Episode description

Russia has attacked the Ukrainian capital with drones that loiter above a target before attacking, then detonate on impact. The BBC’s defence correspondent Jonathan Beale explains to Victoria and Vitaly why Russian forces are now using these weapons.

Ukrainian author Andrei Kurkov reflects on the life and death of the Ukrainian conductor Yuriy Kerpatenko. The musician was killed by Russians occupying Kherson for refusing to take part in a concert they had organised.

Also, for several days now, the Russian city of Belgorod bordering Ukraine has been under attack. A former resident, Ksenia Mikhailik, tells us she left fearing for her daughter’s safety.

And the BBC Russian’s Maria Kiseleva explains what may have motivated the mass shooting of Russian soldiers at a training ground, also in the Belgorod region.

This episode was presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko.

Today’s Ukrainecast was made by Ivana Davidovic, Arsenii Sokolov and Luke Radcliffe. The technical director was Russell Newlove. The series producer is Estelle Doyle, the assistant editor Alison Gee. 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.