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
Dec 23, 2025 • 32min
A Moscow car bomb and Putin’s telethon
James Waterhouse, BBC Ukraine correspondent, and Steve Rosenberg, BBC Russia editor, discuss the assassination of a Russian general by car bomb and the implications for Ukraine's intelligence capabilities. They delve into Putin's recent year-end press conference, where he claimed no future wars if respected, dismissing concerns of conflict with Europe. The duo also explores the latest European funding deal for Kyiv, the psychological impact of attacks on the Russian public, and ongoing peace talks, revealing fractures in European unity.
Dec 18, 2025 • 26min
Q&A: Is this Europe’s last chance to bankroll Ukraine?
Lyse Doucet, BBC Chief International Correspondent, shares insights on diplomatic contexts while Frank Gardner, BBC Security Correspondent, discusses military strategies. Paul Kirby, BBC Europe Digital Editor, dives into the financial implications of Ukraine's crisis. They explore the complexities of frozen Russian assets, NATO concerns, and competing US visions. The conversation also touches on China's role in the conflict and why Ukraine cannot cede Donbass, illuminating the intricate web of international relations affecting the war.
Dec 16, 2025 • 28min
Will Russia accept US-Ukraine peace proposals?
In this discussion, Jeremy Bowen, BBC's International Editor and seasoned foreign affairs journalist, shares his insights on the latest US-Ukraine peace proposals and Zelensky's initiatives in Berlin. He highlights the skepticism surrounding Russia's acceptance of these proposals and the significance of NATO-style security guarantees while questioning Putin's reliability. Moreover, they delve into Europe's hesitance regarding the €210 billion of frozen Russian assets and the broader implications for Western unity and support for Ukraine amidst ongoing conflict.
Dec 11, 2025 • 27min
Q&A: Could Ukraine hold wartime elections?
Joining the hosts are Olga Robinson, a BBC Verify journalist specializing in disinformation, and Steve Rosenberg, BBC's Russia editor with insights on Kremlin dynamics. They delve into whether Ukraine can hold elections during wartime, examining Zelensky's legal challenges and public sentiment. Olga reveals the complexities of Russian disinformation, while Steve discusses the Kremlin's messaging and the impact of Western sanctions. Together, they explore the implications of US policy on Europe and the ongoing economic strain faced by Russians.
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.
