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
Oct 28, 2025 • 30min
How dangerous is Russia’s nuclear powered missile?
Ben Tavener, a senior journalist from the BBC's Moscow bureau, shares insights on Russia's bold claims about a nuclear-powered cruise missile known as Burevestnik. Catriona Perry, a BBC correspondent in Washington, discusses the US's cautious response and its broader implications for sanctions against Russia. Justin Bronk, an expert from RUSI, dives into the technical aspects of the missile, weighing its potential dangers and the environmental risks of radiation. Together, they explore the Kremlin's motivations and the shifting dynamics of US-Russia relations.
18 snips
Oct 23, 2025 • 29min
Q&A: Trump's sanctions, Putin's nuclear drills, and Zelensky's poll ratings
Paul Kirby, BBC's Europe Digital Editor, and Laura Gozzi, Senior digital journalist, dive into urgent geopolitical developments. They discuss Zelensky's recent tensions with Trump, the implications of new US sanctions on Russia’s oil giants, and the complexities of freezing the front line in Ukraine. Insights reveal Russia’s nuclear drills as a show of force and the European strategy to utilize frozen Russian assets for Ukraine's benefit. The guests question if sanctions can effectively alter China and India’s behavior while examining Zelensky's strong domestic support amid ongoing challenges.
15 snips
Oct 21, 2025 • 37min
What really happened in the Trump-Zelensky meeting?
Christopher Miller, chief Ukraine correspondent for the Financial Times, provides a gripping inside look at the Trump-Zelensky meeting, revealing tension and Trump's unexpected rejection of battlefield maps. Historian Serhii Plokhy offers insights into nuclear threats, explaining the historical context of Ukraine's nuclear disarmament and its implications for non-proliferation. The discussion highlights how the war reflects Cold War dynamics, Putin's historical justifications, and the risks surrounding the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant amidst ongoing conflict.
16 snips
Oct 16, 2025 • 27min
Q&A: Tomahawk missiles, the drone race, and Ukrainian Halloween
Olga Robinson, a BBC Verify journalist focused on the front lines of Ukraine, and Mikey Kaye, a former British military helicopter pilot and security expert, dive into pressing military topics. They discuss the potential game-changing impact of Tomahawk missiles for Ukraine and assess the ongoing effectiveness of drone warfare. Additionally, they explore the current state of Ukrainian counter-offensives, the challenges posed by autumn weather, and the unique ways Ukrainians are preparing for winter and Halloween amid conflict.
13 snips
Oct 14, 2025 • 32min
After Gaza, is Trump turning his attention to Ukraine?
Jane Corbin, a seasoned BBC Panorama filmmaker known for her investigative prowess in conflict zones, discusses potential shifts in diplomatic strategies following Trump's Middle East engagement. She explores the dynamics of peace negotiations, comparing them to past processes. Richard Pendry, a journalist embedded in Ukrainian recruitment efforts, reveals transformative wartime roles, including the harrowing work of draft enforcers and death notification officers. Both delve into the emotional toll these jobs entail, illustrating the profound impact of the war on Ukrainian society.
Oct 9, 2025 • 31min
Q&A: Proxy wars, drone walls, and Russian supply lines
James Waterhouse, a BBC Ukraine correspondent, shares his insights on military logistics and the potential repercussions of Tomahawk missile deliveries to Ukraine. Olga Robinson, a BBC Verify journalist, delves into the complexities of drone sightings and misinformation. The discussion also explores Russia's active global proxy wars, the concept of a drone wall for Europe, and the impact of logistics on Russia's war efforts. The panel dissects the strategies for gaining Hungary's support and the risks of foreign troops in Ukraine.
9 snips
Oct 7, 2025 • 20min
Is Russia using my childhood home as a military base?
Olga Robinson, a journalist and analyst, joins to discuss the increased Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil refineries. The conversation reveals a significant surge in attacks impacting over 20 refineries, leading to fuel shortages and regional disparities in Russia. Vitaly shares his emotional journey as he discovers his childhood home is likely being used as a military base, thanks to satellite imagery and confirmation from Ukrainian officials. The podcast also touches on how these strikes are affecting oil exports and the broader geopolitical landscape.
20 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 30min
Q&A: Russia's veto power, Nato's Article 5, and Putin's succession plan
Laura Gozzi, a senior digital journalist at the BBC's Europe desk, dives into pressing issues surrounding Russia and Ukraine. She discusses the implications of Russia's veto power at the UN and the dynamics of NATO’s Article 5 in relation to Belarus. Gozzi also explores the potential consequences of Vladimir Putin's succession, contemplating various political scenarios. Additionally, the conversation touches on US aid mechanisms and China's cautious involvement in the conflict, shedding light on the complex landscape of diplomacy and defense.
Sep 30, 2025 • 33min
The surgeons treating frontline soldiers: “Every day is a mass casualty incident”
Dr. Danylo Turkevich, a Ukrainian plastic and reconstructive surgeon, shares insights on treating war injuries at the Superhumans Centre, discussing critical issues like evacuation delays and innovative surgical techniques to save lives. He reveals the emotional toll of constant mass-casualty incidents and memorable patient stories. Meanwhile, Sarah Rainsford, BBC correspondent, analyzes Moldova's pro-EU election and the troubling specter of Russian interference, highlighting the region's delicate security dynamics.
17 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 26min
Q&A: Trump’s UN turnaround, Zelensky’s weapons warning, and Putin assassination plots
Joined by Paul Kirby, BBC Europe's Digital Editor, the discussion dives into Trump’s surprising shift in tone regarding Ukraine at the UN. Kirby assesses the implications of this rhetorical change on U.S. policy. The conversation explores Zelensky's appeal for military aid, the Kremlin's measured response, and debates about NATO's strategic decisions amidst ongoing tensions. They even touch on potential assassination plots against Putin, revealing the complex dynamics at play amidst the conflict.
