Ukrainecast

Kate Peters, a seasoned BBC News producer with over 30 years of experience, shares her insights on working in Moscow and Kyiv during tumultuous times. She reflects on her journey through pivotal moments in Russian history, including the Perestroika and the rise of Putin. The conversation dives deep into the challenges of journalism in conflict zones, particularly during Ukraine's crisis. Peters also highlights the unique resilience of the Ukrainian people while recounting a heartwarming Christmas story that showcases the spirit of camaraderie among soldiers.

Viktoria Kovalenko, a brave Ukrainian woman who lost her husband and elder daughter during the war, shares her poignant journey of rebuilding her life in the UK with her younger daughter. She reflects on adapting to life in Milton Keynes, the feelings of loneliness, and her family's memories. Frank Gardner, BBC's security correspondent, discusses the international response to the recent missile strikes in Ukraine and the complex dynamics of Ukraine-U.S. relations, particularly regarding military support and political negotiations.

Olga Robinson from BBC Verify joins to dissect crucial updates in the Ukraine conflict. She discusses the current state of battlefield dynamics and the hesitancy around a ceasefire, emphasizing Russia's desire for a stable peace. The conversation also dives into the complexities of foreign involvement, including reports of Chinese soldiers aiding Russia. Historical peace lessons from Bosnia are revisited, while the resilience of Ukrainian culture, including literature and humor during wartime, highlights the strength of the nation's spirit.

Nick Carter, the former chief of the UK's defence staff, shares his insights on the arrest of two Chinese citizens fighting for Russia in Ukraine. He explores the implications for global relations and questions if the world order has forever shifted. The discussion highlights NATO's evolving role and emphasizes the need for a robust defensive strategy amidst ongoing aggression. Carter also touches on the potential for compulsory military service in the UK and the impact of President Trump’s tariffs on Ukrainian support.

This discussion features Oliver Conway, Global News Podcast presenter, who brings valuable insights into the Ukraine conflict. The conversation dives into the possibility of peace negotiations with Putin and the implications of potential elections for Zelensky's leadership. They also touch upon the role of the Russian Orthodox Church in the war and examine the dynamics of North Korean troops fighting alongside Russia. Additionally, they address Ukraine's urgent military needs amidst ongoing hostilities and the broader geopolitical ramifications.

Kurt Volker, Donald Trump’s former special representative for Ukraine and ex-U.S. ambassador to NATO, shares intriguing insights about Trump's evolving stance on Putin and the Ukraine crisis. He discusses the potential implications of Trump’s threats regarding sanctions and how U.S.-Russia relations are perceived in Russia’s media landscape. The conversation dives into the effectiveness of peace negotiations and the unique role of golf as an unconventional diplomatic tool. Volker also sheds light on covert military support to Ukraine and the strains in its relationship with the West.

Olga Robinson, a BBC Verify journalist, and James Landale, BBC's diplomatic correspondent, dive into pressing questions surrounding the war in Ukraine. They discuss Trump’s potential moves in ceasefire talks and the complexities of recent maritime agreements. Tensions around missile threats from the Black Sea are examined, as well as Russia's strategic positioning in the Arctic. The conversation also touches on the human rights situation in occupied areas, revealing the psychological impacts of conflict on civilians.

Martin Griffiths, former Under Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs at the UN, discusses the fragile ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine in the Black Sea. He shares insights from negotiating the Black Sea grain deal, emphasizing the complexities of dialogue with Russia. The conversation reveals the ongoing conflict's harsh realities, including simultaneous violence and diplomatic efforts. Griffiths also highlights the importance of international organizations in fostering genuine peace amidst deeply rooted grievances and trust issues.

Delve into the current security guarantees Ukraine seeks in its ongoing conflict. Discover the intriguing dynamics of communication among world leaders, particularly the interactions between Trump and Putin. Explore how these talks resonate with everyday Ukrainians and influence their perception of their leadership. The role of the UN in modern conflicts is scrutinized, alongside the effectiveness of recent diplomatic efforts. Additionally, uncover the challenges of translating high-stakes international dialogues and the evolving strategy in Ukraine-Russia peace negotiations.

After a lengthy phone call with Donald Trump, the Kremlin says Vladimir Putin has agreed to a mutual pause on attacks on Russian and Ukrainian energy infrastructure - but stopped far short of accepting a full ceasefire.We get instant reaction from Fiona Hill, who previously served on the National Security Council as an advisor on Russia under President Trump.Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Ben Carter and Ryan Johnston. The technical producer was Gareth Jones. The series producer is Tim Walklate. 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