Bob Woodward, veteran Watergate journalist and author of ‘War’, shares his insights into the Biden administration's strategies during the Ukraine conflict. He discusses the stark political divide in America regarding foreign aid and its implications for democracy. Woodward also reflects on the recent Biden-Putin summit and its consequences for Ukraine. The podcast features poignant stories from Kyiv, highlighting the resilience of Ukrainians facing a harsh winter while grappling with ongoing conflict.

Two men's stories of avoiding the draft.To satisfy a growing need for soldiers, authorities in Ukraine appear to be taking ever more drastic measures, including forcibly pulling men off the street to check their credentials. But many men in Ukraine feel the war is not for them, and decide to flee overseas rather than to stay and fight. We speak to Artem and Oleh, two young men who avoided the draft, and ask them why they left and whether they regret their decision.Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Arsenii Sokolov, Anastasiia Levchenko and Clare Williamson. The technical producer was Hannah Montgomery The series producer is Tim Walklate. The senior news editor is Sara Wadeson. 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

Is peace with Russia possible? Could any North Korean involvement in the war mean escalation? And has the world ever been more dangerous in recent times?In his first BBC interview since standing down as chief of the general staff, General Sir Patrick Sanders joins us to discuss why he thinks the world order is under threat and why Ukraine must prevail.Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Arsenii Sokolov and Diane Richardson. The technical producer was Hannah Montgomery. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The senior news editor is Sara Wadeson. 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

What do digital trails tell us about the conflict? How did TikTok videos help identify Russian troop movements ahead of the full-scale invasion? And what’s it like to draw the ire of the Kremlin?The Bellingcat founder Eliot Higgins also tells Victoria and Vitaly whether he’s a CIA spy and where the name of his organisation came from.And, are North Korean troops being sent to Russia’s frontline? We have more…Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Arsenii Sokolov and Di Richardson. The technical producer was Ricardo McCarthy. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The senior news editor is Sara Wadeson. 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

Sarah Rainsford is a BBC correspondent based in Kyiv, reporting firsthand on the war in Ukraine, while Sergey Radchenko is a renowned Cold War historian offering deep geopolitical insights. They discuss President Zelensky’s diplomatic moves across Europe and the importance of sustained support amidst the conflict. The duo questions whether the West truly grasps the reality of the war and examines how upcoming elections might influence public and military backing for Ukraine, highlighting the complexities of sentiment and strategies across nations.

Oliver McTernan, co-founder of Forward Thinking, and Sir Laurie Bristow, former UK ambassador, delve into the complexities of peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. They discuss the skepticism surrounding talks and the idea of a 'frozen conflict.' The influence of the upcoming US presidential election on negotiations is a key focus, along with insights into historical contexts and the challenges of ongoing hostilities. Their expertise sheds light on the importance of dialogue and the delicate balance required for Ukraine's sovereignty.

Joining the discussion are Stephanie Baker, a senior Bloomberg writer and author of "Punishing Putin," and Alexander Gabuev, director at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Centre. They dive into Russia's dramatic 25% increase in defense spending amidst mounting economic challenges. Is the war economy sustainable? Despite Western sanctions, Russia shows surprising resilience, bolstered by oil revenues. The guests explore socio-economic divides in Russia, with labor shortages and shifting demographics raising questions about the long-term viability of this military-driven model.

Former ambassador John Bolton shares his sharp insights on the political landscape impacting Ukraine. He discusses President Zelensky's recent visit to the U.S. and the implications of an $8 billion military aid package. Bolton raises concerns about the uncertain future of U.S. support for Ukraine, especially amidst election dynamics and public war fatigue. He expresses skepticism about both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump's ability to provide essential aid, highlighting the precarious nature of Ukraine's geopolitical position.

Anthony Zurcher, a co-presenter of Americast, joins two Ukrainians from Kyiv to discuss the evolving dynamics of U.S. support for Ukraine as Donald Trump meets with President Zelensky. They delve into the contentious relationship between Trump and Zelensky, highlighting changing sentiments among Republicans regarding military aid. The guests express concerns about U.S. electoral politics and their implications for Ukraine's future, emphasizing the critical need for continued American support amidst ongoing Russian aggression.

Matthew Savill, a defense expert, and Angela Stent, a renowned Russia specialist, discuss President Zelensky’s diplomatic mission to the U.S. They analyze the complexities of his 'victory plan' aimed at securing U.S. support. The conversation highlights the geopolitical impact of the upcoming elections and the varying levels of backing from American lawmakers. They also explore the challenges of military and economic aid necessary for Ukraine’s resilience and the implications of bold military strategies on the battlefield.