Putin tests 'invincible' nuclear missile & Serhii Plokhy on the new arms race

Day 1,342.


Today, after a weekend of Russian bombardments on Kyiv and other
Ukrainian cities – with fires killing multiple civilians – we
examine Moscow’s failed diplomatic bid to block Donald Trump’s
latest sanctions on Russian energy. Then we consider how Vladimir
Putin’s unveiling of a “next-generation” cruise missile reveals
growing unease in the Kremlin. Later, we sit down with Ukrainian
historian Serhii Plokhy, to discuss the Cold War arms race, and
how Kyiv could have retained nuclear weapons after the collapse
of the Soviet Union.


Please note this episode features distressing recordings from the
bombardment on Kyiv, including sounds of incoming drones.


Contributors:


Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley
on X.


With thanks to Ukrainian historian Serhii Plokhy. @SPlokhy
on X.


WATCH OUR SPECIAL LIVE EPISODE


Link here: https://youtu.be/Mw_lWhp-flU


Questions from the audience are answered in the podcast version,
below:


Apple:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/special-putin-could-strike-london-in-90-minutes-russias/id1612424182?i=1000733450202 


Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/7DKehIQCz24eKK73xjP2e8 


LINKS


Serhii Plokhy’s new book, ‘The Nuclear Age: An Epic Race for
Arms, Power and Survival’:


https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nuclear-Age-Epic-Power-Survival/dp/0241582865 


‘Will I die?’ Moment nursery children rescued after Russian
strike (The Telegraph):


https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/25/will-i-die-moment-nursery-children-rescued-russian-strike/ 


Russia’s latest attempt to woo the US reeks of desperation (The
Telegraph):


https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/27/kirill-dmitriev-russia-donald-trump-marco-rubio-putin/ 


Russians circling around Trump to sway his mind, warns key ally
(The Telegraph):


https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/25/russians-circling-around-trump-to-sway-his-mind-key-ally/ 


At least 250 Russians in Pokrovsk, Ukrainian troops walk 10-15 km
to reach positions (Ukrainska Pravda):


https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2025/10/24/8004333/ 


Europe’s Plan B for Ukraine (POLITICO):


https://www.politico.eu/newsletter/brussels-playbook/Europes-Plan-B-for-Ukraine/


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