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Artist Lesia Khomenko left Kyiv with her daughter the day after the Russians invaded Ukraine – leaving her husband and all of her artwork behind. She now lives in New York, documenting how the conflict has transformed Ukrainian society through her painting. Her first work after the invasion was a portrait of her husband, wearing jeans and a puffa jacket whilst holding a gun and saluting awkwardly. Max is in the Army is part of a series of lawyers, engineers and musicians – all finding themselves abruptly turned into soldiers. Lucy Ash has been to Kyiv to witness the creation of Khomenko’s largest works to date including one which mirrors Kyiv railway station’s staircase, where it will be hung, crowded with figures, symbolising the nation defending its land, culture and democracy.

This episode of The Documentary, comes to you from In the Studio, exploring the processes of the world’s most creative people.

Portugal has joined Britain, Canada and Australia in formally recognising Palestinian statehood. It comes after their growing criticism of Israel's military offensive in Gaza -- and is meant to revive hopes of a two-state solution to the conflict. Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a Palestinian state would not happen and denounced recognition as a huge reward to terrorism. Palestinian leaders welcomed recognition. We will hear from Palestinians and an Israeli official.

Also in the programme: We will hear from the Hollywood star Leonardo Di Caprio about his new film; Martin Luther King the Third on political violence in America and trying to bridge the divide; and talking statues of the gardens of Versailles.

(Photo credit: PA)

Susan makes a surprise decision, and there's a near miss for Alan.

The British deputy prime minister, David Lammy, has insisted that now is the right time to recognise a Palestinian state ahead of an expected announcement by London later Sunday. We hear from a Palestinian representative and Adam Ma'anit, whose cousin was murdered by Hamas on October 7th.

Also in the programme: Moldova battles online Russian propaganda; we preview the Charlie Kirk memorial service.

(Picture: People participate in a "Free Palestine" protest in support of Palestinians, in Nairobi, Kenya, September 21, 2025. Credit: Reuters)

President Trump is in the UK on a State visit, where he’s been hosted by the royal family and is set to meet with Prime Minister Starmer.

The two leaders appear to have a strong relationship. But there's one big issue that’s become a sticking point between them.

Increasingly, free speech in the United Kingdom is a hot button rallying cry among the conservatives in the United States. Why have Republicans in America become so obsessed with free speech across the Atlantic? Especially when a crackdown on speech is kicking off at home.

This programme includes language which some listeners find offensive.

Every weekday, this is The Global Story. The world is changing. Decisions made in the US and by the second Trump administration are accelerating that change. But they are also a symptom of it. With Asma Khalid in DC, Tristan Redman in London, and the backing of the BBC’s international newsroom, The Global Story brings clarity to politics, business and foreign policy in a time of connection and disruption. For more episodes, just search 'The Global Story' wherever you get your BBC Podcasts.

Producers: Cat Farnsworth, Viv Jones and Xandra Ellin

Executive producer: Annie Brown and James Shield

Mix: Travis Evans

Senior news editor: China Collins

Image: US President Donald Trump on second state visit to the UK (Credit: Kirsty Wigglesworth/PA)

Archive audio from Father Ted (Credit: Father Ted/Hat Trick Productions/Channel 4)

Britain is expected to take the unprecedented step of recognising a Palestinian state today. The move will be a major shift in foreign policy for the UK which has, for decades, insisted that recognition should only happen as part of a peace deal with Israel. Also: the US Pentagon fuels fears about press freedom with new restrictions on journalists, Russia reboots the Soviet-era Intervision song contest, Prince Andrew's former wife explains her apologetic email to Jeffrey Epstein, and accusations of sportswashing in Rwanda.

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On 28 September, Moldova’s parliamentary election will be closely watched by leaders in both the EU and Russia.

Ilan Shor, a fugitive oligarch on the run from Moldovan authorities, and now resident in Russia, is believed to be behind a major disinformation campaign. The apparent aim is to draw the nation of just over two million people under the influence of Moscow.

The BBC has sent a reporter undercover to find out how disinformation is being spread, and where the money funding it is coming from.

We hear from President Maia Sandu, on the danger it poses to the electorate, and the wider geopolitical forces at play.

Presenter: Seamus Mirodan

Producer: Sam Judah

Editors: Flora Carmichael and Michael Simkin

BBC Eye Investigative Team: Rowan Ings, Angela Stanciu, Andreea Jitaru, Oana Marocico, Malvina Cojocari

Several major US companies are said to have advised staff on highly skilled visas not to leave the United States after the Trump administration suddenly increased the annual visa fee to a hundred-thousand-dollars. Reports say the firms - including Microsoft and Amazon - told those outside the country to return before midnight on Saturday when the rules come into effect, fearing they will be barred entry. More than 70 percent of H-1B visa-holders are Indian nationals.

Also in the programme: Russian military jets enter Estonian airspace; and President Trump steps up his pressure on Venezuela.

(Photo: U.S. President Donald Trump displays a signed executive order. CREDIT: REUTERS/Ken Cedeno)

جهان به نحوی بی‌سابقه به سمت میلیتاریسم پیش می‌رود. این وضعیت در مورد انتخاب‌های بنیادی نظام سیاسی در ایران چه به ما می‌گوید؟

میهمان‌ها:

ملیحه محمدی، تحلیل‌گر سیاسی

سعید برزین، تحلیل‌گر سیاسی

Estonia has requested a consultation with other NATO members after Russian warplanes violated its airspace on Friday morning. Russia issued a denial. But tensions have been escalating after Poland and Romania said Russian drones had breached their airspace. We'll hear from Estonia's ambassador to Britain.

Also in the programme: Several European airports have reported delays and cancellations after a cyberattack; and Newshour's Lyse Doucet on her book that details the rise and fall of Afghanistan through the lens of a luxury hotel in Kabul.

(Picture: A still photo published by Swedish armed forces that it says shows a Russian fighter jet that violated Estonian airspace. Credit: Swedish Armed forces/Handout via REUTERS)