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
16 snips
Oct 16, 2025 • 27min
Q&A: Tomahawk missiles, the drone race, and Ukrainian Halloween
Olga Robinson, a BBC Verify journalist focused on the front lines of Ukraine, and Mikey Kaye, a former British military helicopter pilot and security expert, dive into pressing military topics. They discuss the potential game-changing impact of Tomahawk missiles for Ukraine and assess the ongoing effectiveness of drone warfare. Additionally, they explore the current state of Ukrainian counter-offensives, the challenges posed by autumn weather, and the unique ways Ukrainians are preparing for winter and Halloween amid conflict.
13 snips
Oct 14, 2025 • 32min
After Gaza, is Trump turning his attention to Ukraine?
Jane Corbin, a seasoned BBC Panorama filmmaker known for her investigative prowess in conflict zones, discusses potential shifts in diplomatic strategies following Trump's Middle East engagement. She explores the dynamics of peace negotiations, comparing them to past processes. Richard Pendry, a journalist embedded in Ukrainian recruitment efforts, reveals transformative wartime roles, including the harrowing work of draft enforcers and death notification officers. Both delve into the emotional toll these jobs entail, illustrating the profound impact of the war on Ukrainian society.
Oct 9, 2025 • 31min
Q&A: Proxy wars, drone walls, and Russian supply lines
James Waterhouse, a BBC Ukraine correspondent, shares his insights on military logistics and the potential repercussions of Tomahawk missile deliveries to Ukraine. Olga Robinson, a BBC Verify journalist, delves into the complexities of drone sightings and misinformation. The discussion also explores Russia's active global proxy wars, the concept of a drone wall for Europe, and the impact of logistics on Russia's war efforts. The panel dissects the strategies for gaining Hungary's support and the risks of foreign troops in Ukraine.
9 snips
Oct 7, 2025 • 20min
Is Russia using my childhood home as a military base?
Olga Robinson, a journalist and analyst, joins to discuss the increased Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil refineries. The conversation reveals a significant surge in attacks impacting over 20 refineries, leading to fuel shortages and regional disparities in Russia. Vitaly shares his emotional journey as he discovers his childhood home is likely being used as a military base, thanks to satellite imagery and confirmation from Ukrainian officials. The podcast also touches on how these strikes are affecting oil exports and the broader geopolitical landscape.
20 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 30min
Q&A: Russia's veto power, Nato's Article 5, and Putin's succession plan
Laura Gozzi, a senior digital journalist at the BBC's Europe desk, dives into pressing issues surrounding Russia and Ukraine. She discusses the implications of Russia's veto power at the UN and the dynamics of NATO’s Article 5 in relation to Belarus. Gozzi also explores the potential consequences of Vladimir Putin's succession, contemplating various political scenarios. Additionally, the conversation touches on US aid mechanisms and China's cautious involvement in the conflict, shedding light on the complex landscape of diplomacy and defense.
Sep 30, 2025 • 33min
The surgeons treating frontline soldiers: “Every day is a mass casualty incident”
Dr. Danylo Turkevich, a Ukrainian plastic and reconstructive surgeon, shares insights on treating war injuries at the Superhumans Centre, discussing critical issues like evacuation delays and innovative surgical techniques to save lives. He reveals the emotional toll of constant mass-casualty incidents and memorable patient stories. Meanwhile, Sarah Rainsford, BBC correspondent, analyzes Moldova's pro-EU election and the troubling specter of Russian interference, highlighting the region's delicate security dynamics.
17 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 26min
Q&A: Trump’s UN turnaround, Zelensky’s weapons warning, and Putin assassination plots
Joined by Paul Kirby, BBC Europe's Digital Editor, the discussion dives into Trump’s surprising shift in tone regarding Ukraine at the UN. Kirby assesses the implications of this rhetorical change on U.S. policy. The conversation explores Zelensky's appeal for military aid, the Kremlin's measured response, and debates about NATO's strategic decisions amidst ongoing tensions. They even touch on potential assassination plots against Putin, revealing the complex dynamics at play amidst the conflict.
14 snips
Sep 23, 2025 • 21min
Is Nato ready to shoot down Russian jets?
Jan Lipavský, Czech Republic's Foreign Minister, joins Victoria and Vitaly to discuss NATO's readiness against Russian airspace incursions. He emphasizes the need for national decision-making on shooting down jets and assures confidence in NATO's protection for Czechia. The conversation dives into Putin's motives for testing NATO and the importance of solidarity among allies. Jan also touches on the impact of US policies, energy independence, and domestic political risks for Czech foreign policy. A fascinating blend of geopolitics and national security!
11 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 29min
Q&A: Trump & King Charles, Russian oil and a lesson on drones
James Landale, BBC diplomatic correspondent, offers insights from Windsor during Trump's high-profile UK visit. He discusses how this event tests the effectiveness of soft power diplomacy. The conversation also digs into the complexities of U.S. sanctions on Russia, the ongoing reliance on Russian oil, and the potential impact on European energy policies. Additionally, they touch on vital issues like drone threats and the implications for Belarus. Landale's perspective sheds light on the fine balance of international relations in these tumultuous times.
Sep 16, 2025 • 37min
Why is Trump making deals with Belarus?
Russia and Belarus have been staging joint military drills in an apparent message of strength to the West, but the relationship between US President Donald Trump and authoritarian leader Alexander Lukashenko seems to be warming.Dozens of political prisoners have been freed from Belarusian prisons as part of a deal between the two countries, and some sanctions on Belarus have been eased. President Trump even sent Mr Lukashenko some cufflinks as a birthday gift.The BBC’s Russia editor Steve Rosenberg joins us to describe witnessing the drills close up, and give his take on the apparent thawing of relations.Plus, we speak to Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who’s currently in exile in Lithuania.Today’s episode is presented by Lucy Hockings and Vitaly Shevchenko.
The producers were Laurie Kalus and Julia Webster. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The social producer was Grace Braddock. The series producer is Chris Flynn. 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
