Donald Trump has been accused of nuclear posturing, after claiming that he’d ordered two US submarines to move closer to Russia. The announcement followed an escalating social media spat with former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev, as Washington’s deadline for Vladimir Putin to agree a ceasefire in Ukraine approaches. The Kremlin has broadly played down Trump’s rhetoric, so with US envoy Steve Witkoff due to visit Moscow on Wednesday, how delicate is the diplomatic relationship between the two countries?

This week, we’re joined by nuclear physicist and arms control expert, Patricia Lewis, for her assessment of the situation. And, Jamie and Vitaly discuss the Russia TikTokers targeted by authorities for publishing a video in front of a burning fuel depot in Sochi.

Today’s episode is presented by Jamie Coomarasamy and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Laurie Kalus and Polly Hope. 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 Thursday, Ukraine’s parliament waved through a bill reversing controversial changes to domestic anti-corruption bodies. The near-unanimous vote wiped out any remaining uncertainty over the future of the institutions, after Zelensky had largely caved to pressure following widespread demonstrations last week. Meanwhile - despite a shorter-term deadline set by President Trump for a ceasefire - Russia has continued its aerial campaign on Ukrainian targets, with strikes on more than two dozen targets in Kyiv on Thursday killing at least eight, and injuring more than 130 others.

This week, Lucy and Vitaly are joined by the BBC’s Ukraine correspondent, James Waterhouse, to discuss army infiltration, the American family who defected to Russia, and what happened to that highly publicised minerals deal. Plus, our very own Olga Robinson tells us about BBC Verify’s latest deep-dive into Russian disinformation.

Today’s episode is presented by Lucy Hockings and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Laurie Kalus, Julia Webster and Polly Hope. 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, voice note, or video via WhatsApp, Signal or Telegram to +44 330 1239480

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

After the biggest demonstrations since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, Volodymyr Zelensky has largely walked back a controversial overhaul of domestic anti-corruption bodies. But is he still under pressure?

Fresh from a reporting trip to Ukraine, we're joined by Lindsey Hilsum, International Editor at Channel 4 News. She discusses the fallout from the protests, the changing nature of warfare, and Donald Trump's latest intervention.

Plus - Lucy and Vitaly speak with the BBC's Cyber correspondent, Joe Tidy, about an apparent Ukrainian hack on Russia's Aeroflot airline, and the Kremlin's new surveillance-driven alternative to WhatsApp.

Today’s episode is presented by Lucy Hockings and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Laurie Kalus, Julia Webster and Polly Hope. The technical producers were Phil Bull and Mike Regaard. The social producer was Joe Wilkinson. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham. Email Ukrainecast@bbc.co.uk with your questions and comments. Or 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 has been a bruising week domestically for President Zelensky, as a controversial move to overhaul key anti-corruption bodies saw thousands of Ukrainians take to the streets in the biggest nationwide demonstrations held since Russia’s full-scale invasion. With the EU already raising concerns, could this undermine his recent progress on the diplomatic stage, particularly when it comes to the Trump administration?

To discuss the fallout, Lucy is joined by chief international correspondent Lyse Doucet and Russia editor Steve Rosenberg, who also react to reports of a potential meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in China. Plus - after representatives from Russia and Ukraine met in Istanbul for the shortest round of peace talks yet - we get Vitaly’s take from Turkey.

Today’s episode is presented by Lucy Hockings. The producers were Laurie Kalus, Julia Webster and Polly Hope. 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

After Ukraine announced another round of peace talks with Russia, commentators continue to question whether President Trump’s latest threat of secondary tariffs carries enough weight to force Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table. So we’re asking how exactly these measures could be rolled out, what the impact would be on international trade, and why the US isn’t opting to introduce further sanctions alongside the EU.

To answer all of that, Victoria and Vitaly are joined by Stephanie Baker, a senior writer in Bloomberg’s investigations team, and the author of ‘Punishing Putin: Inside the Global Economic War to Bring Down Russia’. Plus, we discuss how Russia is overhauling the education system for those 1.6 million Ukrainian children living under occupation.

Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Laurie Kalus, Polly Hope and Julia Webster. 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

Is the Kremlin concerned about Donald Trump’s threat of secondary tariffs in 50 days? Why has President Zelensky overhauled his cabinet? And could other countries follow suit after France reportedly opted out of the NATO purchase of US arms for Ukraine?

Lucy and Vitaly attempt to answer all of that and more with the help of Ukraine correspondent James Waterhouse and BBC Verify’s Olga Robinson.

Today’s episode is presented by Lucy Hockings and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Laurie Kalus and Polly Hope. The social producer was Sophie Millward. The technical producer was Dafydd Evans. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The assistant editor is Bridget Harney. 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 White House has played down reports that Donald Trump privately encouraged Volodymyr Zelensky to strike targets deep inside Russia, including Moscow and St Petersburg. That's despite the US president's promise to deliver more weapons to Ukraine via NATO allies, and a new threat of secondary tariffs on countries buying Russian oil and gas. So is his administration's approach to Russia changing?

Also, we hear about the more than 250,000 Ukrainians who came to the UK under schemes granting them special protections in the first three years of war. With their initial permission to stay running out, many must now make difficult choices about whether to try and claim asylum or renew their existing status on a shorter-term basis. We speak to Oleksandra, who has seen her asylum application refused, and her lawyer Halyna Semchak, who is challenging government policy on the issue.

Today’s episode is presented by Jamie Coomarasamy and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Laurie Kalus, Polly Hope and Nick Sturdee. The technical producer was Jonny Baker. The social producer was Joe Wilkinson. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The assistant editor is Bridget Harney. 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 +44 330 123 9480

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

The UK Home Office Statement in Full:

“We are fully committed to supporting Ukraine in its fight against Putin’s illegal war, while also providing a safe and secure haven for those fleeing the conflict. We have offered our extended sanctuary to over 300,000 Ukrainians and their families.

"The Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme enables those with permission to remain in the United Kingdom under one of the existing Ukraine schemes to apply for a further 18 months. This allows a continuation of rights to work, live and study as well as access to healthcare and welfare support in the UK.”

Background:

- Our offer of temporary sanctuary is in line with the Ukrainian government’s strong desire for the future return of its citizens, and does not lead to settlement. Other routes are available for those wishing to settle permanently in the UK. - All asylum claims are considered on their individual facts and merits. - The Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme provides a further 18 months permission to remain in the UK and a continuation of rights to work, live and study as well as access to healthcare and welfare support in the UK. - The 28-day window for applications to be submitted allows sufficient time for operational planning, to provide biometric enrolment capacity, and deliver the most efficient service for customers. Those who apply before their current permission expires will retain the conditions of their current visa while their application is under consideration, enabling them to continue to exercise their rights to work, study, and live in the UK. - Ukrainians who wish to seek specific advice regarding their individual circumstances may also wish to consider contacting a solicitor at: Find legal advice and information - Gov.uk (www.gov.uk/find-legal-advice) or an immigration adviser at Find an immigration advisor – Gov.uk (www.gov.uk/find-an-immigration-adviser). Immigration support is also available from Citizens Advice which provides independent advice in person, online or on the phone - ([http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk)/]www.citizensadvice.org.uk)/ - The UK Government continues to keep the Ukraine Schemes and the evolving situation in Ukraine under active review

Is Donald Trump changing his rhetoric on Ukraine? Has he directed allies in Congress to accelerate a new sanctions package targeting Russia? And could infighting among high-ranking Ukrainian officials prove to be a damaging distraction in their country’s war effort?

Lucy and Vitaly answer all that, and consider the delicate diplomatic balance Turkey is attempting to strike during this conflict, alongside the BBC’s Ukraine correspondent James Waterhouse.

Today’s episode is presented by Lucy Hockings and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Laurie Kalus and Polly Hope. The technical producer was Jonny Baker. The social producer was Sophie Millward. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The assistant editor is Bridget Harney. 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, Ukraine’s air force said Russia had launched a record 539 drones and 11 missiles in overnight airstrikes. Kyiv was at the epicentre of the attack, with every district in the capital targeted. We’ve been speaking with two residents of the city, about their experiences - Dasha, who spent the night sheltering at a local metro station, and Oleksiy, who watched his business go up in flames on CCTV.

Also, on Monday Russia's Investigative Committee said that Vladimir Putin’s former transport minister Roman Starovoit had been found dead, apparently with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Victoria and Vitaly explain why the ex-Kursk governor’s death is driving intense speculation online.

Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Laurie Kalus and Polly Hope. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The assistant editor is Bridget Harney. 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

After the US paused the delivery of some weapons to Ukraine pledged under the Biden administration, how soon will the impact be felt on the front line? As Russia claims full control of Luhansk, what is life like for Ukrainians living in occupied territories? And is Ukraine united behind the Russian opposition movement?

Lucy and Vitaly answer all that, and discuss French President Emmanuel Macron’s call with Vladimir Putin, alongside BBC Verify’s Olga Robinson, and our diplomatic correspondent James Landale.

Today’s episode is presented by Lucy Hockings and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Laurie Kalus, Polly Hope and Nik Sindle. 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

Last week, a clip of BBC Ukrainian reporter Myroslava Petsa went viral, after President Trump asked a series of questions about her personal story during a press conference at the Nato summit. Myroslava tells us what was going through her mind at that moment, and what it has been like to cover the conflict while her husband fights for Ukraine.

We also hear from Matthew Savill at RUSI about the intensification of nightly Russian drone attacks on Ukrainian towns and cities. Can Russia sustain this level of aerial pressure? Is Ukraine’s effort to target manufacturing hubs actually effective? And why is President Zelensky so keen to buy new Patriot missile defence systems?

Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Laurie Kalus, Nik Sindle and Polly Hope. 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

The Nato summit in The Hague did get member states to agree on ramping up their defence spending - and seemed to placate Donald Trump. But has this week changed anything for Ukraine? What happened to the prior US “two-week deadline” to agree a ceasefire - and will those sought-after Patriot missiles ever arrive in Kyiv? Jamie Coomarasamy and Vitaly Shevchenko answer all that, and discuss the knotty details of prosecuting alleged war crimes with BBC Verify’s Olga Robinson and the Ukraine correspondent James Waterhouse. The producers were Laurie Kalus, Rufus Gray, and Polly Hope. 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 +44 330 123 9480

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

As Nato leaders gather in the Hague, all eyes are on one man - President Trump. Member states have largely complied with his demand that they spend more on collective defence. But as Russia’s full-scale invasion continues, will his focus at this summit extend to Ukraine, or is he preoccupied with events in the Middle East?

For an insider perspective, we’re joined by the former US Permanent Representative to Nato, Julianne Smith. And two of our listeners from Nato’s newest members - Finland and Sweden - tell us how they feel about the threat from near neighbours, Russia. Today’s episode is presented by Jamie Coomarasamy and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Laurie Kalus, Nik Sindle and Polly Hope. The technical producers were Mike Regaard 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

As oil prices rise, is escalation in the Middle East between Israel and Iran a positive development for Russia? How successful has Ukraine been in downing Russia’s fibre optic drone capacity? And is the Kremlin really intent on extending its invasion beyond Nato borders?

Lucy and Vitaly answer all that, and discuss the impact of the latest western sanctions with BBC Verify’s Olga Robinson and Matthew Savill of the Royal United Services Institute. The producers were Laurie Kalus and Polly Hope. The technical producer was James Piper. 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

As the confrontation between Iran and Israel deepens, could Russia could reap the benefits of rising oil prices - or have the chance to act as a mediator?

And what consequences could this crisis have for Ukraine?

Also, what’s it like to join the Ukrainian armed forces? We catch up with friend of the pod Volodymyr, who recently volunteered for a drone unit and is going through basic training. Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producer was Polly Hope and the technical producers were Jonny Hall and Michael 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

How are Russian POWs treated in Ukrainian captivity? Is Kyiv’s claim that Russia has suffered more than 1 million casualties during the war accurate? And during WW2 Britain used flat-pack bomb shelters - could they also now work in Ukraine?

These are just some of the questions you’ve been sending in to the Ukrainecast team. Jamie and Vitaly are joined by Olga Robinson from BBC Verify and Olga Ivshina from BBC Russian to answer them.

Today’s episode is presented by Jamie Coomarasamy and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Arsenii Sokolov and Polly Hope. The technical producer was James Piper. 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

Bringing soldiers back home is one of the few areas where Russia and Ukraine have made progress together in recent months, and another large scale prisoner swap started this week.

We talk to Anastasia - the wife of a Ukrainian soldier held captive since 2022, and released in May. But his new found freedom came against a backdrop of continuing Russian attacks on cities across Ukraine. We talk about whether we are seeing the retaliation for operation 'Spider Web'. Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and James Waterhouse. It was made by Arsenii Sokolov, and Polly Hope. The technical producer was Hannah Montgomery. The series producer was Chris Flynn. 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 the Spider Web drone attacks tell us about Ukraine’s tactics inside Russia going forward? Could the West limit Russian oil revenues by confiscating its 'shadow fleet'? And are we any closer to seeing high-precision laser weapons on the battlefield?

We answer all that and discuss what the implications could be for Ukraine after Poland elected a new conservative president, with the BBC's chief international correspondent Lyse Doucet and diplomatic correspondent Paul Adams.

Today’s episode is presented by Lucy Hockings and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Laurie Kalus, Ben Carter and Nik Sindle. 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 Sunday, more than 100 Ukrainian drones struck air bases deep inside Russia. According to some estimates, the operation dubbed ‘Spider Web’ may have successfully damaged or destroyed up to a third of Russia’s fleet of strategic bombers. So what impact might this have on its aerial capability?

We‘re joined in the studio by Major General Jonathan Shaw, former Assistant Chief of the UK’s Defence Staff. And with Ukraine’s drone industry in the spotlight, we speak to Kseniia Kalmus, a drone manufacturer who co-founded a volunteer-led workshop in Kyiv.

Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and James Waterhouse. The producers were Laurie Kalus and Nik Sindle. 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

Is the Russian military weaker than at the start of the war? Will European allies expand their drone industries to aid Ukraine? And what has happened to Ukrainian children kidnapped by Russia?

We answer all that and discuss whether Germany will arm Ukraine with Taurus missiles, with Olga Ivshina from BBC Russian, and Mikey Kay, a former senior officer in the British military who hosts The Security Brief on BBC News.

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

The producers were Laurie Kalus, Ben Carter and Nik Sindle. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. 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