Ukraine hits Russia with ‘biggest drone attack in two years’ as Trump tells NATO war will ‘end soon’

Day 1,593.

Today, as Ukraine reportedly launches one of the largest waves of air strikes inside Russia since the full-scale invasion began – while also targeting multiple Russian vessels in the Sea of Azov – we bring you the latest from the NATO summit in Turkey, where world leaders are gathering for what could prove one of the most consequential meetings of the war. What is really at stake for the alliance? How secure is continued US support for NATO? And what military commitments can realistically be expected that will strengthen President Volodymyr Zelensky’s hand, both on the battlefield and at the negotiating table, as pressure mounts on Vladimir Putin at home?

Contributors:

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

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

Venetia Rainey (Host on Iran: The Latest). @Venetiarainey on X.

Roland Oliphant (Host on Iran: The Latest). @RolandOliphant on X.

Sophia Yan (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @Sophia_Yan on X.

With thanks to Lithuania’s representative to NATO, Darius Jauniskis, and former UK Armed Forces Minister, Al Carns MP.

Producer: Phil Atkins

Senior Producer: Lilian Fawcett

Video Producer: Sophie O’Sullivan

Social Producer: Tom Steed

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:

Listen to Iran: The Latest for more from NATO and interview with Al Carns:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/iran-the-latest/id1712903296 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7gPBO0qnZI1YBi25zaVT1c 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dk

NATO Summit Live Blog (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/07/07/nato-summit-latest-ankara-turkey-starmer-trump/ 

Britain to lead European drive to build long-range Nato missiles (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/07/06/britain-lead-european-missile-project-reliance-us/ 

Sleeping families crushed by Putin’s trademark ‘double tap’ strike (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/07/06/sleeping-families-crushed-putin-trademark-double-tap-strike/ 

Woman suspected of Ukrainian tycoon bomb plot in Monaco shot dead (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/07/07/woman-suspected-of-ukrainian-tycoon-bomb-plot-monaco-shot/ 

How Britain let Europe down on defence (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/07/07/how-britain-let-europe-down-with-defence/ 

Erdogan crushes dissent before rolling out Nato red carpet (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/07/07/recep-erdogan-turkey-ankara-dissent-nato-summit-ankara/

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 hits Russia with ‘biggest drone attack in two years’
• Trump tells Nato summit war will be settled ‘soon’

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