'He hates us': Russians react to new ‘tank hero’ Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief

Day 1,609.

Today, after Mykhailo Drapatyi is appointed Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, we examine the reaction from Russian soldiers and military commentators as Kyiv reshapes its wartime leadership. We also report on Ukraine’s continuing campaign of long-range strikes, with fresh attacks on a key Russian logistics hub and another strategically important oil refinery as Kyiv seeks to weaken Moscow’s war machine far behind the front lines. Then we assess how Russia’s war against Ukraine is reshaping global grain exports and food prices, before unpacking the European Union’s latest sanctions against Vladimir Putin’s regime, finally agreed after weeks of difficult negotiations.

Contributors:

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

Alex Nichol (Telegraph Journalist).

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:

Yesterday’s Ukraine: The Latest, offering a deep dive into Kyiv’s new commander-in-chief:

YouTube – https://youtu.be/xqBiyMPM4jo?si=p1rlhUOodgg781ck 

Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ukraines-legendary-new-commander-takes-charge-after/id1612424182?i=1000777916224

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/episode/3CktsLADyTxmHVesqf6RxW?si=abe2835da3fc4782 

Kremlin propagandist Xenia Fedorova escapes EU sanctions targeting Russian figures (Le Monde):

https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2026/07/22/kremlin-propagandist-xenia-fedorova-escapes-eu-sanctions-targeting-russian-figures_6755722_4.html?srsltid=AfmBOopfQv9I8HMURwgR6Hkc7GNY7nqJuYDoS-YXXq1t3JMx29P71kMx

From the Shannon to Siberia: How alumina from a Limerick refinery enters Russia’s weapons supply chain (The Irish Times)

https://www.irishtimes.com/world/europe/2026/03/24/from-the-shannon-to-siberia-how-alumina-from-a-limerick-refinery-enters-russias-weapons-supply-chain/

For more on Caolan Robertson’s investigation into the Auginish aluminium plant, Ukraine: The Latest June 16th episode: 

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mimSeae4Nw&t=1492s

Apple podcast – https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/trump-tells-putin-to-make-a-deal-at-g7-revenge/id1612424182?i=1000772992491

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/episode/2XXCl4A8oZ871GwjvdXowY

EMAIL US:

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

HIGHLIGHTS:

•  The European Union’s 21st sanction package
• Interview with Kharkiv mayor Ihor Terekhov

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