Inside Oleshky’s chaotic evacuation as Russia ‘prepares fresh offensive’

Day 1,705. Today, as civilians prepare to leave occupied Oleshky while the ceasefire holds, we ask whether all is as it seems, with reports suggesting Putin approached Melania Trump to help broker the ceasefire. Meanwhile, as Moscow hosts representatives from 48 African countries, we hear Putin describe Elon Musk as “a genius”. Plus, Britain’s former Defence Secretary, now in charge of the nation’s finances, announces fresh support for Ukraine. But does it go far enough? Then, later, we shine a spotlight on one extraordinary volunteer.

Day 1,704. Today, as the ceasefire in occupied Oleshky is extended across the wider region, we discuss disturbing reports that Ukrainian civilians evacuating the town may be taken to Russia. Then, we bring you reports of a row between the Ukrainian delegation and Donald Trump’s envoys when the latter tabled a peace plan that would see Russian oil and gas flow through Ukrainian pipelines. Later, we bring you the next of our regular deep drives into Russian politics and the economy, and details of the conversation between Putin and the leaders of Norway and Finland. Finally, we hear about a visit of Ukrainian drones companies showcasing their abilities here in Britain as the government warns of the possibility of war with Moscow.

Day 1,703. Today, as the ceasefire in occupied Oleshky – brokered by Melania Trump and the Pope – seems to be holding, we report how the Kremlin is already looking to exploit the rare outbreak of genuine humanitarian news. Europe deploys the Trump-whisperer Alexander Stubb to speak to Putin ahead of peace talks in Abu Dhabi. Meanwhile, the UN accuses Russia of war crimes and US vice president JD Vance rails against ‘tin pot dictators’ forcing up gas prices in America. And later, Adelie looks at one unexplored consequence of the war on Ukrainian children: the thousands of Ukrainian teenagers that are growing up in Europe…alone.

Day 1,702. Today, as the Kremlin prioritises Putin’s lakeside retreat for additional air defence systems, the impact is felt elsewhere with multiple Ukrainian strikes across the rest of Russia over the weekend, some by new stocks of British Storm Shadow cruise missiles. Then we discuss the latest on the ceasefire agreed for the people of the besieged city of Oleshky and consider whether the White House is taking credit for something brokered by others. Plus, we reveal a new way to support our work and access behind-the-scenes content from us: become a member of the Ukraine: The Latest club.

Day 1,699. Today, we start with a breaking story: First Lady Melania Trump has brokered a localised ceasefire in the city of Oleshky, the White House says, after weeks of humanitarian emergency in the occupied city. Then, we continue to untangle the big story of this week: Starlink. Who cut it, and why? Has it been restored? In Brussels, European leaders are being auditioned for a brand new role: Europe’s new negotiator to Russia, as Germany says the country is targeted by an intensive espionage campaign. And finally, we go to Warsaw for the premiere of a brand new opera: The Mothers of Kherson.