Ukrainecast

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

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

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

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

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