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
Aug 30, 2024 • 22min
Ukraine's Incursion: Is this a winning strategy?
Yaroslav Denysenko, a Paralympic swimmer, shares his poignant journey as a disabled athlete grappling with the impact of the Russian invasion on his training and life. He reflects on the resilience required to train amid power outages and war, inspiring a spirit of perseverance. The conversation delves into the military dynamics around Pokrovsk, questioning Ukraine's strategies in light of Russian advances. Denysenko also discusses the importance of sports in fostering hope and unity, especially for athletes facing unique challenges.
Aug 27, 2024 • 26min
Russia hammers Ukraine's infrastructure
Nicholas Connolly, a correspondent for Deutsche Welle based in Kyiv, provides gripping insights into the latest wave of Russian missile strikes on Ukraine, discussing immediate impacts and community resilience. He elaborates on the emotional toll of attacks on infrastructure and civilians, including a recent strike on a hotel intended to intimidate journalists. Additionally, he examines how Ukrainians adapt to ongoing conflict and explores the potential for future peace negotiations, emphasizing the need for advanced defense systems.
Aug 23, 2024 • 31min
Stephen Fry: The mental scars of Ukraine's war
Stephen Fry, a renowned broadcaster and writer, delves into the mental health issues stemming from the war in Ukraine. He discusses his documentary work, highlighting the urgent need for governmental support for those affected. The conversation includes powerful personal stories of grief and resilience, exploring how individuals cope with loss through humor and connections to loved ones. Fry also shares insights on the broader conversation surrounding mental health in conflict zones, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue and community support.
Aug 20, 2024 • 28min
Ukraine's Incursion: The view from Ukraine
Ostap, a Ukrainian officer stationed in Pokrovsk, shares gripping firsthand accounts of the frontline, emphasizing the vulnerabilities from recent incursions. Anastasia, an English teacher in Kharkiv, discusses how these events have shaped emotional landscapes among locals. James Waterhouse, a BBC Ukraine correspondent, provides vital insights into the conflict's nuances at the Ukraine-Russia border. Together, they illuminate the resilience and strategic complexities faced by Ukrainians amidst ongoing challenges.
Aug 16, 2024 • 38min
Ukraine’s Incursion: What’s life like in Kursk?
Zhenya, a local from Kursk, shares her firsthand experience of life in the region since the Ukrainian incursion—revealing the emotional toll on residents grappling with fear and uncertainty. Defence expert Matthew Savill discusses the military dynamics, highlighting vulnerabilities in Russian defenses and the strategic use of weaponry by Ukrainian forces. The possibility of a nuclear response from Russia looms large, making listeners consider not just military tactics but the profound human impact of this ongoing conflict.
Aug 13, 2024 • 32min
Ukraine's Incursion: The view from Russia
Nikita shares gripping insights from Kursk, revealing how his family copes with the ongoing crisis. BBC Russia editor Steve Rosenberg analyzes the Kremlin's reactions and speculates on President Putin's next moves. Olga Robinson from BBC Verify unpacks the chaotic information landscape, helping listeners grasp the complex reality. The discussion touches on the emotional toll on locals, contrasting narratives around the conflict, and the pervasive atmosphere of fear and surveillance in Russia. This conversation sheds light on the human impact behind the headlines.
Aug 9, 2024 • 28min
Why have Ukrainian forces entered Russia?
Michael 'Mickey' Bergman, an expert in negotiations surrounding prisoner releases, joins the conversation on Ukraine’s bold cross-border offensive into Russian territory. They discuss the motivations and implications of Ukrainian troops operating deep within Russia. The impact on civilians and military strategies unfold, alongside ethical debates on hostage negotiations. Bergman shares insights on the complexities of securing freedom for the wrongfully detained, highlighting the delicate balance between political realities and human lives.
Aug 6, 2024 • 32min
Q&A with war correspondent Luke Harding
Luke Harding, a seasoned war correspondent for the Guardian, shares insights from his extensive coverage of Ukraine since the invasion. He discusses the significant arrival of F-16 fighter jets and their potential impact on morale and strategy. Harding explores the complexities of the Ukraine-Russia conflict, emphasizing the importance of Ukraine’s sovereignty. He also reveals the grim realities and dangers faced by journalists in Russia, highlighting the risks of reporting under oppressive regimes.
Aug 1, 2024 • 32min
Biggest Prisoner Swap since the Cold War
Evan Gershkovich, a journalist recently freed after 16 months in Russian custody, shares his harrowing experience alongside fellow returnees Alsu Kurmasheva and Paul Whelan. Sarah Rainsford offers insight into the emotional toll on families, while Gordon Corera discusses the geopolitical implications of the largest East-West prisoner swap since the Cold War. The speakers reflect on the high stakes of such exchanges and the persistent hope for others still detained amid ongoing conflict.
Jul 30, 2024 • 26min
How much do Ukrainians want a peace deal?
Dr. Patricia Lewis, a security expert from Chatham House, analyzes the shifting attitudes of Ukrainians towards peace negotiations. Vitaly Pashchenko, a Kyiv student, shares the perspectives of his generation on potential compromises, while Oleksii Svid from Kharkiv highlights the tension between military resolve and the desire for peace. The conversation dives into the emotional turmoil of territorial concessions, the aspirations for a stable future, and the implications of international dynamics on Ukraine’s quest for peace.
