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
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.
14 snips
Sep 23, 2025 • 21min
Is Nato ready to shoot down Russian jets?
Jan Lipavský, Czech Republic's Foreign Minister, joins Victoria and Vitaly to discuss NATO's readiness against Russian airspace incursions. He emphasizes the need for national decision-making on shooting down jets and assures confidence in NATO's protection for Czechia. The conversation dives into Putin's motives for testing NATO and the importance of solidarity among allies. Jan also touches on the impact of US policies, energy independence, and domestic political risks for Czech foreign policy. A fascinating blend of geopolitics and national security!
11 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 29min
Q&A: Trump & King Charles, Russian oil and a lesson on drones
James Landale, BBC diplomatic correspondent, offers insights from Windsor during Trump's high-profile UK visit. He discusses how this event tests the effectiveness of soft power diplomacy. The conversation also digs into the complexities of U.S. sanctions on Russia, the ongoing reliance on Russian oil, and the potential impact on European energy policies. Additionally, they touch on vital issues like drone threats and the implications for Belarus. Landale's perspective sheds light on the fine balance of international relations in these tumultuous times.
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.
