The Global Story

JD Vance has enjoyed increased prominence over the past week, as his headline-grabbing speech at the Munich Security Conference was followed by a starring role in the Oval Office blow-up between Presidents Trump and Zelensky. We look at how the VP’s central role compares to that played by Mike Pence during the first Trump administration, and how the current arrangement may be beneficial to the president.Plus, why President Trump is struggling to get a handle on food price inflation despite having made tackling it a key election campaign pledge, and how that may help the Democrats, as the party plots its next move following November’s humbling election result.Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann offer insight and analysis on another whirlwind week in Washington DC.Producers: Tom Kavanagh and Aisling TaylorSound engineer: Mike RegaardAssistant editor: Sergi Forcada FreixasSenior news editor: China Collins

In February, hackers launched what is being considered the biggest heist of all time, when they stole almost $1.5bn from the cryptocurrency trading platform, Bybit. The record theft reportedly went down in just two minutes, and it set in motion a race against time to freeze some of the funds before the culprits could cash out. Soon, evidence began to point to Lazarus, an elite hacking group widely linked to the North Korean intelligence agency. So with analysis suggesting the country's malicious activity is on the rise, how are international governments fighting back, and are we more vulnerable to sophisticated cyber threats than ever before?Lucy Hockings is joined by the BBC's cyber correspondent, Joe Tidy. They examine how the hack was carried out, and consider what it means for the wider crypto landscape, as Donald Trump announces his plans for a US cryptocurrency reserve.The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.Producers: Laurie Kalus and Eleanor SlySound engineers: Dafydd Evans and Jonny BakerAssistant editor: Sergi Forcada FreixasSenior news editor: China Collins

China's retaliatory tariffs on US agricultural exports could hit President Trump's rural heartlands. This week, 3,000 of China’s most influential politicians have gathered for the annual National People’s Congress. Premier Li Qiang referred to the economy as a “giant ship” moving “steadily towards the future.” But behind the optimistic rhetoric, China faces significant challenges. Among them, a renewed trade war with the United States.In recent days, China has imposed retaliatory tariffs on US goods, specifically targeting agricultural exports from key states like Iowa, Illinois or Kansas. So, is Xi Jinping taking the trade war straight to Iowa? And how will these new tariffs impact Trump’s heartland?On this episode, Lucy Hockings speaks to the BBC's North America business correspondent, Michelle Fleury, and Shawn Yuan, from the BBC's Global China Unit.(Picture: Headshot of China's President Xi Jinping. Credit: Agustin Marcarian/Reuters)Producers: Richard Moran and Tom KavanaghSound engineer: Mike RegaardAssistant editor: Sergi Forcada FreixasSenior news editor: China Collins

Vaccine mistrust is on the rise. And when US President Donald Trump's new cabinet met for the first time last week, all eyes were on the new Health and Human Services Secretary, Robert F Kennedy Jr who has long been known as a vaccine sceptic. With doubts about vaccines increasing in many parts of the world, will his appointment have an effect on the way vaccinations are viewed globally? Presenter Jonny Dymond speaks to Jim Reed, a BBC health reporter and Dorcas Wangira, the BBC’s Africa Health Correspondent, in Nairobi.The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via Whatsapp on +44 330 123 9480.Producers: Alice Aylett Roberts, Eleanor Sly and Tom KavanaghSound engineer: James PiperAssistant editor: Sergi Forcada FreixasSenior news editor: China Collins

After a tense meeting between Presidents Trump and Zelensky in the Oval Office on Friday, relations between the US, Ukraine, and European allies seem to have reached a new low. Meanwhile, ties between the White House and the Kremlin appear to be warmer than they have been in decades. President Trump has publicly praised his close relationship with Vladimir Putin, fuelling speculation about whether this move signals a new direction in diplomacy or if there is a strategic calculation behind Washington’s pivot to Moscow.Sumi Somaskanda discusses the Trump-Putin dynamic with the BBC's State Department correspondent Tom Bateman, and Vitaly Shevchenko from BBC Monitoring.(Photo: Composite image of Donald Trump, Credit: Nathan Howard/Reuters, and Vladimir Putin, Credit: Sergey Bobylev/Reuters)Producers: Richard Moran and Tom KavanaghSound engineer: Dafydd EvansAssistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: China Collins

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky experiences a whirlwind of diplomatic highs and lows. A combative meeting with Donald Trump contrasts sharply with his warm welcome from European leaders in London. The discussion reveals critical concerns about Ukraine's defense needs and U.S. support. Tensions mount as Zelensky navigates complex relationships amid calls for unified action against Russian aggression. The podcast raises questions about the future of these alliances and the strategic cards Zelensky can still play.

Noor Nanji, a BBC culture reporter, and Matthew Belloni, an entertainment journalist and founder of Puck, dive into the firestorm surrounding the film 'Emilia Perez.' They discuss how resurfaced tweets from lead actress Karla Sofía Gascón are overshadowing the movie's success and complicating its Oscar campaign. The conversation covers the impact of public relations on the film's reputation, the balance between artistic merit and controversy, and the implications for Gascón's future in Hollywood as she navigates redemption amidst backlash.

In this discussion, Jeremy Bowen, BBC's International Editor, shares insights from Ukraine amid its ongoing struggle against Russian aggression. He highlights the anticipated visit of President Zelensky to Washington and the implications of a new deal on mineral resources. Tensions linger as Ukrainians seek security guarantees. Bowen also captures the evolving sentiments of frontline troops, the bravery of civilians, and the resilience of the nation amidst war, reflecting on how international perceptions and support shape their fight for sovereignty.

David Cox, a freelance science writer and former neuroscientist, unpacks the alarming rise in cancer cases among those under 50. He explores the increasing impact of modern diets, including ultra-processed foods and microplastics, on health. The conversation delves into personal stories, like a young mother's battle with colorectal cancer, highlighting urgent needs for early detection. Cox also emphasizes the role of delayed childbirth on rising breast cancer rates and the slow response from the scientific community in raising awareness and funding for research.

Laura Bicker, the BBC's China correspondent, offers a deep dive into China's evolving strategies amid Donald Trump's return to power. She discusses the recalibration of China's ties with tech giants, especially the saga of Jack Ma, highlighting his rise and dramatic fall. The conversation also explores how Beijing is maneuvering geopolitically, particularly in relation to the Ukraine war and its quest for global influence. Bicker emphasizes the opportunities and challenges facing China in a shifting international landscape.