Ukrainecast

What do digital trails tell us about the conflict? How did TikTok videos help identify Russian troop movements ahead of the full-scale invasion? And what’s it like to draw the ire of the Kremlin?The Bellingcat founder Eliot Higgins also tells Victoria and Vitaly whether he’s a CIA spy and where the name of his organisation came from.And, are North Korean troops being sent to Russia’s frontline? We have more…Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Arsenii Sokolov and Di Richardson. The technical producer was Ricardo McCarthy. 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

Sarah Rainsford is a BBC correspondent based in Kyiv, reporting firsthand on the war in Ukraine, while Sergey Radchenko is a renowned Cold War historian offering deep geopolitical insights. They discuss President Zelensky’s diplomatic moves across Europe and the importance of sustained support amidst the conflict. The duo questions whether the West truly grasps the reality of the war and examines how upcoming elections might influence public and military backing for Ukraine, highlighting the complexities of sentiment and strategies across nations.

Oliver McTernan, co-founder of Forward Thinking, and Sir Laurie Bristow, former UK ambassador, delve into the complexities of peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. They discuss the skepticism surrounding talks and the idea of a 'frozen conflict.' The influence of the upcoming US presidential election on negotiations is a key focus, along with insights into historical contexts and the challenges of ongoing hostilities. Their expertise sheds light on the importance of dialogue and the delicate balance required for Ukraine's sovereignty.

Joining the discussion are Stephanie Baker, a senior Bloomberg writer and author of "Punishing Putin," and Alexander Gabuev, director at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Centre. They dive into Russia's dramatic 25% increase in defense spending amidst mounting economic challenges. Is the war economy sustainable? Despite Western sanctions, Russia shows surprising resilience, bolstered by oil revenues. The guests explore socio-economic divides in Russia, with labor shortages and shifting demographics raising questions about the long-term viability of this military-driven model.

Former ambassador John Bolton shares his sharp insights on the political landscape impacting Ukraine. He discusses President Zelensky's recent visit to the U.S. and the implications of an $8 billion military aid package. Bolton raises concerns about the uncertain future of U.S. support for Ukraine, especially amidst election dynamics and public war fatigue. He expresses skepticism about both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump's ability to provide essential aid, highlighting the precarious nature of Ukraine's geopolitical position.

Anthony Zurcher, a co-presenter of Americast, joins two Ukrainians from Kyiv to discuss the evolving dynamics of U.S. support for Ukraine as Donald Trump meets with President Zelensky. They delve into the contentious relationship between Trump and Zelensky, highlighting changing sentiments among Republicans regarding military aid. The guests express concerns about U.S. electoral politics and their implications for Ukraine's future, emphasizing the critical need for continued American support amidst ongoing Russian aggression.

Matthew Savill, a defense expert, and Angela Stent, a renowned Russia specialist, discuss President Zelensky’s diplomatic mission to the U.S. They analyze the complexities of his 'victory plan' aimed at securing U.S. support. The conversation highlights the geopolitical impact of the upcoming elections and the varying levels of backing from American lawmakers. They also explore the challenges of military and economic aid necessary for Ukraine’s resilience and the implications of bold military strategies on the battlefield.

Olha Mamusheva, a dedicated volunteer paramedic on the frontline, shares her experiences confronting mental health crises directly in the war-torn landscape of Ukraine. Alongside her, journalist Olena Kuk discusses the creation of ‘Svidok,’ an online war journal aimed at providing an anonymous platform for individuals to express their feelings. They highlight that over half of Ukrainians are facing mental health issues due to the conflict, emphasizing resilience through community support, creativity, and the power of shared stories in navigating trauma.

Sasha Skochilenko, a courageous activist who spent over two years in a Russian prison, shares her gripping journey of survival during a historic prisoner exchange. She discusses the subversive power of supermarket protests and reveals how she coped with harsh prison conditions. Listeners are captivated as she recounts the surprising luxury of business class for Western prisoners on their way home and reflects on the emotional complexities faced by those left behind. A special surprise guest adds an extra layer of depth to this remarkable narrative.

General David Petraeus, a former CIA head, believes Putin is bluffing about red lines concerning Ukraine's weapon use. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer discusses potential agreements with President Biden to lift restrictions on Ukraine's missile capabilities. James Waterhouse provides insights on the situation in Kyiv as these diplomatic discussions unfold. The talk highlights the importance of Ukraine's resistance and the evolving military strategies amid rising geopolitical tensions.