Ukrainecast

Your questions answered on ATACMS, land mines and the risk of escalation

Jamie and Vitaly are joined by the defence editor of the Economist, Shashank Joshi, to examine how useful ATACMS can be for Ukraine, what exactly are anti-personnel land-mines and whether we should take Russia's change to its nuclear doctrine seriously.

Today’s episode is presented by Jamie Coomarasamy and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producer was Ben Carter. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

Three Ukrainians on how their lives have changed and their hopes for peace.

Victoria, James and Vitaly are in the studio to reflect on 1000 days of the conflict. They’re joined by student Vitalii, teacher Olga and young mum Iryna - three friends of the podcast whose stories we’ve followed over the last few years. They also answer listener questions. Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire, James Waterhouse and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Clare Williamson, Bella Saltiel, Arsenii Sokolov and Ben Carter. 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 1239480 You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

US President Joe Biden has given the green light for Ukraine to use long-range missiles supplied by US to strike Russia.

But what could the deployment of these missiles mean for Ukraine? And why has President Biden done this now?

Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producer was Ben Carter. The technical producer was Stephen Bailey. 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

Will Donald Trump pull out of Nato? What should we make of his recent appointments? How worried should we be about the threat of nuclear war?

Jens Stoltenberg, who stood down as Nato secretary general last month is in the studio and answers all these questions… and more.

Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Arsenii Sokolov and Ben Carter. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

Audio credit: The Shawn Ryan show

We'll have a special episode with you tomorrow (Wednesday)... Stay tuned!

Hear Donald Trump’s former secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, in conversation with Ukrainecast back in May. He discusses what his old boss really thinks about Ukraine, and what another Trump presidency could mean for the war.

He also talks about whether he’d take another top job in the White House - something which, in recent days, he’s been widely tipped to get.

Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko.

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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

Donald Trump has won the US election and will make a historic return to the White House. He’s said he’d end the war in 24 hours but…..can he?

We hear from Ukraine correspondent James Waterhouse in Kyiv, Russia editor Steve Rosenberg in Sochi and Victoria in Washington DC. They discuss what Trump’s re-election actually mean for Ukraine.

Today’s episode is presented by Lucy Hockings and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Arsenii Sokolov and Ben Carter. The technical producer was Hannah Montgomery. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The senior news editor is Sarah 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

America goes to the polls – but what could that mean for the future of US politics… and Ukraine?

The veteran Watergate journalist, Bob Woodward, joins us to talk about his latest book, ‘War’. He’s spent the last couple of years talking to people inside the Biden administration and shares his insights on what he learned about how they planned for and dealt with the aftermath of the full-scale invasion.

Victoria is in Washington to assess what the mood is like on election day.

And we hear from Sandra in Kyiv who’s recorded an audio diary detailing what life is like in Ukraine right now, as winter takes hold.

Today’s episode is presented by Lucy Hockings and Vitaly Shevchenko.

The producers were Arsenii Sokolov and Ben Carter. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

As President Zelensky conducts a whistle stop tour of Europe…. we answer your questions on whether the West is out of touch with the reality of the war and what impact elections in the US and Europe could have on support for Ukraine’s war effort.

Victoria is joined by our correspondent in Kyiv Sarah Rainsford and Cold War historian Sergey Radchenko.

Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire. The producers were Arsenii Sokolov, Cordelia Hemming and Nick Sturdee. The technical producer was Jack Graysmark. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The senior news editor is Sarah 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

How could peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine pan out and are they even a possibility right now?

Conflict negotiator Oliver McTernan and former UK ambassador to Russia Sir Laurie Bristow discuss the likelihood of both countries coming to the table and what role the US presidential election could play.

Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and James Waterhouse. The producers were Arsenii Sokolov, Cordelia Hemming and Ivana Davidovic. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The assistant editor is Ben Mundy. 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

Russia has revealed it will boost its defence spending by a quarter to $145 billion in 2025. But is Putin’s war economy sustainable? What does all this mean for life in the country? And how could it impact the war?

The BBC’s Steve Rosenberg joins us from a Moscow supermarket, Russian citizen ‘Gleb’ explains why there are dozens of types of cola in shops, and Bloomberg’s Stephanie Baker joins Carnegie’s Alexander Gabuev to discuss whether Russians are feeling the pinch.

Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Arsenii Sokolov, Cordelia Hemming and Ivana Davidovic. The technical producer was Ben Andrews. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The senior news editor is Sarah 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

Ambassador John Bolton, who served as National Security Adviser under President Donald Trump, tells Ukrainecast that another Trump presidency would leave Ukraine in a very difficult position and that if re-elected Trump would cut off US aid. He also warns against the democratic presidential candidate, Kamala Harris, insisting that neither option would be good for Ukraine’s fight against Russia.

And he gives his verdict on Russia’s President Putin who he has met on several occasions - calling him a ‘cold blooded’ individual who has had the same agenda for the last twenty-five years.

Today’s episode is presented by Jamie Coomarasamy and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Clare Williamson, Arsenii Sokolov, Cordelia Hemming and Ivana Davidovic. The technical producer was Dafydd Evans. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The senior news editor is Richard Fenton-Smith. 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 1239480

Donald Trump has held a last-minute meeting with President Zelensky despite repeated criticism of the Ukrainian leader on the campaign trail, and a row which erupted with with the Republican party.

So is the former president hardening his stance on Ukraine? And how do Ukrainians feel about the forthcoming US election?

Victoria and Vitaly are joined by Americast co-presenter Anthony Zurcher and two Ukrainians based in Kyiv.

Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Arsenii Sokolov, Cordelia Hemming and Ivana Davidovic. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The senior news editor is Richard Fenton-Smith. 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

President Zelensky’s in the US for a diplomatic mission to try and sell President Biden his ‘victory plan’. But what’s in it? And can he persuade the Americans to back it?

Two friends of the pod, defence expert Matthew Savill and Russia expert Angela Stent, join Lyse to assess how it might go down with the President, and the two candidates hoping to succeed him, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.

Today’s episode is presented by Lyse Doucet. The producers were Arsenii Sokolov, Cordelia Hemming and Julie Ball. The technical producer was Ben Andrews. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The senior news editor is Richard Fenton-Smith. 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

More than half of Ukrainians say they suffer from some kind of mental health issue as a result of the war. Volunteer paramedic, Olha Mamusheva, joins us to discuss her mental health working on the frontline. And journalist Olena Kuk explains why she helped set up ‘Svidok’ – an online war journal where people can share their feelings anonymously.

Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Arsenii Sokolov, Cordelia Hemming and Julie Ball. The technical producer was Philip Bull. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The senior news editor is Richard Fenton-Smith.

If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode you can visit BBC Action Line on www.bbc.co.uk/actionline 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

Sasha Skochilenko spent over two years behind Russian bars before being part of the biggest prisoner exchange since the Cold War. She explains why supermarkets are effective places for protest, what helped her survive in prison and how western prisoners were put in business class on the flight home following her release.

And a friend of Ukrainecast makes a surprise appearance…

Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Arsenii Sokolov and Cordelia Hemming. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The senior news editor is Richard Fenton-Smith. 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

The former head of the CIA, General David Petraeus, tells Ukrainecast why he thinks President Putin is bluffing after he warned the West against allowing Ukraine to use long-range weapons to target Russia. Lucy is in Washington DC where the UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, is meeting President Biden to discuss Ukraine. There are strong indications that they will agree to lift restrictions on Ukraine using such missiles against targets inside Russia.

And James Waterhouse gives reaction on how the news is unfolding in Kyiv.

Today’s episode is presented by Lucy Hockings. The producers were Arsenii Sokolov, Cordelia Hemming, Charlotte Scarr, Claire Betzer and Ivana Davidovic. The technical producers were Ben Andrews and Frank McWeeny. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The senior news editor is Richard Fenton-Smith. 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

Your questions answered on the US election, Pokrovsk and guerrilla warfare…

With Donald Trump and Kamala Harris facing-off in their only scheduled presidential debate this week, we assess whether the election might accelerate any potential peace deal in Ukraine.

BBC security correspondent Gordon Corera joins Vitaly and Lucy to also discuss how strategically important the capture of Pokrovsk is for both sides and what evidence we have that Ukraine is waging a guerrilla war in the Russian occupied areas.

Today’s episode is presented by Lucy Hockings and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Arsenii Sokolov and Cordelia Hemming. The technical producer was Antonio Fernandes. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The senior news editor is Richard Fenton-Smith. 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

With Russia launching nearly daily attacks against Ukrainian cities in recent weeks, the UK’s former defence secretary, Sir Ben Wallace, is in the Ukrainecast studio to give his take on what the strikes signify. He also reflects on his visit to Moscow which took place just 10 days before the full-scale invasion.

And we hear from residents in Lviv and Kyiv who were hit by the attacks this week.

Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire, James Waterhouse and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Arsenii Sokolov and Cordelia Hemming. The technical producer was Ben Andrews. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The senior news editor is Richard Fenton-Smith. 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

A Russian missile strike has killed dozens of people in the Ukrainian city of Poltava. Hundreds more are reported to have been wounded in what Ukraine's Ministry of Defence has called a "barbaric attack". We have the latest updates and analysis as the story unfolds.

Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Clare Williamson, Cordelia Hemming and Ivana Davidovic. The technical producer was Jack Graysmark. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The senior news editor is Richard Fenton-Smith.

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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

Has Kyiv’s gamble to take Kursk paid off?

Lyse and Vitaly examine whether Russian advances on the key Ukrainian town of Pokrovsk raise questions about the success of the cross-border incursion, as well as answer some of your questions.

And we hear from Ukraine's Paralympic swimmer, Yaroslav Denysenko, who shares how the Russian full-scale invasion has impacted his life and training.

Today’s episode is presented by Lyse Doucet and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Arsenii Sokolov, Diane Richardson and Ivana Davidovic. The technical producer was Ben Andrews. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The senior news editor is Richard Fenton-Smith. 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

Russia has launched another wave of strikes on Ukraine, with at least four people killed, a day after one of its biggest air attacks of the war. We assess whether the strikes are a retaliation for Ukraine’s incursion into the Kursk region which began three weeks ago.

Nicholas Connolly, correspondent for Deutsche Welle, gives us the view from Kyiv, just one of the areas targeted. He also recently visited Sudzha, the Russian border-town in the Kursk region which is held by Ukraine, and explains how Russians are responding to the incursion.

And we speak to Karolina Hird, Russia Deputy Team Lead at the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War, about what Ukraine’s next move might be.

Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Arsenii Sokolov, Cordelia Hemming and Ivana Davidovic. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The senior news editor is Richard Fenton-Smith. 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

Broadcaster and writer Stephen Fry has travelled to Ukraine to see how war is impacting the country’s mental health.

He joins Lyse and Vitaly in the studio to discuss his new documentary ‘Stephen Fry into Ukraine’, in which he speaks to those affected and asks whether there is sufficient government support. He also reflects on his own struggles with mental health and why Ukraine matters to him.

‘Stephen Fry into Ukraine’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FO6ZJL26eM

If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode you can visit BBC Action Line on www.bbc.co.uk/actionline

Today’s episode is presented by Lyse Doucet and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Arsenii Sokolov, Cordelia Hemming, Hatty Nash and Ivana Davidovic. The technical producers were Mike Regaard and Rohan Madison. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The senior news editor is Richard Fenton-Smith. 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

Ukrainian forces entered Russia two weeks ago, but just how vulnerable has their advance left them? We hear from Ostap, a Ukrainian Officer on the frontline in Pokrovsk. And English teacher, Anastasia tells us how the incursion has left Ukrainians feeling in Kharkiv. Plus, BBC Ukraine correspondent, James Waterhouse, is on hand to help us understand what’s been happening on the Ukraine-Russia border. Today’s episode is presented by Jamie Coomarasamy and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Ben Mundy, Arsenii Sokolov, Ivana Davidovic and Diane Richardson. The technical producer was Jack Graysmark. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The senior news editor is Richard Fenton-Smith. 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 1239480 You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

What’s life like in Kursk, following Ukraine’s cross-border offensive?

We hear from Zhenya, a Kursk resident, who gives us a rare glimpse into life in the region since the Ukrainian incursion began.

And the defence expert Matthew Savill from the Royal United Services Institute is in the studio to answer your listener questions. What’s Kursk like? How long can Ukraine feasibly hold it? And is a Russian nuclear response on the cards?

Today’s episode is presented by Lucy Hockings and Vitaly Shevchenko.

The producers were Arsenii Sokolov, Cordelia Hemming, Elliot Ryder and Hatty Nash. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The senior news editor is Richard Fenton-Smith.

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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

How has the shock cross-border offensive gone down in Russia?

We hear from Nikita, whose family and friends live in Kursk, about what they’ve been witnessing and how worried they are.

BBC Russia editor, Steve Rosenberg, tells us how this is going down in the Kremlin and what President Putin might down next

And Olga Robinson from BBC Verify is in the studio to help us understand the picture more clearly. Today’s episode is presented by Jamie Coomarasamy and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Arsenii Sokolov, Cordelia Hemming, Ivana Davidovic and Hatty Nash. The technical producer was Jonny Hall. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The senior news editor is Richard Fenton-Smith. 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

Does Ukraine’s cross-border offensive mark a new chapter in the conflict?

Reports suggest that Ukrainian troops are operating more than 10km inside Russian territory - the deepest cross-border advance by Kyiv since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.

The BBC’s Ukraine Correspondent James Waterhouse discusses what might be the reasons behind this new direction for Ukraine? And how do Ukraine’s Western allies see it?

Plus, Lucy and Vitaly talk to Michael ‘Mickey’ Bergman who helped negotiate the release of many high profile American prisoners and hostages.

Today’s episode is presented by Lucy Hockings and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Arsenii Sokolov, Cordelia Hemming and Ivana Davidovic. The technical producer was Gareth Jones. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The senior news editor is Richard Fenton-Smith. 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

We’re joined by war correspondent, Luke Harding, who has reported extensively from Ukraine and Russia for the Guardian. He was in Ukraine the moment Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, and has since been following developments on the ground. He gives his take on the past, present and future of the war.

We also discuss the long anticipated arrival of the American-made F-16 fighter jets, and assess what difference they will make.

Today’s episode is presented by Lucy Hockings and Vitaly Shevchenko. It was produced by Clare Williamson, with Arsenii Sokolov and Cordelia Hemming. The technical producer was Gareth Jones. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The senior news editor is Richard Fenton-Smith. 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

24 prisoners who have been held in six countries have been released in the largest East-West prisoner swap since the Cold War.

The exchange involved 16 detainees from the West - including Americans Evan Gershkovich, Alsu Kurmasheva and Paul Whelan - and eight who are returning to Russia.

Eastern Europe correspondent Sarah Rainsford has been in regular contact with some of those who have now been swapped, and gives us her reaction and security correspondent Gordon Corera explains what Russia is getting out of this and how it compares to previous exchanges.

And we hear from Evan Gershkovich’s colleague at the Wall Street Journal, Gráinne McCarthy, about what happens next for the journalist who spent 16 months in Russian custody.

Today’s episode is presented by Jamie Coomarasamy and Vitaly Shevchenko. It was made by Clare Williamson, with Arsenii Sokolov, Nick Sturdee and Cordelia Hemming. The technical producer was Jack Graysmark. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The senior news editor is Richard Fenton-Smith. 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

Is support for peace deal growing among Ukrainians?

Between President Zelensky saying Russia should attend a peace summit in November, and a recent poll suggesting that more Ukrainians would now accept some territorial concessions, we assess whether the mood is changing. Dr Patricia Lewis who leads the International Security programme at Chatham House gives her take.

Victoria and Vitaly are also joined by Vitaly Pashchenko, a student in Kyiv and Oleksii Svid, who lives in Kharkiv, who have different opinions about the possibility of peace talks and what that might entail.

Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Arsenii Sokolov, Nick Sturdee and Cordelia Hemming. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is Tim Walklate. 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

While Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was being handed a 16 year jail term last week, another Russian court was sentencing Radio Free Europe editor Alsu Kurmasheva to 6.5 years in prison. From marines to ballerinas and journalists, it’s believed that around thirty US citizens are currently incarcerated in Russian. So are they being arrested and how do the families of those detained manage, often without regular contact with their loved ones? Ukrainecast speaks to Alsu Kurmasheva’s husband Pavel Butorin, professor Angela Stent from Georgetown University and the BBCs Steve Rosenberg.

Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Arsenii Sokolov and Di Richardson. The technical producer was Philip Bull. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The senior news editor is Richard Fenton-Smith. 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

Ukraine’s athletes are preparing to represent their country at the Olympics - we speak to 400m hurdler Victoriya Tkachuk about the difficulties of training in a warzone as her brother fights on the frontline.

Greco-Roman wrestler Zhan Beleniuk won Ukraine’s only gold medal in Tokyo, and will be trying to retain it in Paris. He’s also a Ukrainian MP and told us about his opposition to the limited inclusion of Russian athletes at this year’s games.

And to discuss how the Olympics finds itself stuck in the middle of a global diplomatic row, we’re joined by Simon Chadwick, professor of sport and geopolitical economy at Skema Business School in Paris.

Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko.

The producers were Arsenii Sokolov and Nathan Gower. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The editor is Richard Fenton-Smith. 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

On Friday's episode we spoke to BBC political editor Chris Mason about his exclusive interview with President Zelensky. We thought that you might like to hear the whole of that - so in this episode you can hear the Ukrainian leader's conversation in full... The series producer is Tim Walklate. The senior news editor is Richard Fenton-Smith. 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

At the end of a week in which fears were raised across Ukraine about the future of American and European aid towards the war effort, we ask Poland’s foreign minister, Radoslaw Sikorski, whether the West could be growing tired of supporting Kyiv.

And what’s it like to interview President Zelensky? The BBC's political editor, Chris Mason, joins Ukrainecast to reflect on his chat with the Ukrainian leader.

Today’s episode is presented by Lyse Doucet and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Arsenii Sokolov and Cordelia Hemming. The technical producer was Gareth Jones. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The senior news editor is Richard Fenton-Smith. 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

Last week at the Nato summit, leaders called China a ‘decisive enabler’ of the war in Ukraine - a statement that Beijing denies.

So what is China’s role in this conflict?

We’re joined by historian Rana Mitter and Spectator journalist Cindy Yu to try and make sense of it all.

Today’s episode is presented by James Coomarasamy and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Arsenii Sokolov and Cordelia Hemming. The technical producer was Jack Graysmark. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The senior news editor is Richard Fenton-Smith. 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

As the dust settles on the Nato summit in Washington, we decode the diplomatic agreements and ask how much help it offers Ukraine. Matthew Savill from the London-based defence think-tank RUSI breaks down what the commitments might mean for Ukraine on the battlefield, as well as the geopolitical implications of Joe Biden’s continuing stumbles.

Kyiv has now suffered its worst week this year with 33 killed and 125 injured following the devastating set of strikes across Ukraine, including on a children’s hospital in the capital. We hear one young mother’s search for her daughter, who she feared had been buried under the rubble.

Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko.

The producers were Arsenii Sokolov, Cordelia Hemming, Sanjana Idnani and Nathan Gower. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas.

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 1239480 You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

World leaders are gathering in Washington for the Nato summit and Ukraine is high on the agenda. The military alliance, which is marking its 75th anniversary, will also be closely watching US President Joe Biden whose recent halting debate performance has left many wondering if he’s up for the task.

Kurt Volker, former US Ambassador to Nato, tells us whether he thinks the alliance could survive a Trump presidency.

Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Arsenii Sokolov, Cordelia Hemming and Sanjana Idnani. The technical producer was Jack Graysmark. The series producer is Tim Walklate. 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

Russia has carried out a series of deadly airstrikes across Ukraine, a day before a NATO summit opens in Washington. In the capital Kyiv, a children's hospital was hit.

In this extra episode of Ukrainecast, Victoria and Vitaly discuss how and why the attack happened, as well as its fallout.

Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Arsenii Sokolov, Sanjana Idnani and Cordelia Hemming. The technical producer was Jack Graysmark. The series producer is Tim Walklate. 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

There are number of elections taking place across Europe many have seen a move to the right. At the same time the Hungarian president, Victor Orban, who holds the current presidency of the European Union is in Moscow just a few days after he was in Kyiv. To talk about what this all means for Ukraine we put your questions to the BBC’s France correspondent Andrew Harding and Armida van Rij who heads up the Europe programme at Chatham House.

Today’s episode is presented by Lucy Hockings and Vitaly Shevchenko. It was made by Farhana Haider with Arsenii Sokolov, Bella Saltiel and Clare Williamson. The technical producer was Ricardo McCarthy. 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 1239480 You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

Serhiy Gulko made a difficult choice to finish his medical degree at Moscow State University after Russia attacked his homeland, Ukraine. Two years later, he was arrested for speaking out against the war on social media. Serhiy tells us about his experience in detention and whether ordinary Russians support the war.

And Oleg Kozlovsky, an Amnesty International Russian researcher, tells us about the extreme measures taken to repress protest in the country.

Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko. The episode was produced by Clare Williamson with Arsenii Sokolov, Bella Saltiel and Nick Sturdee. The technical producer was Jack Graysmark. The series producer is Tim Walklate. 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

When Lidiia’s home town in the Donbas region became a battlefield, the 98-year-old walked through the fighting to safety 10km away. Ukrainian police eventually picked her up when they saw her and asked, “Hey granny, where are you off to?”

We also hear from Denys Kazanskyi a Ukrainian journalist and author who comes from the area about attitudes to Russia since the occupation began in 2014.

Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Arsenii Sokolov, Bella Saltiel, Nick Sturdee, Clare Williamson and Sanjana Idnani. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is Tim Walklate. 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

On Wednesday, Evan Gershkovich, the Wall Street Journal reporter arrested in Russia last year goes on trial.

Russian officials have accused the Wall Street Journal reporter of collecting "secret information" from a Russian tank factory for the CIA. An allegation he denies.

The BBC’s Steve Rosenberg is in the city of Yekaterinburg where the trial is taking place.

And we also hear from Evan’s friend Polina Ivanova, and his boss at the Wall Street Journal, Deborah Ball.

Today’s episode is presented by Vitaly Shevchenko. Produced by Clare Williamson with Josh Jenkins, Bella Saltiel and Sanjana Idnani. The technical producer was Rohan Madison. The series producer is Tim Walklate. 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

On the week that Russia and North Korea signed a mutual defence pact, General Sir Richard Shirreff, NATO's former Deputy Commander for Europe, answers your questions about what this could mean for Ukraine and its allies, where we are with F16 jets and Patriot air defences, and how to deal with Russian propaganda.

Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko. It was produced by Clare Williamson with Bella Saltiel and Sanjana Idnani. The technical producer was Antonio Fernandes. The series producer is Tim Walklate. 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

What will Putin’s meeting with North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un mean for Ukraine? Reports suggest that North Korea is supplying weapons to Russia to use in its war in Ukraine. With the two leaders meeting for the second time in under a year, this growing alliance is making some Western leaders uneasy.

Today’s episode is presented by Vitaly Shevchenko and James Waterhouse with BBC Moscow producer Ben Tavener and Seoul correspondent Jean Mackenzie. It was produced by Clare Williamson with Bella Saltiel and Sanjana Idnani. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is Tim Walklate. 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

Ukraine rejects Putin’s ceasefire proposal ahead of Swiss peace talks.

It’s been a busy week for President Zelensky. At the G7 meeting in Italy, world leaders agreed on a $50bn loan to help fund Ukraine’s war effort and a ten year bi-lateral security agreement was signed between the US and Ukraine. All this before President Zelensky heads to Switzerland for a Ukrainian Peace Summit. Meanwhile, President Putin has proposed his own ceasefire plan which Ukraine has rejected.

The BBC’s diplomatic correspondent James Landale and security correspondent Frank Gardner reflect on what has been agreed so far and what progress could be made this weekend.

Today’s episode is presented by Lucy Hockings and Vitaly Shevchenko. It was produced by Clare Williamson with Bella Saltiel and Natasha Mayo. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is Tim Walklate. 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

Missile attacks, anxiety, power cuts and mobilisation: the challenges of childbirth and parenthood for a young couple in Kyiv.

Iryna and Volodymyr chose to have a baby following the full-scale invasion. The stress has meant that Iryna can no longer breast feed, they have lost friends and Volodymyr is about to join the army - but they are facing these challenges with bravery and resilience.

Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire . It was produced by Clare Williamson with Bella Saltiel and Natasha Mayo. The technical producers were Antonio Fernandes and Ben Andrews. The series producer is Tim Walklate. 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

What are the prospects for any progress at next week’s peace summit in Switzerland, especially if Russia is not there? Our Russia editor, Steve Rosenberg and international editor, Jeremy Bowen give us their thoughts and also answer questions on Russia’s economy, whether Russians are worried about Western missiles and how Ukrainian journalists are covering the war.

Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire. Today’s episode was produced by Clare Williamson with Paige Neal-Holder and Bella Saltiel . The technical producer was Gabriel O Regan. The series producer is Tim Walklate and 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

One young soldier’s coming of age tale from the battlefield.

One of our most asked after regular guests, the young soldier Maksym Lutsyk, returns to the podcast. He’s now 21 years old and we find out about his time on the frontline, how he listens in to secret recordings of Russian soldiers and whether he still dreams of having a beer on a beach in Tenerife…

Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Arsenii Sokolov, Bella Saltiel, Natasha Mayo and Clare Williamson. The technical producer was Garreth Jones. The series producer is Tim Walklate. 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

Dr Fiona Hill joins Victoria and Vitaly to answer questions sent in by Ukrainecast listeners. She’s a former US national intelligence officer and a historian who’s written a book about Putin. They tackle topics about how momentum in the war has shifted, who might succeed Putin and what difference it will make letting Ukraine fire Western made weapons into some Russian territories.

Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Arsenii Sokolov, Bella Saltiel and Nick Holland. The technical producer was Frank McWeeny. The series producer is Tim Walklate. 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

Schools in one of Ukraine’s most dangerous cities have taken evasive action to escape frequent Russian missile strikes.

In Kharkiv they’ve opened up temporary classrooms in metro stations to keep children safe from attacks.

In this episode we hear from a teacher and a fifteen-year-old student about what school life is like underground.

Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Nick Holland and Arsenii Sokolov. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is Tim Walklate. 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

A husband and wife’s tale of imprisonment, torture and their campaign to free POWs.

Arsenii Fedosiuk, a lieutenant in Ukraine’s Azov Brigade, was one of the soldiers who fought defending the Azovstal steel works and was imprisoned, tortured and subsequently released by the Russians.

He’s in London with his wife, Yulia, as part of a campaign to put pressure on the Russian authorities to return their Prisoners of War, and came into the Ukrainecast studio.

Today’s episode is presented by Jamie Coomarasamy and Irena Taranyuk. The producers were Arsenii Sokolov and Nick Holland. The technical producer was Ricardo McCarthy. The series producer is Tim Walklate. 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

Could Ukraine host fresh elections? How could the war end? Do we believe Mike Pompeo’s interpretation of how Donald Trump would end the war in 24 hours?

Victoria and Jamie are joined by General Sir Richard Barrons, former commander of the UK's Joint Forces Command, to answer these questions from you… and more.

Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Jamie Coomarasamy. The producers were Arsenii Sokolov and Natasha Mayo. The technical producer was Philip Bull. The series producer is Tim Walklate. 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

Donald Trump’s former secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, tells Ukrainecast what his old boss really thinks about Ukraine, and what another Trump presidency could mean for the war.

He also talks about whether he’d take another top job in the White House.

Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko. It was made by Chris Flynn with Cordelia Hemming Arsenii Sokolov, and Charlie Henry. The technical producer was Dafydd Evans. The series producer is Tim Walklate. 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

Russia has launched a surprise offensive into the Kharkiv region, in one of its most significant ground attacks since the start of the war. So is this the start of the much anticipated summer offensive? We hear from Olesiia, a Kharkiv resident, who fled the city with her children, and says the last few days reminds her of the beginning of the full scale invasion. And friend of the podcast, Mark Galeotti, explains why Vladimir Putin has replaced his defence minister with an economist.

Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Arsenii Sokolov, Charlie Henry, Natasha Mayo and Clare Williamson. The technical producer was Dafydd Evans. The series producer is Tim Walklate. 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

What does the competition mean for Ukrainians?

Lucy is joined by Eurovision reporter Daniel Rosney, who is in the Swedish city of Malmo, which plays host to Eurovision's grand final on Saturday.

Tymofii Muzychuk, who won Eurovision in 2022 with the Kalush Orchestra, tells us what life has been like since their performance and why the song contest matters so much to his country.

And we catch up with Ukraine’s Eurovision TV commentator, Timur Miroshnychenko, who will again be covering the competition from a bunker.

Today’s episode is presented by Lucy Hockings. The producers were Arsenii Sokolov and Cordelia Hemming. The technical producers were Hannah Montgomery and Emma Crowe. The series producer is Tim Walklate. 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

Vladimir Putin has been sworn in as Russia's president for a new six-year term, just days before Russia’s annual Victory Day military parade on 9 May.

But why does this annual event, marking victory over Nazi Germany in 1945, matter so much to Russia now?

We speak to Alexander Goncharov a former Russian military officer, who’s now head of the World War Two veterans organisation in Moscow.

And we discuss Victory Day’s symbolism with Russia editor Steve Rosenberg and Patricia Lewis from Chatham House.

Today’s episode is presented by Jamie Coomarasamy and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Charlie Henry and Arsenii Sokolov. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is Tim Walklate. 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

It’s 800 days since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. We answer your questions on whether Russia has used chemical weapons, could Western troops ever be deployed, what the prospects are for peace, and at what cost?

To help do this Victoria and Vitaly are joined by two friends of the podcast: Samantha de Bendern, and Newsnight’s Mark Urban.

And we hear from inside the town at the epicentre of the fighting in eastern Ukraine, Chasiv Yar. Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Arsenii Sokolov, Cordelia Hemming, Ivana Davidovic, Nick Sturdee and Charlie Henry. The technical producer was Hannah Montgomery. The series producer is Tim Walklate. 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

Ukraine's longest-serving official on death, exile and Vladimir Putin...

Victoria and Vitaly speak to Oleksiy Reva, the mayor of Bakhmut, who has been in his position since 1990.

The town he runs was the focus of one of the bloodiest battles of the war so far, and is now mostly in ruin.

He discusses losing friends and colleagues, what he’d like to say to Vladimir Putin and his hopes to one day return to Bakhmut.

Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Arsenii Sokolov, Cordelia Hemming and Elliot Ryder. The technical producer was Philip Bull. The series producer is Tim Walklate. 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

We answer your questions on the US aid package for Ukraine: when will it be felt on the frontline and will it have an impact on the war?

To help do this Victoria and Vitaly are joined by the former head of the US Army in Europe, General Ben Hodges, who also gives his assessment on whether Ukraine can win.

And, we hear from Steve Rosenberg in Moscow who shares some news about his friend Valentina, who used to work in a newspaper kiosk.

Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Arsenii Sokolov, Cordelia Hemming, Elliot Ryder and Miriam Quayyum. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is Tim Walklate. 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

A soldier and civilian discuss the $61 billion military package to Ukraine…

Victoria and Vitaly hear from “Ostap”, who is fighting in the Donetsk Oblast and from friend of the podcast, Olga in the front-line city of Kherson. They share their hopes on what the US aid package could mean for their country’s fight against Russia.

But will Ukraine simply run out of weapons again? Or can this be a turning point? Ann Marie Dailey, a policy researcher at RAND think tank dissects what this all could mean for the future of the war.

Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko. It was made by Keiligh Baker. The producers were Arsenii Sokolov, Cordelia Hemming, Elliot Ryder and Ivana Davidovic. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is Tim Walklate. 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

BBC Russian reporter Olga Ivshina talks to Victoria and Vitaly about her investigation into Russian military deaths since the start of the war.

And Professor Michael Clarke, defence and security analyst, answers your questions about the latest from the frontline, foreign aid for Ukraine, the use of AI in combat and much more.

Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Keiligh Baker, Arsenii Sokolov, Cordelia Hemming, Ivana Davidovic and Elliot Ryder. The technical producer was Gareth Jones. The series producer is Tim Walklate. 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

Frontline fighters on the Russian threat and the prospects for peace…

Victoria and James are joined by Yaryna, who’s been serving in Ukraine’s armed forces since 2020, and a recent recruit who goes by the call-sign ‘Logan’.

They discuss the current situation on the battle field, whether a new mobilisation law is enough and the prospect of Ukraine failing to win this war.

Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and James Waterhouse. The producers were Arsenii Sokolov, Hanna Chornous, Cordelia Hemming and Ivana Davidovic. The technical producer was Dafydd Evans. The series producer is Tim Walklate. 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

On today’s Ukrainecast we’re answering your questions on our recent David Cameron interview, Kyiv’s attempts to boost its troop numbers and the continued hold-up of the US military aid package in Congress.

To help do this, we’re joined by Patricia Lewis from Chatham House and BBC Security Correspondent, Frank Gardner.

Today’s episode is presented by Lucy Hockings and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Cordelia Hemming, Miranda Slade, Elliot Ryder and Ivana Davidovic. The technical producer was Philip Bull. The series producer is Tim Walklate. 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

Why is Russia targeting Ukraine’s second city of Kharkiv? It’s suffered extensive damage from months of Russian bombardment since the full-scale invasion and Ukrainian officials have said the city might be the target of a future Russian offensive.

We hear from a resident and speak to the city’s mayor, Ihor Terekhov.

The BBC’s Sarah Rainsford tells us what life is like in Kharkiv, and Dara Massicot from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace discusses the likelihood of any future Russian takeover.

Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Arsenii Sokolov, Elliot Ryder and Ivana Davidovic. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The assistant editor was Alex Lewis. 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

Ukraine has accused Russian forces of bombing a theatre filled with sheltering civilians in the city of Mariupol. Gabriel and Vitaly speak to Dmytro Gurin, a Ukrainian MP from Mariupol, to find out what happened.

They’re also joined by Bridget Kendall, former BBC Moscow correspondent and diplomatic correspondent, to understand how we got to the point where Joe Biden is calling Vladimir Putin a war criminal.

And we get an update on Vitaliy’s mum, who we last heard was attempting to leave his home town of Zaporizhzhia, and new information from Hussain and his family in Kherson.

This episode of Ukrainecast was made by Estelle Doyle, with Chris Flynn, Phil Marzouk, and Michele Theil. The studio director is Emma Crowe. The assistant editor is Sam Bonham.

Shortly after Ukraine’s president’s historic address to the US Congress, Gabriel And Victoria talk to Nina Khruscheva, Professor of International Affairs at the New School in New York – and the granddaughter of former Soviet ruler Nikita Khrushchev - for her insight into Russia’s exit strategy.

20,000 people have been evacuated from the city of Mariupol, which has been under siege for the last two weeks. Residents are without water, food, and electricity, and the authorities claim there have been over 2,500 deaths in the city since the conflict began. We hear from Roman Skliarov, who is from Mariupol and has seen many leaving the city in an effort to secure their safety, while Vitaly gives us an update on his family and the situation in Kyiv.

And Anthony Zurcher, from Americast, joins us to describe the US reaction to President Zelensky’s address to Congress and whether he will get the sanctions and weapons he has asked for.

This episode of Ukrainecast was made by Estelle Doyle, with Emma Forde, Alix Pickles, Chris Flynn, and Michele Theil. The studio director is Hannah Montgomery. The editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

More Russian strikes have hit residential buildings in Kyiv. As tower blocks burn, Mayor Vitaly Klitschko has announced a 35-hour curfew, warning of “a difficult and dangerous moment”. Victoria, Gabriel and Vitaly get the latest on the ground and hear from surgeon Dr Andrey Vysotskyi, who has hardly stopped working since we last spoke to him.

Meanwhile, with a Russian journalist facing a fine for interrupting a live TV news bulletin to protest against the war, the BBC Russian Service’s Liza Fokht tells us about her decision to leave Moscow for Latvia.

And we hear from the BBC’s Eastern Europe Correspondent, Sarah Rainsford, on what she’s learned from sheltering with residents in eastern Ukraine while covering the conflict.

Today’s Ukrainecast was made by Daniel Wittenberg with Phil Marzouk, Alix Pickles and Emma Forde. The technical producer was Emma Crowe. The editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

A new attack at the border of Poland sparks fears of further escalation by Russian forces, as Vitaly updates us on what’s happened over the weekend. Meanwhile, footage from Mariupol shows the effects of being under siege for the past ten days, with Ukrainian authorities claiming over 2,500 deaths in the city. As many flee, the remaining residents are unable to be contacted due to regular power outages. Victoria speaks to a Ukrainian MP who grew up in Mariupol, and whose parents are still in the city, about what it’s like in that part of Ukraine, while Gabriel speaks to a woman from Scotland who has been unable to get in touch with her parents in Mariupol in the last ten days. And we hear from Sergey Radchenko an expert in international relations and Russian security policy about the ongoing peace talks, and what we’re seeing from both sides of the conflict.

This episode of Ukrainecast was made by Estelle Doyle, with Emma Forde, Phil Marzouk, Chris Flynn, and Michele Theil. The studio director is Emma Crowe. The editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

The BBC’s Fergal Keane presents today’s episode of Ukrainecast from Lviv in western Ukraine – thousands of refugees are flowing through the city as they try to leave the country.

He’s joined by the BBC's Abdujalil Abdurasulov, who’s in Kyiv as Russian forces continue to slowly advance, and Kevin Connolly, former Moscow BBC correspondent. They discuss Russia’s strategy to take Kyiv and who Putin’s allies are.

The Belarus opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who’s living in exile, also explains why she feels her country’s future is so closely connected to the fate of Ukraine.

Today’s Newscast was made by Alison Gee with Alix Pickles. The studio directors were Sharmini Ashton-Griffiths and Wayne Moses. The editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

"There's no safe place in Ukraine anymore." Ukraine’s western cities of Lutsk and Ivano-Frankivsk have been hit. There are scenes of destruction too in Dnipro, a strategic centre, as Russian forces widen their attacks across the country.

Military expert Justin Bronk talks Victoria, Gabriel and Vitaly through Russia’s progress. We also hear from a 19-year-old student in Lutsk who thought he was safe after fleeing the capital but overnight was woken up for the first time by the sound of war.

This episode of Ukrainecast was made by Estelle Doyle with Phil Marzouk, Michele Theil and Daniel Wittenberg. The technical producer was Emma Crowe. The editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Fact vs. propaganda...

Vic, Gabriel and Vitaliy discuss the peace talks in Turkey, the aftermath of the bombing in Mariupol, and why every bit of info coming out of the conflict needs to be treated with scepticism. The White House have expressed concerns that Russia might use chemical weapons to speed up the invasion of Ukraine. But where does their intelligence come from? Chemical weapons expert, Hamish de Bretton-Gordon, weighs up the evidence... And we catch up with Anna, who made it out of Kharkiv with her family. This episode of Ukrainecast was made by Estelle Doyle with Alix Pickles, Ben Cooper and Michele Theil. The studio director is Emma Crowe. The assistant editor is Sam Bonham.

A maternity ward and children’s ward at a hospital in Mariupol have been destroyed in a Russian air strike, according to officials there. At the moment we don’t know how many people have died.

Russia editor at BBC Monitoring Vitaly Shevchenko and Abdujalil Abdurasulov, who’s a video journalist with the BBC in Kyiv, join Victoria and Gabriel to discuss which cities are being targeted.

Also, BBC World News’ Kasia Madera tell us some of the personal stories she’s been hearing from people fleeing Ukraine. More than two million have now left the country, and Prof Peter Gatrell from the University of Manchester explains how this compares to other conflicts. This episode of Ukrainecast was made by Phil Marzouk, Emma Forde and Alison Gee. The studio director is Emma Crowe. The editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

We link up with the BBC World Service...

On the 13th day of the Russian invasion into Ukraine we collaborate with the Global News Podcast to answer your questions. Jackie Leonard (from the GNP), alongside Gabriel Gatehouse and Vitaliy Shevchenko (from UC), guide us through questions about the historical context of the war, the nuclear threat, and the information war.

BBC Chief International correspondent, Lyse Doucet, joins us from Kyiv, to explain what could happen if Ukraine doesn't manage to hold the capital. And BBC Diplomatic Correspondent, James Landale, comes on to explain what impact the Western sanctions are having on Russia. This episode of Ukrainecast x Global News Podcast was made by Phil Marzouk. The studio director was Gareth Jones. The assistant editor was Sam Bonham.

In the north of Ukraine, a convoy of Russian vehicles appears to be stalling as it attempts to advance on the capital Kyiv. Russian military expert at the Norwegian Institute for Defence Studies Dr Katarzyna Zysk tells Victoria and Gabriel why that may be and how it is impacting Russia’s strategy.

Last Thursday, we spoke to Hussein, a Pakistani man who lives in Kherson in the south with his wife and three-year-old daughter. He tells us how the occupation of the city is affecting local people as food supplies run low and many, including himself, consider attempting to leave.

Russia editor at BBC monitoring Vitaly Shevchenko joins us to explain his thoughts on the use of the letter Z by Russians to show their support for the invasion and we hear an update on Anna: the 25-year-old girl from Kharkiv who spoke to us last Wednesday from the bathroom in which she was sheltering.

This episode of Ukrainecast was made by Estelle Doyle with Emma Forde, Alix Pickles and Phil Marzouk. The studio director is Ash Taylor. The editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Victoria catches up with Fergal Keane, who is in Lviv in the West of Ukraine, where thousands of refugees are at the station trying to get out of the country.

Despite a planned ceasefire in two southern cities, Fergal explains why evacuations had to be halted because of continued Russian shelling.

They are joined by Kevin Connolly, former BBC correspondent in Moscow and Patricia Lewis, Director of the International Security programme at Chatham House. Together they discuss comparisons with the Cold War, the ongoing nuclear threat and if a no-fly zone could ever work.

And we’ve had an update from Max, who has sent us pictures of the destruction of his home in Kyiv.

Today’s Ukrainecast was made by Estelle Doyle and Alix Pickles. The studio director was Jonny Baker. The editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Europe’s biggest nuclear powerplant is hit by shelling, but a nuclear disaster is avoided. We hear from BBC Monitoring’s Vitaly Shevchenko, whose mother’s balcony in Zaporizhzhia looks out on the facility.

Meanwhile in Kyiv, after a difficult night of air strikes, Max sends us a voice memo about his plans to leave the capital with his family.

Also, Victoria speaks to Chief International Correspondent Lyse Doucet, who is reminded of the destruction she saw in Allepo. And BBC international correspondent Andrew Harding describes how he saw similar tactics being used by Russian military while covering the Chechen wars.

This episode of Ukrainecast was made by Estelle Doyle with Chris Flynn and Natalie Ktena. The studio director is Emma Crowe. The editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Russian forces have taken control of the key port city of Kherson. And at another port, Mariupol, people are now trapped by intense bombardments. Victoria speaks to a Kherson resident about what it’s like suddenly living under Russian rule.

Jonah Fisher, who until recently was the BBC’s Kyiv correspondent, charts the rise of Volodymyr Zelensky from Paddington Bear actor to wartime president, and we hear from his former spokeswoman, Julia Mendel.

And what’s the mood like in Moscow? Liza Fokht from the BBC Russian Service is back to explain the information gap between social media and state TV, and how the closure of IKEA and H&M is hitting home.

This episode of Ukrainecast was made by Daniel Wittenberg with Natalie Ktena, Phil Marzouk and Alix Pickles. The technical producer was Emma Crowe. The editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Ukraine’s key cities of Kherson, Kharkiv and Mariupol have come under intense attack. Victoria and Vitaly speak to a young woman in Kharkiv, Anna, who’s afraid her home could be bombed.

Journalist and author Gavin Esler says some anti-war critics in Russia have been arrested, and explains which other countries are worried about being targeted.

Today’s Ukrainecast was made by Phil Marzouk and Natalie Ktena. The technical producer is Emma Crowe. The assistant editor is Alison Gee. The editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

As violence looks set to escalate in Kyiv, Victoria, Gabriel and Vitaliy talk through how the conflict is unfolding across Ukraine.

Dr Andrey Vysotskyi from Okhmatdyt Children’s Hospital in Kyiv describes how two children were brought in with injuries today sustained in an air strike which killed their mum, while children with cancer are being cared for in the basement.

Newsnight’s diplomatic editor Mark Urban joins us to explain what the convoy approaching Kyiv tells us about Putin's latest military strategy.

This episode of Ukrainecast was made by Estelle Doyle with Chris Flynn, Molly Grace Lynch and Natalie Ktena. The studio director is Emma Crowe. The editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

As fighting continues in Ukraine, Victoria Derbyshire and Gabriel Gatehouse look at how the crisis is being reflected in Russia. They’re joined by Angus Roxburgh, who spent three years as a consultant to the Kremlin, to discuss whether the people closest to Putin will stay loyal to him though this conflict. And the BBC’s Liza Fokht in Moscow has been asking Russians what they think about the invasion. Back in Ukraine, we catch up with Max, whose son and wife were injured when a missile hit their home in Kyiv last week.

This episode of Ukrainecast was made by Estelle Doyle with Natalie Ktena, Phil Marzouk and Alix Pickles. The studio director is Emma Crowe. The assistant editor is Alison Gee and the editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Putin moves Russia's nuclear forces to "special alert”, in response to what he described as “aggression” from Nato countries. Meanwhile as fighting continues in the streets across Ukraine’s biggest cities, President Zelensky says his delegation will meet with Russia at the Belarus border for talks.

Is President Putin using his nuclear arsenal as a conflict deterrent or as a threat to the West? Victoria and Gabriel are joined by the director of the International Security Programme at Chatham House, Dr Patricia Lewis.

And as hundreds of thousands flee Ukraine, we hear from Newsnight’s Lewis Goodall from the border in Poland, where he’s been speaking to families trying to make their way to safety.

This episode of Ukrainecast was made by Daniel Wittenberg with Phil Marzouk and Caitlin Hanrahan. The studio manager was Stephen Bailey. The editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Ukrainians, from Kyiv to the UK, answer calls to defend their country. The capital has come under attack, but the residents and their president remain defiant, and Russian forces have so far failed to break through their resistance.

Maxim Karaush was at home with family when their apartment building in Kyiv was hit by a missile. He tells Victoria and Gabriel why, after his wife and son were injured and his home destroyed, he asked to speak to us.

We aim to explain a fast-moving conflict and answer your questions about the war. Vitaly is with us again too, and he's been following a group of Ukrainian men in England as they prepare to return to fight for their homeland.

This episode of Ukrainecast was made by Estelle Doyle with Daniel Wittenberg and Phil Marzouk. The editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Ukraine government gives out guns as Russian forces approach... Victoria, Gabriel and Vitaliy talk through how the conflict has unfolded.

Olga Malchevska, from the BBC Ukrainian Service in London, tells of how her family home was targeted, and Newsnight’s diplomatic editor Mark Urban joins us to explain what's going on with Putin's military strategy.   Today's Ukrainecast was produced by Estelle Doyle, Natalie Ktena, Tim Walklate, Phil Marzouk, Sally Abrahams and Molly Lynch. Emma Crowe was the technical producer. Sam Bonham was the assistant editor and Jonathan Aspinwall was the editor.

... and Ukraine vows to fight back.

Victoria Derbyshire and Gabriel Gatehouse reflect on this historic day... How did we get here? How did it all happen? And where could it be going?

We also speak to Vitaliy Shevchenko, the Russia editor at BBC Monitoring, and Askold Krushelnycky, a journalist in Ukraine.

Today's Ukrainecast was produced by Danny Wittenberg and Natalie Ktena. Emma Crowe was the technical producer. Sam Bonham was the assistant editor and Jonathan Aspinwall was the editor.

The British Foreign Secretary, Lord David Cameron, speaks exclusively to Ukrainecast. He says he has ruled out western boots on the ground in Ukraine, but acknowledged that the "war will be lost if the allies don't step up".

Today’s episode is hosted by Lucy Hockings and Vitaly Shevchenko.

The producers were Cordelia Hemming, Elliot Ryder, Arsenii Sokolov, and Rosie Strawbridge. The production crew was Lee Durant and Xavier Vanpevenaege. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Photo credit: Tolga Akmen/EPA.

Last week the Russian Orthodox Church approved a document that branded the full-scale invasion of Ukraine a “holy war.”

So what role does religion play in the Ukraine war?

The BBC’s Harry Farley and Lucy Ash, the author of the upcoming book "The Baton and the Cross: Russia's church from Pagans to Putin", try to make sense of it all.

We also hear from Father Andriy Zelinskyy, chief military chaplain for the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church about how he offers spiritual guidance and comfort on the frontline.

Today’s episode is presented by Jamie Coomarasamy and Vitaly Shevchenko.

The producers were Arsenii Sokolov, Elliot Ryder and Ivana Davidovic. The technical producer was Ricardo McCarthy. The series producer is Tim Walklate. 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

Top Russian officials have directly accused Ukraine and the West of being involved in the deadly Moscow concert hall attack, after it was claimed by the Islamic State (IS) group.

We speak to one woman, Valentina, who lives in Russia, about how safe she feels in the country and whether she’s taking the Kremlin’s line.

And two Kremlinologists, Angela Stent from Georgetown and Hanne Notte from the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies, discuss whether this could result in an escalation in fighting.

Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Arsenii Sokolov and Ivana Davidovic. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is Tim Walklate. 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

A wave of Russian strikes have hammered Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, leaving at least five dead.

We speak to Kharkiv resident Nataliya, who joins us from a special bunker in the city, where officials say 700 000 were left with no electricity.

Also, we hear from one eyewitness who lives next door to one of the targets - Ukraine's largest dam, the DniproHES, which was hit eight times according to Ukrainian officials

And we get the latest from the BBC’s Sarah Rainsford in Kyiv where officials are calling this the largest missile and drone attack on infrastructure of the war so far, and Glen Grant, a military analyst explains the potential strategy behind these strikes.

Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Arsenii Sokolov, Cordelia Hemming and Ivana Davidovic. The technical producer was Sam Dickinson. The series producer is Tim Walklate. 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

There’s been a spike in drone attacks by both Ukraine and Russia. Ukrainians have recently targeted Russian oil refineries, while Russians have used drones to target the port of Odesa.

So could drones change the course of the war?

Ukraine correspondent James Waterhouse and drone expert Samuel Bendett unpick the strategies and technologies behind drone warfare.

And we hear from drone operator Ruda, a mother-of-two, who trains Ukrainians how to pilot drones.

Today’s episode is presented by Lyse Doucet and Vitaly Shevchenko. It was made by Keiligh Baker. The producers were Arsenii Sokolov and Ivana Davidovic. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is Tim Walklate. 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 1239480.

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord.

President Putin has claimed a landslide victory in an election that featured no genuine competition. The last day of voting was marked by silent protests at polling stations.

But how does his expected victory matter? And what might securing a fifth term mean for the war in Ukraine? Lyse and Vitaly are joined by the BBC’s Russia editor Steve Rosenberg.

Today’s episode is presented by Lyse Doucet and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producer was Arsenii Sokolov. The technical producer was Rohan Madison. The series producer is Tim Walklate. 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

Russia’s elections have kicked off and bizarre scenes have already begun to unfold at polling stations across the country - including live pop performances, free pancakes, a bride and groom and a life-sized cardboard cut-out of Tucker Carlson.

President Putin is considered very likely to win, despite having already served four terms - the ex-KGB spy, 71, is already Russia’s longest-serving leader since Soviet leader Joseph Stalin.

Valerie Hopkins, international correspondent for The New York Times and Francis Scarr, who monitors Russia for the BBC, answer all of your questions on this, the most unusual of elections.

Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko. It was made by Keiligh Baker. The producers were Arsenii Sokolov and Ivana Davidovic. The technical producer was Matt Hewitt. The series producer is Tim Walklate. 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord.

How seriously should we take Putin’s nuclear weapons threats?

During his last address to the nation, the Russian president reiterated his threat of nuclear action against the West - so how worried should we be?

Dr Patricia Lewis, a nuclear physicist and arms control expert joins Boris Bondarev, a former Russian diplomat who quit following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, to give their take.

And why has the Pope caused uproar in Ukraine?

Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Keiligh Baker, Arsenii Sokolov and Ivana Davidovic. The technical producer was Hannah Montgomery. The series producer is Tim Walklate. 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

With one week to go until Russia’s presidential elections, former Trump adviser and foreign affairs specialist Fiona Hill tells Ukrainecast why Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine is also about the future security of Europe.

She also gives her take on the implications of another potential Trump White House.

And, how she ate dinner with Vladimir Putin, served by the late Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin.

Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Keiligh Baker, Ivana Davidovic and Cordelia Hemming. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is Tim Walklate. 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 1239480.

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord.

Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, it has been subject to thousands of sanctions from the West - but despite this, Russia’s economy is thriving.

So how is the world’s most sanctioned country getting around them? And what does this tell us about how effective sanctions are? Nataliia Shapoval, Vice President for Policy Research at Kyiv School of Economics and the BBC’s economics editor, Faisal Islam, unpack whether sanctions against Russia are having the desired impact.

Also, we hear from a London-based Russian former billionaire who had his bank accounts frozen following the invasion.

Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko. It was made by Keiligh Baker. The producers were Arsenii Sokolov, Cordelia Hemming and Ivana Davidovic. The technical producer was Ricardo McCarthy. The series producer is Tim Walklate. 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 1239480.

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

There were unprecedented scenes at Alexei Navalny’s funeral in Moscow on Friday, as thousands turned out to pay their respects to the dead opposition leader.

But will there be consequences? And can people meaningfully protest in modern-day Russia?

We hear from one woman who’s previously been arrested for protesting against the war and why she won’t stop.

And Dan Storyev from the monitoring group OVD-info English discusses the challenges facing what’s left of democracy in Russia.

Today’s episode is presented by Lyse Doucet and Vitaly Shevchenko. Francis Scarr provided translation. The producers were Ivana Davidovic, Cordelia Hemming and Keiligh Baker. The technical producers were Sam Dickinson and Rohan Madison. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall. 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 1239480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

How significant are Russia’s recent gains on the battlefront?

Karolina Hird, from the Institute for the Study of War, explains the current situation on the “dynamic” front-line, what a good year would look like for Ukraine and why the fall of Avdiivka isn’t as strategically important for Russia as it may seem.

And we hear from one Ukrainian soldier on why he decided to sign up to fight just six months ago.

Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko.

The producers were Keiligh Baker, Clare Williamson, Ivana Davidovic and Arsenii Sokolov. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

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 1239480 You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord.