What factors could lead Russia to escalate the conflict? Experts dive into the complexities of U.S.-Russia relations and how property development intertwines with international diplomacy. They discuss the limits of global pressure on Putin and the challenges of sanctions versus incentives. Would Trump's influence reshape Ukraine's NATO ambitions? The potential impacts of U.S. leadership on European security are examined, revealing shifting attitudes and the importance of alliances in this global power struggle.

Vladimir Putin has said the fighting must end in Ukraine, but that a ceasefire should lead to "enduring peace and remove underlying causes of this crisis." Responding to the Trump administration’s plans to end the war, the Russian president says the idea of a ceasefire is "good and we absolutely support it but there are issues that we need to discuss."So what should we make of his comments? Shashank Joshi, defence editor at The Economist gives his reaction.Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko.The producer was Ben Carter. The technical producer was James Piper. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The assistant editor is Ben Mundy.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

Sir Laurie Bristow, former UK ambassador to Moscow, shares his insights on Ukraine's acceptance of a proposed 30-day ceasefire with Russia. He discusses the implications of this diplomatic move and what it means for future negotiations. Bristow analyzes possible Russian responses and terms, highlighting historical patterns of ceasefire violations. The conversation also covers the complex interplay between military strategies and diplomatic efforts, emphasizing the challenges Ukraine faces in ensuring lasting peace.

Is this the week the war changes?On the battlefield, Russian forces are reportedly trying to encircle thousands of Ukrainian soldiers in the Kursk region, where they recaptured three settlements on Sunday.Meanwhile, talks are taking place on Tuesday between Ukrainians and US officials in Saudi Arabia, at which Kyiv is expected to push for a truce with Russia in the sea and sky.So is this a potentially pivotal moment in the war in Ukraine? Lyse and James are joined by Karolina Hird from the Institute for the Study of War think-tank in Washington.Today’s episode is presented by Lyse Doucet and James Waterhouse. The producers were Ryan Johnston, Anna Chornous and Ben Carter. The technical producer was Dafydd Evans. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The assistant editor is Ben Mundy. 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

The Ukrainecast team join the Global News Podcast to answer listener questions.We discuss Donald Trump’s latest threat, the prospects of peace in Ukraine, and that minerals deal.Today’s episode is presented by Lyse Doucet, James Waterhouse, Vitaly Shevchenko and Jackie Leonard.The producers were Ben Carter and Ryan Johnston. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The assistant editor is Ben Mundy.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

President Zelensky says Ukraine is "ready to work under President Trump's strong leadership" to negotiate a peace deal and is ready to sign a minerals deal.His comments come after the US decision to pause military aid. We get reaction from Ukrainian MP Oleksandra Ustinova and ‘Neo’, a soldier currently fighting in Donetsk region.And we speak to Mark Galeotti, Director and CEO of the consultancy firm, Mayak Intelligence.Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko.It was recorded on Tuesday afternoon at 3:30pm UK time. The producers were Ryan Johnston and Ben Carter. The technical producer was Ben Andrews. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The assistant editor is Ben Mundy. 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

President Macron has proposed a one-month truce between Russia and Ukraine "in the air, at sea and on energy infrastructure."These comments follow a meeting over the weekend in which European leaders tried to deal with the fallout from President Zelensky’s disastrous trip to Washington on Friday. Presenters Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko are joined by Matthew Savill, Director of Military Sciences at RUSI to discuss whether there is a road towards a peace deal. The producers were Ryan Johnston and Ben Carter. The technical producer was Louis Griffin. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The assistant editor is Ben Mundy. 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

In a dramatic showdown in the Oval Office, President Trump and President Zelensky clashed, shocking reporters with their heated exchanges. Tensions escalated as both leaders tackled the weighty issues surrounding the Ukraine conflict, revealing their contrasting diplomatic styles. The fallout prompted discussions on the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations and the urgent need for European unity. The podcast also delves into the complexities of navigating diplomatic turbulence and the public implications of their differing perspectives on national security.

US President Donald Trump, known for his controversial approaches and signature style, discusses his recent meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. They delve into the war in Ukraine, analyzing its ongoing implications after 1,100 days of conflict. Trump shares his views on Ukrainian President Zelensky, while Starmer defends his legitimacy. The conversation also touches on the nuanced dynamics of US-UK relations and the intersection of diplomacy with business interests, highlighting the complexities of global politics today.

Shashank Joshi, Defence Editor at The Economist, delves into UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's significant defense spending increase, the highest since the Cold War. He analyzes its potential to impress Trump before Starmer’s Washington visit and explore its implications for Ukraine. Joshi discusses European troop deployments, the strategic shifts in NATO commitments, and the contentious political dynamics involving Ukraine's resources and U.S. aid, highlighting the complex interplay of military spending and international relations.