Ukrainecast

What’s life like for the women left behind following the capture of the Mariupol defenders?During the siege of Mariupol, thousands of Ukrainian soldiers held out for several months inside the Azov steel works, until they were eventually instructed to surrender in May 2022.Now prisoners of war, many have not been heard of for months. We’re joined by two women who haven’t seen their husband and brother in over a year and a half, but still hold out hope. Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko. It was made by Keiligh Baker. The producers were Arsenii Sokolov and Ivana Davidovic. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is Lucy Boast. 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

Accusations of war crimes between Ukraine and Russia examined. Archaeological finds and consequences of Kakhovka Dam explosion discussed. Focus on artifacts and national identity. Implications of dam rebuilding and ban on gay marriage in Russia debated.

Geolocation, misinformation, verification… we answer your questions on how the BBC monitors and reports on the most important events of the war in Ukraine.Olga Robinson, an editor at BBC Monitoring and Verify specialising in Russian disinformation, and Francis Scarr, a journalist at BBC Monitoring, join Vitaly in the Ukrainecast studio and reveal all.Today’s episode is presented by Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Clare Williamson, Arsenii Sokolov, Ivana Davidovic and Keiligh Baker. The technical producer was Jack Graysmark. The series producer is Lucy Boast. 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 1239480

Frank Gardner, BBC's Security correspondent, and Ukraine correspondent James Waterhouse discuss the impact of winter weather on troops in Ukraine. They also talk about who benefits from bad weather and Russia's largest drone attack on Kyiv. Ukrainian journalist Maria Romanenko shares her experiences and reflections on the ongoing war in Ukraine and the lack of support from the West. She also discusses her decision to organize walking tours for Ukrainian refugees in Manchester, exploring the city's history and its link to slavery abolition.

The podcast discusses the case of Sasha, an artist and activist who received a seven-year sentence in Russia for protesting the invasion of Ukraine. It also examines concerns over population decline in Russia and the tactics employed to reduce abortions. The episode explores Ukraine's challenges in adapting to the conflict and the support Sasha receives from friends, journalists, and politicians.

Journalist Mstyslav Chernov and BBC journalist Zhanna Bezpiatchuk discuss life in Russian-occupied Mariupol. They share first-hand experiences of the siege, emotional connections with the community, challenges faced by journalists in gathering information, arbitrary detentions, and illegal accusations of being spies. They also mention the documentary '20 Days in Mariupol'.

BBC journalist Kateryna Khinkulova discusses the reasons why thousands of men in Ukraine are fleeing to avoid conscription. The episode also covers the significance of the UK Foreign Secretary's visit to Kyiv, the ongoing military situation in Ukraine, and the challenges faced by draft dodgers. It also explores the limitations and consequences of protests and opposition in Russia.

Investigation claims a Ukrainian military officer coordinated an attack on Russia's Nord Stream pipelines. We hear from James Waterhouse in Kyiv and Mark Urban, and get the latest update on the 'stalemate' war. Olga from Kherson tells us about life under Russian occupation and one year after liberation.

In February, Ukrainecast collaborated with BBC Newsnight on a live show to mark the first anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. One of the guests was Elya, who was just 17 when Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. After two weeks hiding with her family in their building’s basement, a missile strike on another floor prompted her to flee. She reunites with Victoria and Vitaly to discuss what has happened to her since.And the BBC’s Sofia Bettiza discusses Ukraine’s chances of joining the EU.Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Keiligh Baker, Arsenii Sokolov and Ivana Davidovic. The technical producer was Philip Bull. 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

After Ukraine’s commander-in-chief described the war as being at a stalemate, and President Zelensky’s subsequent denial that his country’s efforts are faltering, how is the counter-offensive progressing?We’re joined by military analyst Justin Crump, Catherine Sendak from the Center for European Policy Analysis in Washington DC and hear from a soldier on the frontline.Today’s episode is presented by James Waterhouse and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Keiligh Baker, Arsenii Sokolov and Ivana Davidovic. The technical producer was Matt Hewitt. 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