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
Nov 18, 2025 • 24min
Bake Off’s Nataliia on leaving Ukraine, and family living under occupation
Nataliia Richardson, a fan-favorite from The Great British Bake Off, shares her heartfelt journey from Ukraine to the UK. She reveals the emotional significance of her Ukraine-themed cake and describes her hometown now under Russian occupation. Nataliia discusses the challenges of keeping in touch with family amidst difficulties and her ambitions to open cafes to support Ukraine. She also touches on her hopes for her child to embrace their bilingual heritage, highlighting the joy and sorrow tied to her experiences.
9 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 29min
Q&A: Corruption Scandal, AI Surrender Videos, and the International Space Station
James Waterhouse, BBC Ukraine correspondent, delves into a significant corruption scandal involving a $100m kickback scheme in Ukraine's energy sector, triggering public outrage and resignations. He discusses the implications for wartime resilience, as corruption threatens vital services amidst Russian attacks. Olga Robinson, from BBC Verify, highlights the rise of AI-generated disinformation, particularly concerning viral surrender videos, and offers tips for verification. Together, they explore potential conscription changes and the complexities of US-Russia cooperation.
Nov 11, 2025 • 38min
Pussy Riot’s Maria Alyokhina on Russian prisons and living in exile
Maria Alyokhina, a founding member of Pussy Riot and fierce critic of Putin, shares her harrowing experiences in Russian detention and her daring escape disguised as a delivery driver. She discusses the evolving Russian opposition landscape and her book, *Political Girl*, which captures the struggle against repression. Maria reflects on the power of political art and the emotional toll of exile, contemplating whether Russia will always feel like home despite the risks for her and her family.
Nov 6, 2025 • 27min
Q&A: Russia advances on Pokrovsk, Ukraine digs in, and sanctions start to bite
James Landale, a diplomatic correspondent in Kyiv, shares insights on the ongoing battles near Pokrovsk and the challenges Ukraine faces as winter approaches. Paul Kirby discusses the strategic significance of territorial gains and the constraints NATO faces. Laura Gozzi dives into the complexities surrounding frozen Russian assets in Belgium and the legal hurdles preventing their use. The trio also explores Ukraine's nuclear capabilities, energy sourcing shifts due to sanctions, and the potential for recruitment to sustain their military efforts.
Nov 4, 2025 • 32min
Serving on the frontline as a teenager
Sophia Yanchevska is a 19-year-old combat medic on the Ukrainian frontline, sharing her harrowing experiences of loss and the emotional toll of war. She reflects on her journey from a teenager with dreams of archaeology to a dedicated medic. Filmmaker Evgen Matvienko discusses his short film 'She,' capturing stories of young medics like Sophia, emphasizing the urgency of their narratives. Together, they delve into the sacrifices of youth, the bittersweet moments of hope amidst conflict, and the profound impact of documenting frontline realities.
Oct 30, 2025 • 25min
Q&A: Frozen assets, the Baltic Sea, and a fresh ceasefire push
Join BBC Verify journalist Olga Robinson and senior digital journalist Laura Gozzi as they explore the complex world of frozen Russian assets, revealing EU hesitations and legal hurdles in deploying €140 billion for Ukraine. They discuss the role of drones in recent Ukrainian operations against a Russian dam and the implications for verification. The conversation also delves into the Baltic Sea's strategic importance, including policing issues and the treatment of Russian-speaking minorities, all amid escalating nuclear rhetoric from Putin.
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.
