Soledar “falls to Russia” & delivering humanitarian aid | Ukraine: The Latest | Podcast

Day 324.
Today, we reflect on the breaking news regarding the Russian defence ministry claims that it has captured the town of Soledar in what would be their first breakthrough in months.
Plus, we interview British volunteer Jack Ross, founder of the charity Vans without Borders, who has been delivering aid to isolated areas in Ukraine.
Support Vans without Borders: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/new-v...
Contributors:
Francis Dearnley (Host, Assistant Comment Editor). @FrancisDearnley on Twitter.
Dom Nicholls (Associate Editor). @DomNicholls on Twitter.
With thanks to Dr Jade McGlynn.
Get the latest headlines: www.telegraph.co.uk/
Telegraph.co.uk and / telegraphtv are websites of The Telegraph, the UK's best-selling quality daily newspaper providing news and analysis on UK and world events, business, sport, lifestyle and culture.

[@agracier8656]

wonderful interview with the aid worker ... totally different information from a human point of view ... it is difficult to express my admiration for people like them ...

[@barbarahagstrom4068]

Excellent reporting! This aid worker helped me fully understand the dreadful reality of this war. What bravery!

[@brucetrappleton6984]

So, if the significance of Soledar and Bakhmut in strategic terms is none, then Why is Ukraine throwing to the meat grinder thousands of lives?

[@Cheapphilosophysale]

Similar to Severodonetsk. The Russians are losing more troops attacking than Ukraine is losing defending it. The calculus is that the attrition is worth the losses, and once it's no longer worth it, Ukraine will withdraw as they did earlier in the war. It's part of the concept of 'defence in depth', inflicting losses and then withdrawing.

[@ruwaydastruwe8731]

Oh pls have mercy , do u really believe Russians are losing this war , u truly in a world of ur west own pathetic dream .They on the way out nw , there’s no turning back by Russia’s machine, they going the whole nine yards nw pal 🤭

[@brucetrappleton6984]

@@Cheapphilosophysale it doesn’t sound like it. Russia is not losing any troops in Soledar. They have a Private Military Contractor doing the fighting. On the other hand, the one losing scores of soldiers is Ukraine. They keep bringing troops from other parts of the front to slow down the advance of the PMC. They are getting crashed. It doesn’t make a lot of sense the idea that is Russia the one losing fighting capacity. I mean, in Soledar Ukraine is not retreating to better positions. It’s just being defeated.

[@ludoduh]

@@Cheapphilosophysale 😆

[@OnlyGrafting]

@@brucetrappleton6984 wether it's the direct russian forces or forces theyve hired means nothing. They're fighting for Russia so a loss over them is a loss worth holding the ground for. If they begin to take more losses and lose the advantage they opt to retreat back. Mao used similar strategy in the early days of the Chinese civil war. Instead of holding the lands they occupied against overwhelming forces, they retreated into the mountains in the North and set up there instead to wait out the nationalists. Once China had been weakened by Japan after the war, they struck the opportunity to start advancing again. Ukraine is likely going to keep up this sort of defense until the winter is over and drier weather comes. Until then their main worry is likely assuring they remain in control of the Dnieper to take advantage of chokehold points by bridges and the natural defensive position the river gives. If they can amass an armoured corps and get relief in the air they could attempt to push back.

[@geoffhunter7704]

Jack Ross and his team of Vans Without Frontiers are True Hero's i always look forward to their adventures mainly in the SUN,UK,UA Slava UA.

[@robertricketts5467]

First-class podcast as always.A big "BZ" to Vans Without Borders.Thanks and stay safe lads.

[@judyjackson2260]

Amazing hero's volunteers. God bless Ukrainian people and all the generous hearted and brave volunteers. It really restores my faith in the good in mankind.

[@olddog3941]

hi, great interview. I'm a Brit living in Dnipro and respect all the help from home. He explained very well the situation out here. i listen to the Pod Cast frequently so keep up the good work.

[@caliscocalisco5227]

Absolutely amazing thankyou for your outstanding work. From South Africa Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦

[@glennstach4439]

👍✌🖖🌻 Foremost, Alberta, Canada

[@bobspradling4826]

I listen to your podcast nearly every day. This is one of the best of your broadcasts. It was inspiring.

[@toto-yf8tc]

Listening this broadcast feels like watching North Korea TV

[@xy6845]

Very touching interview there with Jack Ross from Vans without Borders ❤‍🔥 Huge respect for these guys. My heart is burning for Ukraine ❤‍🔥❤‍🔥

[@liamnorth555]

Good work mate very brave, shame to hear about mafia skum trying to exploit the situation but I suppose that's what they do.

[@minkleymcmoo5248]

What a brave young man. I bet his family are incredibly proud.

[@demeoo]

Proud of what?

[@andykenyon2607]

Well done Jack and Co. I'm full of admiration for your actions.

[@icemanvamp7433]

Did Russia run out of missiles yet

[@fizzgigmalmy2567]

Ahhhhh cmon man....they ran out 7months ago!!!

[@icemanvamp7433]

@fizzgig malmy according to the Telegraph they now have -450 left

[@SajidKhan-jg8bk]

Great news! Re the voluntary humanitarian volunteer, this is something else! Couldn't be a better joke!

[@mahyadnaadlaw3112]

What i dont like in this channel is too unbalanced.

[@thomasstyan2066]

I think it's fine. Being balanced would only be possible if we ignore facts: that one country is trying to steal the land of another. It has broken four four formal treaties, and has committed horrendous war crimes. What the team here do do is, they are honest about their support for Ukraine, but they are also sceptical about all unverified information. And, while supporting Ukraine, have spoken out against the meme that there a no good Russians.

[@mahyadnaadlaw3112]

@@thomasstyan2066 then am listening to a wrong channel. It's one country banged by a group of nation, obviously. Does NATO want an opponent to stay relevant? It even expands even beyond it's coverage.

[@peterfrankiewicz9379]

Smart.thanks...

[@Petenz81]

Time is of the essence. Already the supply of heavy weapons has been delayed so much that Ukraine is now on the back foot and losing ground. It will take a massive effort to turn things around and get the Ukrainian Army 1 advancing again. Morale is taking a hit and only some successes will rebuild confidence .

[@ruwaydastruwe8731]

The only success that s due , is another Putin’s war head in a package 📦

[@grahamhall247]

Peter - Ukraine should sue for peace; they know they cannot win.

[@KrolKaz]

zelenky is making hand over fist in this war, he won't surrender because he has nothing to lose. All of his assets are outside of the ukriane.

[@Henry-fk7cq]

Perhaps things cannot be turned around.

[@M4DHUSKY]

Dunno what this lad means by Russia sufering heavy casualtys.This is not war with bayonetes,this is brutal pounding by atrilery 24/7 on defenders.They literaly taking bath of steal in Soledar

[@leonaessens4399]

"Humanitarian aid" and "Russia" in the same sentence? It's almost obscene.

[@daydays12]

agreed

[@considerthis7712]

Capturing Soledar. Tactical benefit.. a saving , Russian food logistics no longer needs to add salt.

[@harsimransingh1280]

Cope

[@AndriiOsipovUkraine]

Glory to Ukraine🇺🇦

[@youngrichie]

The naysayers consistently comment on the ineffectiveness of Russian military only to watch them crush a heavily defended town using Wagner mercenaries. No different to Aegis and former Blackwater. It's a PMC world out there sometimes.

[@daydays12]

Is 'crush' the right word, my friend? Rather an exaggeration, I suggest.

[@stefansekulic7903]

Well it took them a few months to take a small town. Hardly a crushing defeat for Ukraine, they still hold Bakhmut, Sloviansk and Kramatorsk.

[@jasonsurra8077]

the president of Ukraine, his administration,and his supporters in Washington and the UK do not seem to care how many ukranians souls are lost. the only way forward is for Ukraine to look at geography and the fact that they need to live in peace with their Russian neighbors and historically brothers. this was thrown out of the window with the arrival of Victoria nuland to the scene.

[@user-cx7op6qj1e]

Seems WW3 of the US-USSR 2.0 is inevitable if Ukraine will fall. However Baiden lost momentum as no tanks and jets are on the battlefield.

[@Eadric_The_Wild]

Russia is not our primary concern. China is our primary concern. Russia is not in any shape to fight against the US, nevermind the entirety of NATO. Dont worry, WW3 won't be fought between NATO and Russia, it'll be fought by NATO and China.

[@KrolKaz]

We sent them many tanks, Russia destroyed them If we send them f16 or whatever they'll just destroy those too. Only way this war is " won" is by nuking them. But then they'll just nuke us back.

[@Henry-fk7cq]

I predict Russia will attack weapons being delivered thereby killing NATO personnel & expanding the war.

[@crystalharris7394]

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🕊

[@chuckhillier4153]

Support for Ukraine runs deep here in the US. Blue and yellow flags fly in many front yards here.

[@gordonfrickers5592]

Same here in France.

[@gbgbgbgb1]

Brainwashing and propagandized minds also run deep in the US. Congrats on being an NPC normie who is programmed and told what to think.

[@ruwaydastruwe8731]

What utter rubbish this mans talking , like Nato will take the chance of Russia’s using nukes, by them interfering helping Ukraine that far .Nato using u poor Ukraine soldiers like pawns marching on to their deaths, completely and utterly shameful 🤔

[@migalito1955]

Runs deep in this American house, for sure.

[@s.d.7595]

Same in Canada

[@Balmorax]

There's no video, peeps.

[@mivapusa]

If a single village can buy Ukraine thousands of dead Wagnerites

[@samsungtap4183]

Normal hear say, war atrocities... give us a holiday

[@daejavue69]

Losing or winning it's essential that Nato increases support for Ukraine 🇺🇦 &.send what they need & ask for cause they may lose the battle but winning the war is essential for freedom & democracy , who here listening to this wants Russia to crush Ukraine cause given our weakness to Ukraine , Russia will try . So pressurise our goverments to get a move on & send those essential BMT . Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦

[@gbgbgbgb1]

67%+ of Americans live paycheck to paycheck. No more aid/funding for Ukraine!

[@bonglandgreg]

No.

[@KrolKaz]

Yea let's send billions in cash to the most corrupt nation in Europe ran by a guy who was BFF with the FTX scammer

[@Imperial_Boltgun]

Freedom to do what?

[@livinglifeonlifesterms2450]

Where is David Knoles??? He left for holidays and never returned 😆 🤣 😂

[@catc8927]

About an episode or two ago, they explained that he’s out with a very bad case of pneumonia. Poor guy.

[@livinglifeonlifesterms2450]

@Cat C 🧋 ah I hate to hear that.

[@CatalystD9]

💙💛💙💛💙🇺🇦🙏🇨🇦🖖

[@laurie9557]

Vans without Borders is very inspiring. It is appalling, though to hear that regular Russian soldiers (not just Wagner mercenaries) kill people with hammers.

[@resj-lh9dt]

When is kyiv dooms day ?

[@robertwalker7960]

Hard..

[@drreaganeliedithphd6526]

Bénévolats sont héros

[@Jonathans_opinions]

Amazing! Thanks!

[@carolwilliams8511]

If Russia is to fail in Ukraine the West must step up the support to Ukraine. They need the capability to go on the offensive and drive the invaders right out. So far we are not stepping up to the plate. Germany especially.

[@stephensuddick1896]

This war will last years and will be fought to a standstill, which is the same as losing for russia.

[@drreaganeliedithphd6526]

Pour puissance en Ukraine 🇺🇦 peuvent-ils/elles utiliser énergie solaire ?

[@Driver-ur9mf]

Ask Joe, he wants solar arrays everywhere. No more forests, fields, pastures, meadows, or gardens.

[@bharathsf]

I thought Ukraine was winning

[@czevzi]

Not necessarily winning, but certainly not losing either, has to be remembered that they're the defenders, not atrackers. Considering that they've held back an invasion by the 2nd most powerful world military for almost a year, is enough to say that they're doing quite well.

[@chairmanmaolovesseamenonhi7705]

@@czevzi ukraine won't win this war. Thats the harsh reality. Thousands have died, millions of dollars wasted and lasting trauma created. All of which could have been avoided by ukraine simply saying that they won join nato.

[@thehusketeers4319]

@@czevzi Ukraine is losing and by the end of summer it will be all over

[@jimrt1738]

Ukrainian need to locate the Challenger tanks on the boarder of Belorussian .

[@007SophieBlue]

Like x

[@Samij-Dobrij]

Send MORE $$$£££€€€!!!!!! MORE MONEY 💰!!! MORE CASH!!!🤣🤣🤣

[@eaglesnest1940]

Gorbachev should have never dissolved the USSR since then NATO has been moving eastwards. Ukraine is the last stand

[@johndean1634]

Tell the truth if Bakhmut falls so will the rest of the Donbass. That and Soledor was the main defence of the defensive line named after Zelensky. Its not the Fall of these areas. But the amount of Ukraine Troops killed or injured its Sad. Spanish female reporter estimated in December. Ukraine was loosing 400 Troops a day in Bakhmut alone.

[@Cloudman572]

Why will Donbass fall if Bakhmut is taken?

[@stefansekulic7903]

What about Sloviansk and Kramatorsk? They seem ti be larger cities and could form a new defensive line.

[@harsimransingh1280]

@@Cloudman572 It is largest supply hub in donbass

[@harsimransingh1280]

@@stefansekulic7903 Ukraine hasn't used them as military station

[@Cloudman572]

@@harsimransingh1280 What, it's a larger hub than Donetsk? How is it a supply hub when it does not supply any Ukrainian unoccupied areas?

[@Shryce]

Wait.. shouldnt the Telegraph continue their disinformation campaign about the fall of Soledar ?!? What's this... ?!?

[@martelsobieski2429]

BAKHMUT IS NEXT.

[@rodneyoacosta1315]

Ukraine needs and game changer are AH-64 APACHE attack helicopter a tank killer and a troops destroyer.

[@Blockay4777]

Us citizen supporting Ukraine here, Ukrainin troops are making the "greatest sacrifice" so we didn't have too! Fighting for their freedom first and the rest of our freedom as well!

[@timfallon8226]

Freedom to be abused the the globalists, yay, we are so lucky.

[@williammorris584]

As much as we side with Ukraine, what filters through is that misery is greater and greater, the economy is grinding to a halt, and the Russians continue to drive wedges into locations. As much as the Ukrainians want and use the weaponry provided by the West, it produces a Frankenstein logistical situation with need for training, support, repair, and supply of a multitude of specialized munitions, parts & etc. I just don’t see how Ukraine alone can achieve more than a stalemate. And no NATO nation is going to put combat troops on the ground. For the US, it’s an opportunity for us to grind down an enemy in a proxy war by providing military supplies to Ukraine, but we must be careful nonetheless- China is watching ITS potential opponents in a war over Taiwan deplete their equipment and supplies in what is effectively a proxy war for them, in which China expends absolutely nothing.

[@hmmcinerney]

Ben Hodges says Ukraine can do it and will be in Crimea by August. He’s usually right.

[@karantikoo9302]

@@hmmcinerney no ukraine has won moscow and now to the urals

[@oleksii8182]

We have little choice but to win. Any sort of stalemate will only result in a new war once Russia recovers.

[@KrolKaz]

Nato troops will go into the ukriane sooner or later. Neocons do not have a reverse gear. They'll continue to escalate and escalate, just like Vietnam.

[@oleksii8182]

@@KrolKaz we face a war for our existence, not much of a choice tbh. If NATO wants to jump in, sure.

[@texan-rp4wc]

they finally admitted it

[@timfallon8226]

Don't worry Sushi Nik Nak is going to save the day by giving away even more of our assets to this lost cause.

[@Cloudman572]

Interesting, why is it a lost cause?

[@johncalderon1787]

coming soon ...Himars missile..ka booom...

[@timgrace1773]

This young guy has no understanding of the big picture.

[@ericpownall49]

This seems to be all B.S.

[@domingo-7]

🎽 Zelenski just won an Oscar 📺

[@daydays12]

Really?

[@lordtywinofhouselannister5433]

All of citizens cheer for Russian liberation

[@Cloudman572]

Interesting view.

[@robertwalker7960]

Simple

[@PhilipCober]

Another great podcast. Russian aggression must be stopped in Ukraine, for the obvious reason (if not now, when?). One minor gripe, however. Why must your reporters (and too often your guests) make offhand remarks about American "right wingers" and their supposed opposition to supporting Ukraine? There are foolish people at both ends of the political spectrum, but never a peep about "left wingers". I wish you'd knock it off.

[@oleksii8182]

While I did notice that as well, it seems to be a popular narrative among the conservative right, "not our war, America first" or just doing whatever is opposite to what Biden is doing.

[@PhilipCober]

@@oleksii8182 True enough, but Americans have always had a, hmm, certain amount of distaste for foreign involvements. American domestic politics do not cease just because there's a war on, and we're not directly involved, Kremlin propaganda to the contrary. Would Republicans really cut back support for Ukraine? Not a chance. Journalists who imply any such thing are being unserious. As I said, it's a minor gripe.

[@oleksii8182]

@@PhilipCober I really hope so. No one is asking the world to bleed for us, we just need the tools to do the job.

[@henrikarboejensen812]

I feel sorry for the decent law abiding and proper Russians, who will be aligned with the savagery from their leaders. Out of the box mad evilness from the highest office in Kremlin.

[@konstantintopkin5949]

Bla bla bla 🤣 Media saying all what they want.

[@nian60]

Thanks for the interesting interview with the volunteer. He is certainly right that the West were slow to respond. We are still too slow. As a European I am very disappointed by the overall slow and inadequate response by Europe. Where TF are the fighter jets, for example? We should be throwing everything we can at the 👹👹👹. It is in our own security interest.

[@isstechnz1021]

Good show. What's that's guy link

[@robertwalker7960]

Poor

[@user-eg2vv6ow5l]

🇺🇦🏳️‍🌈🇺🇸

[@evamurray4478]

This is getting ridiculous. Remind me what we're protecting... Zelenskyys bastardised, ludicrous version of "dEmOcRaCy"? Ugh please 🙄

[@daydays12]

In what way is democracy more 'bastardised' ( whatever that word means) than in the UK or the USA? How does Ukrainian democracy compare with the 'democracy' in the Russian Federation?

[@liberalmatt]

Protecting Westphalia.

[@andrealorinser3504]

Soledar has fallen, ukraine actually falling

[@killerbob2651]

I hear there's a massive sale on Ukrainian hamburger meat right now. Fresh from the fields of Soledar lol. Salty.

[@daydays12]

disgusting post

[@carolwilliams8511]

More likely to be orc meat.

[@hectorbartlett567]

Power to Putin and Russia 🇷🇺 🔥💯👍

[@daydays12]

Why? What positive things has Putin contributed to the world?

[@carolwilliams8511]

That will create an absolutely terrible world.

[@hectorbartlett567]

@@daydays12 Now ask yourself the very same question about the never ending US war machine?

[@lilacer6841]

Great Russia uraa uraaa zov zov

[@stuartmcandrew1456]

fake news

[@dearmas9068]

It's all real, orc piglet

[@SteveJones-gz4vd]

So Ukraine is losing now, make your minds up

[@dearmas9068]

No they're not. They're clearly winning this war.

[@SteveJones-gz4vd]

@@dearmas9068 Lost Soledar = winning war,errrrr ok

[@robertwalker7960]

Ukraine getting bossed ,..

[@samsungtap4183]

Give money Zelanskis wife is planning a nother shopping trip to Paris, she's already booked a room at the Ritz ?

[@daydays12]

Where did this ' information ' come from?

[@Cloudman572]

Not sure if it's his job or just how he gets his kicks but he's been trolling throughout the comments. At least it's " interesting" to read them.

[@paulbrimble8204]

Have another Ruble, pal. Buy your Mum that flushing toilet she always dreamed of.

[@Mortablunt]

Z

[@EdgarStyles1234]

Cringe

[@killerbob2651]

Lol. Cope and seethe. Z boys ftw all day long 😎

[@Eadric_The_Wild]

slava ukria-ACK

[@killerbob2651]

Cope and seethe 🤡🤡

[@ripplingeffect9339]

Do people with their heads screwed up properly listen to such infantile propaganda and believe same??

[@Cloudman572]

He is one of the head screwed up.

[@paulbendikas2313]

Sorry but Ukraine are losing and will loose

[@PlanetFrosty]

Russian Propaganda

[@bbcisaids6727]

Slava russia

[@glenbolderson9279]

In actual battles Ukraine always loses. Their only glorious victories are when the Russians have already pulled out.

[@truthwizard]

I don't think that is fair. They fight differently. Russian tactics is to throw bodies at the problem. Ukraine tries to avoid human lifes losses. So when Russia were retreating, they were doing it because they had no more men to sacrifice in that part of the front. That is due to poor logistics and communication. This time around they've concentrated enough men to sacrifice just enough.

[@czevzi]

If Ukraine always lost in "actual battles", it would have been long over already.

[@glenbolderson9279]

Oh right I forgot the Russians evacuated snake island.

[@andrealorinser3504]

Russians wont pull do not worry

[@KrolKaz]

Rip to the brave ukrianian soldiers that defended Snake Island and got shelled by a Russian warship " russian war ship go f yourself!" Was the last thing they said 🥹

[@googleemployeesarecucks1917]

Bwahahahahaah GO RUSSIA 👍