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
11 snips
May 1, 2025 • 31min
Q&A: Minerals deal, security guarantees and Nato membership
James Waterhouse, the insightful Ukraine correspondent, discusses the significance of the new minerals deal with the US and its implications for peace in Ukraine. Olga Robinson from BBC Verify sheds light on the Kremlin's muted response and clarifies crucial financial figures. Diplomatic correspondent James Landale analyzes how this deal affects Ukraine's NATO ambitions and US-Russia relations, highlighting the complex dynamics at play in a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape. Tune in for an engaging dive into critical current events!
8 snips
Apr 29, 2025 • 33min
100 Days of Trump: Peacemaker or time-waster?
Sam Kiley, World Affairs Editor at The Independent, and Judith Gough, former British ambassador to Ukraine, delve into the evolving diplomatic landscape of the Ukraine conflict. They discuss Trump’s recent meeting with Zelensky and the implications of his foreign policy shifts. The conversation highlights Ukraine's firm stance against territorial concessions, concerns over U.S. withdrawal, and rising public trust in Zelensky. With a focus on the complexities of peace negotiations, they unravel the geopolitical dynamics impacting both Ukraine and Russia.
Apr 24, 2025 • 33min
Q&A: Trump's peace plan, Crimea and the latest Kyiv attack
James Landale, a seasoned diplomatic correspondent, joins the conversation to dissect critical issues surrounding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He explores the ramifications of Trump's foreign policy on peace negotiations and examines whether the U.S. might withdraw from talks. The significance of Ukraine's burgeoning drone industry is also discussed, highlighting its potential for financial gain and military strategy. Additionally, the harsh realities faced by residents during recent airstrikes in Kyiv reveal the profound human cost of war.
11 snips
Apr 22, 2025 • 30min
What happens if the US pulls out of peace talks?
After Vladimir Putin’s limited ‘Easter truce’ ended, we’re joined by the BBC’s Russia editor, Steve Rosenberg, to discuss whether the Kremlin is serious about bilateral negotiations with Ukraine. And we talk to Alexander Vindman - the former US National Security Council official, who was a star witness in Donald Trump’s first impeachment inquiry. He has a lot to say about US policy on Ukraine and what the future could look like if Washington pulls out of peace talks. Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko.
The producers were Laurie Kalus and Ben Carter. The technical producer was Jonny Hall. The editor is Max Deveson. 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 our Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord
8 snips
Apr 17, 2025 • 28min
Life as a BBC bureau chief in Moscow and Kyiv
Kate Peters, a seasoned BBC News producer with over 30 years of experience, shares her insights on working in Moscow and Kyiv during tumultuous times. She reflects on her journey through pivotal moments in Russian history, including the Perestroika and the rise of Putin. The conversation dives deep into the challenges of journalism in conflict zones, particularly during Ukraine's crisis. Peters also highlights the unique resilience of the Ukrainian people while recounting a heartwarming Christmas story that showcases the spirit of camaraderie among soldiers.
Apr 15, 2025 • 31min
Viktoria's Story: Three years on
Viktoria Kovalenko, a brave Ukrainian woman who lost her husband and elder daughter during the war, shares her poignant journey of rebuilding her life in the UK with her younger daughter. She reflects on adapting to life in Milton Keynes, the feelings of loneliness, and her family's memories. Frank Gardner, BBC's security correspondent, discusses the international response to the recent missile strikes in Ukraine and the complex dynamics of Ukraine-U.S. relations, particularly regarding military support and political negotiations.
Apr 11, 2025 • 26min
Your Questions Answered: Witkoff meets Putin, Chinese soldiers and Russia’s economy
Olga Robinson from BBC Verify joins to dissect crucial updates in the Ukraine conflict. She discusses the current state of battlefield dynamics and the hesitancy around a ceasefire, emphasizing Russia's desire for a stable peace. The conversation also dives into the complexities of foreign involvement, including reports of Chinese soldiers aiding Russia. Historical peace lessons from Bosnia are revisited, while the resilience of Ukrainian culture, including literature and humor during wartime, highlights the strength of the nation's spirit.
10 snips
Apr 8, 2025 • 24min
Are Chinese soldiers fighting for Putin’s Russia?
Nick Carter, the former chief of the UK's defence staff, shares his insights on the arrest of two Chinese citizens fighting for Russia in Ukraine. He explores the implications for global relations and questions if the world order has forever shifted. The discussion highlights NATO's evolving role and emphasizes the need for a robust defensive strategy amidst ongoing aggression. Carter also touches on the potential for compulsory military service in the UK and the impact of President Trump’s tariffs on Ukrainian support.
Apr 4, 2025 • 32min
Your Questions Answered: Putin's endgame, Ukrainian elections and North Koreans
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.
6 snips
Apr 1, 2025 • 29min
Is Trump losing patience with Putin?
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.
