Does Trump understand Putin’s motives? Can Western sanctions actually threaten Russia’s economy? Are Russian troops really amassing at Finland’s border - and how worried should we be about that?

Those are some of the questions you’ve sent us in over the last week and in this episode, Lucy and Vitaly are joined by James and BBC news presenter Sumi Somaskanda to try and answer them.

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

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

After a two-hour phone call on Monday, Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin came to very different conclusions about what was agreed. The US said ceasefire negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv would start “immediately.” The Kremlin meanwhile, said there were no deadlines to move towards peace.

On this episode the BBC’s Russia editor Steve Rosenberg tells us about the reaction to the call in the Russian press. And - as Europe prepares to level further sanctions - Robert Fox, defence editor at the Evening Standard, tells us the West needs to prepare for a longer term conflict.

Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko.

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

Ukraine and Russia have agreed to swap 1,000 prisoners of war each after the first face-to-face talks in three years. Kyiv also requested direct talks with President Vladimir Putin, and Moscow says it "noted" this request.

So is this a diplomatic breakthrough?

Vitaly gauges the mood from a sunny Istanbul, explains why an interpreter was required, and talks about what the next steps might be.

Today’s episode is presented by Lucy Hockings and Jamie Coomarasamy.

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

President Zelensky has said he's sending his defence minister to peace negotiations with Russia in Istanbul - but adds that Russia is "not serious" about "real talks".

With discussions between the two countries seemingly likely to happen in some form, is this progress? Are we on the path to peace? Lucy is joined by Vitaly in Istanbul and Lyse Doucet in Abu Dhabi.

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

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

The world is holding its breath ahead of mooted peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul on Thursday. But what are the discussions likely to look like, and crucially who will attend?

With Donald Trump on a tour of the Gulf nations, the White House says it plans to send senior representatives to Turkey, while hinting that the US President could yet make a personal appearance. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky meanwhile, has confirmed he will travel to the capital Ankara, and doubled down on his challenge to Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to meet face-to-face.

To decipher all the briefing and counter-briefing, we’re joined in the studio by the BBC’s diplomatic correspondent James Landale. And Victoria speaks to the Vice President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas.

Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko.

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

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he’s ready to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin "personally" in Istanbul on Thursday for talks over ending the war.

But is this meeting likely to materialise? And is this a smart move from Zelensky or a potential win for Putin?

Lucy and Vitaly are joined by chief international correspondent Lyse Doucet to chew over the significance of a potentially conflict-changing meeting.

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

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

Who’s attending Friday’s Victory Day parade in Russia? Could President Xi of China present his own ceasefire plan? And what’s going on with the coalition of the willing?

The BBC's chief international correspondent Lyse Doucet and BBC Moscow producer Ben Tavener are on hand to answer these questions from listeners and more.

Today’s episode is presented by Jamie Coomarasamy and Vitaly Shevchenko.

The producers were Laurie Kalus and Ben Carter. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

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

We’re just days away from Victory Day, when Moscow is due to hold a parade on 9 May to mark the victory of the Soviet Union and allies over Nazi Germany.

Victoria and Vitaly are joined by BBC Verify’s Olga Robinson and Alexander Zhuravlyov to discuss what the day means for Russians, and how its significance has changed since Vladimir Putin came to power.

Also, security correspondent Frank Gardner is in Kyiv and tells us whether Kyiv could try and disrupt the parade in Moscow, following several days of Ukrainian attacks on Russia.

Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko.

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

After months of tense negotiations Ukraine and the US have signed a much-anticipated natural resources deal - and YOU have lots of questions about it.

Why is Ukraine going ahead with it? Can it still join NATO? What could the US offer Russia?

Lucy is joined by Ukraine correspondent James Waterhouse, BBC Verify’s Olga Robinson and diplomatic correspondent James Landale to answer these and more.

Today’s episode is presented by Lucy Hockings.

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

It’s 100 days since Donald Trump was sworn in for his second term as President of the United States. His campaign promise to end the war in Ukraine has yet to materialise, but Washington has brought both sides to the negotiation table. So is peace any closer, and should the White House be getting more credit?

We’re joined by Sam Kiley, world affairs editor at The Independent, who has just returned from the Vatican where Donald Trump and President Zelensky met on the sidelines of Pope Francis’ funeral. And the former British ambassador to Ukraine, Judith Gough, gives her perspective on the current state of diplomatic talks.

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

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