
Ukrainecast
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
Latest episodes

Mar 7, 2025 • 32min
Your Questions Answered: Trump, Europe and Peace
The Ukrainecast team join the Global News Podcast to answer listener questions.We discuss Donald Trump’s latest threat, the prospects of peace in Ukraine, and that minerals deal.Today’s episode is presented by Lyse Doucet, James Waterhouse, Vitaly Shevchenko and Jackie Leonard.The producers were Ben Carter and Ryan Johnston. 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

Mar 4, 2025 • 24min
Can Ukraine survive without US military aid?
President Zelensky says Ukraine is "ready to work under President Trump's strong leadership" to negotiate a peace deal and is ready to sign a minerals deal.His comments come after the US decision to pause military aid. We get reaction from Ukrainian MP Oleksandra Ustinova and ‘Neo’, a soldier currently fighting in Donetsk region.And we speak to Mark Galeotti, Director and CEO of the consultancy firm, Mayak Intelligence.Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko.It was recorded on Tuesday afternoon at 3:30pm UK time.
The producers were Ryan Johnston and Ben Carter. The technical producer was Ben Andrews. 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

Mar 3, 2025 • 21min
Is a truce between Ukraine and Russia possible?
President Macron has proposed a one-month truce between Russia and Ukraine "in the air, at sea and on energy infrastructure."These comments follow a meeting over the weekend in which European leaders tried to deal with the fallout from President Zelensky’s disastrous trip to Washington on Friday. Presenters Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko are joined by Matthew Savill, Director of Military Sciences at RUSI to discuss whether there is a road towards a peace deal.
The producers were Ryan Johnston and Ben Carter. The technical producer was Louis Griffin. 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

7 snips
Feb 28, 2025 • 30min
Trump and Zelensky clash in the Oval Office
In a dramatic showdown in the Oval Office, President Trump and President Zelensky clashed, shocking reporters with their heated exchanges. Tensions escalated as both leaders tackled the weighty issues surrounding the Ukraine conflict, revealing their contrasting diplomatic styles. The fallout prompted discussions on the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations and the urgent need for European unity. The podcast also delves into the complexities of navigating diplomatic turbulence and the public implications of their differing perspectives on national security.

Feb 27, 2025 • 30min
Starmer meets Trump in Washington
US President Donald Trump, known for his controversial approaches and signature style, discusses his recent meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. They delve into the war in Ukraine, analyzing its ongoing implications after 1,100 days of conflict. Trump shares his views on Ukrainian President Zelensky, while Starmer defends his legitimacy. The conversation also touches on the nuanced dynamics of US-UK relations and the intersection of diplomacy with business interests, highlighting the complexities of global politics today.

8 snips
Feb 25, 2025 • 24min
Starmer boosts defence spending: Will it impress Trump and help Ukraine?
Shashank Joshi, Defence Editor at The Economist, delves into UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's significant defense spending increase, the highest since the Cold War. He analyzes its potential to impress Trump before Starmer’s Washington visit and explore its implications for Ukraine. Joshi discusses European troop deployments, the strategic shifts in NATO commitments, and the contentious political dynamics involving Ukraine's resources and U.S. aid, highlighting the complex interplay of military spending and international relations.

8 snips
Feb 24, 2025 • 29min
Three Years On: Decision makers reflect
Joining the discussion is Julianne Smith, the former US Permanent Representative to NATO, who shares her insights on the ongoing war in Ukraine. She reflects on the chaotic early days of the invasion and the urgent reactions from Western leaders. The conversation highlights Ukraine's remarkable resilience, particularly after pivotal events that tested NATO’s response. Smith also delves into the contrasting financial aid strategies from the US and Europe, as well as the complexities surrounding military support and important negotiations for a critical minerals deal.

9 snips
Feb 23, 2025 • 27min
Three Years On: Is peace possible?
As the conflict reaches its third anniversary, Ukrainians reflect on their altered lives and the deep emotional toll of war. Powerful personal narratives reveal resilience amid chaos, showcasing the scars left by the invasion. From the initial fear of conflict to the complexities of seeking peace, speakers share transformative experiences and practical emergency preparedness tips. The discussion also touches on solidarity among Ukrainians and explores the broader geopolitical implications, emphasizing hope for the future despite ongoing challenges.

20 snips
Feb 21, 2025 • 28min
Your Questions Answered: Trump, Putin and minerals
Listeners have their burning questions answered about the geopolitical landscape of the Ukraine war. The hosts dive into the military dynamics between Ukraine, Russia, and NATO, emphasizing the importance of U.S. support. They discuss Europe's defense funding challenges and the implications of China's growing influence. As Ukraine navigates its complex dilemmas regarding military support and diplomacy, the need for clear communication in international relations becomes crucial. Key insights into the historical context of security treaties and defense spending disparities are also highlighted.

Feb 21, 2025 • 32min
The Ukraine War: How Far Away Is A Peace Deal?
Adam Fleming, a prominent newscaster, dives into the shifting dynamics of the Ukraine war, highlighting recent US-Russia talks that surprisingly exclude Ukraine. He discusses the implications of this diplomatic turn and the emergency responses from European nations. Fleming raises crucial concerns about the fraught relationship between the US and Ukraine, especially amidst political tensions. He also examines how outdated political rhetoric shapes public sentiment and impacts future peace prospects, revealing the complexities of global perceptions around this conflict.