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
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.
5 snips
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.
Aug 14, 2025 • 33min
Q&A: The Trump-Putin Alaska Preview
James Waterhouse, a Ukraine correspondent in Brussels, teams up with Matthew Savill from the Royal United Services Institute to discuss an upcoming summit between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Alaska. They explore the implications for Ukraine, particularly concerns about territorial compromises. The duo dives into the complexities of U.S. and European involvement, the humanitarian challenges, and the need for robust security guarantees. They also touch on Russia's ongoing advances in eastern Ukraine and the difficulties of navigating negotiations in such a volatile context.
14 snips
Aug 12, 2025 • 26min
Trump-Putin Summit: What are Ukrainians expecting?
A high-stakes meeting between Trump and Putin in Alaska could reshape the landscape of the Ukraine conflict. The podcast explores the implications of proposed territory swaps that Ukraine firmly opposes. Two Ukrainians share their perspectives on the summit; a soldier and a war crimes investigator discuss the emotional toll of the war. The conversation touches on past geopolitical tensions, public sentiment favoring peace over prolonged conflict, and the complexities of international diplomacy, all framed by the resilience of Ukrainians on the front lines.
9 snips
Aug 8, 2025 • 27min
Will a Trump-Putin summit lead to a ceasefire?
Sumi Somaskanda, BBC's chief presenter in Washington, shares her insights on the complex U.S. stance regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict. She discusses the potential Trump-Putin summit and its implications for a ceasefire, questioning whether it could lead to a frozen conflict. The conversation touches on the struggle for Ukraine to stay informed amid these negotiations and the economic ramifications of proposed secondary tariffs. Will peace be possible, or are we facing more uncertainty in this delicate diplomatic landscape?
24 snips
Aug 5, 2025 • 23min
Trump goes nuclear, Putin goes quiet
Join nuclear physicist and arms control expert Patricia Lewis as she unpacks the nuances of Trump's recent nuclear posturing, including his controversial submarine deployment order aimed at Russia. The discussion explores the delicate balance of U.S.-Russian relations amid escalating tensions and social media rhetoric. Lewis also sheds light on the changing political narrative of Dmitry Medvedev and the youthful recklessness displayed by Russian TikTokers amidst the conflict. A thought-provoking conversation on the stakes of diplomacy and the absurdity of modern warfare.
9 snips
Jul 31, 2025 • 28min
Q&A: Trump vs Medvedev, a US defection and revisiting the minerals deal
James Waterhouse, a seasoned BBC Ukraine correspondent, joins the conversation to unpack critical issues surrounding the ongoing conflict. He reveals insights into army infiltration and the unsettling story of an American family that defected to Russia, shedding light on their motivations and military ties. The discussion also includes a look at a controversial minerals deal between the U.S. and Ukraine, exposing the gap between political promises and on-the-ground realities. Waterhouse's expertise adds depth to these pressing geopolitical topics.
