Ukrainecast

As the nuclear plant in Zaporizhzhia is attacked again, we hear from workers inside about what it’s like to work in such fear as soldiers hold them at gunpoint. Victoria and Vitaliy are joined by medical students who worked to save people in the bunkers of Kharkiv who are now in the UK studying at Cambridge University.The BBC’s defence correspondent Jonathan Beale details his interview with leading UK military commander Jim Hockenhull and the state of play in the war.The lawyer of detained US basketball star Brittney Griner, speaks to us about the verdict that saw her client sentenced to nine years in Russian prison for drug possession. This episode of Ukrainecast was made by Phil Marzouk with Ivana Davidovic and Arsenii Sokolov. The planning producer was Louise Hidalgo. The technical producer was Emma Crowe. The editor is Jonathan Aspinwall. Email [email protected] or WhatsApp us on +44 330 1239480 with your questions and comments.

Life inside a detention centre. We hear from Anna Vorosheva, about what it was like when she was held in a Russian detention centre in Eastern Ukraine. Victoria, Vitaly and the BBC’s Ukraine correspondent, James Waterhouse, discuss the details of the explosion at a military airfield in Crimea. And the BBC’s Chloe Hadjimatheou talks through her investigation into Graham Philips, a British freelance journalist and YouTuber who has been sanctioned by the British government for promoting misinformation that supports Russian aggression against Ukraine. This episode of Ukrainecast was made by Ivana Davidovic and Arsenii Sokolov. The planning producer was Louise Hidalgo. The technical producer was Emma Crowe. The assistant editor is Sam Bonham. Email [email protected] or WhatsApp us on +44 330 1239480 with your questions and comments.

Part of Europe’s largest nuclear power plant has been damaged by Russian rockets. Vitaly brings us up to date on his home city of Zaporizhzhia, where part of its nuclear plant has been damaged by Russian rockets, in an attack the United Nations called “suicidal”. We hear from Yeva (not her real name), who worries for the safety of her family members working on the site. And the BBC’s security correspondent, Frank Gardner, talks us through new evidence that Russia is using technology from Western companies in its military equipment.This episode of Ukrainecast was made by Daniel Wittenberg with Ivana Davidovic and Arsenii Sokolov. The planning producer was Louise Hidalgo and the technical producer was Gareth Jones. The series editor is Estelle Doyle.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.

BBC correspondent Andrew Harding describes how sleep has been near impossible in the Ukrainian city of Mykolaiv, which has been under almost constant Russian bombardment since the start of the war. Together with Vitaly and Irena, he also discusses a report by Amnesty International, which accuses Ukraine of endangering the lives of its own citizens by setting up military bases in residential areas, such as in schools and hospitals.We also hear from Jixian Wang, a Chinese vlogger based in Odessa, who explains how Chinese state media echoes Russian propaganda. And former China correspondent for the BBC, John Sudworth describes how the war in Ukraine is playing out in Taiwan, and the ways in which the crises in the two places are linked. The series producer is Estelle Doyle. The producer is Arsenii Sokolov. Planning producer is Louise Hidalgo. The technical producer is Emma Crowe. 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.

Vitaly, Frank and Irena are looking into the Wagner Group, Russia’s private army that is allegedly involved in the Ukraine war. The group has been active over the past eight years in Ukraine, Syria and several African countries, and has repeatedly been accused of war crimes.We hear from ex Wagner fighter Marat Gabidullin about his experience and why Russia is relying on a private army.And Vitaly talks to Vladimir Osechkin, a former prisoner and now a human rights activist whose organisation, Gulagu.net, alleges that the Wagner Group and Russian security services are actively recruiting in Russian prisons for the Ukraine war.The BBC’s Tim Whewell discusses his up-coming documentary on people living in the Ukrainian port city of Kherson under Russian occupation. The series producer is Estelle Doyle. The producers are Clare Williamson, Arsenii Sokolov and Ivana Davidovic. Planning producer is Louise Hidalgo. The technical producer is Emma Crowe and the editor is Jonathan Aspinwall. 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.

16-year-old Vladislav Buryak was held captive for 90 days by Russian proxy forces. He says he was kept in solitary confinement and witnessed other prisoners being tortured during that time. Also, after months of Russian blockade, a Ukraine grain shipment is allowed to set sail. Vitaly and Irena are joined by the BBC’s Ukraine correspondent, James Waterhouse, who is at the port of Odesa where the mood is both celebratory and apprehensive. And Vitaly chats to BBC Moscow correspondent Steve Rosenberg about what Russians really think of the war, whether they’re feeling the pinch of the sanctions – and how playing the piano helps him relax. The series producer is Estelle Doyle. The producers are Arsenii Sokolov and Ivana Davidovic. Planning producer is Louise Hidalgo. The technical producer is Emma Crowe. The editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.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.

YouTube, which is owned by Google, is one of the rare Western social media platforms that is not banned by Russia. Neal Mohan, YouTube’s Chief Product Officer, discusses the fine line between disinformation and censorship – and explains why banning fake news channels isn’t always the best way forward. Lucy and Vitaly are joined by the BBC's disinformation reporter Marianna Spring. Together, they speak to Sergei Buntman, from the independent Russian radio station, Ekho Moskvy. The station was taken off air on 1st March. It now operates on YouTube.And they hear from journalist Konstantin Ryzhenko, who decided to stay in Kherson under Russian occupation, but is now a wanted man by the Russians and has to remain in hiding. The series producer is Estelle Doyle. The producers are Arsenii Sokolov and Ivana Davidovic. Planning producer is Louise Hidalgo. The technical producer is Emma Crowe. The editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.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.

A special episode to hear Ukraine’s first lady talking to Ukrainecast’s Lucy Hockings. President Zelensky’s wife, Olena Zelenska, spoke about trauma, dealing with the spotlight and that Vogue cover. Vitaly and the Ukrainian Service’s Irena join Lucy to share their thoughts and impressions of the interview with Ukraine’s first lady. The series producer is Estelle Doyle. The technical producer Emma Crowe. And the editor Jonathan Aspinwall. 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

Long before Russia invaded Ukraine, the country was dealing with a problem: the abandoning of disabled people to institutions that weren’t fit for purpose. The BBC’s Dan Johnson and producer Ruth Clegg tell us about these institutions. In the news, Russia continues to weaponise its gas supplies as a way of wielding leverage over Western nations. Dr Aura Sabadus, energy specialist at International Commodity Intelligence Service, takes us through how this is playing out. But back in Ukraine, a 10-year-old checkers champion has been capturing hearts by raising funds for the army. We speak to her and her mother. The series producer is Estelle Doyle. The producers are Phil Marzouk and Ivana Davidovic, and planning producer Louise Hidalgo. The technical producer is Emma Crowe. The editor is Jonathan Aspinwall. 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.

Russian missile strikes have hit the port of Odessa, just one day after Ukraine and Russia agreed a landmark deal to resume Ukraine's grain exports.Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is on a tour of Africa to counter accusations that the Russian invasion of Ukraine has started a global food crisis. Murithi Mutiga, Programme Director for Africa at the International Crisis Group, explains where African loyalties lie and why. Also, the BBC’s security correspondent Frank Gardner tells us that former NATO generals, have started an advisory council to help the Ukrainian army with strategy. And we hear from Afghan Ukrainian fighter Jalal about why he decided to risk his life for Ukraine and how difficult it is to fight against fellow Muslims. .This episode of Ukrainecast was made by Clare Williamson with Ivana Davidovic, Arsenii Sokolov and planning producer Louise Hidalgo. The technical producer was Emma Crowe. The editor is Jonathan Aspinwall. 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.

The deal between Ukraine and Russia should help alleviate the global food crisis. BBC Ukraine correspondent James Waterhouse joins Vic and Vitaliy to discuss the deal and whether it’s a promising sign for negotiations in the wider war. We hear from Ukrainian lorry drivers who are stuck beyond the border in Russia with no means of coming back without abandoning their vehicles and, therefore, their livelihoods. And Nina Nazarova from the BBC Russian Service tells us all about six Ukrainian children reunited with their parents after five months apart.This episode of Ukrainecast was made by Clare Williamson with Arsenii Sokolov, Phil Marzouk, Ivana Davidovic and planning producer Louise Hidalgo. The technical producer was Emma Crowe. The editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.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.

As the Russian president meets leaders of Iran and Turkey, the BBC’s former Moscow and diplomatic correspondent Bridget Kendall takes us through what this tells about Putin's remaining diplomatic friends. Vitaliy and Victoria catch up with a young soldier we first met in May who is now taking brief respite from fighting on the front lines in the east to visit injured friends in Kyiv. And we meet some humanitarian aid workers and hear about why they continue to work day-after-day to get Ukrainians to safety. This episode of Ukrainecast was made by Phil Marzouk, with Ivana Davidovic, Arsenii Sokolov and planning producer Louise Hidalgo. The technical producer was Emma Crowe. The assistant editor was Sam Bonham. The editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.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.

Once the richest man in Russia under 35, mobile phone tycoon Evgeny Chichvarkin explains why he needed to sell his company and escape Putin’s Russia in 2008. Settled in London, he’s now personally delivering aid to Ukraine.Organised crime expert Misha Glenny and the BBC Russian Service’s Anastasia Stognei explore the deep connections between Russia’s president, its wealthiest oligarchs, and the Western countries which readily accepted their money.Plus, treason in the Ukraine camp? Why has President Zelensky suspended Ukraine’s security chief and his top prosecutor?This episode of Ukrainecast was made by Daniel Wittenberg, with Arsenii Sokolov, Ivana Davidovic and planning producer Louise Hidalgo. The technical producer was Gareth Jones. The assistant editor was Alison Gee. And the editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.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.

Running a hotline for victims of abuse. We hear from Alyona Kryvulyak...Russian missiles have hit the city of Vinnytsia, in central Ukraine, killing at least 23 people. From the scene of the attack, the BBC’s Zhanna Bezpiatchuk gives us the latest on the situation. And we talk to Wayne Jordash, who has been investigating war crimes in Ukraine. He explains how his team collects evidence. Today's Ukrainecast was made by Arsenii Sokolov, Ivana Davidovic and Osman Iqbal. The technical producer was Emma Crowe. The assistant editor was Sam Bonham.

The BBC Russian’s Olga Ivshina explains how her and her team have been able to estimate the number of Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine and buried in Russia by sending volunteers to visit cemeteries. Also, we hear from Mikhail Benyash, a Russian human rights lawyer who has been advising Russian soldiers who don’t want to fight in Ukraine. The BBC’s Security correspondent, Frank Gardner explains why he believes Russia is currently militarily winning the war. And the team discusses the toll the war has also taken on the Russian people. The series producer is Estelle Doyle. The producers Alix Pickles, Arsenii Sokolov and Osman Iqbal. The technical producer is Emma Crowe. And the editor is Jonathan Aspinwall. 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 0330 1239480.

Under laws that Russia brought in following the beginning of the invasion in Ukraine, a Moscow-based councillor has become the first person to be jailed for speaking out. The BBC’s Ukraine correspondent James Waterhouse joins Victoria for presenting duties, and they take stock of the current situation in Ukraine. A young soldier from Mariupol tells us how he survived horrific injuries, being taken captive by Russian soldiers, and how he was freed in a prisoner exchange. Also, investigative reporter for the BBC Russian Service Andrey Zakharov tells us what it’s like to be designated a foreign agent by the Kremlin and be tailed by Russian agents.And, we get an update on Viktoriia: the woman who is trying to get a visa to come to the UK after fleeing Chernihiv. The series producer is Estelle Doyle. The producers are Osman Iqbal, Arsenii Sokolov and Phil Marzouk. The technical producer is Emma Crowe. And the editor is Jonathan Aspinwall. Email [email protected] with your questions and comments. You can also send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 0330 1239480.

Fearless paramedic, Yuliia “Taira” Paievska, who filmed the horrors of Mariupol and was then held captive for 3 months by Russian proxy forces. She describes how she was physically and psychologically tortured. Lyse and Irena discuss why a Ukrainian croissant is named after Boris Johnson – and the wider reactions to the UK’s Prime Minister resignation with Yuriy Sak, adviser to Ukraine's Minister of Defence. And we find out why drones are playing such an important role in the war in Ukraine, with Anatoliy Tiagur, a drone operator for the army and BBC defence correspondent Jonathan Beale. The series producer is Estelle Doyle. The producers are Osman Iqbal and Phil Marzouk. The technical producer is Emma Crowe. And the editor is Jonathan Aspinwall. Email [email protected] with your questions and comments. You can also send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 0330 1239480

A Ukrainian medic, Olexander, based on Snake Island was captured on the first day of the war. Almost five months later, his mother and fiancée break their silence to make a plea for information on his wellbeing. The sole survivor of a Russian shooting, who lived by playing dead, has been speaking to Fergal Keane about what happened. And the BBC’s Olga Ivshina explains how Russia has been sending so-called volunteers to fight in Ukraine - and why for so many of them, this will be a one-way ticket. The series producer is Estelle Doyle. The producers are Phil Marzouk, Arsenii Sokolov and Louise Hidalgo. The technical producer is Emma Crowe. And the assistant editor is Alison Gee. Email [email protected] with your questions and comments. You can also send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 0330 1239480.

Russia has claimed control of the key eastern city Lysychansk and the region around it. The Kremlin said this was one of its main aims. So, what happens next? Lyse, Vitaly and Irena check in with Maksym, a Ukrainian soldier fighting on the front line. Also, Pavlo Shulga, who works with Ukraine Trust Chain, tells us about his latest trip to the area around Lysychansk where he was attacked as he delivered food and helped evacuate people. As world leaders meet in Switzerland for the Ukraine Recovery Conference, Timothy Ash talks us through the astronomical cost of rebuilding Ukraine, and who will pay for it.Today’s podcast was produced by Alison Gee with Osman Iqbal, Ivana Davidovic, Phil Marzouk and Louise Hidalgo. The technical producer was Emma Crowe. The editor is Jonathan Aspinwall. Email [email protected] with your questions and comments. You can also send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 (0) 330 1239480.

Russian forces have detained the mayor of Kherson, Ihor Kolykhayev, after he refused to work with them. The BBC’s Tim Whewell spoke to him a few days before his abduction. Meanwhile, the BBC Russian service’s Liza Fokt explains to Victoria and Vitaly, how in another occupied city, Severodonestsk, some people do welcome the Russian forces. And Roman, who helped evacuate dozens of people from Mariupol, tells us why he’s now going back, despite the risk of being arrested once he gets there. The series producer is Estelle Doyle. The producers are Ivana Davidovic and Osman Iqbal. The planning producer, Louise Hidalgo. The technical producer, Michael Reegard. And the editor, Jonathan Aspinwall. Email [email protected] with your questions and comments. You can also send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 0330 1239480.

A quarter of a million people now participate in regular cyber attacks against Russia. We hear from one of the volunteers, Oleksandr Naumenko. And also from US-Russian cybersecurity expert Dmitri Alperovitch. BBC Ukrainian service reporter Olga Malchevska recalls a recent visit to her home town of Kyiv and the trauma of seeing in person her bombed childhood apartment.As Western leaders gather in Madrid for a NATO summit, Sam de Bendern, former NATO Ukraine officer, tells us why they will eventually have to stop sitting on the fence when it comes to the war in Ukraine. And we get an update from Pavel Shulga, who travelled to the region of Lysychansk to deliver humanitarian aid and evacuate women and children from battle zones. We hear why he’s already back on the road. Today’s podcast was produced by Estelle Doyle with Ivana Davidovic, Osman Iqbal and Louise Hidalgo. The technical producer was Cassie Galpin. The editor is Jonathan Aspinwall. Email [email protected] with your questions and comments. You can also send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 0330 1239480.

Russian missile strike hits a shopping centre in central-eastern Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky says that more than 1,000 people were inside. Vadym Yudenko lives in the city and tells us what he saw. Diplomatic Editor, James Landale updates us on the G7 meeting in Germany where leaders have pledged their continuing support for Ukraine. And we hear from the BBC’s Joel Gunter who has just returned from Saltivka, in Kharkiv, where he met residents still living in their bombed-out apartments. Host Vitaly is joined by Kateryna Khinkulova from BBC World Service. Today’s podcast was produced by Clare Williamson, Ivana Davidovic, Osman Iqbal and Louise Hidalgo. The technical producer was Frank Mcweeny. The editor is Jonathan Aspinwall. Email [email protected] with your questions and comments. You can also send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 0330 1239480.

A former Soviet soldier describes how he’s now helping resistance groups in the Russian-controlled areas of Ukraine by advising them how to mount an insurgency. UNICEF’s Pete Manfield describes how the war in Ukraine is taking its toll in Somalia, and BBC Africa correspondent Catherine Byaruhanga explains why some Africans are taking a pro-Russian stance. Also, a listener in Russia explains how he’s using bank notes to protest against the war. This episode of Ukrainecast was made by Estelle Doyle with Natalie Ktena and Osman Iqbal. The planning producer is Louise Hidalgo. The technical producer was Michael Regaard. The editor is Alison Gee. Email [email protected] with your questions and comments. You can also send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 0330 1239480.

Imane Saaudun, the sister of captured Moroccan fighter Brahim Saaudun tells us why she feels her own country has betrayed her brother. A Russian exclave sandwiched between Poland and Lithuania called Kaliningrad has become the latest focus in the Ukraine war. Victoria and Vitaly find out why from the BBC’s European editor, Katya Adler.Sarah Ashton-Cirillo is an American war reporter based in Kharkiv. She talks to us about her fight for credibility as a trans woman and life on the front line.And former DJ turned BBC fixer, Vlad Fisun gives us the lowdown on Ukrainian music. This episode of Ukrainecast was made by Estelle Doyle with Osman Iqbal, Arsenii Sokolov and Clare Williamson. The planning producer is Louise Hidalgo. The technical producer was Michael Regaard. The editor is Jonathan Aspinwall. Email [email protected] with your questions and comments. You can also send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 0330 1239480.

Vitaly and the BBC’s Katya Khinkulova speak to Pavel Shulga, who’s about to travel to Severodonetsk to evacuate women and children from battle zones.Frank Gardner tells us what’s happening on the ground and tells us about the diplomatic developments.And we catch up with Olga Drover, who lives in Troon in Scotland, who we heard from last in March, when she had lost contact with her parents in Mariupol when it came under attack. They’re now reunited.Today’s episode was made by Clare Williamson and Chris Flynn. The planning editor is Louise Hidalgo and the editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.Email [email protected] with your questions and comments. You can also send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 0330 1239480.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, the face of President Putin’s Russia, insists that his country didn’t invade Ukraine in a rare interview with the BBC. Victoria and Vitaly unpick the interview with Patricia Lewis, Director of the International Security Programme at Chatham House. She also tells us about the significance of Ukraine getting a step closer to European Union membership. Is this purely symbolic? And we hear from Joy, the fiancée of a US former marine, reported missing in Ukraine. Today’s episode was produced by Alix Pickles, Osman Iqbal and Clare Williamson. The technical producer was Emma Crowe and the editor was Jonathan Aspinwall.Email [email protected] with your questions and comments. You can also send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 0330 1239480.

Victoria and Vitaly speak to 19-year-old Maksym Lutskyi, a Ukrainian soldier who is preparing to return to the front line after being wounded and losing his commander who died saving his life. Andrey Stavnitser, one of the richest businessmen in Ukraine, and co-owner of the major shipping terminals near Odessa, describes the impact the blockade is having on the country’s economy. He also explains why he asked the army to shell his own home after it became occupied by Russians. And we hear from Kees Haiziinga, a farmer from central Ukraine, who says he is worried he’ll only be able to get a fraction of his harvest out. This episode of Ukrainecast was made by Estelle Doyle with Osman Iqbal and Arsenii Sokolov. The technical producer was Emma Crowe. The planning producer is Louise Hidalgo. The editor is Jonathan Aspinwall. Email [email protected] with your questions and comments. You can also send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 0330 1239480.

Viktoria Kovalenko tells us about the day her husband Petro and 12-year-old daughter Veronika were killed when the road they were travelling on to find safety was bombed.She explains to Victoria and Vitaly how taking care of her one-year-old baby is the only thing that keeps her sane. And how she's now been waiting for nearly 50 days for a visa to the UK. They also speak to Derek Edwards from https://homesforukraine.org, an organisation he set up to help Ukrainians, including Viktoria, seek refuge in the UK. With him, is 17 year old Anna Merchuk, who talks about resettling in England and her hopes for the future. And we talk through the latest in the conflict as new research from Amnesty International shows Russia has killed hundreds of civilians using indiscriminate shelling and widely-banned cluster munitions. This episode of Ukrainecast was made by Estelle Doyle with Ivana Davidovic, Chris Flynn and Osman Iqbal. The technical producer was Emma Crowe. The planning producer is Louise Hidalgo. The editor is Jonathan Aspinwall. Email [email protected] with your questions and comments. You can also send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 0330 1239480.

The Kremlin defends the death sentences for three captured soldiers. Fergal and Vitaliy are joined by BBC Russian Service’s Olga Ivshina to understand more about what is happening in Ukraine. They speak to former US Army medic, Brennan Phillips, and the Mayor of Melitopol, Ivan Fedorov, who was kidnapped and imprisoned by Russian soldiers.This episode of Ukrainecast was made by Alix Pickles and Natalie Ktena. The technical producer was Emma Crowe. The assistant editor was Sam Bonham.

Three men are convicted by a Russian proxy court in eastern Ukraine. We speak to Tim Whewell, a BBC reporter who has been investigating the fate of more than a million Ukrainian refugees who have ended up in Russia. Have they been rescued? Or illegally deported?And we check-in with Natalia, whose husband fought during the siege of the Azovstal steelworks. This episode of Ukrainecast was made by Estelle Doyle with Osman Iqbal and Alix Pickles. The technical producer was Michael Regaard. The assistant editor is Sam Bonham. Email [email protected] with your questions and comments. You can also send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 0330 1239480.

Victoria and Vitaly are joined by Zhanna Bezpiatchuk from the BBC Ukrainian service, who travelled to Irpin to investigate allegations of war crimes. There she heard accounts of violence against civilians, of shootings and summary executions - including the killing of a young woman in a red coat. Her body remained in the street for four weeks - lying where she had been trampled not once, but over and over again, under the wheels of Russian armoured vehicles. A food shopping list was found in her coat pocket.UNICEF’s James Elder explains how over one hundred days of war have ‘wrought devastating consequences for children at a scale not seen since World War II’. The agency says 70% of Ukrainian children are displaced by fighting. And, Mykola Bielieskov, from the National Institute for Strategic Studies in Kyiv, explains why he believes the long-range rocket artillery promised by the US and the UK won’t be enough to stabilise the front line, even less to push the Russian troops back. This episode of Ukrainecast was made by Estelle Doyle with Osman Iqbal and Alix Pickles. The technical producer was Michael Regaard. The editor is Jonathan Aspinwall. Email [email protected] with your questions and comments. You can also send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 0330 1239480.

Why some Ukrainians choose to flee whilst others stay.Thousands of Ukrainians, from the heavily bombed East, don’t want to leave - it turns out that some don’t believe that Russia is bombing them.We hear from a listener who has not had contact with her father in Severodonetsk, described by President Zelensky as a 'Dead City', since May 22nd.And the Kyiv residents raising money to repair their bombed apartment block. This episode of Ukrainecast was made by Clare Williamson with Osman Iqbal and Philip Marzouk. The technical producer was Emma Crowe. The editor is Jonathan Aspinwall. Email [email protected] with your questions and comments. You can also send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 0330 1239480.

Russia targets Ukraine’s capital with missiles for the first time in weeks. Vitaly and Frank talk to Nataliia, who recently returned to Kyiv with her young son – they were woken up by the blasts. Also, the UK says it will send its first long-range missiles to Ukraine. And Col Bob Seddon, who was once in charge of bomb disposal for the British army, tells us how he’s helping Ukrainians deal with mines.This episode of Ukrainecast was made by Clare Williamson with Osman Iqbal and Philip Marzouk. The assistant editor was Alison Gee. The technical producer was Emma Crowe. You can email [email protected] with your questions and comments. You can also send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 0330 123 9480 – and start your message with the word Ukrainecast.

One hundred days on from February 24th, a date that will be remembered for decades, we take you through the story of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. In this special episode, we listen back to some of the key moments from hours of testimony and analysis on the war. This episode of Ukrainecast was made by Phil Marzouk. The technical producer was Emma Crowe and the exec producer, Estelle Doyle. The editor was Jonathan Aspinwall. For 100 days Ukrainecast has been made by Daniel Wittenberg, Osman Iqbal, Chris Flynn, Alix Pickles, Sam Bonham, Natalie Ktena, Alison Gee, Clare Forde, Michele Thiel, Miranda Slade and Clare Williamson. You can email [email protected] with your questions and comments or send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 1234 220.

Ukraine gets long-sought US long-range missile systems. BBC Security Correspondent Frank Gardner explains why Kyiv hopes this will be a gamechanger. Maria Chashka, a Deputy Commander of a battalion in Kharkiv, confirms she believes this will help her country win the war. The acting war time mayor of Severodonetsk, Oleksandr Stryuk, tells Victoria and Vitaly about the recent strike on a chemical plant in his city, which has already seen over 90% of its population leave for a safer place. And, as Ukraine and Scotland face each other in a World Cup play-off, we hear from Tetiana Lukianenko a refugee from Kyiv, now based in Aberfeldy, Scotland. She says she will cheer whoever wins. This episode of Ukrainecast was made by Estelle Doyle with Osman Iqbal and Alix Pickles. The technical producer was Emma Crowe. The editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.Email [email protected] with your questions and comments. You can also send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 0330 1234 220.

What does Europe’s partial oil ban mean for Russia’s economy? After the EU agreed a compromise plan to stop its members importing Russian oil by sea, economist Timothy Ash tells Victoria who might be most hurt by the sanctions.And BBC reporter Chloe Hajimatheou uncovers increasingly sophisticated disinformation tactics being deployed and spread globally.This episode of Ukrainecast was made by Estelle Doyle with Osman Iqbal and Daniel Wittenberg. The technical producer was Emma Crowe. The editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.Email [email protected] with your questions and comments. You can also send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 0330 1234 220.

Russia’s UK ambassador calls footage a “fabrication”. In a tense BBC News interview, Andrei Kelin claims allegations of war crimes in the town of Bucha are false despite physical evidence, satellite imagery and eyewitness accounts. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s chief prosecutor tells us she’s investigating thousands of cases.This episode of Ukrainecast was made by Daniel Wittenberg with Chris Flynn and Clare Williamson. The technical producer was Emma Crowe. The editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.Email [email protected] with your questions and comments. You can also send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 0330 1234 220.

Stories from the front line. The BBC's Fergal Keane and Olga Ivshina hear from Russian soldiers who have risked their lives on the front line of the war. Why have some of them refused to return? The BBC's Jeremy Bowen speaks to us from a Donbas town which is within artillery range of Russian troops. And Rustik, Fergal’s fixer in Bucha, discusses his first experience of conflict and how his country is changing.Today’s Ukrainecast was made by Osman Iqbal and Natalie Ktena. The technical producer was Emma Crowe. The assistant editor was Sam Bonham. Both Sergey and Marina are voiced by actors.You can email [email protected] with your questions and comments or send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 1234 220.

Vitaly and Victoria hear from 19 year old Maksym Lutskyi, a soldier fighting in the Donbas where the Ukrainian army is under increasing pressure. He’s aware Russian forces might encircle him any time soon, but says he will fight on regardless. Also, a listener based in Moscow explains how he’s been trying to bring Russians with opposite views of the conflict together and engage in a meaningful dialogue. And another listener sends us a picture of a literal Ukraine-cast… Today’s Ukrainecast was made by Estelle Doyle with Alix Pickles, Osman Iqbal and Louise Hidalgo. The technical producer was Emma Crowe. The editor was Sam Bonham. You can email [email protected] with your questions and comments or send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 1234 220.

Vitaly's home town is struckTwo areas of the southern city of Zaporizhzhia have been struck by Russian missiles, leaving one person dead and three others wounded. Whilst Russian forces are centering their offensive on Eastern Ukraine, Russian forces are now in control of much of the big Zaporizhzhia region in Ukraine’s South. We hear from Kostyantyn, a factory worker from Zaporizhya who describes waking up to the sound of explosions during the night.Also, we speak to the mayor of Meritopol Ivan Federov who was abducted and held by Russian forces for five days before being freed in a prisoner swap.And we answer listener questions on conscription and President Putin’s ambitions as well as getting the latest from Davos.Vitaly and Lewis are joined by Kateryna Khinkulova from BBC World Service who is from Kyiv.Today’s Ukrainecast was made by Estelle Doyle with Osman Iqbal, Louise Hidalgo and Clare Williamson. The technical producer was Emma Crowe. The editor was Sam Bonham.You can email [email protected] with your questions and comments or send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 1234 220.

Security correspondent Frank Gardner joins Victoria and Vitaliy to give us the latest updates from the eastern front and how European nations are responding to the continuing war. We hear the story of Alice: the four-year-old girl who escaped Azovstal but lost her mother in the process. Those looking after her say her mother has been taken to Russia. Also, we catch up with the Russian TV news editor, Marina Ovsyannikova, who protested the war live on air back in March becoming a symbol Russian anti-war sentiment and an exile in the process. Today’s Ukrainecast was made by Estelle Doyle with Phil Marzouk, Osman Iqbal and Clare Williamson. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The editor was Jonathan Aspinwall.You can email [email protected] with your questions and comments or send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 1234 220.

Russian soldier jailed for life. The tank commander has been convicted for killing a civilian at the first war crimes trial since the invasion. The BBC World Service’s Svyatoslav Khomenko has been in court in Kyiv every day of the trial and brings us up to date on the sentencing. Vitaly discusses the heavy shelling in the Luhansk region with the Governor of Luhansk, Serhiy Gaidai. And Victoria and Vitaly talk about nuclear safety with Petro Kotin, who is in charge of all five of Ukraine’s nuclear power plants including one in Zaporizhzhia, occupied by Russian troops. Today’s Ukrainecast was made by Daniel Wittenberg with Phil Marzouk, Chris Flynn and Clare Williamson. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor was Sam Bonham.You can email [email protected] with your questions and comments or send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 1234 220.

Fergal Keane joins Vitaliy to talk to a member of Bucha’s city council who tells us more accounts of atrocities in his city and how it can rebuild. Friend of the podcast Olga Malchevska reports from Kharkiv: the eastern border city in which Ukrainian forces pushed out Russian troops. Vitaliy and Fergal answer your questions before Vitaliy tells us about his upcoming documentary on a women’s football team in Mariupol. Today’s Ukrainecast was made by Estelle Doyle with Phil Marzouk and Osman Iqbal. The technical producer was Emma Crowe. The editor was Jonathan Aspinwall. Email [email protected] with your questions and comments. You can also send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 0330 1234 220.

UN says the war could lead to long-term famines. Victoria and Vitaliy hear about what's going on by speaking to Sergey, a farmer from southern Ukraine, and the UN’s Pierre Vauthier.And, after weeks of worry, we check-in with Nataliya, who tells us that her husband, who was fighting at the Mariupol steelworks, is alive and is now being held in Russian-controlled territory.Today’s Ukrainecast was made by Estelle Doyle with Phil Marzouk and Alix Pickles. The technical producer was Emma Crowe. The assistant editor was Sam Bonham.Email [email protected] with your questions and comments. You can also send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 0330 1234 220.

The BBC World Service's Svyatoslav Khomenko tells us what's he observed at the court of the first war crimes trial of the Ukraine conflict. Also, Victoria and Vitaly speak with Olga Ivshina from the BBC Russian Service, who has been investigating forced mobilisation in the Eastern Ukraine region of Donbas. People living there told her men had been grabbed in the streets, whilst out shopping or on public transport. Many haven’t been seen since. And leading international lawyer Philippe Sands weighs in on whether Biden and Zelensky are right to describe what is happening in Ukraine as a genocide. Today’s Ukrainecast was made by Estelle Doyle with Osman Iqbal and Alix Pickles. The technical producer was Emma Crowe. The assistant editor was Sam Bonham.Email [email protected] with your questions and comments. You can also send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 0330 1234 220.

After two months of fighting, hundreds of Ukrainian soldiers have been evacuated by Russian forces from Mariupol's Azovstal steelworks. Victoria, Vitaly and Lyse Doucet speak to Yuriy Sak, an advisor to the Ukrainian defence minister, about what this means for Russia’s war strategy. They also speak to the BBC’s specialist disinformation reporter, Marianna Spring, about the pregnant woman who was photographed fleeing from Mariupol’s maternity hospital during a Russian airstrike and her fight to prove that she wasn’t an actress taking part in staged images. We also hear from Vladimir about the field hospital he’s set up with his friends at the war’s Eastern front.Today's Ukrainecast was made by Phil Marzouk, with Osman Iqbal and Alix Pickles. The technical producer was Emma Crowe. The editor was Jonathan Aspinwall.

Victoria and Vitaly speak to Sarah Rainsford who tells us about a facility in Bucha that was once a children’s summer camp but has now become a crime scene after the torture and execution of five men there.We hear from NGO worker Oksana who, until recently, was living under Russian occupation in Kherson. She tells us about her colleagues who’ve been abducted. And NATO Ukraine officer and associate fellow at Chatham House Sam de Bendern talks through the pushback in Kharkiv and the implications of Finland and Sweden joining NATO.Today's Ukrainecast was made by Phil Marzouk, with Osman Iqbal and Chris Flynn. The technical producer was Emma Crowe. The editor was Jonathan Aspinwall.

As a Russian soldier is put on trial in Ukraine for war crimes, Victoria and Vitaliy discuss whether he can receive a fair hearing in a Kyiv courtroom. They speak to Natalia, whose husband is fighting at the steel plant in Mariupol. She says she hasn’t heard from him in nearly a week and fears for his life. Finally we speak to the Ukrainian winner of the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest Jamala. Her winning song was inspired by her great-grandmother’s experiences in World War Two and now she feels the history she sang about is repeating itself. This episode of Ukrainecast was made by Phil Marzouk with Osman Iqbal and Natalie Ktena. The technical producer was Emma Crowe. The editor was Jonathan Aspinwall.Email [email protected] or send us a message or voice note on WhatsApp, our number is +44 0330 1234 220.

Russian soldiers have been seen shooting dead unarmed civilians.Victoria and Vitaly are joined by Newsnight’s Lewis Goodall. They hear from a soldier, Volodomyr Demchenko who explains why he is fighting, his worries for his country, and his causes for optimism. We also hear why Finland is intending to join Nato, with Oksana Antonenko, a correspondent from the BBC Russian Service. This episode of Ukrainecast was made by Phil Marzouk with Alix Pickles and Osman Iqbal. The technical producer was Emma Crowe. The assistant editor was Sam Bonham. Get in touch! Email [email protected] or send us a message or voice note on WhatsApp, our number is +44 0330 1234 220.

Why are so many of them avoiding “disturbing information” about Ukraine?Victoria and Vitaly are joined by Lyse Doucet, who is in Dnipro, where rows of graves are being dug in anticipation of more people being killed in the war. Grigory Yudin, from the Moscow School of Social and Economic Sciences, tells us more about public opinion in Russia and about what it’s like to publicly speak out against the war while living there. And Ukraine are through to the final of the Eurovision Song Contest. We speak to the country's commentator, Timur Miroshnychenko, who was broadcasting for the semi-final from a temporary studio in a bomb shelter. This episode of Ukrainecast was made by Estelle Doyle with Osman Iqbal and Alix Pickles. The technical producer was Emma Crowe. The assistant editor was Sam Bonham. The editor was Jonathan Aspinwall. Email [email protected] with your questions and comments. You can also send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 0330 1234 220.