Ukraine liberates 745 square kilometers & Putin enrages Japan with 'unacceptable' trip to disputed island

Day 1,630.

Today, following the significant raid on the home of Russia’s Black Sea fleet, hitting warships and port infrastructure, we look at Putin’s decision to threaten the seizure of ships belonging to countries seizing shadow fleet vessels keeping the Russian economy afloat, and his decision to visit islands whose ownership is fiercely contested with Japan. Then we bring you the latest Wildberries warehouse attacks, before dedicating the rest of the episode to answering your questions on many subjects relating to the war: on China’s calculus, on disgruntled soldiers returning to Russia, and your feedback on The Odyssey’s message about a new age of warfare and its consequences for the world.

Contributors:

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

Sophie O'Sullivan (Telegraph Journalist).

Adelie Pojzman-Pontay (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @Adeliepjz on X.

Producer: Phil Atkins

Senior Producer: Lilian Fawcett

Video Producer: James England

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:

Russia threatens to seize British ships (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/08/12/russia-threatens-to-seize-british-ships/

Zelensky: We need US to sell us 10pc of its Patriots to defend Ukraine (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/08/13/zelensky-trump-patriot-missiles-ukraine/

EU receives €1.4 billion in revenue from immobilised Russian assets to be used for

supporting Ukraine (EEAS) - https://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/ukraine/eu-receives-eur14-billion-revenue-immobilised-russian-assets-be-used-supporting-ukraine_en

Windfall Use of Russia's Frozen Assets (Model Diplomat): https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/windfall-use-russia-frozen-assets

Ukrainian unit reports shortages of food, water on front line, command promises evacuation when 'security situation allows' (Kyiv Independent):

https://kyivindependent.com/121st-brigade-soldiers-report-shortages-of-food-water-command-vows-to-evacuate-them-when-security-situation-allows/

Russian Embassy Protestors of Ottawa:

https://www.facebook.com/RussianEmbassyProtesters

Learn more about the Versuvius Challenge:

https://scrollprize.org/

If you’re interested in sponsoring Dom’s upcoming defence event, email our colleagues at [email protected]

EMAIL US:

Contact the team on [email protected]. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Ukraine liberates 745 square kilometers
• Putin enrages Japan with 'unacceptable' trip to disputed island

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