Ukrainecast

This discussion features Oliver Conway, Global News Podcast presenter, who brings valuable insights into the Ukraine conflict. The conversation dives into the possibility of peace negotiations with Putin and the implications of potential elections for Zelensky's leadership. They also touch upon the role of the Russian Orthodox Church in the war and examine the dynamics of North Korean troops fighting alongside Russia. Additionally, they address Ukraine's urgent military needs amidst ongoing hostilities and the broader geopolitical ramifications.

Kurt Volker, Donald Trump’s former special representative for Ukraine and ex-U.S. ambassador to NATO, shares intriguing insights about Trump's evolving stance on Putin and the Ukraine crisis. He discusses the potential implications of Trump’s threats regarding sanctions and how U.S.-Russia relations are perceived in Russia’s media landscape. The conversation dives into the effectiveness of peace negotiations and the unique role of golf as an unconventional diplomatic tool. Volker also sheds light on covert military support to Ukraine and the strains in its relationship with the West.

Olga Robinson, a BBC Verify journalist, and James Landale, BBC's diplomatic correspondent, dive into pressing questions surrounding the war in Ukraine. They discuss Trump’s potential moves in ceasefire talks and the complexities of recent maritime agreements. Tensions around missile threats from the Black Sea are examined, as well as Russia's strategic positioning in the Arctic. The conversation also touches on the human rights situation in occupied areas, revealing the psychological impacts of conflict on civilians.

Martin Griffiths, former Under Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs at the UN, discusses the fragile ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine in the Black Sea. He shares insights from negotiating the Black Sea grain deal, emphasizing the complexities of dialogue with Russia. The conversation reveals the ongoing conflict's harsh realities, including simultaneous violence and diplomatic efforts. Griffiths also highlights the importance of international organizations in fostering genuine peace amidst deeply rooted grievances and trust issues.

Delve into the current security guarantees Ukraine seeks in its ongoing conflict. Discover the intriguing dynamics of communication among world leaders, particularly the interactions between Trump and Putin. Explore how these talks resonate with everyday Ukrainians and influence their perception of their leadership. The role of the UN in modern conflicts is scrutinized, alongside the effectiveness of recent diplomatic efforts. Additionally, uncover the challenges of translating high-stakes international dialogues and the evolving strategy in Ukraine-Russia peace negotiations.

After a lengthy phone call with Donald Trump, the Kremlin says Vladimir Putin has agreed to a mutual pause on attacks on Russian and Ukrainian energy infrastructure - but stopped far short of accepting a full ceasefire.We get instant reaction from Fiona Hill, who previously served on the National Security Council as an advisor on Russia under President Trump.Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Ben Carter and Ryan Johnston. The technical producer was Gareth Jones. 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

What factors could lead Russia to escalate the conflict? Experts dive into the complexities of U.S.-Russia relations and how property development intertwines with international diplomacy. They discuss the limits of global pressure on Putin and the challenges of sanctions versus incentives. Would Trump's influence reshape Ukraine's NATO ambitions? The potential impacts of U.S. leadership on European security are examined, revealing shifting attitudes and the importance of alliances in this global power struggle.

Vladimir Putin has said the fighting must end in Ukraine, but that a ceasefire should lead to "enduring peace and remove underlying causes of this crisis." Responding to the Trump administration’s plans to end the war, the Russian president says the idea of a ceasefire is "good and we absolutely support it but there are issues that we need to discuss."So what should we make of his comments? Shashank Joshi, defence editor at The Economist gives his reaction.Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko.The producer was Ben Carter. The technical producer was James Piper. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The assistant editor is Ben Mundy.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

Sir Laurie Bristow, former UK ambassador to Moscow, shares his insights on Ukraine's acceptance of a proposed 30-day ceasefire with Russia. He discusses the implications of this diplomatic move and what it means for future negotiations. Bristow analyzes possible Russian responses and terms, highlighting historical patterns of ceasefire violations. The conversation also covers the complex interplay between military strategies and diplomatic efforts, emphasizing the challenges Ukraine faces in ensuring lasting peace.

Is this the week the war changes?On the battlefield, Russian forces are reportedly trying to encircle thousands of Ukrainian soldiers in the Kursk region, where they recaptured three settlements on Sunday.Meanwhile, talks are taking place on Tuesday between Ukrainians and US officials in Saudi Arabia, at which Kyiv is expected to push for a truce with Russia in the sea and sky.So is this a potentially pivotal moment in the war in Ukraine? Lyse and James are joined by Karolina Hird from the Institute for the Study of War think-tank in Washington.Today’s episode is presented by Lyse Doucet and James Waterhouse. The producers were Ryan Johnston, Anna Chornous and Ben Carter. The technical producer was Dafydd Evans. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The assistant editor is Ben Mundy. 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