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.You can fill out our audience questionnaire here: bit.ly/ukrainecastfeedbackGET 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
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
Jul 8, 2025 • 21min
Surviving Russia’s record drone attacks
Amid record drone attacks on Kyiv, residents share harrowing experiences of survival and loss. Dasha spent a night in the metro sheltering from chaos, while Oleksiy's business burned in the background. The podcast also delves into the mysterious death of former Russian transport minister Roman Starovoit, sparking online speculation. As families navigate this turmoil, the emotional toll becomes evident, showcasing both the resilience and fear faced by civilians in these uncertain times.
21 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 25min
Q&A: Suspended US weapons, Macron-Putin call and Russian opposition
In this insightful discussion, Olga Robinson, a journalist with BBC Verify, and James Landale, a diplomatic correspondent, dive into the ramifications of the U.S. halting weapon deliveries to Ukraine. They explore life in Russian-occupied territories and the sentiments of Ukrainians toward the Russian opposition. The guests also analyze Macron’s recent call with Putin, reflecting on shifting European diplomacy, and weigh in on the complexities of public sentiment in authoritarian regimes like Belarus and Russia. It's a compelling look at critical geopolitical dynamics.
Jul 1, 2025 • 27min
The Ukrainian reporter who captivated Trump
Myroslava Petsa, a BBC Ukrainian reporter, shares her emotional experience after President Trump engaged with her during a NATO summit about the war in Ukraine. Juggling her journalistic duties while her husband fights on the frontlines adds depth to her insights. Matthew Savill from the Royal United Services Institute discusses Russia's escalating drone attacks and Ukraine's urgent need for advanced defense systems like Patriot missiles, emphasizing the stakes in the ongoing conflict and the challenges of maintaining military support.
8 snips
Jun 26, 2025 • 25min
Q&A: Trump's moral compass, the Nato summit and war crimes
In this discussion, Olga Robinson from BBC Verify and James Waterhouse, the BBC's Ukraine correspondent, dive into the critical outcomes of the recent NATO summit in The Hague, highlighting defense spending commitments and their implications for Ukraine. They explore the shifting landscape of U.S. foreign policy, particularly its pragmatic turn in military support. The duo also tackles the challenges of prosecuting war crimes and the intricate process of documenting atrocities amidst ongoing conflict, shedding light on Ukraine's fight for justice.
Jun 24, 2025 • 33min
Is Ukraine on Trump's Nato agenda?
Joining the discussion is Julianne Smith, former US Permanent Representative to NATO, who provides an insider's perspective on the critical dynamics at the NATO summit. The conversation revolves around President Trump's influence on defense spending and whether his focus will extend to Ukraine amid escalating tensions. Listeners from Finland and Sweden share their views on regional security in light of Russian aggression, highlighting their unique experiences with NATO membership and military preparedness in an increasingly volatile landscape.
4 snips
Jun 19, 2025 • 23min
Q&A: Middle East escalation, Russia’s threat to Nato and fibre optic drones
Matthew Savill, Director of Military Sciences at the Royal United Services Institute, offers keen insights into the escalating tensions in the Middle East and their implications for Russia and NATO. He analyzes how increased oil prices might benefit Russia as it navigates the geopolitical landscape. The conversation also covers Ukraine's efforts to disrupt Russia's drone supply and the effectiveness of its countermeasures against fibre optic drones, shedding light on critical military strategies in these ongoing conflicts.
Jun 17, 2025 • 24min
What does the Iran-Israel conflict mean for Ukraine?
The deepening conflict between Iran and Israel could shift global focus and resources, affecting the war in Ukraine. Rising oil prices may benefit Russia, raising questions about its role as a mediator. A personal account from a new Ukrainian soldier reveals the emotional complexities of military life amidst conflict. Listeners share insights on the implications of drone supplies after the tensions escalate. The hosts express gratitude for community support, highlighting the podcast's role in illuminating these critical issues.
Jun 12, 2025 • 25min
Q&A: Russian POWs, counting casualties and DIY bomb shelters
In this engaging discussion, Olga Ivshina from BBC Russian, an expert in battlefield casualties, joins the conversation. She reveals the reality of Russian POWs in Ukrainian custody, shedding light on contrasting media portrayals. The episode dives into the contentious debate over casualty figures, scrutinizing both Ukraine's claims and Russia's narrative. Additionally, the panel explores innovative civilian safety solutions, drawing parallels with WWII bomb shelters, all while assessing the ongoing emotional toll of war on families.
Jun 10, 2025 • 25min
Prisoner swaps: Anastasia's story
A touching reunion highlights the emotional toll of recent prisoner exchanges in Ukraine. Anastasia shares her ordeal of waiting for her husband’s release after years in captivity. The podcast dives into the complexities behind these swaps amid ongoing conflict. It also sheds light on the struggles soldiers face returning home, dealing with both physical and psychological scars. Through heartfelt stories, it emphasizes the resilience of families caught in war and the glimmers of hope that emerge from their traumatic experiences.
7 snips
Jun 5, 2025 • 23min
Q&A: Laser weapons, Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’ and Poland’s new president
Paul Adams, BBC diplomatic correspondent, brings insights on the Ukraine-Russia conflict. He discusses Ukraine's drone tactics, particularly the implications of Spider Web attacks. The conversation delves into the potential of confiscating Russia's 'shadow fleet' to limit oil revenues. Adams also explores the advancements in high-precision laser weapons and their role in modern warfare, highlighting the UK's Dragonfire prototype. Finally, he analyzes the impact of Poland's newly elected conservative president on regional relations and Ukraine’s position in Europe.
