hello, i'm christian fraser. you're watching context on bbc news. standing in solidarity with the people of ukraine. three european leaders travel to kyiv for a meeting with president zelensky. the polish prime minister said it was a risk worth taking, with the wider security of europe now hanging in the balance. another super yacht siezed, this time in barcelona, as more oligarchs are targeted by european authorites. russia today became the most sanctioned country on earth. and volodymyr zelensky, actor turned politician; now wartime leader. we will speak to the film director who worked with the ukrainian president before he stood for office. tonight with the context, former nato deputy secretary general rose gottemoeller, the former british culture secretary

ed vaizey who now sits in the house of lords and from kyiv. anders 0stlund a contributor at the center for european policy analysis. welcome to the programme. half the population of the ukrainian capital kyiv has fled, many heading into neighbouring countries. but coming the other way today were the leaders of poland, the czech republic and slovenia. the three men took an early morning train from the border and travelled through front lines, to a city under curfew to show solidarity with president zelensky. it was a remarkable gesture, from three leaders, who see the fate of their own countries bound tightly to that of ukraine. and while they were in the city they would have heard the war approaching. there was no let up in the bombing, four further attacks today

all of them on residential areas. for his part, president zelensky was again appealing to the west. today he spoke to the canadian parliament. tomorrow it is the us congress. he gives the same message, he gets the same standing ovation, but his frustration is mounting. "how many more cruise missiles have to fall he asked before you close the skies". very soon there will be no way out of kyiv, the russians will encircle the city and the people will be left to fend for themselves. and as orla guerlin reports, there will be no mercy for the civilians. they are the front line. behind the death toll is here there are agonising personal stories. like that of marina and her husband. their daughter's apartment was sheued their daughter's apartment was shelled by the russians. marina survived with her daughter and grandson because her husband and son pushed them to safety. translation: my pushed them to safety. translation: my son was screaming, mum, don't come in here, run away from here. he

was begging me to save his sister and his nephew. he was still conscious. he was in so much pain that he kept saying, mum, kill me now. yeah, it is these personal stories that remind you of the cost of a war like this. and you are indoors in kyiv tonight. it certainly signals a new level of emergency. does it feel to you like the war is getting closer?— the war is getting closer? well, it has been like _ the war is getting closer? well, it has been like this _ the war is getting closer? well, it has been like this now _ the war is getting closer? well, it has been like this now for - the war is getting closer? well, it has been like this now for a - the war is getting closer? well, it| has been like this now for a couple of weeks. so there is no real difference in that sense. we have had fighting about 15 kilometres from here. that big convoy is about 30 kilometres from here. it is about ten kilometres from here. the last

couple of days what has changed is the attacks on residential buildings. it started yesterday morning and then we have the attacks today. and the difference of course from air attacks to shelling is that we get no warning whatsoever. you tweeted today that the outgoing fire from where you are sitting, it seems to be greater than the incoming. we know the russian missile batteries are there outside the city but would that suggest again that they are having problems supplying their front line forces? it having problems supplying their front line forces?— front line forces? it could be. there has _ front line forces? it could be. there has been _ front line forces? it could be. there has been a _ front line forces? it could be. there has been a lot - front line forces? it could be. there has been a lot of - front line forces? it could be. - there has been a lot of discussion about the convoy that has been standing in the russian units there. some people estimate 70,000 soldiers on the north—western side of kyiv. well, western to northern side. i have heard i think it is at least

the last ten days regular shelling both day and night. sometimes it goes on for a long, long time and sometimes it is more random. the ukrainian artillery and i've heard also rocket artillery firing stopped i have not heard incoming fire. but then again i thought to myself what i hear that? considering that incoming fire would be landing on units, ukrainian units about ten kilometres from here. but the outgoing fire is probably fired from positions closer to her. however, if the russians were fully armed, we would probably have had lots more casualties and we will hear more about it. i think they're low on ammunition. well, that is what people are speculating about now. when we talked about the visit of the three european leaders today.

you are there in ukraine. how difficult would it have been for them to get into the city and was it done at some personal risk to each of them? ~ ., ., ,~' ., of them? well, not more risk than an of of them? well, not more risk than any of the — of them? well, not more risk than any of the millions _ of them? well, not more risk than any of the millions of— of them? well, not more risk than any of the millions of refugees - of them? well, not more risk than | any of the millions of refugees that you mentioned previously. travelling on train. but of course being lead dislike that they took a risk that is unusual, i guess. i don't know which routes they took, i guess that was kept secret. but as far as kyiv is concerned i would consider the western highway towards poland, going south towards the river in the east, that area is mostly controlled by ukraine and their incoming railroads from odesa for example. in that direction. so kyiv is not encircled, it is not correct to say. the southern side is open, that is how kyiv get supplies. there is the idea from the russian force of

course, the one standing on the north—western side is to proceed south towards the river and encircle kyiv. i don't think personally they will manage to do that unless they solve their enormous supply problems. because as far as now they have been standing for two weeks and they have 1000 tanks maybe. they should easily be able to manoeuvre south but they haven't. ed should easily be able to manoeuvre south but they haven't.— south but they haven't. ed vaizey, from a politician's _ south but they haven't. ed vaizey, from a politician's perspective, - from a politician's perspective, what did you make today of the visit today from kyiv, important from a european perspective?— european perspective? yeah, i thou~ht european perspective? yeah, i thought it _ european perspective? yeah, i thought it was _ european perspective? yeah, i thought it was a _ european perspective? yeah, i thought it was a bold - european perspective? yeah, i thought it was a bold gesture i european perspective? yeah, i i thought it was a bold gesture and i'm very— thought it was a bold gesture and i'm very pleased that those leaders went to _ i'm very pleased that those leaders went to show support for kyiv. it maybe _ went to show support for kyiv. it maybe one — went to show support for kyiv. it maybe one that seems deeply facetious if the president of the united — facetious if the president of the united states was to visit kyiv, what _ united states was to visit kyiv, what on — united states was to visit kyiv, what on earth with the russians do if he made — what on earth with the russians do if he made a statement like that. they— if he made a statement like that. they certainly won't want to shoot him down — they certainly won't want to shoot him down or impede him in any way. and i_ him down or impede him in any way. and i think_ him down or impede him in any way. and i think in a sense it is not an entirely— and i think in a sense it is not an entirely facetious statement because i think_ entirely facetious statement because i think the _ entirely facetious statement because i think the game of the west is to keep— i think the game of the west is to keep raising the stakes for the russians _ keep raising the stakes for the russians. i think the russians, keep raising the stakes for the

russians. ithink the russians, you know, _ russians. ithink the russians, you know. have — russians. ithink the russians, you know, have in the build—up to this invasion_ know, have in the build—up to this invasion now— know, have in the build—up to this invasion now with this extraordinary act of— invasion now with this extraordinary act of war_ invasion now with this extraordinary act of war have actually been on the front foot _ act of war have actually been on the front foot in — act of war have actually been on the front foot in terms of pushing the west— front foot in terms of pushing the west backwards. it has been remarkable how united the west has been since _ remarkable how united the west has been since the invasion began. but i think— been since the invasion began. but i think that _ been since the invasion began. but i think that when you are dealing with a man_ think that when you are dealing with a man like _ think that when you are dealing with a man like putin, bob gestures like this are _ a man like putin, bob gestures like this are a _ a man like putin, bob gestures like this are a very good play.— this are a very good play. rose, i wonder if some _ this are a very good play. rose, i wonder if some of _ this are a very good play. rose, i wonder if some of this _ this are a very good play. rose, i wonder if some of this came - this are a very good play. rose, i wonder if some of this came out | wonder if some of this came out of frustration? because really i know there is unity across the nato countries but there is clearly more frustration among the european and baltic states that at this point the americans are loath to do more than they're doing. was this really the only way these three leaders could send the message that they stand with president zelensky? i send the message that they stand with president zelensky? i thought it was important _ with president zelensky? i thought it was important because - with president zelensky? i thought it was important because those - it was important because those countries — it was important because those countries represent _ it was important because those countries represent not - it was important because those countries represent not only. it was important because those - countries represent not only members of nato _ countries represent not only members of nato but _ countries represent not only members of nato but also — countries represent not only members of nato but also members _ countries represent not only members of nato but also members of - countries represent not only members of nato but also members of the - of nato but also members of the european — of nato but also members of the european union. _ of nato but also members of the european union. this _ of nato but also members of the european union. this whole - of nato but also members of the i european union. this whole crisis started _ european union. this whole crisis started in— european union. this whole crisis started in 2014 _ european union. this whole crisis started in 2014 when _ european union. this whole crisis started in 2014 when ukraine - european union. this whole crisis i

started in 2014 when ukraine pushed aside its _ started in 2014 when ukraine pushed aside its then— started in 2014 when ukraine pushed aside its then president _ started in 2014 when ukraine pushed aside its then president at _ started in 2014 when ukraine pushed aside its then president at that - aside its then president at that time _ aside its then president at that time and — aside its then president at that time and wanted _ aside its then president at that time and wanted to— aside its then president at that time and wanted to turn- aside its then president at that time and wanted to turn again| aside its then president at that l time and wanted to turn again to ukraine— time and wanted to turn again to ukraine and— time and wanted to turn again to ukraine and sign— time and wanted to turn again to ukraine and sign the _ time and wanted to turn again to ukraine and sign the association| ukraine and sign the association agreement— ukraine and sign the association agreement with _ ukraine and sign the association agreement with european - ukraine and sign the associationl agreement with european union. ukraine and sign the association - agreement with european union. so it was important — agreement with european union. so it was important from _ agreement with european union. so it was important from that _ agreement with european union. so it was important from that perspective l was important from that perspective and was _ was important from that perspective and was indeed _ was important from that perspective and was indeed a _ was important from that perspective and was indeed a brave _ was important from that perspective and was indeed a brave act. - was important from that perspective and was indeed a brave act. i- was important from that perspective and was indeed a brave act. i can't l and was indeed a brave act. i can't comment— and was indeed a brave act. ican't comment on— and was indeed a brave act. i can't comment on what _ and was indeed a brave act. i can't comment on what their _ and was indeed a brave act. i can't comment on what their strategy i and was indeed a brave act. i can't l comment on what their strategy was otherwise. _ comment on what their strategy was otherwise, whether— comment on what their strategy was otherwise, whether they— comment on what their strategy was otherwise, whether they were - otherwise, whether they were frustrated _ otherwise, whether they were frustrated with _ otherwise, whether they were frustrated with the _ otherwise, whether they were frustrated with the united - otherwise, whether they were - frustrated with the united states. but i frustrated with the united states. but i will — frustrated with the united states. but i will say _ frustrated with the united states. but i will say i _ frustrated with the united states. but i will say i have _ frustrated with the united states. but i will say i have the _ frustrated with the united states. but i will say i have the deepest. but i will say i have the deepest sympathy— but i will say i have the deepest sympathy for _ but i will say i have the deepest sympathy for president - but i will say i have the deepest| sympathy for president zelensky but i will say i have the deepest- sympathy for president zelensky and he is fighting — sympathy for president zelensky and he is fighting bravely— sympathy for president zelensky and he is fighting bravely against - sympathy for president zelensky and he is fighting bravely against this - he is fighting bravely against this russian — he is fighting bravely against this russian invasion. _ he is fighting bravely against this russian invasion. but, _ he is fighting bravely against this russian invasion. but, you - he is fighting bravely against this| russian invasion. but, you know, he is fighting bravely against this . russian invasion. but, you know, if the united — russian invasion. but, you know, if the united states— russian invasion. but, you know, if the united states and _ russian invasion. but, you know, if the united states and nato- russian invasion. but, you know, if the united states and nato did - russian invasion. but, you know, ifl the united states and nato did close the united states and nato did close the skies _ the united states and nato did close the skies it— the united states and nato did close the skies it would _ the united states and nato did close the skies it would not arrest - the united states and nato did close the skies it would not arrest those . the skies it would not arrest those cruise _ the skies it would not arrest those cruise missiles _ the skies it would not arrest those cruise missiles that _ the skies it would not arrest those cruise missiles that are _ the skies it would not arrest those cruise missiles that are coming. the skies it would not arrest those cruise missiles that are coming at| cruise missiles that are coming at them _ cruise missiles that are coming at them or— cruise missiles that are coming at them or the — cruise missiles that are coming at them or the ballistic— cruise missiles that are coming at them or the ballistic missiles- cruise missiles that are coming at them or the ballistic missiles are i them or the ballistic missiles are coming _ them or the ballistic missiles are coming at — them or the ballistic missiles are coming at them _ them or the ballistic missiles are coming at them. they _ them or the ballistic missiles are coming at them. they made - them or the ballistic missiles are - coming at them. they made defences against _ coming at them. they made defences against missiles. _ coming at them. they made defences against missiles. it— coming at them. they made defences against missiles. it is— coming at them. they made defences against missiles. it is not— coming at them. they made defences against missiles. it is not russian- against missiles. it is not russian aircraft _ against missiles. it is not russian aircraft that — against missiles. it is not russian aircraft that are _ against missiles. it is not russian aircraft that are delivering - against missiles. it is not russian aircraft that are delivering those i aircraft that are delivering those weapons — aircraft that are delivering those wea ons. ~ �* , ., aircraft that are delivering those wea ons. . h ., ., ., weapons. well, let's get a flavour of how this _ weapons. well, let's get a flavour of how this would _ weapons. well, let's get a flavour of how this would have _ weapons. well, let's get a flavour of how this would have been - weapons. well, let's get a flavour of how this would have been seeni weapons. well, let's get a flavour i of how this would have been seen in the czech republic. let's speak to the czech republic. let's speak to the chairman of the nato security

committee. the trip was originally kept secret from the members of the —— public of the public. it kept secret from the members of the -- public of the public.— -- public of the public. it was a message _ -- public of the public. it was a message to _ -- public of the public. it was a message to the _ -- public of the public. it was a message to the media. - -- public of the public. it was a message to the media. so - -- public of the public. it was a message to the media. so it i message to the media. so it wasn't briefed before _ message to the media. so it wasn't briefed before that _ message to the media. so it wasn't briefed before that he _ message to the media. so it wasn't briefed before that he was - message to the media. so it wasn't briefed before that he was going? i briefed before that he was going? no. what we learnt is this visit was being prepared in coordination with the two other prime ministers of slovenia and poland. under the auspices and that it was organised with the ukrainian security services as well as the polish security proposes to provide a secure environment for the event. mit? proposes to provide a secure environment for the event. why do ou think environment for the event. why do you think they _ environment for the event. why do you think they believed _ environment for the event. why do you think they believed it - environment for the event. why do you think they believed it was - you think they believed it was necessary at this moment? well, as a number of things _ necessary at this moment? well, as a number of things in _ necessary at this moment? well, as a number of things in politics, - necessary at this moment? well, as a number of things in politics, it - necessary at this moment? well, as a number of things in politics, it is - number of things in politics, it is about symbols. i see it as a very strong symbol to ukraine that we are

with them and that we are coming to see them to the conditions they have to live in to show them respect and support. d0 to live in to show them respect and su ort. ,, to live in to show them respect and su--ort. ~ ., support. do you think it was also born out of— support. do you think it was also born out of some _ support. do you think it was also born out of some frustration? i born out of some frustration? because clearly the eastern european countries, the baltic countries, want to do more than is currently being offered to ukraine. was this a moral obligation in the absence of something else?— something else? well, i believe a number of— something else? well, i believe a number of us _ something else? well, i believe a number of us feel— something else? well, i believe a number of us feel some _ something else? well, i believe a number of us feel some kind - something else? well, i believe a number of us feel some kind of. something else? well, i believe a - number of us feel some kind of moral obligation because when we see ukrainians, how bravely and with determination they are facing prevailing russian forces, i believe that they deserve all the support that they deserve all the support that we can provide.— that we can provide. tomorrow, resident zelensky _ that we can provide. tomorrow, resident zelensky would - that we can provide. tomorrow, resident zelensky would speak. that we can provide. tomorrow, l resident zelensky would speak to that we can provide. tomorrow, - resident zelensky would speak to the us congress i imagine it will make another appealfor us congress i imagine it will make another appeal for the fighter jets and also the anti—aircraft missiles.

0f and also the anti—aircraft missiles. of those sorts of capabilities there in the czech republic, could that sort of weaponry be found in the czech republic? the sort of weaponry be found in the czech republic?— sort of weaponry be found in the czech republic? the czech republic doesnt czech republic? the czech republic doesn't dispose _ czech republic? the czech republic doesn't dispose of— czech republic? the czech republic doesn't dispose of our _ czech republic? the czech republic doesn't dispose of our aircraft - czech republic? the czech republic doesn't dispose of our aircraft we i doesn't dispose of our aircraft we doesn't dispose of our aircraft we do not have at our disposal they anti—aircraft missiles. it is not so much the sensitivity here and czech republic because our government has provided only two batches of weapons based on the requirement of the ukrainian military. and now the government is preparing another big delivery so the russians obviously know that we are assisting ukraine with a number of weaponry. and also the ammunition. the with a number of weaponry. and also the ammunition.— the ammunition. the polish prime minister said _ the ammunition. the polish prime minister said tonight _ the ammunition. the polish prime minister said tonight that - the ammunition. the polish prime minister said tonight that it - the ammunition. the polish prime minister said tonight that it was i minister said tonight that it was important to go to ukraine because the future of european security is now in the balance. do you see in

such stark terms in the czech republic?— such stark terms in the czech reublic? ~ , ., , republic? we see it as a struggle for the future _ republic? we see it as a struggle for the future of _ republic? we see it as a struggle for the future of the _ republic? we see it as a struggle for the future of the security - for the future of the security environment in europe as well as international relations in europe and even broader. because if russia prevails in this conflict and will declaring victory it will be all of us who would lose.— declaring victory it will be all of us who would lose. pressure growing on president — us who would lose. pressure growing on president biden _ us who would lose. pressure growing on president biden to _ us who would lose. pressure growing on president biden to offer _ us who would lose. pressure growing on president biden to offer more. - on president biden to offer more. some lawmakers wanting to provide the older soviet system is that the ukrainians would have been trained on. they're making no secret of what they are sending. the problem is president zelensky has told the bbc in the last few days that what they're using in days are what the eu are getting to them in a week. so it needs to be stepped up and obviously once the russians do encircle the city from the south it will be much more difficult to get things into the capital. yes.

will be much more difficult to get things into the capital.— things into the capital. yes, it will indeed. _ things into the capital. yes, it will indeed. i— things into the capital. yes, it will indeed. i personally - things into the capital. yes, it will indeed. i personally don't| things into the capital. yes, it - will indeed. i personally don't see any encirclement happening anytime soon. they have tried for two weeks and nothing is moved. it is a distance of some 30 kilometres that they have to cover still to circle and from the east they're not getting close either. what ukraine needs more than anything now is weapons. weapons, weapons, weapons. and in terms of foreign volunteers, of course it is very nice but i think weapons and i also think air defences and anti—tank weapons, artillery radars, maybe even artillery, those of the most important parts. to get peace, we need to change the calculations of the kremlin or putin himself. and i think we need to give russia a serious blow to its economy. i'm talking complete trade embargo, no oil, no gas. bush china with threats

of sanctions do not support russia and deliver a blow basically that would bring russia to the brink of bankruptcy. would bring russia to the brink of bankruptcy-— would bring russia to the brink of bankruptcy. that is what you were talkin: bankruptcy. that is what you were talking about. _ bankruptcy. that is what you were talking about, ed _ bankruptcy. that is what you were talking about, ed vaizey, - bankruptcy. that is what you were talking about, ed vaizey, wasn't l bankruptcy. that is what you were i talking about, ed vaizey, wasn't it? a much more robust response to the russian present. i a much more robust response to the russian present.— russian present. i think we should use every means _ russian present. i think we should use every means necessary - russian present. i think we should use every means necessary short i russian present. i think we should i use every means necessary short of direct— use every means necessary short of direct conflict with the russians to cause _ direct conflict with the russians to cause them as much pain as possible. it is cause them as much pain as possible. it is partly— cause them as much pain as possible. it is partly for— cause them as much pain as possible. it is partly for morale. when you see a _ it is partly for morale. when you see a $500 million oligarch's your being _ see a $500 million oligarch's your being impounded i think we all feel much _ being impounded i think we all feel much the _ being impounded i think we all feel much the better for it, even though it may— much the better for it, even though it may not — much the better for it, even though it may not move the dial. but what will move — it may not move the dial. but what will move the dial is a complete isolation — will move the dial is a complete isolation of russia in every aspect of trade — isolation of russia in every aspect of trade. and i think the opportunity to bring china on side is there — opportunity to bring china on side is there i— opportunity to bring china on side is there. i don't think china expected _ is there. i don't think china expected this war to be as ineptly fought— expected this war to be as ineptly fought by— expected this war to be as ineptly fought by the russians as i thought it would _ fought by the russians as i thought it would be. and china recognises first of— it would be. and china recognises first of all— it would be. and china recognises first of all its place in the world trading — first of all its place in the world trading system but also secondly it

may seem — trading system but also secondly it may seem odd to say, i think china has a _ may seem odd to say, i think china has a sense — may seem odd to say, i think china has a sense of the sovereignty of independent nations and i think the chinese _ independent nations and i think the chinese leadership will feel they have been misled by vladimir putin. the other— have been misled by vladimir putin. the other thing i think about china is that— the other thing i think about china is that i'm — the other thing i think about china is that i'm surprised the chinese leadership aren't thinking about bringing — leadership aren't thinking about bringing the russians to heal. because — bringing the russians to heal. because in a sense it would be a great _ because in a sense it would be a great victory for the chinese. it would — great victory for the chinese. it would send to a certain extent a subliminal— would send to a certain extent a subliminal message that china is on a par— subliminal message that china is on a par with _ subliminal message that china is on a par with the united states when it comes— a par with the united states when it comes to _ a par with the united states when it comes to intervening in effective international conflict. so i think bizarrely— international conflict. so i think bizarrely if the chinese did bring the russians to heal it would be a defeat _ the russians to heal it would be a defeat for — the russians to heal it would be a defeat for them, it would be a kind of victory — defeat for them, it would be a kind of victo . , ., of victory. the briefing though, crows, of victory. the briefing though, grows. in _ of victory. the briefing though, grows, in washington, - of victory. the briefing though, grows, in washington, as - of victory. the briefing though, grows, in washington, as we . of victory. the briefing though, - grows, in washington, as we know, is that afterjake sullivan's meeting in rome yesterday it is their view that the chinese are looking favourably on the request has been made by the russians. in fact there are things on open source that there are things on open source that there are things on open source that there

are things already helping to hit drain operators in ukraine. would you support secondary sanctions on china if they with the to go the way that the americans and well, certainly if china goes in first they will be touched by sanctions that apply to russia already. thea;r that apply to russia already. they will end up _ that apply to russia already. they will end up with _ that apply to russia already. they will end up with their— that apply to russia already. tie: will end up with their high technology industries affected. i think that was part of the message that jake sullivan was delivering to the senior, most senior chinese diplomat yesterday. and they talk for seven hours, which i thought was amazing. that is very unusual in international high—level meetings of that kind but they definitely have some stiff messages to trade. and i do think that from what i can tell, sullivan got a firm message about not aiding the russian war effort here. there is another issue though i think is so important on the previous speaker touched on it that is how much china regards its

economic relationship with europe. the european union is its biggest trading partner. so they are walking a very fine line. a very fine balancing act here. because they don't want to poison their biggest market. and so they are, i think, looking for ways perhaps to give some support to putin but also at the same time to get out of this conflict as soon as possible and get back to business. that's what the chinese like, they're like doing business. so i think, yes, it might be a very interesting play for them to become involved in facilitating diplomacy because then they would stand shoulder to shoulder with the americans in terms of international problem—solving. 50 americans in terms of international problem-solving.— problem-solving. so let's see if that is what _ problem-solving. so let's see if that is what happens. _ problem-solving. so let's see if that is what happens. certainly | problem-solving. so let's see if| that is what happens. certainly it is spooky in the international markets. we are going to talk about sanctions a little late in the programme but i want to turn to president vladimir zelensky.

before russia invaded ukraine, president volodymyr zelensky was derided as the actor comedian turned unlikely politician. well, not any more. compare his role over the past few weeks, to that of ashraf ghani who fled kabul before the taliban had ever arrived. zelensky is leading from the front. every day there is a new video, zelensky in his office, zelensky with his staff, zelensky appealing to the russian people. he rallies his troops, he evokes in ordinary ukrainian people and maybe beyond ukraine's borders a spirit of defiance that has blunted the russian advance. so where does it come from? joining me now is the film director david dodson. he's a friend of volodymyr zelensky and worked with him on 10 films. so you know him better than most. where does it come from? i so you know him better than most. where does it come from?- so you know him better than most. where does it come from? i think we robabl where does it come from? i think we probably have _ where does it come from? i think we probably have to _ where does it come from? i think we probably have to think _ where does it come from? i think we probably have to think of _ where does it come from? i think we probably have to think of this - where does it come from? i think we probably have to think of this in - probably have to think of this in a sort of arthurian dynamic. this idea that land is the king and the king is the land. i get asked a lot about

volodymyr and whether i've ever seen this coming and the truth is yes. really because he's ukrainian and the ukrainian heart is a heart that just doesn't give up. it is a very warm, very loving heart. but when they come together, they are very formidable. there is an in ukraine that something like if you put three ukrainians in a room they will form two political parties. but if you put three ukrainians into a room and they are threatened, they will form one family. and that is exactly what is happening here and that is why volodymyr is dealing as he is now. he is an excellent communicator. he communicates so well in english and russian. is that part of his training do you think? russian. is that part of his trainin: do ou think? ., ., ., training do you think? yeah, another im ortant training do you think? yeah, another important thing _ training do you think? yeah, another important thing to _ training do you think? yeah, another important thing to remember- training do you think? yeah, another important thing to remember is - training do you think? yeah, another important thing to remember is his i important thing to remember is his

biggest market for his films was russia. i directed two of his movies in russia and it was never thought of as being an enemy or an antagonist or anything other than... or a nazi. certainly not a nazi. bind or a nazi. certainly not a nazi. and after 2014 the _ ora nazi. certainly not a nazi. fific after 2014 the narrative started ora nazi. certainly not a nazi. fific after 2014 the narrative started to change and when we were on production for the film you have on the screen now he was actively planning his presidential campaign although we didn't want to talk about. it was forbidden around the production team to talk about it but it was about to happen. by that time i'm sure that the russians were already planning a narrative to portray him as being part of the neo—nazi front that the propaganda is now. neo-nazi front that the propaganda is now. , , neo-nazi front that the propaganda is now. , is now. very quickly, david, he did start in a show— is now. very quickly, david, he did start in a show called _ is now. very quickly, david, he did start in a show called servant - is now. very quickly, david, he did start in a show called servant of. start in a show called servant of the people. have you ever wondered whether the art came before the thought? did it stir in him some

politics or that what wrote in the first place? i politics or that what wrote in the first place?— first place? i think we have all wondered _ first place? i think we have all wondered that. _ first place? i think we have all wondered that. i— first place? i think we have all wondered that. i think - first place? i think we have all wondered that. i think there l first place? i think we have all| wondered that. i think there is probably in truth only four or five people in the world to know whether or not that show was created to leveraged him into a political career or whether the show inspired the thinking that maybe he should perhaps run for the presidency. but honestly i don't know that very many people know the answer to that except for him. i people know the answer to that except for him.— except for him. i know you're listening _ except for him. i know you're listening to — except for him. i know you're listening to that _ except for him. i know you're listening to that in _ except for him. i know you're listening to that in kyiv, - except for him. i know you're listening to that in kyiv, two | except for him. i know you're i listening to that in kyiv, two to two people denied that they voted for zelensky. but two people denied that they voted for zelensky-— for zelensky. but you told us he voted for zelensky. _ for zelensky. but you told us he voted for zelensky. no, - for zelensky. but you told us he voted for zelensky. no, no, i. voted forzelensky. no, no, i didn't. people throw the politicians out one by one. and now of course he got 90% support. it is up from 23 or whatever in less than a month. it's pretty good. so he's definitely...

and my mother—in—law specifically, she keeps mentioning it. he is here. she keeps mentioning that he stayed. he is a good communicator in ukrainian. it is also very important because russian is his mother tongue and many ukrainian politicians, most of them have had russian as their mother tongue and zelensky is begin ukrainian very well. that is also differentiates him from the others. you will appreciate this, ed vaizey, is a former culture secretary that an actor could become a wartime leader. ., , ., ., ., , leader. yeah, there is a famous film of course with _ leader. yeah, there is a famous film of course with peter _ leader. yeah, there is a famous film of course with peter sellers - leader. yeah, there is a famous film of course with peter sellers play - of course with peter sellers play the god — of course with peter sellers play the god who becomes presently of the united _ the god who becomes presently of the united states, a film called being there, _ united states, a film called being there, the man who isn't corrupted by the _ there, the man who isn't corrupted by the terrible imaginations of washington but this is the real life and this— washington but this is the real life and this is— washington but this is the real life and this is the most extraordinary thing _ and this is the most extraordinary thing we — and this is the most extraordinary thing we have seen. and zelensky was

not a popular president before the war. not a popular president before the war he _ not a popular president before the war. he was 23, 20 4% in not a popular president before the war. he was 23,20 4% in the ratings — war. he was 23,20 4% in the ratings we _ war. he was 23,20 4% in the ratings. we forget that. but his courage — ratings. we forget that. but his courage has been extraordinary to watch _ courage has been extraordinary to watch but— courage has been extraordinary to watch. but the point about political communication, without wishing again to appear— communication, without wishing again to appear too frivolous, is a really vital point — to appear too frivolous, is a really vital point to make. in britain today— vital point to make. in britain today for— vital point to make. in britain today for example, we debate this endlessly, we have a narrative about our country— endlessly, we have a narrative about our country which is based on the second _ our country which is based on the second world war. but it is based a lot on— second world war. but it is based a lot on winston churchill and his ability— lot on winston churchill and his ability to— lot on winston churchill and his ability to communicate and to talk the nation — ability to communicate and to talk the nation through very, very dark times— the nation through very, very dark times during the blitz and when britain — times during the blitz and when britain as— times during the blitz and when britain as it were stood alone. and it reminds — britain as it were stood alone. and it reminds us obviously in wartime the most — it reminds us obviously in wartime the most visceral, intense period of any country. — the most visceral, intense period of any country, how you communicate how you lead _ any country, how you communicate how you lead is— any country, how you communicate how you lead is vital. and he has come as the _ you lead is vital. and he has come as the man. — you lead is vital. and he has come as the man, come after the hour. imagine _ as the man, come after the hour. imagine what a different place

potential ukraine could be if he had left on _ potential ukraine could be if he had left on the — potential ukraine could be if he had left on the first day, regardless of whether— left on the first day, regardless of whether the russians could fight a war, regardless the munition. you know, _ war, regardless the munition. you know. a _ war, regardless the munition. you know, a large proportion of the ukrainian — know, a large proportion of the ukrainian defence of their nation is down _ ukrainian defence of their nation is down to— ukrainian defence of their nation is down to this remarkable man and his ability— down to this remarkable man and his ability to— down to this remarkable man and his ability to communicate not just of his own _ ability to communicate not just of his own people but to the world. we are his own people but to the world. are going to his own people but to the world. - are going to have to leave it there. i would love to talk about more. david, very quick, have you been in touch with him since the war started? ., ., �* touch with him since the war started?_ that | touch with him since the war. started?_ that is started? no, i haven't. that is impossible- — started? no, i haven't. that is impossible. thank— started? no, i haven't. that is impossible. thank you, - started? no, i haven't. that is impossible. thank you, david, started? no, i haven't. that is- impossible. thank you, david, and thank you to all of you. we are going to take a quick breather. we will say goodbye at this point to our uk viewers who are about to join the ten o'clock news. the second part of the show will be on iplayer later. forworld part of the show will be on iplayer later. for world view is we will be back right after break. —— this break.

—— the world viewers. hello, it is time to look at the weather for the next week or so and in the short term it is cloud and rain. that is for the bulk of england and wales. after that looks like high pressure is going to build those only thursday and friday onwards it will dry out and settle down. but here is the weather map for wednesday. and you can see weather fronts across england and wales mostly. through the course of the morning into the afternoon the rain will actually become a little more extensive and heavy in places but before then i think it is cloudy. the same time, across scotland and northern ireland it is actually going to be a pretty decent day with some crisp sunshine.

temperatures only nine or 10 degrees but belfast and glasgow in for some of the best weather. it will be raining for longest and hardest around east anglia and the south—east wednesday and thursday. then the weather front will clear away and early hours of thursday we are in for a frost, quite a widespread frost, certainly outside of town. that is because we are in between weather systems, high pressure built on thursday so the morning will be crisp and bright and chilly. the afternoon however on thursday, for england and wales, is looking very decent. the further east and south you are the bright and sunny it will be. in the north—west a weak weather front will move through, brisk atlantic winds, it will feel chilly. in some spots only 7 degrees in the western isles, a lot milder across england and wales. the high pressure is expected to build widely across the uk, not just the uk but many parts of western europe but i would get friday. the winds you can see pushed to the side of the high pressure

here, we are mostly in the centre of the high so quite winds. very pleasant temperatures and maybe up to 15 or 16 celsius. a very pleasant end of the week on the way for most of us. friday into saturday that high pressure will shift towards the east, we are going to be around its periphery. quite often what happens around the periphery of areas of high pressure, the winds blow quite hard, so around the headland is particularly southern coast, western coast, it will really be very blustery. temperatures 12 or 13 degrees. further inland we will shelter perhaps 17 in cardiff. the same pattern repeats itself through the whole weekend into sunday. high pressure to the east of us. centred over poland. we are on the edge of it so brisk winds affecting some of these western coasts also coast around east anglia and the south—east. i suspect it will feel best around northern parts of england, mersey merseyside, here temperatures could be 15 or 16

celsius. just a hint of one or two showers in the south at the end of the weekend and into monday but that is pretty much it. the high very persistent area of high pressure anchoring itself across the european continent, driving our weather. and there is very little change really as we head onto tuesday or even wednesday. the weather looked settled and temperatures around the mid teens. we can look at the weather map now for tuesday and wednesday, the high pressure is still there. however, from around about thursday on which we will start to see weather fronts here gathering to the west of our neighbourhood and towards the end of the week they could be encroaching our shores so it could turn more and settle later next week.

tonight at ten — powerful explosions in kyiv. the mayor says the city is facing a dangerous moment. at least four people died in the attack, as the city goes into a 35 hour long curfew. there is a real sense that the danger, the conflict, is coming closer, and a feeling nowhere is safe. we report on the defiance of ukrainians who are living in cities under russian control. a court in moscow has fined the television journalist who staged a protest against the war live on air.