Ukrainecast Is Russia using my childhood home as a military base?
9 snips
Oct 7, 2025 
Olga Robinson, a journalist and analyst, joins to discuss the increased Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil refineries. The conversation reveals a significant surge in attacks impacting over 20 refineries, leading to fuel shortages and regional disparities in Russia. Vitaly shares his emotional journey as he discovers his childhood home is likely being used as a military base, thanks to satellite imagery and confirmation from Ukrainian officials. The podcast also touches on how these strikes are affecting oil exports and the broader geopolitical landscape.
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Satellite Signs Of Unusual Activity
- Vitaly checked satellite images of his childhood village Verkhnya Krynytsya and noticed new dirt tracks leading to his old house.
- He contacted friends and BBC Verify to investigate the sudden activity and visible changes to the property.
Seasonal Track Use Implies Military Movement
- Satellite imagery showed increased use of a new dirt track especially in colder, wetter months, suggesting regular movement.
- BBC Verify concluded the pattern likely indicates soldiers moving to shelter and operate, not civilian activity.
A Home Transformed After Occupation
- Vitaly compared a 2021 photo of the house, overgrown and abandoned, with post-invasion imagery showing trees and fences removed.
- He found fruit trees chopped down and the property transformed into an active site, which he found hard to reconcile with civilian occupation.