Russian troops ‘surrender to army robots’ in war first & interview with former CIA operative on Putin’s spycraft

Day 1,510.


Today, as new evidence emerges that Russia is increasing sign-on
bonuses to recruit more soldiers for its war in Ukraine, we
report on efforts to ramp up defences around Vladimir Putin’s
palace. We also examine dramatic political developments in
Hungary, where the new prime minister has vowed to expose alleged
Russian links – amid reports of document shredding by allies of
former leader Viktor Orbán. And later, we speak to a former CIA
operative about Russian disinformation tactics, the failures of
Kremlin intelligence services, and what they have learned – and
not learned – from the war.


Contributors:


Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley
on X.


Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on
X.


With thanks to former CIA operative Sean M. Wiswesser.


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:


Sean M. Wiswesser’s book, ‘Tradecraft, Tactics, and Dirty Tricks:
Russian Intelligence and Putin's Secret War’:


https://a.co/d/04TANzGg 


Putin has lost his best friend inside the EU. Who can he rely on
now Orban has gone? (The Telegraph):


https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/04/14/putin-loses-best-friend-orban/ 


Ukraine ‘forces Russians to surrender using only robots’ (The
Telegraph):


https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/14/ukraine-forces-russians-to-surrender-using-only-robots/ 


Putin’s house now protected by 27 air defence systems (Antonia
Langford in The Telegraph):


https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/13/putins-house-now-protected-27-air-defence-systems-drones/ 


Zelensky's Ukraine's Defense Industry Worker Day Address
(President's Office):


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Br_kdXR-sk&t=56s


Starmer accused of ‘corrosive complacency’ over defence (The
Telegraph):


https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/04/14/starmer-accused-complacency-former-nato-chief-defence/


EMAIL US:


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