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
Sep 16, 2025 • 37min
Why is Trump making deals with Belarus?
Russia and Belarus have been staging joint military drills in an apparent message of strength to the West, but the relationship between US President Donald Trump and authoritarian leader Alexander Lukashenko seems to be warming.Dozens of political prisoners have been freed from Belarusian prisons as part of a deal between the two countries, and some sanctions on Belarus have been eased. President Trump even sent Mr Lukashenko some cufflinks as a birthday gift.The BBC’s Russia editor Steve Rosenberg joins us to describe witnessing the drills close up, and give his take on the apparent thawing of relations.Plus, we speak to Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who’s currently in exile in Lithuania.Today’s episode is presented by Lucy Hockings and Vitaly Shevchenko.
The producers were Laurie Kalus and Julia Webster. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The social producer was Grace Braddock. The series producer is Chris Flynn. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.
Email Ukrainecast@bbc.co.uk with your questions and comments. You can also send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp, Signal or Telegram to +44 330 1239480You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord
Sep 11, 2025 • 26min
Q&A: Russian drones in Poland and what it means for Nato
Frank Gardner, BBC's security correspondent, delves into the recent incursion of Russian drones into Polish airspace, highlighting its implications for NATO's defenses. He discusses the complexities of potential military escalation in Ukraine, emphasizing the delicate balance Western leaders must maintain to avoid provoking Russia. Gardner also explores the challenges of using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine and shares insights on the unique dynamics of wartime travel for Western leaders visiting Ukraine.
Sep 9, 2025 • 30min
A government building struck in Kyiv and a new threat from Trump
In this dialogue, Stephanie Baker, a senior writer for Bloomberg and author of ‘Punishing Putin’, shares insights on Washington's potential responses to the recent Russian missile strike on a Kyiv government building. Mikey Kay, former strategic military planner, analyzes the strike's implications and security challenges. They discuss the complexities of sanctions, the evolving conflict, and the urgent calls for Western support as Ukraine faces mounting pressures. A captivating exploration of diplomacy, military strategy, and international relations unfolds.
Sep 4, 2025 • 28min
Q&A: Putin in China, EU aspirations and western escalation
Lyse Doucet, BBC’s chief international correspondent, joins the discussion about the shifting global alliances amid the Ukraine crisis. She highlights the recent summit where Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin solidified their partnership, signaling new dynamics in international relations. The conversation delves into the complexities of NATO's military stance versus non-Western coalitions, Ukraine’s struggle for EU integration, and the resilience of Ukrainians amid ongoing aggression. Insights into drone warfare and military readiness further illuminate the challenges faced in this geopolitical conflict.
Sep 2, 2025 • 21min
As Putin meets Xi, is China invested in Russia's invasion?
In this discussion, Fiona Hill, a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution and former deputy assistant to President Trump, provides insight into Putin's recent diplomatic dance with Xi Jinping in China. She explores how the growing Russia-China alliance complicates Western efforts to end the Ukraine conflict. Hill highlights Xi's ambiguous stance as potentially supportive of Russia, and examines the urgency for the U.S. and Europe to rethink their strategies in light of shifting global alliances and the escalating conflict.
Aug 28, 2025 • 31min
Q&A: Kyiv strikes, Putin's legitimacy and China's nuclear stance
James Waterhouse, a seasoned Ukraine correspondent, joins the hosts to analyze the recent devastating airstrikes in Kyiv and their implications for international diplomacy. He discusses Vladimir Putin's legitimacy under Russian law and contrasts it with President Zelensky's leadership. The conversation shifts to Poland's evolving role in the conflict and the potential for China's influence, especially in nuclear strategy and peace negotiations. It's an insightful take on the complex interplays shaping the future of Ukraine and its allies.
Aug 26, 2025 • 34min
What does diplomatic deadlock mean for Donbas?
Quentin Sommerville, a BBC correspondent, offers firsthand updates from the conflict-ridden Donbas region, illustrating how diplomatic deadlock profoundly impacts daily life there. Andrea Kendall-Taylor, a former senior U.S. intelligence officer, shares her insights into the intricate dynamics of peace negotiations, emphasizing the need for security guarantees from the West. They discuss the rising role of drones in warfare, the emotional turmoil of Ukrainians amid ongoing strife, and the skepticism surrounding international commitments to peace.
Aug 21, 2025 • 32min
Q&A: Security Guarantees, Ukrainian Elections and Putin's Trump Whispering
Steve Rosenberg, BBC's Russia editor, reveals the Kremlin's perspective on the Ukraine conflict, while James Waterhouse shares crucial on-the-ground insights from Ukraine. They discuss the high-stakes diplomacy following recent summits, examining whether a meeting between Zelensky and Putin could signify a shift in power dynamics. Dive into the complex opinions of ordinary Russians on the war, explore the intricacies of U.S.-Russia trade, and unpack the implications of Trump’s influence in the evolving geopolitical landscape.
8 snips
Aug 19, 2025 • 31min
Can Trump persuade Putin to meet Zelensky?
In this discussion, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, the former NATO Secretary General and ex-prime minister of Denmark, shares insights on the complexities of security guarantees for Ukraine. He highlights the challenges in bringing Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky to the negotiation table. The conversation dives into the differing views on a potential ceasefire, the implications of historical security failures, and the intricate dynamics of U.S. relations with Ukraine under Trump. It’s a revealing look at diplomatic challenges in a time of conflict.
10 snips
Aug 16, 2025 • 31min
What did we learn from the Trump-Putin summit?
Sarah Smith, a journalist based in Alaska and part of Americast, joins the discussion to dissect the recent Trump-Putin summit that aimed to address the ongoing war in Ukraine. They analyze the leaders' contrasting claims about progress and the absence of substantial agreements. The conversation reveals the complexities of international diplomacy, explores Trump's calm demeanor despite a lack of breakthroughs, and touches on the increased pressure on Ukrainian President Zelensky as he navigates the uncertain landscape of peace talks.
