The War Beyond the Headlines: A Chat with Francis Dearnley of Ukraine: The Latest

The War Beyond the Headlines: A Chat with Francis Dearnley of Ukraine: The Latest

Author: Mark McNamee August 6, 2026 Duration: 0:00
Today's guest is someone who has helped shape how thousands of people around the world understand this war on a daily basis. Francis Dearnley is Executive Editor at The Telegraph and one of the co-hosts of the award-winning podcast Ukraine: The Latest, which has become one of the most respected and widely followed sources of analysis on the conflict since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. One of the things I've always appreciated about Francis' work is that it combines rigorous journalism with a deep appreciation for history. As I also try to do with my podcast, rather than simply asking what happened today, he's constantly exploring the bigger questions and how these events fit within their historical context. So today, rather than focusing solely on the latest battlefield developments, I want to take a step back. We'll get Francis’ personal views on the war, what Ukraine has taught him after years of reporting from the country, and ultimately how history may judge this conflict. Link to Francis' podcast Ukraine: The Latest - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLO-F29HDAmtnKk7p0LMLqc5Xb4lpeqU5T About Francis Dearnley Francis Dearnley is a British journalist, writer and podcast host who has spent years closely following Ukraine and the war with Russia. He is the host of Ukraine: The Latest, the leading English-language podcasts covering the war, and brings a rare combination of on-the-ground reporting, historical context and deep knowledge of Ukrainian affairs. To connect and message with Mark on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mark-mcnamee-58950910 To learn more, visit: https://ubn.network/ Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/Mark-McNamee/ If you found this episode valuable, follow the podcast and share it with someone who wants to better understand the war in Ukraine.

We are living through events that will define our century, and History in the Making: The War in Ukraine is an attempt to make sense of them as they unfold. Host Mark McNamee brings his deep knowledge of Eastern Europe to the fore, not just to recount headlines, but to untangle the complex historical, cultural, and political threads that led to this moment. This isn't a dry recitation of facts; it's a grounded exploration of how a conflict reshapes a nation's identity and the global order. Each episode moves between the sweeping strategic picture and the intimate, human stories of those living through the war, highlighting a profound resilience. You'll hear analysis that connects past empires to present-day battles, and conversations that reveal the personal cost and extraordinary fortitude within Ukraine. The goal of this podcast is to provide context and clarity, offering a nuanced perspective that goes beyond the news cycle. By focusing on the people, the history, and the on-the-ground reality, Mark creates a vital record of a world changing in real time. Tune in for a thoughtful, comprehensive guide to understanding not just what is happening, but why it matters for all of us.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

History in the Making: The War in Ukraine
Podcast Episodes
What the Head of the UN in Ukraine Is Seeing on the Ground [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Military developments, diplomacy and geopolitics dominate discussion of the war in Ukraine. But behind every missile strike and frontline shift are millions of civilians whose lives have been fundamentally transformed by…
Putin's next move: A risky mobilization or a ceasefire? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Vladimir Putin is likely approaching one of the most consequential decisions of the war and in fact of his entire reign: escalate further through another major mobilization, or accept some form of ceasefire. Or can he co…
The Deep History Behind America's Political Divide [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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If you've ever wondered why the US seems so divided, this conversation offers one of the most compelling explanations you'll hear. For many outside the US (and for many it in too), American politics can seem increasingly…
Hope for Ukraine's Future: Speaking with 16 Year-Old Nikol Makhovka [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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In this episode, I was happy to host by far the youngest guest I've had on my show. This episode is about Ukraine’s future. Not what’s happening today in the war, or the war outlook, or looking at historical drivers and…
US Army Veteran Finds Purpose and Meaning in Ukraine [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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I had the pleasure of interviewing Ryan Hendrickson, a former US Army Green Beret who spent years in Afghanistan, lost a leg, and has now devoted the last several years of his life to helping Ukraine. As so many veterans…