Ukrainecast

Maksym Lutsyk, a young soldier, shares his battlefield experiences, listening to secret recordings of Russian soldiers. He talks about dreaming of relaxing on a beach in Tenerife. The podcast delves into the intense emotions of war, soldier reflections on constant combat, coping with loss, and aspirations of travel post-conflict.

Dr Fiona Hill, former US national intelligence officer and Putin historian, shares insights on Ukraine conflict, US weapons for Ukraine, and Putin's nuclear brinkmanship. They discuss shifting momentum in the war, succession after Putin, and the implications of letting Ukraine fire Western-made weapons into some Russian territories.

Schools in Kharkiv, Ukraine have moved underground to metro stations to avoid Russian missile strikes. Students and teachers share their experiences of learning and teaching in the midst of war. The podcast explores the challenges, resilience, and uncertainty faced by residents in a city under attack.

Arsenii Fedosiuk, a former lieutenant in Ukraine's Azov Brigade, shares his harrowing experience of imprisonment and torture by the Russians. His wife, Yulia, joins the campaign to free POWs. They discuss survival, resilience, the Mariopul siege, call signs inspired by literature, emotional turmoil of captive families, navigating perceptions, politics, and the strength shown by captives.

General Sir Richard Barrons, former commander of the UK's Joint Forces Command, joins to discuss Ukraine's war situation, potential NATO membership, and the intersection of boxing and politics in Ukraine. Topics include US military aid impact, challenges of joining NATO, President Zelensky's leadership transformation, and the legacy of the Klitschko brothers.

Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo discusses Trump's views on Ukraine, potential outcomes of another Trump presidency, and the importance of strong European defense contributions. They delve into the need for transparency in actions to prevent conflict escalation, challenges in acquiring international aid, and diplomatic sensitivity. Pompeo also addresses media portrayal, political maneuvering, and the US role in the war in Ukraine.

Expert on Russian security affairs, Mark Galeotti, discusses Russia's surprise offensive in Kharkiv, speculating on Putin's strategic moves. Kharkiv resident shares her experience fleeing the city. The podcast explores escalating tensions, impacts on civilians, and the implications of a Kremlin reshuffle.

Eurovision reporter Daniel Rosney and Eurovision 2022 winner Tymofii Muzychuk discuss Ukraine's love for the competition, the emotional victory of Kalush Orchestra, and the importance of showcasing Ukrainian culture on a global platform.

Vladimir Putin has been sworn in as Russia's president for a new six-year term, just days before Russia’s annual Victory Day military parade on 9 May.But why does this annual event, marking victory over Nazi Germany in 1945, matter so much to Russia now?We speak to Alexander Goncharov a former Russian military officer, who’s now head of the World War Two veterans organisation in Moscow.And we discuss Victory Day’s symbolism with Russia editor Steve Rosenberg and Patricia Lewis from Chatham House.Today’s episode is presented by Jamie Coomarasamy and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Charlie Henry and Arsenii Sokolov. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. 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

It’s 800 days since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. We answer your questions on whether Russia has used chemical weapons, could Western troops ever be deployed, what the prospects are for peace, and at what cost?To help do this Victoria and Vitaly are joined by two friends of the podcast: Samantha de Bendern, and Newsnight’s Mark Urban.And we hear from inside the town at the epicentre of the fighting in eastern Ukraine, Chasiv Yar. Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Arsenii Sokolov, Cordelia Hemming, Ivana Davidovic, Nick Sturdee and Charlie Henry. The technical producer was Hannah Montgomery. 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