The boss of the Wagner mercenary group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, is presumed dead after a plane crash north of Moscow killed all on board.Ukrainecast’s Vitaly Shevchenko and security correspondent, Frank Gardner, join Adam to go through what we know. Lou Osborn from the monitoring group All Eyes on Wagner also shares her expertise.And, India has made history by landing a spacecraft near the south pole of the Moon for the first time. Journalist and author of the book The Future of Geography: How Power and Politics in Space Will Change Our World Tim Marshall explains where it puts them in the 21st century space race.You can join our Newscast online community here: https://tinyurl.com/newscastcommunityhereToday's Newscast was presented by Adam Fleming. It was made by Chris Flynn with Miranda Slade and Joe Wilkinson. The technical producer was Rohan Madison. The editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.01:18 - Prigozhin presumed dead in plane crash 16:36 - India’s historic moon mission

Frank Gardner, BBC's Security correspondent, and Ukraine correspondent James Waterhouse discuss the impact of winter weather on troops in Ukraine. They also talk about who benefits from bad weather and Russia's largest drone attack on Kyiv. Ukrainian journalist Maria Romanenko shares her experiences and reflections on the ongoing war in Ukraine and the lack of support from the West. She also discusses her decision to organize walking tours for Ukrainian refugees in Manchester, exploring the city's history and its link to slavery abolition.

BBC Security Correspondent, Dr. Marina Miron, and Politico journalist discuss the importance of drones in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, drone warfare, and challenges faced by foreign journalists in Russia.

BBC Security Correspondent Frank Gardner, Professor of History Quinn Slobodian, Professor of sport and geopolitical economy Simon Chadwick, and visiting fellow Cinzia Bianco discuss Saudi Arabia's growing global influence, the discovery of oil, Mohammed bin Salman's rise to power, Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, the construction of NEOM, Saudi Arabia's interest in global sports, and the country's changing foreign policy.

Nicole Starosielski, a UC Berkeley professor and author of The Undersea Network, and Frank Gardner, BBC's security correspondent, delve into the hidden world of undersea cables that underpin global communication. They reveal how these fragile cables, vital for internet connectivity, often suffer accidental damage and are vulnerable to sabotage amid geopolitical tensions. Notably, they discuss the havoc wreaked during Tonga’s volcanic eruption on communications and the urgent need for better protection against rising threats. Tune in for a fascinating exploration of our underwater lifelines!

Yolande Knell, a seasoned Middle East correspondent, and Frank Gardner, the BBC's security expert, dive into the complex aftermath of the Hamas attack on Israel. They recount the harrowing early days of the Israel-Gaza war and the chaos journalists faced amid the violence. The conversation explores Iran's influential role and the volatile U.S.-Israel relations. They also discuss the viability of a two-state solution amidst ongoing tensions, providing a poignant analysis of the intricate web of conflicts in the region.

Frank Gardner, a seasoned security correspondent for the BBC, breaks down Iran's missile strike on Israel, revealing it as a retaliation for Israeli operations against Hezbollah and Hamas. He discusses the scale of the attack, with around 180 missiles fired, and highlights the effectiveness of Israel's defenses in intercepting most of them. The conversation dives into the international response to Iran's aggression, examining the complexities of US and UK stances amid escalating tensions in the region.

Frank Gardner, the BBC's security correspondent, provides expert analysis on the recent assassination of Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah. He discusses how this pivotal moment could escalate tensions in the Middle East, particularly regarding Israeli military actions and Iranian involvement. The episode also highlights the deep divides within Lebanese public opinion and examines the broader geopolitical implications. Gardner’s insights paint a concerning picture of potential instability in a region already fraught with conflict.

International Editor Jeremy Bowen and Security Correspondent Frank Gardner delve into the alarming explosions of communication devices in Lebanon, suggesting Israeli infiltration into Hezbollah's network. They discuss the potential implications for regional security and escalating tensions. The conversation also touches on the tragic impact on civilians and a deadly incident from an emergency doctor’s perspective. Meanwhile, a political controversy brews in the UK regarding the Chief of Staff's salary surpassing that of the Prime Minister, exposing governmental tensions.

Vicki Young and Frank Gardner dissect the Huawei controversy, discussing UK's national security concerns, kit removal deadline implications, and political challenges. They also touch on Johnny Depp's libel trial and Tom Hanks' COVID-19 perspective, highlighting the intersection of technology, politics, and entertainment.