

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

Jul 26, 2024 • 30min
The Americans behind Russian bars
In this discussion, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, currently facing a harsh 16-year sentence in Russia, joins Alsu Kurmasheva, an editor at Radio Free Europe sentenced to 6.5 years. They dive into the grim reality of American detainees in Russian prisons and the emotional toll on their families. They highlight the dire state of press freedom and the precarious environment journalists face in Russia. Personal stories reveal the resilience of loved ones and the complexities of international law, illuminating the urgent need for advocacy and awareness.

Jul 23, 2024 • 28min
Ukraine’s Olympians: Going for gold as war rages
Ukraine's Olympians, Victoriya Tkachuk and Zhan Beleniuk, share their challenges training for the Olympics amidst conflict. They discuss the emotional toll, political tensions, and determination to compete. The podcast also explores the controversy of Russian athletes' participation and the impact of the war on Ukrainian athletes.

Jul 21, 2024 • 27min
The President Zelensky Interview
President Zelensky discusses Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Vladimir Putin's ruthless traits, UK's support, the need for unity in conflict, and reflections on leadership during wartime.

Jul 19, 2024 • 30min
Could Ukraine be losing support from the West?
Poland's foreign minister discusses concerns about Western aid for Ukraine. BBC's political editor reflects on interviewing President Zelensky. Topics include Zelensky's commitment, response to Trump, unfulfilled promises, diplomacy in ending the war, support for Ukraine, and emotional impact of the conflict.

Jul 16, 2024 • 29min
Is China helping Russia fight Ukraine?
Last week at the Nato summit, leaders called China a ‘decisive enabler’ of the war in Ukraine - a statement that Beijing denies.So what is China’s role in this conflict?We’re joined by historian Rana Mitter and Spectator journalist Cindy Yu to try and make sense of it all.Today’s episode is presented by James Coomarasamy and Vitaly Shevchenko.
The producers were Arsenii Sokolov and Cordelia Hemming. The technical producer was Jack Graysmark. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The senior news editor is Richard Fenton-Smith.
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

Jul 12, 2024 • 27min
What did the Nato summit achieve?
Matthew Savill from RUSI analyzes the Nato summit outcomes for Ukraine. Discussion on Biden's missteps, Kyiv's recent tragedies, and a mother's search for her daughter. Insights on Zelensky's impact, intel diplomacy, and military aid for Ukraine. Tragic hospital attacks and stories of survival amidst chaos.

Jul 9, 2024 • 20min
Could Nato survive a Trump presidency?
Former US Ambassador to Nato, Kurt Volker, discusses the potential consequences of a Trump presidency on NATO. Topics include Trump's views on NATO, Ukraine's call for support, and managing Ukrainian expectations ahead of the NATO summit.

Jul 8, 2024 • 11min
Children's hospital hit: Dozens dead in strikes across Ukraine
Russian airstrikes hit a children's hospital in Ukraine, causing multiple casualties. The hosts discuss the reasons behind the attack and its impact on the region. Stories of heroism emerge from the hospital staff during the tragedy. The need for improved missile defenses in Ukraine is emphasized to prevent similar attacks in the future.

Jul 5, 2024 • 29min
Q&A: How are global elections impacting Ukraine?
BBC’s France correspondent and Chatham House Europe programme head discuss global elections' impact on Ukraine, including Russian disinformation, UK connections, and potential US election outcomes. Topics also cover trust in media narratives, educational challenges in combating misinformation, and efforts to secure support for Ukraine amid political changes.

Jul 2, 2024 • 27min
Serhiy's story: How Russia silenced a young man's voice
Serhiy Gulko shares his experience of being arrested in Russia for speaking out against the war in Ukraine. The episode explores the extreme measures taken by Russian authorities to suppress dissent, including imprisonment and coercive tactics. It also sheds light on the silence and fear among ordinary Russians regarding the war, showcasing the chilling effect on freedom of speech in the country.