Intro

Keir Starmer is in Ukraine today, on his first visit to Kyiv since becoming Prime Minister. And he came bearing gifts: a 100-year partnership agreement between the UK and Ukraine, covering nine ‘pillars’ from culture to science. It is hoped that the new pact will define the relationship between the two countries well beyond the current conflict with Russia. This is all in the context of Donald Trump’s return to the White House, with his administration agitating for a peace deal. Is peace on the horizon?

Also on the podcast, Kemi Badenoch's big speech – in which she criticised the decisions made by successive Tory prime ministers – was overshadowed by the announcement that there will be  government-backed inquiries into grooming gangs. Is this the right call? 

Oscar Edmondson speaks to Katy Balls and Mark Galeotti, head of Mayak Intelligence and honorary professor at UCL School of Slavonic and East European Studies.

Produced by Oscar Edmondson.