Ukraine's reform logjam and conditional funding

Day 1,526.

Today, as President Putin once again dangles a ceasefire in front of President Trump to avoid any risk of disruption to his Victory Day commemorations, he discuss reports that US president might be considering pulling American forces out of Germany while, at the same, the Pentagon finally unlocks a $400 million military aid package. We also bring you the latest on Ukraine’s strike campaign and how it’s turned one of Russia’s strengths – its size – into a weakness, before hearing from a Ukrainian Olympian diver about the decision by World Aquatics to permit Russian athletics to compete under the Russian flag once more.

Contributors:

Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.

With thanks to Telegraph reporters Lily Shanagher and Alisa Butterwick, plus Ukrainian Olympic diver Oleksiy Sereda.

NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:

Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest  

CONTENT REFERENCED:

Ukrainian drones destroy £18m Russian helicopters behind enemy lines (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/30/ukrainian-drones-destroy-18m-russian-helicopters/ 

Trump threatens to pull troops out of Germany (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2026/04/29/trump-germany-troops-friedrich-merz/ 

Putin’s ‘altar boy’ is finally in Ukraine’s sights (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/30/putin-altar-boy-finally-in-ukraine-sights/ 

Japanese drone maker doubles down on Ukraine as Tokyo eases arms rules (The Kyiv Independent):

https://kyivindependent.com/terra-drone-moves-deeper-into-ukraine-with-second-investment-as-tokyo-loosens-arms-rules/ 

EMAIL US:

Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk . We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many on air and in our newsletter as possible.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Ukraine ‘vaporises’ Russian helicopters mid-flight behind enemy lines
• Putin proposes ‘brief’ ceasefire in Trump call

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