Drone blitz on Moscow as Ukraine launches 637 drones & UN 'not fit for purpose', says UN

Day 1,635.

Today, after a huge drone attack on the Moscow region – potentially breaking another record – we report on the latest major Red Square military parade to be cancelled. Meanwhile, the Kremlin reportedly makes sure an outspoken banker is silenced for daring to suggest that Russia cannot win a war of attrition against Ukraine and its allies. Then Dom asks the UN’s representative in Ukraine whether the current model is “fit for purpose.” His answer may surprise you.

Contributors:

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

Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.

With thanks Matthias Schmale, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine.

Producer: Rachel Porter

Senior Producer: Lilian Fawcett

Video Producer: Sophie O’Sullivan and Anthony Melton

Social Producer: Anita Blay

Studio Director: Meghan Searle

Executive Editor: Francis Dearnley

Created by David Knowles

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:

If you’re interested in sponsoring Dom’s upcoming defence event, email our colleagues at events@telegraph.co.uk

Russia jails political leader for opposing Ukraine war (The Telegraph)

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/08/18/russia-jails-political-leader-for-opposing-ukraine-war/ 

Senior Russian banker sacked after saying: ‘We’re losing to Ukraine’ (The Telegraph)

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2026/08/17/russian-banker-sacked-after-saying-were-losing-to-ukraine/ 

Russia: Britain will pay for giving Ukraine drones (The Telegraph)

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/08/17/russia-britain-will-pay-for-giving-ukraine-drones/ 

Trump ballroom official held quiet Kremlin talks (Financial Times)

https://www.ft.com/content/d88a8878-425d-4225-bda4-576c6c42734e?shareType=nongift&syn-25a6b1a6=1 

‘Deliberate negligence’: Russian nuclear power company with EU operations accused of violating safety standards (Politico)

https://www.politico.eu/article/rosatom-hungary-nuclear-energy-egypt-russia-el-dabaa-paks-ii-russia-safety-standards-violations/ 

NAFO Fella Accounts re. paintings:

https://x.com/ky_painter | @kypainter.bsky.social

https://x.com/fellarequests 

https://x.com/Official_NAFO 

EMAIL US:

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

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Ukraine launches massive drone blitz at Moscow
• UN not fit for purpose, says UN in exclusive interview

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