Best HACKER RU Podcasts (2025)

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1 million Russian troops killed or injured in meat-grinder assaults, claims historic study 1:08:00

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1d ago1:08:00

1:08:00

Day 1,199. Today, as Ukraine strikes more military targets deep inside Russia, Moscow responds by launching a massive missile and drone attack against civilian targets across much of Ukraine. We hear what life is like in the embattled city of Pokrovsk in the Donbas, and then the latest updates on resistance in the occupied territories with Dr Jade …

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Hackers steal secret data from humiliated Russian bomber maker & first successful Ukrainian hit on Iskander missile launcher 44:59

2d ago44:59

44:59

Day 1,198. Today, as the true impact of the historic drone strikes on the Russian air fleet become clear, we reflect more deeply on their implications for the war, and what it tells us that Putin refused to reference them in televised remarks. Plus we share more on our experiences in the port city of Odesa this week, including recordings from insid…

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Exclusive: Putin’s prized spy planes 'crippled' by historic special operation 59:20

3d ago59:20

59:20

Day 1,197. Today, after another series of deadly strikes on civilians in Sumy, Russia continue to push ahead in the north of the region. Meanwhile, we continue to assess the damages from Operation Spider’s Web and the Kerch Bridge explosion. We also dive into the UK’s Strategic Defence Review and what it means for Ukraine, while the UK promises 100…

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Explosion rocks Kerch Bridge - Putin’s ‘lifeline’ to Crimea - as Ukraine steps up attacks 40:04

2h ago40:04

40:04

Day 1,196. Today, while fighting continues around the area of Pokrovsk, Ukraine claims yet another attack on crucial Russian infrastructure. This time, it is the Kerch Bridge, which connects Russia to Crimea that was hit with underwater explosives. Meanwhile, in Istanbul yesterday, the Russia and Ukrainian delegations continue to be at a deadlock, …

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'Greatest special operation in history': devastating Ukrainian attack cripples vital bomber fleet 2500km inside Russia 48:40

5d ago48:40

48:40

Day 1,195. Today, after what some are calling the most successful special operation in modern history, we assess the strategic significance of Ukraine's strikes on Russia’s bomber fleet. We also discuss the Polish presidential elections and the Strategic Defence Review, coming out later today in the UK. Contributors: Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Journali…

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Grenade assassinates Russian commander who led Mariupol attack & Ukraine launches 'autonomous' AI drone 1:07:34

8d ago1:07:34

1:07:34

Day 1,192. Today, while missiles and drones ran down on Ukraine, and especially on Kharkiv, Ukraine and its allies are still waiting for Russia’s memo on their terms for a potential ceasefire and peace talks next week in Istanbul. We also discuss the increase of electronic warfare on the battlefield and share an exclusive interview with former depu…

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Putin and Zelensky meeting 'possible' & Ukraine strikes industrial plants across Russia 1:06:55

9d ago1:06:55

1:06:55

Day 1,191. Today, Ukraine targets Moscow with drone attacks for the second consecutive days and strikes several industrial plants linked to the war effort in Russia. Meanwhile, Russia proposes a new round of peace talks in Istanbul on June 2nd. We discuss the memorandums that both Ukraine and Russia are drafting ahead of the meeting and whether we’…

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50,000 fresh Russian troops massing & Germany to help Ukraine make long-range missiles 40:02

10d ago40:02

40:02

Day 1,190. Today, as Ukraine reels from yet another record drone bombardment, we look at warnings that Russia is massing 50,000 troops near Sumy ahead of a new offensive. Plus we bring you some of the top lines from Chancellor Friederich Merz’s press conference with Vlodomyr Zelensky, where he announced that Germany would help Ukraine build long-ra…

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Ukraine's allies back long-range missile strikes on Russia & Trump calls Putin 'absolutely crazy' 1:03:42

11d ago1:03:42

1:03:42

Day 1,189. Today, after Kyiv suffers some of the most intense bombardments of the war, we look at why more drones and ballistic missiles are piercing Ukrainian defences, and assess the significance of Donald Trump saying that Vladimir Putin has gone “absolutely crazy.” Plus we hear another interview from Dom’s trip to Estonia, and reflect on how th…

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War's oldest weapon - how Russia terrorises women 45:46

12d ago45:46

45:46

Today is a public holiday here in the UK, and so we’re releasing a special episode on one of the great taboo subjects in the history of warfare: that of role of gender and sexual violence. Firstly, Adelie speaks with Sofi Oksanen, who just published the viral essay 'Same River, Twice, Putin’s War on Women'. She discusses how historic attitudes to g…

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Putin forced to slash budgets after oil price fall & precision strikes batter Russian infrastructure 46:32

15d ago46:32

46:32

Day 1,185. Today, as Ukraine closes Moscow’s airspace for the third night in a row we get our regular update about resistance activities in the occupied territories, report from a NATO exercise in Sweden and, for a little pick me up at the end of the week, you’ll hear what happened when Francis and Dom were introduced to strong Ukrainian coffee. Co…

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'Retribution' as bomb kills officers in occupied Ukraine & Trump admits Putin ‘doesn't want peace’ 1:03:30

16d ago1:03:30

1:03:30

Day 1,184. Today, as Moscow’s Airports are once again shut down by Ukrainian drones, we hear about Chechnan officers apparently assassinated in the occupied territories, as it’s revealed Trump told his European counterparts Putin does not want to end the war. Plus, we hear about the educational challenges faced by refugees, and the evolving nature …

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Gun battles reported in Russia as Ukrainian saboteurs wreak havoc & Russian warplane factory 'ablaze' 52:58

17d ago52:58

52:58

Day 1,183. Today, as Vladimir Putin makes his first visit to Kursk after the Kremlin erroneously claimed all Ukrainian soldiers had been completely pushed out of the territory, we look at the latest deep strikes on Russian infrastructure, hear from an ambulance convoy in Ukraine, and speak to a central advisor of the European Union on Russia-Ukrain…

1
New ‘Frankenstein’ missile terrorises Ukraine & ceasefire talks to start 'immediately', Trump says 56:04

18d ago56:04

56:04

Day 1,182. Today, we continue dissecting the phone call between Putin and Trump and what it means for the prospect of negotiations. We discuss the latest Russian ‘Frankenstein’ missile and tactics on the ground, plus a dive into a report investigating Russian strikes on hotels near the frontline in an effort to target journalists. Finally we hear a…

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Putin tells Trump: ‘We’re on right track to ending war’ 52:18

19d ago52:18

52:18

Day 1,181. Today, just minutes after Presidents Putin and Trump spoke over the phone following the failed peace talks in Turkey last week, we react to the strategy being adopted by both sides: is Putin playing Trump like a fiddle? Then, later, we hear about the worst aerial bombardment Ukraine has experienced of the entire war, which took place not…

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Putin instates new ‘bloodthirsty’ general & first direct Ukraine-Russia peace talks in 3 years 1:00:12

22d ago1:00:12

1:00:12

Day 1,178. Today, as Ukraine and Russia hold their first direct negotiations in over three years today in Istanbul, we bring you live coverage from two major political and defence conferences in Europe, featuring key NATO and EU figures. How united is Europe in its stance on security and support for Ukraine? Plus, we speak with a former senior U.S.…

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Putin ‘no-show’ at peace talks as potentially historic day descends into chaos 48:27

23d ago48:27

48:27

Day 1,177. Today, as Vladimir Putin rejects mounting Western pressure to attend peace talks in Turkey with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, attention turns to the controversial delegation he's sending in his place. Who are these representatives, and why are international diplomats describing their presence as an ‘insult’ to the peace process…

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Europe hits 200 ships from Putin's shadow-fleet with 'crippling' sanctions & we reveal fake protests in Moscow 42:40

24d ago42:40

42:40

Day 1,176. Today, we discuss reports of staged anti-Western protests ahead of Russia’s Victory Day parade last week, where ‘activists for hire’ chanted slogans in front of several EU embassies. We also look at the 17th package of sanctions agreed on by EU ambassadors, which will have severe ramifications for Vladimir Putin’s shadow fleet. Finally, …

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Putin stunned into 'strange silence' after Zelensky's invitation to peace talks 1:03:40

25d ago1:03:40

1:03:40

Day 1,175. Today, we look ahead to what might happen on Thursday in Istanbul. We discuss whether Putin will show up at all. We also dive into the potential 17th round of sanctions if Russia doesn’t agree to a ceasefire, and whether Europe can deliver on its promises. Finally, Francis has a robust conversation with the Hungarian Secretary of State f…

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Putin faces new ultimatum: meet Zelensky, or new weapons and sanctions 'incoming' 53:30

26d ago53:30

53:30

Day 1,174. Today, we unpack a momentous weekend of diplomacy which began with the European leaders of Britain, Germany, France, and Poland assembling in Kyiv to demand an unconditional ceasefire, escalated with a late-night address from Vladimir Putin and fresh drone attacks, then culminated in a shock intervention from Donald Trump. Afterwards, we…

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Chinese troops march in Putin's Victory Day parade as Xi joins Putin to spite Trump 55:03

29d ago55:03

55:03

Day 1,171. Today, as Vladimir Putin hosts world leaders in Moscow for his Victory Day Parade, we break down what was really on display: both in military hardware and political messaging. How much of the spectacle honored World War II, and how much signaled the rise of a militarised Russia? Then, we speak with a former Ukrainian MP and leader of the…

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Victory Day truce 'a farce', say allies & Ukraine proposes 30km demilitarized zone for peace 53:02

1M ago53:02

53:02

Day 1,170. Today, as the end of the Second World War in Europe is marked in most European countries, we report how Vladimir Putin’s three-day ‘goodwill ceasefire’ designed to protect his own commemoration tomorrow appears to have been broken already, we examine three very strong and uncharacteristically critical comments by the United States admini…

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Putin’s war machine ‘burns’ as Russia strips frontlines to shield Moscow & Biden accuses Trump of ‘appeasement’ 53:42

1M ago53:42

53:42

Day 1,169. Today, as – for the third day running – Ukrainian drones sow chaos in the skies above Moscow, we analyse the final preparations for Putin’s Victory Day parade, and discuss President Biden’s first interview since leaving office, hours after Friedrich Merz finally became Chancellor of Germany at a pivotal moment in modern European history.…

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'World first' as sea drone shoots down Russian fighter jet & Putin cancels Victory Day parade in Crimea 51:04

1M ago51:04

51:04

Day 1,168. Today, as Friedrich Merz suffers a “humiliating and unexpected setback” on his way to becoming German Chancellor, we report how the Kremlin is preparing for Friday’s Victory Day parade, all while nervously watching the skies for Ukrainian drones, after two successive nights of attacks on Moscow. Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Associate …

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'What's it like being shot at in a tank?' - Q&A Special 53:37

1M ago53:37

53:37

Today, on a public holiday in the UK, we answer questions submitted by listeners around the world. What's it like being shot at in a tank? What would happen in the US suddenly stopped supporting Ukraine? Why do missiles do more damage in Ukraine than in Israel? What could give the 'Coalition of the Willing' more bite? And is 2025 the year Russian e…

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Massive drone strikes blast Russian airbases in occupied Crimea as US retreats from peace talks 1:10:02

1M ago1:10:02

1:10:02

Day 1,164. Today, as a drone attack hits Russian airbases in occupied Crimea, we continue to unpack the minerals deal signed between the US and Ukraine and we contemplate whether the US might be pulling out of the peace negotiations. We also look at the latest news from Central Asia and we hear from a visual artist who donated a photograph to the K…

1
Exclusive: Trump blames Putin for invasion as US-Ukraine minerals deal is finally signed 49:55

1M ago49:55

49:55

Day 1,163. Today, as the United States and Ukraine finally sign a much-revised minerals deal, we look at what it might mean for the future security of Ukraine – and we return to Germany to examine the first appointments of Friedrich Merz’s top team and ask why some commentators are questioning whether members of the German elite are really serious …

1
'No Pause, No Mercy': Putin's forces 'surge' despite Trump threats and ceasefire offer 39:47

1M ago39:47

39:47

Day 1,162. Today, as Russian troops intensify offensive operations in several oblasts – Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson – we talk about the latest conversations amongst the coalition of the willing, where the tone is decidedly pessimistic. Then we do a deeper dive into the latest positions of China, Turkey, and Syria in relation to the war. Cont…

1
Russia threatens NATO with nuclear strikes & Trump says he's 'saving Ukraine' 43:35

1M ago43:35

43:35

Day 1,161. Today, as Trump pushes back against Vladimir Putin’s three-day ceasefire proposal, we discuss the recent reflections of the former commander of Ukraine’s armed forces and his bold predictions for the future of warfare. Plus, we hear frontline reaction from soldiers to the so-called pauses in the fighting. Are they real? Contributors: Fra…

1
Putin declares ‘shock’ ceasefire in 'critical week' in Ukraine-Russia peace talks 50:17

1M ago50:17

50:17

Day 1,160. Today, as Vladimir Putin announces a sudden three-day ceasefire in May, we assess just how meaningful it really is, and ask: why now? Then we analyse another extraordinary weekend of diplomacy at Pope Francis’s funeral, before learning more about the history of the Donbas: a region where much of the war’s fiercest fighting has taken plac…

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Bomb in Moscow kills senior Russian general & Trump tells Putin ‘Vladimir, stop’ after Kyiv strike 56:00

1M ago56:00

56:00

Day 1,157. Today, after Donald Trump makes the rare intervention of scolding Vladimir Putin for one of the deadliest attacks on Kyiv of the war, we discuss the latest considerations of the coalition of the willing with regards to boots on the ground, and the evolving nature of acts of resistance in the occupied territories – and within Russia itsel…

1
'No surrender': Zelensky rebukes Trump-Putin peace plan as missiles pummel Ukraine 56:24

1M ago56:24

56:24

Day 1,156. Today, as Kyiv is hit by the deadliest strikes in almost a year, we examine Donald Trump’s attack on President Zelensky having failed to negotiate the peace deal he said would take him only 24 hours. Then we take a deep dive into the Wagner mercenary group with the author of a new book who says Yevgeny Prigozhin’s outfit is the logical o…

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Trump to let Putin keep land seized from Ukraine & huge explosion destroys ammunition dump outside Moscow 59:58

2M ago59:58

59:58

Day 1,155. Today, we break down the dramatic collapse of Donald Trump’s proposed peace deal for Ukraine. European, Ukrainian, and American officials were scheduled to meet – until everything suddenly unraveled. Is the US stepping back from the negotiation table? Plus, we launch a brand-new segment focusing on Russia’s domestic front and explore how…

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Air raid inferno ends Easter 'truce' & Trump hopes to end war 'this week' 56:22

2M ago56:22

56:22

Day 1,154. Today, we ask how meaningful the weekend’s so-called ‘Easter truce’ really was, look at the new American peace proposals put to Kyiv and its allies – which include major concessions both in territory and sovereignty – then reflect on the legacy of Pope Francis in relation to the war. Later, we hear about a new book investigating Russian …

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Special: Childhood At War 38:18

2M ago38:18

38:18

Today is a public holiday in Britain, so in a special Easter episode, we take you to a grand terrace in West London, where a green door blends into its elegant surroundings. We go behind that door – into a school unlike any other. There, you’ll hear from young Ukrainians who fled their homes within hours of the invasion, and from the teachers and c…

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Breaking: 'Truce' as Putin orders sudden ceasefire in Ukraine - but is it too good to be true? 19:42

2M ago19:42

19:42

Day 1,151. Today, after the unexpected announcement by Vladimir Putin of a 30-hour truce for Easter we assess what it might mean for the war, how likely it is to hold and discuss what comes next. Having rejected Donald Trump’s proposal for an unconditional ceasefire 39 days ago, what does Putin hope to gain by this latest gamble? Francis Dearnley a…

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Special: How the West Fights Back 1:04:37

2M ago1:04:37

1:04:37

Today is a public holiday in Britain, so in a special Easter episode, Dom Nicholls chairs a panel of experts at the Oxford Literary Festival. Government adviser Keir Giles, academic Professor Mark Galeotti, and journalist Stephanie Baker discuss the Russian threat and how to deal with Vladimir Putin, including why the Russian President retains his …

1
Soldiers’ stories from battlefields of Donetsk & Ukraine launches second revenge attack 44:27

2M ago44:27

44:27

Day 1,149. Today, amid more exchanges of drones and missiles between Ukraine and Russia, we hear about soldiers’ experiences directly from the frontline in the east, and discuss the political situation in Kyiv and in Europe as Steve Witcoff meets with President Macron and other key figures in the ‘Coalition of the Willing.’ Contributors: Francis De…

1
Explosion at Russian base accused of massacre & Denmark to send troops to Ukraine 49:08

2M ago49:08

49:08

Day 1,148. Today, as Ukraine targets the Russian units allegedly responsible for Sunday’s murderous attack on Sumy, we report how Donald Trump has backtracked on the amount of money he wants Ukraine to pay for US support in the war with Russia. Then we speak to our correspondent who has interviewed Ukrainian commanders about Russia’s spring offensi…

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Trump blames Zelensky for ‘starting’ war & Ukraine ‘strikes back’ with huge attack on Russia 34:15

2M ago34:15

34:15

Day 1,147. Today, as Ukraine launches a huge drone attack against Russia’s Kursk region, we assess President Trump’s remarks that President Zelensky “started” the war, and consider the dark arts of the Kremlin’s diplomatic corps. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X. Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor o…

1
Putin commits 'Bloody Palm Sunday' massacre in Sumy & Germany ready to give Taurus missiles to Ukraine 45:15

2M ago45:15

45:15

Day 1,146. Today, as the world reacts to Russia’s cluster munition strike on civilians in Sumy, we assess whether Donald Trump’s opinion that it was just a ‘mistake’ will let Vladimir Putin get away with it, and we hear from our Berlin correspondent on the latest, potentially pivotal, political developments in Germany. Will Taurus missiles make a d…

1
Exclusive: Europe plans to deploy troops to Ukraine for 5 years & resistance in occupied territories accelerates 53:16

2M ago53:16

53:16

Day 1,143. Today, as extreme snowy weather conditions reshape the battlefield, we report on British plans to potentially station troops in Ukraine for five years, hear the latest acts of resistance in the occupied territories, and consider how the fall in oil price is impacting Russia, and its potential impact on Moscow's relationship with the Unit…

1
Tank traps, tripwires, trenches: secret war plans of NATO's eastern flank 'revealed' 38:16

2M ago38:16

38:16

Day 1,142. Today, as a new helicopter drone is spotted flying over the Moscow region, we assess movements on the frontlines and ask why Japan is offering to provide increased support for Ukraine. Then later we discuss the new defence line the Baltic nations of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia are building against Russia. Do they think an invasion is …

1
Russia's spring offensive 'has begun' & China denies deploying troops in Ukraine 42:04

2M ago42:04

42:04

Day 1,141. Today, as Ukraine’s top commander Oleksandr Syrskyi declares that Russia’s spring offensive has already begun, we look at the shifting drone strategy adopted by Moscow. Then we reflect on why there may be more to the story of Chinese soldiers fighting in Ukraine than meets the eye. Contributors: Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Aud…

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Chinese fighters captured in Ukraine 44:10

2M ago44:10

44:10

Day 1,140. Today, as Ukrainian forces report capturing two Chinese citizens in Donetsk, we discuss how Ukrainian drones have been found to carry malware to infect Russian systems, plus how Russia may have been behind a knife attack in Mannheim in May 2024. Contributors: Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Narrative Podcast Producer). @adeliepjz on X. Roland Oli…

1
Trump tariffs tank Russian oil prices amid ‘global economic storm’ & US lift sanctions for Russian special envoy 48:56

2M ago48:56

48:56

Day 1,139. Today, we talk about the crash in oil prices and the consequences on Russia’s economy. We discuss Vladimir Putin’s special envoy to the US on international economic and investment cooperation, Kirill Dmitriev. And, Francis Dearnley speaks with John W. Boerstler, who served as the Chief Veterans Experience Officer at the US Department of …

1
Russia intensifies attacks on Ukraine as ceasefire talks stall & Western military chiefs in Kyiv ‘planning boots on the ground’ 57:04

2M ago57:04

57:04

Day 1,136. Today, as the heads of the French and British armed forces arrive in Kyiv for talks on what the ‘Coalition of the Willing’ might look like, we talk to the Chief Executive of the HALO Trust on how drone-mounted lasers are helping in the demining effort. Later, Francis Dearnley interviews the author of a new book that explores how Russia's…

1
Trump declares trade war on the West & Russia falls for British April Fool’s Day joke 33:53

2M ago33:53

33:53

Day 1,135. Today, as the White House suspends sanctions in order to get one of Putin’s chief aides into the US, we hear how a Kremlin mouthpiece fell for an April Fool’s joke about the Royal Navy, and we go live to NATO HQ in Brussels. Later, we hear from a new Ukraine exhibition at Britain’s tank museum. Contributors: Dominic Nicholls (Associate E…

1
Trump team admit ‘peace deal unlikely’ as anger builds at Putin 26:35

2M ago26:35

26:35

Day 1,134. Today, as Moscow resumes its bombardments on Ukraine, we discuss reports that it is dawning on Donald Trump’s administration that a swift ceasefire deal is not going to happen without action against the Russian economy. Then we return to that very subject, and ask: how much leverage does the White House have on sanctions, and is it decli…

1
Putin calls up 160,000 Russians for military service & what did Biden get wrong on Ukraine? 58:24

2M ago58:24

58:24

Day 1,133. Today, further to news from the battlefront and beyond, we look at Putin's decision to mobilise a record number of men, and what it means for the prospects of a meaningful ceasefire. Then, in a special interview, Francis Dearnley talks to one of the men involved in some of the most important decisions made by the Biden administration rel…