Aug 24, 2026 · 29 min
Britain backs Ukraine as global crises widen
Britain hands over long-range missile blueprints to Ukraine
The episode connects Ukraine’s demand for stronger military support with diplomatic, economic and security pressures stretching from Iran to Somalia.
- 1Britain pledges help for Ukraine to produce long-range cruise missiles as European allies debate sustained military backing.
- 2Iran’s economic pain deepens as sanctions loom and officials remain divided over whether diplomacy with the United States can resume.
- 3Piracy is returning off Somalia while women under Taliban rule and endangered British birds reveal crises beyond the battlefield.
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The brief
Britain pledges support for Ukraine to produce long-range cruise missiles as the country marks Independence Day and presses European allies for continued military backing.
The report weighs how Patriot missiles and other weapons could affect the war with Russia, while Iran faces a falling rial, severe family hardship and uncertain prospects for renewed US talks.
A woman’s divorce case illustrates the restrictions of life under Taliban rule in Afghanistan, where officials defend their policies as consistent with Sharia amid a national crisis.
Piracy has resurfaced off Somalia, with six ships reportedly held by hijackers; diverted security forces and regional conflicts may be helping create the opening.
The lighter stories track Shein’s reduced valuation, satellite-tagged Montagu’s harriers and a Mastermind contestant whose specialist subject is London’s moquette fabrics.
Featuring
Justin Rowlatt
Iran
Shein
Volodymyr ZelenskyyListen to the full episode and explore every guest, topic, and moment on PodLume.