
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

4 snips
Nov 20, 2024 • 21min
How serious are Putin's nuclear threats?
Shashank Joshi, Defence Editor at The Economist, dives into the serious implications of Russia's evolving nuclear doctrine. He discusses the strategic value of ATACMS for Ukraine and the controversial use of anti-personnel landmines. The conversation delves into the risks of escalation, how Western military support could shift the dynamics, and the likelihood of nuclear deployment amidst rising tensions. Joshi provides expert insights on the geopolitical landscape and the complexities of military technology in the ongoing conflict.

Nov 19, 2024 • 32min
1000 Days of War
Three Ukrainians share their transformative experiences of living through 1000 days of conflict. They discuss the emotional scars left by war and the resilience found in community and education. A poignant mother's reflection on raising a child amidst chaos highlights both challenges and joys of motherhood during such difficult times. Personal stories from those living under occupation illustrate bravery and resistance, while the ongoing struggle for peace underscores the urgent need for meaningful solutions.

Nov 17, 2024 • 9min
Biden allows Ukraine to strike Russia with American long-range missiles
The U.S. has given Ukraine the go-ahead to use long-range missiles against Russia, marking a significant shift in military strategy. Analysts explore what this move means for the ongoing conflict and its timing amidst recent global tensions. As North Korea flexes its military muscle and Russia increases its strikes, the geopolitical implications are profound. However, experts caution that while this authorization is crucial, it may not dramatically change the war's trajectory, especially with well-protected Russian strongholds remaining.

Nov 13, 2024 • 45min
Jens Stoltenberg on... Trump, Putin and nuclear war
Jens Stoltenberg, former NATO Secretary General, shares his unique insights on global security dynamics. He discusses the potential for Donald Trump to reshape NATO and the implications of his leadership. The conversation delves into the threats of nuclear war amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of U.S. military support for NATO. Stoltenberg underscores the delicate balance of providing aid while avoiding escalation with Russia, revealing the intricate relationships that define international defense strategies.

Nov 12, 2024 • 44sec
Coming up on Ukrainecast
A special guest will join for an engaging discussion as the team marks nearly 1,000 days since the full-scale invasion. Listeners are invited to contribute their thoughts and questions, making this a dynamic and interactive experience. Tune in for insights that connect personal stories to broader themes.

6 snips
Nov 8, 2024 • 23min
Mike Pompeo revisited: How could Trump end the war in 24 hours?
Mike Pompeo, former CIA director and Secretary of State, shares fascinating insights into U.S. foreign policy and the Ukraine conflict. He discusses Trump's potential strategies for peace, emphasizing NATO's role and the complexities of global leadership with figures like Putin and Xi. Pompeo also reflects on the Republican debate regarding Ukraine funding versus domestic priorities. Additionally, he considers the implications of his past diplomatic decisions and critiques mainstream media's portrayal of these critical issues.

Nov 6, 2024 • 25min
Trump 2.0: What does it mean for Ukraine?
James Waterhouse, BBC Ukraine correspondent reporting from Kyiv, unveils the implications of Donald Trump's return to the White House for Ukraine amidst ongoing war. He discusses Trump's audacious claim to end the conflict in just 24 hours and the uncertainty surrounding U.S. military aid. Waterhouse highlights the anxiety among Ukrainians regarding political dynamics and alliances, as well as the complex issue of negotiating neutrality while preserving sovereignty. The podcast paints a vivid picture of hope and apprehension amid a turbulent geopolitical landscape.

Nov 5, 2024 • 31min
Bob Woodward on... Trump, Harris and the future of democracy
Bob Woodward, veteran Watergate journalist and author of ‘War’, shares his insights into the Biden administration's strategies during the Ukraine conflict. He discusses the stark political divide in America regarding foreign aid and its implications for democracy. Woodward also reflects on the recent Biden-Putin summit and its consequences for Ukraine. The podcast features poignant stories from Kyiv, highlighting the resilience of Ukrainians facing a harsh winter while grappling with ongoing conflict.

Oct 29, 2024 • 23min
Dodging the draft: Ukraine’s struggle for soldiers
Two men's stories of avoiding the draft.To satisfy a growing need for soldiers, authorities in Ukraine appear to be taking ever more drastic measures, including forcibly pulling men off the street to check their credentials. But many men in Ukraine feel the war is not for them, and decide to flee overseas rather than to stay and fight. We speak to Artem and Oleh, two young men who avoided the draft, and ask them why they left and whether they regret their decision.Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko.
The producers were Arsenii Sokolov, Anastasiia Levchenko and Clare Williamson. The technical producer was Hannah Montgomery The series producer is Tim Walklate. The senior news editor is Sara Wadeson.
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

Oct 22, 2024 • 36min
North Koreans in Russia: How dangerous is the world right now?
Is peace with Russia possible? Could any North Korean involvement in the war mean escalation? And has the world ever been more dangerous in recent times?In his first BBC interview since standing down as chief of the general staff, General Sir Patrick Sanders joins us to discuss why he thinks the world order is under threat and why Ukraine must prevail.Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko.
The producers were Arsenii Sokolov and Diane Richardson. The technical producer was Hannah Montgomery. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The senior news editor is Sara Wadeson.
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