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

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.

Contributors:

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

James Rothwell (Berlin Correspondent). @JamesERothwell on X.

Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNichollson X.

With thanks to Igor and Pavlo, representatives from 39th Coastal Brigade of the 30th Marine Corps.

Content Referenced:

Dom’s Video Dispatch from the Black Sea:

https://youtu.be/w2YjuuQz414

Longer Audio Version, with more voices:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2X5CXYgUvXpVfUblBBu5DF

Germany passes ‘Bundeswehrbeschaffungsbeschleunigungsgesetz’ law to streamline army (James Rothwell in The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/07/23/germany-bundeswehrbeschaffungsbeschleunigungsgesetz-law/

Britain and Germany to develop super missile (James Rothwell in The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/07/17/britain-germany-develop-super-taurus-long-range-missile/

EU warns Kyiv it will halt funding unless anti-corruption agencies' independence is restored (Ukrainian Pravda):

https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2025/07/29/7523882/

Europe’s roads and rail unfit for war with Russia, EU transport chief warns (Financial Times)

https://www.ft.com/content/d77d4c1d-da26-4624-8b77-2178d4ac1125

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