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.
GET 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
GET 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
Episodes
Mentioned books
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.
11 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 35min
Can Zelensky recover from nationwide protests?
Join Lindsey Hilsum, International Editor at Channel 4 News, who reports fresh insights from Ukraine, discussing the recent massive protests and their implications for President Zelensky. She delves into the clash between accountability and governance under fire. Cyber correspondent Joe Tidy reveals the latest on Ukraine's daring hack of Russia's Aeroflot and the Kremlin's disturbing new surveillance app. The conversation offers a riveting look at the interplay of war, technology, and the resilience of a nation under pressure.
Jul 24, 2025 • 25min
Q&A: Big protests, brief talks and pressure on Zelensky
Steve Rosenberg, BBC's Russia editor, and Vitaly Shevchenko, BBC Monitoring's Russia specialist, discuss the recent surge in protests across Ukraine following controversial anti-corruption measures by President Zelensky. They analyze the implications for Zelensky's international standing and the EU's concerns over democratic reforms. The conversation also touches on the stalled peace talks in Istanbul, revealing a persistent stalemate despite diplomatic efforts. Additionally, the perspectives on potential meetings between global leaders, including Trump and Putin, add intrigue to the unfolding situation.
Jul 22, 2025 • 26min
Secondary tariffs explained: can they hurt Russia?
Stephanie Baker, a senior writer at Bloomberg News and author of ‘Punishing Putin’, dives deep into the potential impact of U.S. secondary tariffs on Russia. She breaks down how these measures could reshape international trade dynamics, particularly in light of ongoing peace talks. The discussion also highlights the grim realities faced by 1.6 million Ukrainian children living under Russian occupation, including forced indoctrination and military education. Baker provides insights into the complexities of sanctions and their role in the geopolitical landscape.
Jul 17, 2025 • 26min
Q&A: Another deadline, Zelensky's reshuffle, and France snubs Trump?
Joining the conversation are Olga Robinson from BBC Verify, who specializes in fact-checking and misinformation, and James Waterhouse, a seasoned Ukraine correspondent. They dive into the Kremlin's concerns over Trump’s proposed tariffs and analyze President Zelensky's cabinet reshuffle. The duo discusses the challenges facing NATO's support for Ukraine amid a 50-day deadline and the implications of France's military purchasing decisions. They also reflect on the struggles of internally displaced persons and examine the shifting power dynamics within Ukraine's government.
6 snips
Jul 15, 2025 • 34min
Did Trump ask Zelensky to hit Moscow?
The podcast delves into allegations that Donald Trump encouraged Ukraine's president to target Russia, amidst discussions about U.S. military aid and tariffs. It also highlights the plight of over 250,000 Ukrainians in the UK facing asylum challenges as their special protections expire. Personal stories illustrate the trauma of displacement and the bureaucratic struggles of refugees seeking safety. Conversations about mental health underscore the emotional toll of war, revealing the complexities of integration and support within the UK.
Jul 10, 2025 • 25min
Q&A: Trump turns on Putin, Ukrainian infighting, and Turkey's diplomatic tightrope
James Waterhouse, the BBC’s Ukraine correspondent, dives into pressing issues in Ukraine's ongoing conflict. Is Donald Trump shifting his rhetoric on Putin? The discussion explores the implications of proposed new sanctions by the U.S. and the internal rivalries affecting Ukraine's leadership, particularly between Andriy Yermak and General Budinov. Waterhouse also highlights Turkey's complex diplomatic position as both an energy consumer of Russia and a NATO ally, shedding light on the intricate geopolitical landscape shaping the region.
Jul 8, 2025 • 21min
Surviving Russia’s record drone attacks
Amid record drone attacks on Kyiv, residents share harrowing experiences of survival and loss. Dasha spent a night in the metro sheltering from chaos, while Oleksiy's business burned in the background. The podcast also delves into the mysterious death of former Russian transport minister Roman Starovoit, sparking online speculation. As families navigate this turmoil, the emotional toll becomes evident, showcasing both the resilience and fear faced by civilians in these uncertain times.
21 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 25min
Q&A: Suspended US weapons, Macron-Putin call and Russian opposition
In this insightful discussion, Olga Robinson, a journalist with BBC Verify, and James Landale, a diplomatic correspondent, dive into the ramifications of the U.S. halting weapon deliveries to Ukraine. They explore life in Russian-occupied territories and the sentiments of Ukrainians toward the Russian opposition. The guests also analyze Macron’s recent call with Putin, reflecting on shifting European diplomacy, and weigh in on the complexities of public sentiment in authoritarian regimes like Belarus and Russia. It's a compelling look at critical geopolitical dynamics.
