Over 330 Russian troops 'killed in failed attack' & Zelensky says African and Asian mercenaries fighting for Putin

Day 1,259.

Today, as President Trump’s deadline fast approaches, we discuss renewed bombardments in Kharkiv and elsewhere, before looking at the media landscape in the United States and considering the vital role of international volunteers in the war effort. Plus, we hear Adelie’s latest dispatch from her trip to Ukraine.

Contributors:

Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.

Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.

Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Reporter and Producer). @adeliepjz on X.

Content Referenced:

Ukraine flags Indian-made parts in drones used by Russian forces (Hindustan Times):

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ukraine-flags-indian-made-parts-in-drones-used-by-russian-forces-101754335825281.html 

Tortured Ukrainian POW branded with ‘Glory to Russia’ vows to return to battle after recovery: ‘Thirst for revenge’ (New York Post):

https://nypost.com/2025/08/04/world-news/tortured-ukrainian-pow-branded-with-glory-to-russia-vows-to-return-to-battle 

The Hidden War Over Ukraine’s Lost Children (TIME):

https://time.com/7302345/ukraine-lost-children-russia-war/ 

20 Russian properties in Vienna could be auctioned off, with proceeds going to Ukraine (Der Standard):

https://www.derstandard.at/story/3000000282204/20-russische-immobilien-in-wien-koennten-zwangsversteigert-werden-erloes-wuerde-an-ukraine-gehen 

China Is Choking Supply of Critical Minerals to Western Defense Companies (Wall Street Journal):

https://www.wsj.com/world/asia/china-western-defense-industry-critical-minerals-3971ec51 

NATO Should Not Replace Traditional Firepower with ‘Drones’ (RUSI): https://www.rusi.org/explore-our-research/publications/rusi-defence-systems/nato-should-not-replace-traditional-firepower-drones

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