

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

Jun 7, 2024 • 24min
Q&A: What can we expect from the Ukraine Peace Summit?
Discussions include prospects for progress at the peace summit without Russia, Russians' worries about Western missiles, and how Ukrainian journalists cover the war. Topics also cover the impact of Russian oil exports on funding the war in Ukraine, insights on the peace summit and missile strikes in Harkiv, and concerns about conscription and EU support for Ukraine.

Jun 4, 2024 • 22min
Maksym's Story: Growing up on the frontline
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.

May 31, 2024 • 29min
Q&A with Fiona Hill: Where are the weapons Ukraine says it needs to fight Russia?
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.

May 28, 2024 • 20min
Kharkiv’s Metro School: Learning Underground
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.

May 24, 2024 • 31min
Arsenii and Yulia's story: Life after Azovstal
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.

May 21, 2024 • 29min
Q&A: Is Ukraine still happy with President Zelensky?
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.

May 17, 2024 • 27min
Mike Pompeo: How could Trump end the war in 24 hours?
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.

May 14, 2024 • 23min
Russia attacks Kharkiv: The new frontline?
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.

5 snips
May 10, 2024 • 30min
Eurovision: How important is it to Ukraine?
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.

May 7, 2024 • 28min
Why is Victory Day such a big deal in Russia?
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