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★★★★★

4.7

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367 reviews

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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/ukrainecastfeedback GET IN TOUCH: You can join our Ukrainecastonline community here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord Send us a message or voicenote via WhatsApp to +443301239480 Email [email protected] 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

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Check latest episodes from Ukrainecast podcast

A Moscow car bomb and Putin’s telethon

2025/12/23

There’s lots of news from Moscow where a Russian general died on Monday morning after an explosive device planted under his car was detonated. He is the third military official to be killed in such an attack this year alone, with authorities pointing the finger at Ukraine's intelligence services. Also, Vladimir Putin said in his end-of-year press conference that there will be no more wars after Ukraine, provided Russia is treated with respect - he dismissed claims that the Kremlin is planning to attack European countries as "nonsense". The BBC’s Russia editor Steve Rosenberg was in the room to ask a question. He joins Victoria and Vitaly to discuss the president's answer, and the surreal moment a Russian TV channel mistook another journalist for him. Plus, Ukraine correspondent James Waterhouse is in the studio to chat about Europe's eleventh-hour deal to fund Kyiv, and all the latest on peace talks from Miami. Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Laurie Kalus and Julia Webster. The technical producer was James Piper. The series producer is Chris Flynn. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham. Email [email protected] 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

Q&A: Is this Europe’s last chance to bankroll Ukraine?

2025/12/18

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that his army will struggle to fight on effectively if a crunch European summit ends without a solution to an imminent deficit in Kyiv's finances. Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin has referred to European leaders as "piglets" as he dismissed any peace deal which does not "unconditionally" satisfy Russia's pre-invasion aims. The Russian president is yet to be presented with the latest US-led proposal on how to end the war in Ukraine, after Donald Trump spoke positively about progress made during multilateral talks in Berlin. This week, Lucy is joined in the studio by the BBC’s chief international correspondent Lyse Doucet, security correspondent Frank Gardner, and Europe digital editor Paul Kirby, to answer your questions. Could a plan to redeploy frozen Russian assets crash Europe’s economy? Which competing visions are at play inside the White House as the US ramps up peace efforts? And what would make China speak up on behalf of Ukraine? Today’s episode is presented by Lucy Hockings. The producers were Laurie Kalus and Julia Webster. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The social producer was Joe Wilkinson. The series producer is Chris Flynn. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham. Email [email protected] 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 Russia accept US-Ukraine peace proposals?

2025/12/16

Volodymyr Zelensky has been in Berlin discussing peace proposals with the US, and he says they will be ready to present to Russia ‘within days’. Today, he addressed European leaders The Netherlands' House of Representatives in The Hague. We also discuss why Italy has joined Belgium in its opposition to the EU’s plan to send €210 billion of Russia's frozen state assets to Ukraine. Victoria and Vitaly are joined by BBC’s international editor Jeremy Bowen to discuss why there is good reason to remain wary of an imminent robust peace deal. Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko The producers were Laurie Kalus and Julia Webster. The technical producer was Jonny Hall. The series producer is Chris Flynn. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham. Email [email protected] 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

Q&A: Could Ukraine hold wartime elections?

2025/12/11

After a week in which Donald Trump called European leaders "weak" and questioned Ukraine's commitment to democracy, we look at whether his views are becoming more aligned with the Kremlin's. And as America pushes for a Christmas truce, the team discuss Europe's chances of getting the US president more on side. To answer your questions, Jamie and Vitaly are joined by BBC Verify's Olga Robinson and Russia editor Steve Rosenberg. Could Ukraine really hold wartime elections? Have any western assets been frozen by Moscow? And will Russia ever pay reparations for its invasion? Today’s episode is presented by Jamie Coomarasamy and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Laurie Kalus and Julia Webster. The technical producer was Philip Bull. The series producer is Chris Flynn. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham. Email [email protected] 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 new US security strategy mean for Ukraine?

2025/12/09

The newly published US ‘National Security Strategy’ is being seen by some as further evidence that in the era of Trump western nations are no longer united in the way they view the world. From its scathing narrative of European decline, to an altogether rosier depiction of Russia, the document has turned longstanding US foreign policy on its head. So what can it tell us about Washington’s intentions when it comes to ending the war in Ukraine? Also today, Jamie and Vitaly are joined by Mariam Lambert, co-founder of the Emile Foundation, an organisation focussed on reuniting Ukrainian children with their families after being forcibly relocated by Russia. Experts at Yale University estimate there could be as many as 35,000 Ukrainian children being held illegally in Russia and its occupied territories. Russia insists it is protecting vulnerable children by moving them away from active war zones to ensure their safety. Today’s episode is presented by Jamie Coomarasamy and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Laurie Kalus and Julia Webster. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The executive producer was Chris Gray. The series producer is Chris Flynn. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham. Email [email protected] 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

Q&A: Zelensky is afraid, Russian billionaires and Europe’s strongest army

2025/12/04

Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of attempting to stall peace talks this week, after Kremlin discussions with US diplomats ended without significant progress. The Ukrainian president said Moscow is hoping Donald Trump will lose interest in resolving the conflict, if the latest uptick in American-led diplomacy fails to deliver a decisive outcome quickly. Lucy and Vitaly are joined in the studio by the BBC's diplomatic correspondent James Landale, and senior digital journalist Laura Gozzi. As Vladimir Putin arrives in India, and US special envoy Steve Witkoff returns to Florida to meet Ukrainian negotiators, the team answer your questions on the current diplomatic outlook and plenty more. Which country boasts Europe's strongest military? How are Ukrainian farmers coping in wartime? And does a record number of Russian billionaires show oligarchs are thriving despite international sanctions? Today’s episode is presented by Lucy Hockings and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producer was Laurie Kalus. The technical producer was Ben Andrews. The social producer was Sophie Millward. The executive producer was Chris Gray. The series producer is Chris Flynn. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham. Email [email protected] 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

Zelensky has lost his right-hand man, what now?

2025/12/02

On Friday, Ukrainians woke up to the news that the home of presidential chief of staff and top peace negotiator, Andriy Yermak, was being searched by anti-corruption authorities. Although they didn’t accuse him of wrongdoing, by the evening he had submitted his resignation. So how damaging could the downfall of such a close ally be for President Zelensky, and what could it mean for peace talks? Victoria and Vitaly are joined by Ukraine correspondent James Waterhouse to discuss the reaction in Kyiv and beyond. We also hear the thoughts of journalist and author Simon Shuster, who interviewed Mr Yermak for the Atlantic the day before his shock departure. And, as an American delegation meet counterparts in Moscow, we look at reports that US special envoy Steve Witkoff has been coaching the Kremlin on how to deal with Donald Trump. Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producer was Laurie Kalus. The technical producer was Dafydd Evans. The series producer is Chris Flynn. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham. Email [email protected] 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

Q&A: How credible is the US peace plan?

2025/11/27

The question on everyone’s minds this week is whether the war in Ukraine is any closer to coming to an end. We’ve dedicated the entire Q&A today to the US-brokered peace plan and the details that will determine whether Ukraine and Russia can agree on a number of key issues relating to territory, military numbers and the critical question of security guarantees for Ukraine. In today’s episode, James is joined by Russia editor Steve Rosenberg, Chief International correspondent Lyse Doucet and Southern and Eastern Europe correspondent Sarah Rainsford to unpack how Ukraine, Russia and Europe may respond to a frantic week of diplomacy. Today’s episode is presented by James Waterhouse. The producers were George Dabby and Laura Cain. The technical producer was Ben Andrews. The series producer is Chris Flynn. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham. Email [email protected] 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 a peace deal be close?

2025/11/25

Ukraine has given its support to a peace deal following talks with the United States in Geneva, but some of the most sensitive issues are still to be discussed between the countries' presidents, a Ukrainian official said on Tuesday. It followed claims that Ukraine had agreed to a deal, which look to have been exaggerated, but Zelensky could meet Trump before the end of the week. To talk through how close we really are to peace, and what it could look like, Victoria and James Waterhouse are joined by diplomatic correspondent James Landale, and former Russia advisor to Trump Fiona Hill. Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and James Waterhouse. The producers were Julia Webster and Laurie Kalus. The technical producer was Jack Graysmark. The series producer is Chris Flynn. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham. Email [email protected] 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 in the leaked US-Russia peace plan?

2025/11/21

Volodymyr Zelensky has said Ukraine faces "a very difficult choice" amid reports of American pressure to accept a leaked peace deal apparently drawn up by the US and Russia. Europe is also thought to have been blindsided by the proposal, which includes several conditions previously rejected by Kyiv. So - as Donald Trump's reported Thanksgiving deadline approaches - could this document provide any kind of framework for negotiations involving Ukraine? Victoria and Vitaly are joined by Ukraine correspondent James Waterhouse to discuss. Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producer was Laurie Kalus. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is Chris Flynn. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham. Email [email protected] 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

Explaining Ukraine to children: A special episode with Newsround

2025/11/20

What do kids want to know about the war in Ukraine? On this special edition of Ukrainecast, we’re teaming up with Newsround (the BBC's children's news programme) to find out. To mark World Children’s Day, we took a panel of BBC experts to Hammersmith Academy, a secondary school in London, to respond to questions from a live audience. Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko are joined on this episode by Newsround presenter Ricky Boleto, and Ukraine correspondent James Waterhouse. Why did the war start? Are there really any safe places in Ukraine? And who is working towards making peace? They answer all that, and we hear from some of those Ukrainian children who have been forced to start a new life in the UK. The producers were Laurie Kalus and Lauren Parker. The executive producer was Lewis Vickers. The series producer is Chris Flynn. The Newsround editor is Lewis James. The News Podcasts editor is Sam Bonham. If young listeners found any parts of this episode upsetting, you can find advice and support on the Newsround website: https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround This programme is also available as a visualised episode, on iPlayer in the UK, and worldwide on the BBC News YouTube channel. Email [email protected] with your questions and comments. You can also send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp, Signal or Telegram to +44 330 1239480

Bake Off’s Nataliia on leaving Ukraine, and family living under occupation

2025/11/18

Nataliia Richardson won the hearts of viewers on this year's edition of the Great British Bake Off. Now, the fan-favourite is in the Ukrainecast studio to discuss starring on the show. She also talks about growing up in Ukraine, moving to the UK six months before the full-scale invasion, and keeping in touch with family and friends in the occupied territories. Plus, Victoria and Vitaly run through the weekend's events - from Poland's claims of "foreign" sabotage on a key Ukrainian aid route, to the promise of new French fighter jets, and the latest on the corruption scandal in Ukraine's embattled energy sector. Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Laurie Kalus, Julia Webster and Adriana Urbano. The technical producer was Jack Graysmark. The executive producer was Lewis Vickers. The series producer is Chris Flynn. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham. Email [email protected] 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

Q&A: Corruption Scandal, AI Surrender Videos, and the International Space Station

2025/11/13

Ukraine has been rocked by a major corruption scandal surrounding the country's energy sector, amidst ongoing Russian attacks on electricity infrastructure. An alleged $100m scheme, involving money laundering and kick backs, has led to the resignation of senior ministers and engulfed prominent allies of Volodymyr Zelensky. But despite the president's public backing of the probe, questions are being asked about what government officials knew, just months after mass protests against controversial attempts to curb the independence of state anti-corruption bodies. This week, Lucy and Vitaly are joined by Ukraine correspondent James Waterhouse, and BBC Verify's Olga Robinson. They discuss the fallout from the fifteen-month investigation, and answer all of your questions. Could we see a western-backed referendum in the occupied territories? Will Ukraine reduce the age of conscription? And how much do Russia and the US cooperate beyond headline diplomacy? Today’s episode is presented by Lucy Hockings and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Laurie Kalus and Julia Webster. The technical producer was Ben Andrews. The executive producer was Lewis Vickers. The series producer is Chris Flynn. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham. Email [email protected] 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

P***y Riot’s Maria Alyokhina on Russian prisons and living in exile

2025/11/11

Maria Alyokhina, founding member of the Russian punk band Pussy Riot, joins Vitaly in the Ukrainecast studio to talk about her experience in detention and her escape from the country disguised as a delivery driver. What does she make of the current Russian opposition movement, and will Russia always feel like home? She also talks about her book, Political Girl. Also this week, Victoria and Vitaly discuss reports of a rift, denied by Russia, between Vladimir Putin and one of his most loyal advisors, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Laurie Kalus and Julia Webster. The technical producers were Ricardo McCarthy and Ben Andrews. The social producer was Sophie Millward. The series producer is Chris Flynn. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham. Email [email protected] 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

Q&A: Russia advances on Pokrovsk, Ukraine digs in, and sanctions start to bite

2025/11/06

While Russia makes advances on the strategic city of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine, Western sanctions on Russian oil have begun to impact how some countries source their energy. And as Ukraine continues to ask its allies for more money and weapons, some are left wondering what’s happening with the frozen Russian assets in held in Belgium. Plus, why doesn’t Ukraine obtain nuclear weapons? And what would happen if the country ran out of people who are willing to fight? To answer those questions and more, Lucy is joined by diplomatic correspondent James Landale in Kyiv, Europe digital editor Paul Kirby and senior digital journalist Laura Gozzi. Today’s episode is presented by Lucy Hockings. The producers were Julia Webster, Laurie Kalus, and Rufus Gray. The technical producer was Ben Andrews. The social producer was Grace Braddock. The series producer is Chris Flynn. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham. Email [email protected] 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

Podcast reviews

Read Ukrainecast podcast reviews

4.7 out of 5

367 reviews

★★★★★

A-aron! 2025/12/23

Keep it going

Don’t scale back the show! Keep informing your listeners and supporting the Ukrainian people! We will keep listening!

★★★★★

AaronFromRoanoke 2025/12/23

Important information

It’s unfortunate that they are scaling back their broadcasts. The message is important and has to be spoken. I listen to this and another podcast ever...

★★★★★

To-be-continued usa 2025/11/19

Excellent program

Love this podcast. It keeps me aware & thinking.

★★★★★

zenaseth 2024/12/27

Thank you for this podcast 🙏🏾

The Ukrainian people are an inspiration to me in this challenging world 🙏🏾

★★★★★

gabfanatico 2024/06/08

Fantastic!

Thanks for your awesome reporting, interesting interviews and knowledgeable guests!

★★★★★

Klingrid 2023/10/25

Appreciation for Ukrainecast

Thank you for your steadfast and compassionate reporting on the war in Ukraine each week. You are awesome and have won my heart and my mind. With Grat...

★★☆☆☆

JanMasaryk 2023/11/17

Less Gatehouse

Good biweekly podcast for its stories of Ukrainian civilians. Not as good a The Telegraph’s “Ukraine: The Latest,” but good. The analysis improves sig...

★☆☆☆☆

Kazanov 2023/10/31

Unprofessional and biased

I gave it a try for almost a year. Everything is told from a left point of view. Reposting is below basic reporting standards

★★★★★

Justin from Albany 2023/05/22

Stories that must be told

I have listened to Ukrainecast for almost a full year now and it’s an invaluable source of news for me to understand Russia’s full scale invasion of U...

★☆☆☆☆

Lalakazala 2023/08/14

russiacast is more accurate

What a shame that your podcast has completely devolved into giving voice to the terrorists that are murdering, raping, torturing and kidnapping the pe...

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