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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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:

Buy tickets to War Room, a new interactive event in London:

https://www.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:

https://www.youtube.com/post/UgkxqSgx1mio5cviI1WrQnrbAdIurGr7AxyO

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

https://www.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: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdHjleMvPSs-JEjiQ8_D2cA/join

Exclusive: Putin 'wanted very much' for Melania Trump to broker Oleshky ceasefire, first lady adviser says (Kyiv Independent):

https://kyivindependent.com/exclusive-putin-wanted-very-much-for-melania-trump-to-broker-oleshky-ceasefire-first-lady-adviser-says/

Volodymyr Zelenskyy opens door to security guarantees for Russia (Financial Times)

https://www.ft.com/content/8ec7d6f2-403a-4f80-89fc-5ed5e75fed63?syn-25a6b1a6=1

Russia turns to Arctic WW2 route to export grain (Reuters)

https://www.reuters.com/business/russia-turns-arctic-ww2-route-export-grain-2026-10-28/

Putin hails Musk as ‘real genius’ after Starlink slowdown (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/29/putin-hails-musk-real-genius-starlink-slowdown/

EMAIL US:

Contact the team on [email protected]. 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 StarlinkRussian president 'wanted very much' for Melania Trump to broker Oleshky ceasefire

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

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