unease in the Kremlin. Later, we sit down with Ukrainian historian Serhii Plokhy, to discuss the Cold War arms race, and how Kyiv could have retained nuclear weapons after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Please note this episode features distressing recordings from the bombardment on Kyiv, including sounds of incoming drones.

Contributors:

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

With thanks to Ukrainian historian Serhii Plokhy. @SPlokhy on X.

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Questions from the audience are answered in the podcast version, below:

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LINKS

Serhii Plokhy’s new book, ‘The Nuclear Age: An Epic Race for Arms, Power and Survival’:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nuclear-Age-Epic-Power-Survival/dp/0241582865

‘Will I die?’ Moment nursery children rescued after Russian strike (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/25/will-i-die-moment-nursery-children-rescued-russian-strike/

Russia’s latest attempt to woo the US reeks of desperation (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/27/kirill-dmitriev-russia-donald-trump-marco-rubio-putin/

Russians circling around Trump to sway his mind, warns key ally (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/25/russians-circling-around-trump-to-sway-his-mind-key-ally/

At least 250 Russians in Pokrovsk, Ukrainian troops walk 10-15 km to reach positions (Ukrainska Pravda):

https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2025/10/24/8004333/

Europe’s Plan B for Ukraine (POLITICO):

https://www.politico.eu/newsletter/brussels-playbook/Europes-Plan-B-for-Ukraine/

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