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

Episodes

Mentioned books

Mar 28, 2025 • 27min

Your Questions Answered: Trump's next move, Black Sea ceasefire and the Arctic

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.

Mar 25, 2025 • 24min

Russia and Ukraine agree Black Sea Ceasefire

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.

Mar 21, 2025 • 25min

Your Questions Answered: Zelensky's popularity, the UN and how Trump called Putin

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.

Mar 18, 2025 • 21min

Trump calls Putin

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

Mar 14, 2025 • 21min

Your Questions Answered: Putin, Witkoff and ceasefire plans

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.

Mar 13, 2025 • 14min

Putin responds to Trump’s ceasefire plan

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

Mar 11, 2025 • 17min

Ukraine backs ceasefire plan, but will Russia?

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.

Mar 10, 2025 • 22min

Could Ukraine lose ground in Kursk?

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

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

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