Vitaly Shevchenko

Vitaly Shevchenko, Russia editor at BBC Monitoring, dives into the significance of President Putin's Victory Day speech, linking it to the justification for the Ukraine invasion. He reveals the chilling narratives from soldiers and civilians affected by the ongoing conflict. The discussion also touches on the geopolitical implications of recent arrests in Ukraine and rising tensions involving Hungary. Additionally, Shevchenko highlights the shifting landscape of leadership, showcasing Pope Leo's initial homily amidst these global events.

Vitaly Shevchenko, the Russia editor for BBC Monitoring, dives into the assassination of a senior Russian general and its implications for peace negotiations in Ukraine. He discusses the conflicting sentiments within Ukraine regarding territorial concessions amid ongoing war efforts. Shevchenko also touches on the broader geopolitical tensions and highlights the humanitarian challenges stemming from the conflict. The conversation is punctuated by reflections on Pope Francis's legacy, offering a poignant look at resilience amid turmoil.

Jaffer Umerov, a BBC journalist from Crimea, discusses the impact of Russification on Crimean Tatar identity. Jen Monaghan analyzes the Kremlin’s narratives and media strategies in Ukraine. Vitaly Shevchenko gives first-hand insights into life in occupied regions like Kherson and Zaporizhia. The trio dives into the complexities of identity erasure, personal experiences under occupation, and the fight against oppressive propaganda. They highlight resilience amid crisis and the growing humanitarian issues faced by locals.

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

Olga Ivshina, a BBC Russian journalist covering the Ukrainian conflict, and Vitaly Shevchenko, a presenter on Ukrainecast, explore the harrowing battle for Bakhmut. They discuss the city's transformation from a cultural hub to a war zone and the strategic importance it held for Russia. The guests reveal the controversial recruitment of prisoners by mercenaries and the staggering human cost of the battle, with the town's population dwindling from 70,000 to just over 500. Personal stories highlight the resilience of those still hoping to rebuild their lives.