Episode description

As the Russian-installed leader of the region calls on its citizens to evacuate and “save themselves”, Vitaliy and Victoria hear about life under occupation in Kherson.

They talk to Tamila Imanova, a lawyer working for Memorial, the Russian human rights organisation just awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. She explains why she agrees with the Ukrainians who insist the Russian people must bear collective responsibility for the war, but warns against the risk of Russophobia. Former NATO adviser and political risk consultant, Samantha De Bendern answers listener questions about the military position of Ukraine and its allies after a week of heavy Russian bombardment.

And we hear from Iuliia Mendel, the former press secretary to President Zelensky, about his first and only meeting with President Putin in 2019.

This episode was presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko.

Today’s Ukrainecast was made by Ivana Davidovic, Arsenii Sokolov and Clare Williamson. The planning producers are Louise Hidalgo and Luke Radcliff and the technical director was Russell Newlove. The series producer is Estelle Doyle and the editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Email Ukrainecast@bbc.co.uk with your questions and comments. You can also send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp, Signal or Telegram to +44 330 1239480.