Ukrainecast
BBC News
The BBC’s only English language programme entirely dedicated to the war in Ukraine and its fallout, Ukrainecast is your go-to podcast which investigates the biggest issues around the conflict: Could Putin push the nuclear button? How could Donald Trump end the war in 24 hours? What is the price for peace? The podcast is hosted by Newsnight presenter Victoria Derbyshire and BBC Monitoring’s Vitaly Shevchenko. Ukrainecast covers the most important topics around the conflict and speaks to the real people who’ve lived through several years of war. It also brings you agenda-setting interviews with special guests each week such as UK foreign secretary David Cameron, former US secretary of state Mike Pompeo and pre-eminent Russia expert Fiona Hill.You can fill out our audience questionnaire here: bit.ly/ukrainecastfeedbackGET IN TOUCH: You can join our Ukrainecastonline community here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord Send us a message or voicenote via WhatsApp to +443301239480 Email Ukrainecast@bbc.co.uk
You can listen to the latest episode of Ukrainecast anytime on your smart speaker by saying “Alexa, Ask BBC Sounds for Ukrainecast."
If you enjoy Ukrainecast (and if you’re reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below. The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd The Today Podcast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r Americast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p07h19zz Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p05299nl
You can listen to the latest episode of Ukrainecast anytime on your smart speaker by saying “Alexa, Ask BBC Sounds for Ukrainecast."
If you enjoy Ukrainecast (and if you’re reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below. The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd The Today Podcast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r Americast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p07h19zz Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p05299nl
Episodes
Mentioned books
24 snips
Dec 9, 2025 • 30min
What does the new US security strategy mean for Ukraine?
Mariam Lambert, co-founder of the Emil Foundation, discusses critical issues surrounding the forced relocation of Ukrainian children. She shares her foundation's mission to reunite families and the challenges they face, like bureaucratic hurdles and identity document changes. Mariam highlights alarming statistics, including an estimated 35,000 children believed to be held in Russia. She emphasizes the emotional toll on families seeking accountability and warns against amnesty in peace negotiations, while detailing success stories in navigating these complex reunifications.
33 snips
Dec 4, 2025 • 27min
Q&A: Zelensky is afraid, Russian billionaires and Europe’s strongest army
In this discussion, Laura Gozzi, a BBC senior digital journalist focusing on the Ukraine conflict, and James Landale, the BBC's diplomatic correspondent, dive deep into current geopolitical dynamics. They explore Zelensky's concerns over stalled peace talks and the implications of Russian billionaires thriving despite sanctions. The conversation covers Europe's military strengths, the challenges of diplomatic efforts without technical experts, and the harsh realities faced by Ukrainian farmers amidst ongoing war. Insightful and timely, their analysis paints a vivid picture of the crisis.
9 snips
Dec 2, 2025 • 24min
Zelensky has lost his right-hand man, what now?
James Waterhouse, BBC's Ukraine correspondent based in Kyiv, and Simon Shuster, a staff writer at The Atlantic, share their insights on the recent resignation of Andriy Yermak, President Zelensky’s chief of staff. They delve into how Yermak's exit could impact peace negotiations and the political landscape in Ukraine. Simon provides context from his final interview with Yermak, discussing the pressures leading to his departure. The duo also examines U.S. interactions with Russia and the implications for NATO’s military stance.
6 snips
Nov 27, 2025 • 31min
Q&A: How credible is the US peace plan?
Joining the discussion are Steve Rosenberg, a seasoned BBC Russia editor, Lyse Doucet, the BBC's Chief International Correspondent, and Sarah Rainsford, a Southern and Eastern Europe correspondent. They dive into the implications of a leaked US peace plan for Ukraine, exploring its contradictions and diplomatic fallout. The conversation unpacks potential territorial concessions, NATO's role, and the Kremlin's resistance. The panel also weighs the prospects for Europe's involvement while grappling with Russia's economic challenges and its unwavering confidence in continuing the fight.
22 snips
Nov 25, 2025 • 32min
Could a peace deal be close?
James Landale, a diplomatic correspondent known for his insights into international negotiations, and Fiona Hill, a former Russia advisor to the US president, explore the nuances of a potential peace deal for Ukraine. They discuss the mixed messages surrounding Ukraine's agreement, the challenges posed by NATO's role, and how public sentiment in Kyiv affects negotiations. Hill highlights the risks of rushed diplomacy, while Landale critiques the peculiar language in draft plans. The duo also assesses Putin's compromises and the impact of Trump's involvement on long-term peace prospects.
8 snips
Nov 21, 2025 • 18min
What's in the leaked US-Russia peace plan?
Ukraine faces intense pressure to consider a controversial leaked peace plan from the US and Russia, posing a tough decision for Zelensky. The origins of the leak reveal unexpected reactions from the White House and Europe, who feel sidelined. Key terms include troop reductions and missile bans, echoing previous Russian demands. There’s concern over vague security guarantees and the looming Thanksgiving deadline imposed by the US. The discussion dives into the potential use of frozen Russian assets for reconstruction and the complexities of maintaining Ukraine's statehood.
Nov 20, 2025 • 38min
Explaining Ukraine to children: A special episode with Newsround
In this insightful discussion, Ricky Boleto, a BBC Newsround presenter, shares his mission to explain the war in Ukraine to young audiences. He brings touching stories from displaced children, highlighting their connection to home through cherished belongings. James Waterhouse, BBC's Ukraine correspondent, provides gripping eyewitness accounts, detailing the war's evolution and its impact on daily life. Together, they explore kids' pressing questions about safety, peace prospects, and the emotional toll of war, offering a poignant view on resilience and hope.
Nov 18, 2025 • 24min
Bake Off’s Nataliia on leaving Ukraine, and family living under occupation
Nataliia Richardson, a fan-favorite from The Great British Bake Off, shares her heartfelt journey from Ukraine to the UK. She reveals the emotional significance of her Ukraine-themed cake and describes her hometown now under Russian occupation. Nataliia discusses the challenges of keeping in touch with family amidst difficulties and her ambitions to open cafes to support Ukraine. She also touches on her hopes for her child to embrace their bilingual heritage, highlighting the joy and sorrow tied to her experiences.
9 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 29min
Q&A: Corruption Scandal, AI Surrender Videos, and the International Space Station
James Waterhouse, BBC Ukraine correspondent, delves into a significant corruption scandal involving a $100m kickback scheme in Ukraine's energy sector, triggering public outrage and resignations. He discusses the implications for wartime resilience, as corruption threatens vital services amidst Russian attacks. Olga Robinson, from BBC Verify, highlights the rise of AI-generated disinformation, particularly concerning viral surrender videos, and offers tips for verification. Together, they explore potential conscription changes and the complexities of US-Russia cooperation.
Nov 11, 2025 • 38min
Pussy Riot’s Maria Alyokhina on Russian prisons and living in exile
Maria Alyokhina, a founding member of Pussy Riot and fierce critic of Putin, shares her harrowing experiences in Russian detention and her daring escape disguised as a delivery driver. She discusses the evolving Russian opposition landscape and her book, *Political Girl*, which captures the struggle against repression. Maria reflects on the power of political art and the emotional toll of exile, contemplating whether Russia will always feel like home despite the risks for her and her family.
