The Briefing Room

Vitaly Shevchenko, Russia editor for BBC Monitoring, discusses the complex historical ties between Russia and Ukraine. Sir Laurie Bristow, former U.K. ambassador to Russia, shares insights on misjudging Putin's aggressive intentions. Angela Stent, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, addresses the economic and psychological toll of the war on Russia. The guests examine the challenges of securing peace, the implications of Western responses, and what Putin might ultimately accept in negotiations.

The Government is reorganising the way the NHS is run in England by scrapping the body that’s been in charge and giving direct control to the Department of Health and Social Care. Jobs will go and the country’s biggest quango will be dismantled. But what is the government actually trying to do to the NHS? What are its aims and how does the restructure fit into the government’s big picture for the health service in the UK?Guests: Hugh Pym, BBC Health Editor Siva Anandaciva, Director of Policy, King’s Fund Dame Jennifer Dixon, Chief Executive of the Health Foundation Dame Carol Propper, Professor of Economics Imperial College in the Department of Economics and Public PolicyPresenter: David Aaronovitch Producers: Beth Ashmead Latham, Kirsteen Knight, Caroline Bayley Sound Engineer: James Beard Production Coordinator: Gemma Ashman Editor: Richard Vadon

David Thomas, a former headteacher and the CEO of Axiom Maths, delves into the pressing issues surrounding special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). He discusses the alarming rise in autism and ADHD diagnoses, which have surged by 780% in recent years. Thomas highlights the funding crisis facing local councils and the challenges parents face in securing adequate support for their children. He also examines Scotland's effective strategies for SEND, advocating for improved teacher training and collaboration to enhance educational outcomes.

Donald Trump has only been US president for just over a month and yet the world order seems to be changing by the day. Ukraine has been cut adrift with the pausing of US military aid and intelligence following President Zelensky’s disastrous meeting in the Oval Office. And Europe has been left wondering what is coming next as President Macron of France warns that the continent is "at a turning point in history." Europe faces not only having to support Ukraine without the US but potentially having to defend itself against Russia with no help from America. So can it do that? And how quickly could it fill the gaps left by the US?Guests: Frank Gardner, BBC Security Correspondent Shashank Joshi, Defence Editor, The Economist Claudia Major, Director international security division at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs. Fenella McGerty Senior Fellow for Defence Economics, International Institute for Strategic Studies Presenter David Aaronovitch Producers: Kirsteen Knight, Beth Ashmead Latham, Caroline Bayley Sound Engineer: Rod Farquhar Production co-ordinator: Gemma Ashman Editor: Richard Vadon(Image: Soldiers in silhouette. Credit: Photo by Martin Divisek/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

We talk through the history of the military alliance.

A quick run down on how the conflict developed - from attempted coup to war of attrition.Guest: Michael Clarke, Visiting Professor in the Department of War Studies, King’s College, London and former Director of the Royal United Services Institute.This is part of a new mini-series called the The Briefing Room Explainers. They’re short versions of previous episodes of the Briefing Room.Presenter: David Aaronovitch Producers: Charlotte McDonald, Kirsteen Knight and Beth Ashmead Latham Studio Manager: Neil Churchill Editor: Richard Vadon Production Co-ordinator: Gemma Ashman

A number of studies have shown the amazing weight loss potential of a new group of drugs, known to many by their brand names as Ozempic (which is for diabetes), Wegovy and Mounjaro. But how do these new drugs work? How were they discovered and who can use them? This is part of a new mini-series called the The Briefing Room Explainers. They’re short versions of previous episodes of the Briefing Room. Presenter: David Aaronovitch Producers: Charlotte McDonald, Kirsteen Knight and Beth Ashmead Latham Studio Manager: Neil Churchill Editor: Richard Vadon Production Co-ordinator: Gemma Ashman

A short history of electric cars in the UK. The UK government wants to ban the sale of petrol cars by 2030. But how is the move to electric vehicles going? This episode is part of a new mini-series called The Briefing Room Explainers. Presenter: David Aaronovitch Producers: Charlotte McDonald, Kirsteen Knight and Beth Ashmead Latham Studio Manager: Neil Churchill Editor: Richard Vadon Production Co-ordinator: Gemma Ashman Guest: Ginny Buckley, Editor-in-Chief and founder of electrifying.com

Dive into the world of tariffs and discover what they really are. Explore how they evolved from mercantilism to modern protectionism. Uncover the surprising truth that American consumers often foot the bill for these taxes. Delve into the tension between free trade and protecting local industries, as well as the impact of global competition. Historical insights reveal the complex economic effects of tariff policies during recent administrations. This discussion sheds light on current trade dynamics and their implications for the future.

Sam Lowe, a Partner at Flint Global consultancy, and Duncan Weldon, an economist and author, delve into the multifaceted world of tariffs. They explore Trump's fascination with tariffs, questioning their implications for U.S. trade and global relations. The discussion highlights historical perspectives on tariffs, the challenges faced by U.S. companies reliant on imports, and the potential fallout of these policies on consumers. Listeners gain insight into the complexities of trade dynamics and the 'weaponized uncertainty' of our modern economic landscape.