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
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
Oct 11, 2024 • 19min
Is the West out of touch with the reality of the war?
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.
Oct 8, 2024 • 26min
How can peace be achieved in Ukraine?
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.
Oct 4, 2024 • 24min
Putin's war economy: Are Russians feeling the pinch?
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.
Oct 1, 2024 • 29min
US elections: no good choices for Ukraine
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.
Sep 27, 2024 • 24min
Is Trump toughening his stance on Ukraine?
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.
Sep 24, 2024 • 27min
Can President Zelensky sell his ‘victory plan’ to the Americans?
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.
Sep 20, 2024 • 27min
Is Ukraine facing a mental health crisis?
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.
Sep 17, 2024 • 27min
Inside the biggest prisoner exchange since the Cold War
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.
Sep 13, 2024 • 29min
Could the West cross Putin's new red line?
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.
Sep 10, 2024 • 28min
What could Trump vs Harris mean for a Ukraine peace deal?
Gordon Corera, a BBC security correspondent, joins the discussion on the implications of the upcoming Trump vs Harris debate for Ukraine's peace prospects. They analyze the strategic importance of Pokrovsk in the ongoing conflict and the dynamics of guerrilla warfare in occupied areas. The conversation also touches on the internal divisions within the Republican Party regarding military support for Ukraine and the military advancements in the UK, highlighting how these factors could influence the future of the conflict.
