Putin hails Musk the 'genius' as Moscow builds its own version of Starlink

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.

Contributors:
Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.
Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.
Lilian Fawcett (Telegraph Journalist and Senior Producer on Ukraine: The Latest). @LilianFawcett on X.
With thanks to Peter and his family, as well as photographer William Jones-Warner (www.williamjoneswarner.com).

Producer: Rachel Porter
Senior Producer: Lilian Fawcett
Video Producer: Sophie O’Sullivan and Tom Steed
Social Producer: Natalia Makohon and Lilian Fawcett
Studio Director: Meghan Searle
Executive Editor: Francis Dearnley
Created by David Knowles

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Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest

CONTENT REFERENCED:
Buy tickets to War Room, a new interactive event in London:
telegraph.co.uk/telegraph-events/the-war-room

Members of UTL+ can read the members-only YouTube post here to find out how they could win a free ticket:
youtube.com/post/UgkxqSgx1mio5cviI1WrQnrbAdIur…

Read about the charity that Peter and his family work with, Stand For U Brighton & Hove:
standforukrainebnh.org

Join our Members’ Club, UTL+:
For a small monthly fee, you’ll get behind-the-scenes content, bonus videos, and discounted tickets to live events and merch: youtube.com/channel/UCdHjleMvPSs-JEjiQ8_D2cA/j…

Exclusive: Putin 'wanted very much' for Melania Trump to broker Oleshky ceasefire, first lady adviser says (Kyiv Independent):
kyivindependent.com/exclusive-putin-wanted-ver…

Volodymyr Zelenskyy opens door to security guarantees for Russia (Financial Times)
ft.com/content/8ec7d6f2-403a-4f80-89fc-5ed5e75…

Russia turns to Arctic WW2 route to export grain (Reuters)
reuters.com/business/russia-turns-arctic-ww2-r…

Putin hails Musk as ‘real genius’ after Starlink slowdown (The Telegraph):
telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/29/putin-ha…

EMAIL US:
Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Putin hails Musk the 'genius' as Moscow builds its own version of Starlink
• Russian president 'wanted very much' for Melania Trump to broker Oleshky ceasefire
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