
Sumi Somaskanda
BBC News chief presenter based in Washington, D.C., who contributed analysis on US policy shifts toward Russia and the implications for Ukraine.
Top 5 podcasts with Sumi Somaskanda
Ranked by the Snipd community

32 snips
Jun 10, 2025 • 39min
Trump v Newsom On The LA Riots
Sumi Somaskanda, BBC News chief anchor, shares insights on the escalating clash between Governor Newsom and President Trump amid LA riots. Gabriel Gatehouse dives into how both leaders are using the crisis for political gain, revealing a culture war in American politics. Adam Bell discusses the £14.2 billion investment in the Sizewell C nuclear power plant, emphasizing its role in job creation and energy security. The dynamic between Trump and Musk is also explored, highlighting tensions within the MAGA movement amid these unfolding events.

22 snips
Apr 23, 2025 • 37min
Can Trump Force Zelensky To Do A Deal?
James Landale, the BBC's diplomatic correspondent, joins Sumi Somaskanda, chief presenter in Washington, and Faisal Islam, economics editor, to unravel the intricacies of Trump’s influence on Ukraine’s peace negotiations. They discuss Zelensky's stance on Crimea and the fallout from US officials pulling out of peace talks in London. Islam shares insights from the IMF meetings, discussing economic implications of Trump's tariffs on global trade, especially with China and the UK, as geopolitical tensions mount in the backdrop of shifting diplomatic landscapes.

17 snips
Oct 23, 2025 • 29min
The Bloody Sunday Murder Trial
Sara Girvin, BBC's Ireland correspondent, shares chilling details from the Bloody Sunday trial, revealing the court's emotional scenes and the judge's strong condemnation of the Parachute Regiment. Sumi Somaskanda discusses Trump's bold sanctions against Russia, marking a pivotal shift in US policy, while Steve Rosenberg analyses the potential fallout for major Russian energy firms and the implications for Ukraine. The conversation dives into the complexities of legal accountability and evolving international relations.

12 snips
Oct 9, 2025 • 48min
Israel-Gaza: What Does The Ceasefire Agreement Mean?
Lyse Doucet, Chief International Correspondent, shares her on-the-ground insights from Tel Aviv, highlighting the celebrations and complexities surrounding the ceasefire agreement. Sumi Somaskanda, BBC's chief presenter in Washington, discusses the US's pivotal role and Trump's controversial peace plan. Jane Corbin, a Middle East expert, outlines the practical hurdles of hostage releases and the sensitivity surrounding prisoner swaps. Rhun Ap Iorwerth, the leader of Plaid Cymru, brings a political perspective, touching on party prospects and electoral shifts in Wales.

10 snips
Aug 11, 2025 • 26min
The Trump-Putin Summit: What About Zelensky?
Vitaly Shevchenko, from the Ukrainecast podcast, provides rich insights into the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Sumi Somaskanda, BBC's Chief News Presenter, adds a vital US perspective. They discuss Trump's upcoming meeting with Putin and a potential land swap proposal for peace. The conversation delves into the complexities of US-Russia-Ukraine relations, European support for Ukraine, and the implications of sanctions on Russia’s oil economy. Their analysis reveals the intricate dance of diplomacy amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.


