this is bbc news. the headlines: doctors in india are holding a nationwide strike in protest at the rape and murder of a colleague in a kolkata hospital last week. the country's biggest medical association says only emergency hospital services will be available until sunday evening. the european centre for disease prevention and control has advised travellers visiting areas of africa affected by a new strain of mpox to get vaccinated. it says the risk of the disease spreading everywhere is low, despite the world health organization recently declaring the mpox outbreak a global emergency.

us presidentjoe biden has warned all sides involved in ceasefire negotiations not to undermine efforts, saying a deal between israel and hamas is closer than ever. he has sent his secretary of state, antony blinken, back to the region, with talks to continue in cairo next week. now on bbc news: ukrainecast presented by lucy hockings. hello, iam hello, i am the co—host of ukrainecast. earlier, my colleague lucy and i recorded a special live edition of the programme featuring questions for our listeners all about the incursion of ukraine into russia. ~ ., ., incursion of ukraine into russia-— incursion of ukraine into russia. ~ ., ., ., russia. we are now into the 11th day of _ russia. we are now into the 11th day of ukraine - russia. we are now into the 11th day of ukraine was - russia. we are now into the| 11th day of ukraine was made unprecedented incursion into russia, you will know this is

the deepest cross—border advanced since moscow launched its full—scale invasion back in february 2022. so many people see this as an incredibly bold and risky move by ukraine, there has been unprecedented level of interest coming into us here on what is going on, we have a lot of listeners e—mailing us and sending us the questions, all sorts of thoughts. they want to know what these developments mean and where recall lead. but is what we will try to do today, we will try to answer some of those questions. to we will try to answer some of those questions.— we will try to answer some of those questions. to help us do that, those questions. to help us do that. here _ those questions. to help us do that, here in _ those questions. to help us do that, here in the _ those questions. to help us do that, here in the studio - those questions. to help us do that, here in the studio we - that, here in the studio we have matthew sample, the director of military sciences at the london based think tank, the royal united services institute, and he used to wait for the defence ministry. welcome. good to have you with us. it has been a couple of weeks. let's crack on with some of the questions we have been sent in. let's hearfrom

listener duncan who sent us this from western australia. can you describe the topography where _ can you describe the topography where the incursion has occurred? is it flat country or rolling — occurred? is it flat country or rolling country, is a river that_ rolling country, is a river that delineates the border? what — that delineates the border? what do you know about what level — what do you know about what level of — what do you know about what level of defence the russians have? — level of defence the russians have? ., ~ level of defence the russians have? . ~' ,, level of defence the russians have? ., ~ ., ~ ., have? thank you. thank you for our have? thank you. thank you for your question- _ have? thank you. thank you for your question. i— have? thank you. thank you for your question. i will— have? thank you. thank you for your question. i will ask - have? thank you. thank you for your question. i will ask you - your question. i will ask you that, can you give a visual of what the territory is like, if we were there, what we see? we would see — we were there, what we see? we would see a _ we were there, what we see? we would see a lot of flat land. it is awarded here and there, small wooded areas, no major rivers or enormous roads that would be obstacles to cross. there are a couple of relatively good roads there, so all that makes it easier for the ukrainian forces to move in

to the region. i will let you talk about the differences, matthew. talk about the differences, matthew— talk about the differences, matthew. , , ., matthew. the second bit of the ruestion, matthew. the second bit of the question. how _ matthew. the second bit of the question, how well _ matthew. the second bit of the question, how well defended . matthew. the second bit of the l question, how well defended was it? it question, how well defended was it? , , ., ., , ., it? it seems to have been not well defended _ it? it seems to have been not well defended and _ it? it seems to have been not well defended and possibly i it? it seems to have been not i well defended and possibly with some _ well defended and possibly with some quite confused commander control— some quite confused commander control arrangements on the russian _ control arrangements on the russian side, a combination of intemal— russian side, a combination of internal security forces, border— internal security forces, border forces, not much in the way— border forces, not much in the way of— border forces, not much in the way of a — border forces, not much in the way of a large conventional russian _ way of a large conventional russian forces. in an area that has been — russian forces. in an area that has been quite, and where they absolutely have not had the kind — absolutely have not had the kind of— absolutely have not had the kind of deep fortifications and defensive lines that proved so difficult — defensive lines that proved so difficult for the ukrainians to lweak— difficult for the ukrainians to break through last year inside ukraine — break through last year inside ukraine self, minefields and the like. _ ukraine self, minefields and the like, and the ukrainians seem — the like, and the ukrainians seem to _ the like, and the ukrainians seem to have identified this and therefore picked a vulnerable point in the russian lines _ vulnerable point in the russian lines to— vulnerable point in the russian lines to launch the attack. next _ lines to launch the attack. next we _ lines to launch the attack. next we have a question from sasha who asked on our online immunity board, and she asks

how likely is it that russian forces cannot cut off the ukrainian troops currently occupying russian territory? in occupying russian territory? in terms of cutting them off from their— terms of cutting them off from their own _ terms of cutting them off from their own lines of supply back into ukraine itself, probably not at — into ukraine itself, probably not at the moment because the ukrainians are still expanding outwards, although they will have — outwards, although they will have a — outwards, although they will have a challenge depending on how long they choose to stay and defend those supply lines from — and defend those supply lines from russian air strikes and attacks _ from russian air strikes and attacks i_ from russian air strikes and attacks. i think there is a question— attacks. i think there is a question of if they choose to extend — question of if they choose to extend further, they might outrun _ extend further, they might outrun their own logistics supply— outrun their own logistics supply lines and it depends if they— supply lines and it depends if they try— supply lines and it depends if they try to hold on particular settlements in the face of an eventual— settlements in the face of an eventual russian counter attack _ eventual russian counter attack. it is open to debate but at _ attack. it is open to debate but at the moment, we are consolidating. there is a sign the _ consolidating. there is a sign the bight to give but again they— the bight to give but again they have not set up the deep differences that you would necessarily want yet, to repel a russian _ necessarily want yet, to repel a russian counter attack. we have this _ a russian counter attack. - have this question from a josh,

it is one that has come up pretty much every day over the past 11 days, i have asked this question myself as well. kent ukraine visibly hold onto this territory and how much is there a discussion within ukraine ukraine of the trade—off between defending the territory and is invasion? the between defending the territory and is invasion?— and is invasion? the short answer is _ and is invasion? the short answer is it _ and is invasion? the short answer is it depends - and is invasion? the short answer is it depends on i and is invasion? the short l answer is it depends on how much — answer is it depends on how much in _ answer is it depends on how much in the way they put into this, — much in the way they put into this, and _ much in the way they put into this, and this really gets to the extent to which they might have _ the extent to which they might have weakened themselves elsewhere, the russians along the front— elsewhere, the russians along the front inside ukraine outnumber the ukrainians, broadly— outnumber the ukrainians, broadly speaking, and there is evidence, _ broadly speaking, and there is evidence, the ukrainians, have had to— evidence, the ukrainians, have had to move some of their reserves _ had to move some of their reserves and experienced combat units _ reserves and experienced combat units of— reserves and experienced combat units of the front line to launch— units of the front line to launch the attack. these are elite battle _ launch the attack. these are elite battle hardened - launch the attack. these are| elite battle hardened troops? they are experienced, reasonably well—equipped with western material, mechanised forces — western material, mechanised forces able to move quickly and strike _ forces able to move quickly and strike hard, including tanks and — strike hard, including tanks and armoured vehicles.

essentially, at the moment, you would _ essentially, at the moment, you would see — essentially, at the moment, you would see they would not want to he _ would see they would not want to be holding this for months because _ to be holding this for months because they would have extended supply lines, they are deeper— extended supply lines, they are deeper into russia, the more vulnerable to russian artillery and indeed, air strikes, helicopters and the like. they might— helicopters and the like. they might therefore be a relationship with why they are hitting — relationship with why they are hitting all of those russian airbases across those regions. the official live from kyiv if they do not want to hold onto they do not want to hold onto the territory, but is not the plan? the territory, but is not the lan? ., , , the territory, but is not the lan? , , the territory, but is not the lan? , ., plan? nobody is saying that kursk is his _ plan? nobody is saying that kursk is his forever, - plan? nobody is saying that kursk is his forever, we're l kursk is his forever, we're here to stay forever. ukrainian officials are saying is along the lines of doing this to stop russian attacks, like missiles, targeting our regions across the border. also, it is true, joshis the border. also, it is true, josh is correct, there are suggestions, not officially,

that at some point in the future whatever ukraine controls within a russia can possibly be changed for ukrainian territory controlled by russia. ukrainian territory controlled by russia-— by russia. the is a talking k iv by russia. the is a talking kyiv about _ by russia. the is a talking kyiv about the _ by russia. the is a talking kyiv about the trade-off? | kyiv about the trade—off? absolutely but not officially. let's bring in, iam absolutely but not officially. let's bring in, i am pleased to say we have a listener, a long—time listener of ours, hugh, joining us from chatter. very good to see you, what is your particular interest in ukraine and what has been happening that i have you maintained an interest since the beginning of the full—scale invasion? the beginning of the full-scale invasion? ., ~ the beginning of the full-scale invasion? ., ,, , ., ., invasion? thank you for the invite, delighted _ invasion? thank you for the invite, delighted to - invasion? thank you for the invite, delighted to be - invasion? thank you for the | invite, delighted to be here. interest, _ invite, delighted to be here. interest, i have never been to other— interest, i have never been to other country and i have a connection but it is interesting what is going on and — interesting what is going on and i— interesting what is going on and i have been listening to this— and i have been listening to this ever— and i have been listening to this ever since you started. thank— this ever since you started. thank you _ this ever since you started. thank you for being such a regular listener. what is your question for us today? do

regular listener. what is your question for us today?- question for us today? do we have any _ question for us today? do we have any insights _ question for us today? do we have any insights on - question for us today? do we have any insights on how- question for us today? do we have any insights on how the| have any insights on how the ukrainian _ have any insights on how the ukrainian soldiers have been behaving during the incursion into russia over the past two weeks? _ into russia over the past two weeks? i_ into russia over the past two weeks? i ask because we had a lot about — weeks? i ask because we had a lot about the barbarity and savagery and discussion that took— savagery and discussion that took lakes when russia invaded 2.5 took lakes when russia invaded “ years— took lakes when russia invaded 2.5 years ago. now the boot is on the — 2.5 years ago. now the boot is on the other foot, is a similar butchery— on the other foot, is a similar butchery being visited by russian civilians?- butchery being visited by russian civilians? what do you think, what — russian civilians? what do you think, what have _ russian civilians? what do you think, what have you - russian civilians? what do you think, what have you heard? l russian civilians? what do you i think, what have you heard? for starters, there is obviously a strong — starters, there is obviously a strong incentive _ starters, there is obviously a strong incentive for- starters, there is obviously a strong incentive for the - strong incentive for the ukrainians _ strong incentive for the ukrainians to— strong incentive for the ukrainians to contrast i ukrainians to contrast appropriate _ ukrainians to contrast appropriate behaviour ukrainians to contrast - appropriate behaviour with that of the — appropriate behaviour with that of the russians, _ appropriate behaviour with that of the russians, who _ appropriate behaviour with that of the russians, who have - appropriate behaviour with that| of the russians, who have been inside _ of the russians, who have been inside ukraine _ of the russians, who have been inside ukraine and _ of the russians, who have been inside ukraine and particularly. inside ukraine and particularly from — inside ukraine and particularly from the — inside ukraine and particularly from the areas _ inside ukraine and particularly from the areas they— inside ukraine and particularly from the areas they pulled - inside ukraine and particularly. from the areas they pulled back from. _ from the areas they pulled back from. and — from the areas they pulled back from. and we _ from the areas they pulled back from, and we have _ from the areas they pulled back from, and we have seen- from the areas they pulled back from, and we have seen what. from the areas they pulled back i from, and we have seen what has happened — from, and we have seen what has happened there _ from, and we have seen what has happened there in _ from, and we have seen what has happened there in terms - from, and we have seen what has happened there in terms of- happened there in terms of certain— happened there in terms of certain places. _ happened there in terms of certain places. there - happened there in terms of certain places. there is - happened there in terms of certain places. there is nol certain places. there is no consistency— certain places. there is no consistency in _ certain places. there is no consistency in extensive . consistency in extensive reporting _ consistency in extensive reporting and _ consistency in extensive reporting and what - consistency in extensive reporting and what is i consistency in extensive i reporting and what is going consistency in extensive - reporting and what is going on, and that— reporting and what is going on, and that is— reporting and what is going on, and that is obviously— reporting and what is going on, and that is obviously because i and that is obviously because the ukrainians— and that is obviously because the ukrainians rtm _ and that is obviously because the ukrainians rtm to - and that is obviously because . the ukrainians rtm to maintain the ukrainians rtm to maintain the security— the ukrainians rtm to maintain the security but _ the ukrainians rtm to maintain the security but we _ the ukrainians rtm to maintain the security but we have -

the ukrainians rtm to maintain the security but we have seen i the security but we have seen overnight _ the security but we have seen overnight talk— the security but we have seen overnight talk of— the security but we have seen overnight talk of opening - the security but we have seen overnight talk of opening a i overnight talk of opening a humanitarian _ overnight talk of opening a humanitarian corridor- overnight talk of opening a humanitarian corridor for l humanitarian corridor for civilians _ humanitarian corridor for civilians in _ humanitarian corridor for civilians in the _ humanitarian corridor for civilians in the area, - humanitarian corridor for. civilians in the area, there has — civilians in the area, there has been _ civilians in the area, there has been some _ civilians in the area, there has been some without i civilians in the area, there - has been some without evidence claims _ has been some without evidence claims from _ has been some without evidence claims from the _ has been some without evidence claims from the russians - has been some without evidence claims from the russians aboutl claims from the russians about what _ claims from the russians about what the — claims from the russians about what the ukrainians _ claims from the russians about what the ukrainians are - claims from the russians about what the ukrainians are up - claims from the russians about what the ukrainians are up to, i what the ukrainians are up to, which — what the ukrainians are up to, which is — what the ukrainians are up to, which is no _ what the ukrainians are up to, which is no surprise. - what the ukrainians are up to, which is no surprise. at - what the ukrainians are up to, which is no surprise. at the i which is no surprise. at the moment, _ which is no surprise. at the moment, the _ which is no surprise. at the moment, the ukrainians, l which is no surprise. at the. moment, the ukrainians, for which is no surprise. at the - moment, the ukrainians, forwe have _ moment, the ukrainians, forwe have seen. _ moment, the ukrainians, forwe have seen. are _ moment, the ukrainians, forwe have seen, are behaving - have seen, are behaving themselves— have seen, are behaving themselves in— have seen, are behaving themselves in a - have seen, are behaving - themselves in a obligations, a military— themselves in a obligations, a military force _ themselves in a obligations, a military force operating - themselves in a obligations, a military force operating in - themselves in a obligations, a military force operating in the | military force operating in the civilian— military force operating in the civilian area, _ military force operating in the civilian area, although - military force operating in the civilian area, although it - military force operating in the civilian area, although it is . civilian area, although it is worth— civilian area, although it is worth seeing _ civilian area, although it is worth seeing if civilians . worth seeing if civilians remain— worth seeing if civilians remain particularly- worth seeing if civilians remain particularly in. worth seeing if civilians i remain particularly in the urban— remain particularly in the urban area _ remain particularly in the urban area where - remain particularly in the urban area where there i remain particularly in the| urban area where there is remain particularly in the . urban area where there is a remain particularly in the - urban area where there is a war going _ urban area where there is a war going on. — urban area where there is a war going on. it _ urban area where there is a war going on. it is _ urban area where there is a war going on, it is almost _ going on, it is almost inevitable _ going on, it is almost inevitable that - going on, it is almost inevitable that will. going on, it is almostj inevitable that will be going on, it is almost - inevitable that will be some form — inevitable that will be some form of _ inevitable that will be some form of casualty. _ inevitable that will be some form of casualty.— inevitable that will be some form of casualty. our regular listeners _ form of casualty. our regular listeners will _ form of casualty. our regular listeners will know _ form of casualty. our regular listeners will know what - form of casualty. our regular listeners will know what a . form of casualty. our regularj listeners will know what a lot of your dayjob is but for those who are on bbc at the moment, we should point out that you spend a lot of your day listening to russian media, looking at ukrainian media as well, so what can you tell us on this? what have you read? i on this? what have you read? i will put it this way, i have not seen any hard evidence suggesting that the ukrainian troops have been misbehaving in

kursk, and from what we have seen over the past 2.5 years, i think the conclusion we can draw is that discipline of the ukrainian forces is a lot higher than within russia, especially what we saw at the start of the invasion. so this is part of the reason why ukraine is setting up its own military administration, in a key town captured in the kursk region, they say they are doing it to address the immediate needs of whatever local population is still there. i population is still there. i will get a response for you in a minute hugh to what you are here, about what happens, the people who may not know, can you remind us? in people who may not know, can you remind us?— you remind us? in short, a treat you remind us? in short, a great number _ you remind us? in short, a great number civilians - you remind us? in short, a| great number civilians were killed for no apparent reason at all. went ukrainian forces

retook town, what they saw utterly devastated them, the things of destruction, and civilians are lying around in the street. d0 civilians are lying around in the street.— civilians are lying around in the street. , ., , the street. do you remember the time when _ the street. do you remember the time when we — the street. do you remember the time when we started _ the street. do you remember the time when we started getting - time when we started getting those reports, they are so shocking?— those reports, they are so shocking? those reports, they are so shockina? , . shocking? very much so, it was horrible staff. _ shocking? very much so, it was horrible staff. i— shocking? very much so, it was horrible staff. i am _ shocking? very much so, it was horrible staff. i am pleased - shocking? very much so, it was horrible staff. i am pleased to i horrible staff. i am pleased to hear _ horrible staff. i am pleased to hear the — horrible staff. i am pleased to hear the response _ horrible staff. i am pleased to hear the response given - horrible staff. i am pleased to hear the response given an i hear the response given an important _ hear the response given an important point _ hear the response given an important point is - hear the response given an important point is it- hear the response given an important point is it is- hear the response given an important point is it is vital that— important point is it is vital that ukraine _ important point is it is vital that ukraine tries- important point is it is vital that ukraine tries to - important point is it is vital. that ukraine tries to maintain the other— that ukraine tries to maintain the other hand, _ that ukraine tries to maintain the other hand, what - that ukraine tries to maintain the other hand, what is - that ukraine tries to maintain the other hand, what is the l the other hand, what is the what — the other hand, what is the what i _ the other hand, what is the what i am _ the other hand, what is the what i am looking - the other hand, what is the what i am looking for? - the other hand, what is the what i am looking for? the| what i am looking for? the respectability— what i am looking for? the respectability that- what i am looking for? the respectability that at - what i am looking for? the respectability that at the l respectability that at the moment— respectability that at the moment so— respectability that at the moment so far- respectability that at the moment so far they- respectability that at the | moment so far they have respectability that at the _ moment so far they have managed to achieve — moment so far they have managed to achieve with _ moment so far they have managed to achieve with those _ moment so far they have managed to achieve with those of— moment so far they have managed to achieve with those of the - to achieve with those of the western _ to achieve with those of the western world, _ to achieve with those of the western world, anyway. - to achieve with those of the western world, anyway. isl to achieve with those of the i western world, anyway. [5 it western world, anyway. is it true, matthew, _ western world, anyway. is it true, matthew, or— western world, anyway. is it true, matthew, or is- western world, anyway. true, matthew, or is there western world, anyway.- true, matthew, or is there a rescue that ukraine could risk losing some international support over this? i losing some international support over this?- support over this? i think provided _ support over this? i think provided they _ support over this? i think provided they essentially| provided they essentially follow the rules of conflicts, that — follow the rules of conflicts, that is — follow the rules of conflicts, that is unlikely to be a problem in terms of international support. the bigger— international support. the

bigger question is one a slightly nebulous discussion around _ slightly nebulous discussion around escalation, is it an escalation, what does that mean. _ escalation, what does that mean, how might the russians respond — mean, how might the russians respond to retaliate? the fact that they _ respond to retaliate? the fact that they are currently using western _ that they are currently using western supplied armagh, tanks, and weapons at the moment, it shows— and weapons at the moment, it shows that br demonstrating this is— shows that br demonstrating this is the frontline moving fundamentally and this is necessary to defend themselves against — necessary to defend themselves against the russian attack. that — against the russian attack. that is _ against the russian attack. that is separate from coming back— that is separate from coming back to — that is separate from coming back to the question of the longer— back to the question of the longer range western supplied weapons and the use of targets deeper— weapons and the use of targets deeper into russia.— weapons and the use of targets deeper into russia. whew, thank ou so deeper into russia. whew, thank you so much _ deeper into russia. whew, thank you so much for— deeper into russia. whew, thank you so much for your _ deeper into russia. whew, thank you so much for your insightful . you so much for your insightful question and forjoining us, particularly life today as we broadcast on the bbc news live feed as well. thank you for being a regular listener. thank ou, i being a regular listener. thank you. i am _ being a regular listener. thank you, i am honoured _ being a regular listener. thank you, i am honoured to - being a regular listener. thank you, i am honoured to have i you, i am honoured to have spoken— you, i am honoured to have spoken with _ you, i am honoured to have spoken with you _ you, i am honoured to have spoken with you all. - you, i am honoured to have spoken with you all.- you, i am honoured to have spoken with you all. lovely to hear from _ spoken with you all. lovely to hear from you _ spoken with you all. lovely to hear from you there. - spoken with you all. lovely to hear from you there. we - spoken with you all. lovely to j hear from you there. we have another question and to bring you now, and this time it is from joanna, and she centres

this question from yorkshire. hello, the kursk invasion has brought— hello, the kursk invasion has brought the _ hello, the kursk invasion has brought the war— hello, the kursk invasion has brought the war in _ hello, the kursk invasion has brought the war in ukraine i hello, the kursk invasion has. brought the war in ukraine back onto— brought the war in ukraine back onto the — brought the war in ukraine back onto the news _ brought the war in ukraine back onto the news agenda. - brought the war in ukraine back onto the news agenda. i - brought the war in ukraine back onto the news agenda. i am - onto the news agenda. i am wondering _ onto the news agenda. i am wondering how— onto the news agenda. i am wondering how else - onto the news agenda. i am wondering how else might i onto the news agenda. i am . wondering how else might this affect— wondering how else might this affect attitudes _ wondering how else might this affect attitudes in _ wondering how else might this affect attitudes in the - wondering how else might this affect attitudes in the west? i affect attitudes in the west? might — affect attitudes in the west? might it. _ affect attitudes in the west? might it. for— affect attitudes in the west? might it, for example, - might it, for example, encourage _ might it, for example, encourage more - might it, for example, - encourage more generous donations? _ encourage more generous donations? might- encourage more generous donations? might it - encourage more generous donations? might it relaxl encourage more generous. donations? might it relaxjoe biden's— donations? might it relaxjoe biden's hesitancy_ donations? might it relaxjoe biden's hesitancy in- donations? might it relaxjoe biden's hesitancy in allowing | biden's hesitancy in allowing more — biden's hesitancy in allowing more assertive _ biden's hesitancy in allowing more assertive use - biden's hesitancy in allowing more assertive use of- biden's hesitancy in allowing more assertive use of us - more assertive use of us supplied _ more assertive use of us supplied weapons- more assertive use of us supplied weapons by- more assertive use of us - supplied weapons by ukraine into russia? _ supplied weapons by ukraine into russia?— supplied weapons by ukraine into russia? thank you! we've talked a little _ into russia? thank you! we've talked a little bit _ into russia? thank you! we've talked a little bit about - into russia? thank you! we've talked a little bit about this . talked a little bit about this already, joanna, thank you for the question but matthew, can you expand firstly on what kind of weapons are being used at the moment? at of weapons are being used at the moment?— of weapons are being used at the moment? �* ., ., the moment? at the moment what ou've not the moment? at the moment what you've got is _ the moment? at the moment what you've got is ukrainian _ the moment? at the moment what you've got is ukrainian to - you've got is ukrainian to grades _ you've got is ukrainian to grades who have been equipped with some of the western supplied artillery, including us rocket artillery, himars, as

it's called. they are also using _ it's called. they are also using armoured vehicles, so things like strikers which are from — things like strikers which are from the _ things like strikers which are from the us, you can move your troops _ from the us, you can move your troops around pretty rapidly with— troops around pretty rapidly with them, disembark and take ground, — with them, disembark and take ground, and some suggestions i think— ground, and some suggestions i think ukraine has now confirmed the challenger to tanks that the challenger to tanks that the uk _ the challenger to tanks that the uk provided are there, and they— the uk provided are there, and they essentially help you deal with strong points or russian armour, _ with strong points or russian armour, so they are quite well—equipped. there doesn't appear— well—equipped. there doesn't appear to be well—equipped. there doesn't appearto be any well—equipped. there doesn't appear to be any restrictions on those _ appear to be any restrictions on those-— on those. can i 'ust ask so if ou on those. can i 'ust ask so if you don-t h on those. can i 'ust ask so if you don't know_ on those. can i just ask so if you don't know a _ on those. can i just ask so if you don't know a lot - on those. can i just ask so if you don't know a lot about i you don't know a lot about weaponry, they are still not using long—range missiles into bottling? using long-range missiles into bottlin: ? ., using long-range missiles into bottlinu? ., , , bottling? no, so this is essentially _ bottling? no, so this is essentially all - bottling? no, so this is essentially all of - bottling? no, so this is essentially all of the i bottling? no, so this is i essentially all of the stuff that — essentially all of the stuff that you used to fight the close _ that you used to fight the close battle over a few kilometres, by close range artillery— kilometres, by close range artillery range seems to be fine, — artillery range seems to be fine, and _ artillery range seems to be fine, and the himars which is a rocket _ fine, and the himars which is a rocket artillery system that has a — rocket artillery system that has a range of dozens of kilometres, up to 40 or 50, so that's— kilometres, up to 40 or 50, so that's still— kilometres, up to 40 or 50, so that's still be close battle. i would —

that's still be close battle. i would suggest this is intended to kind — would suggest this is intended to kind of demonstrate to the west— to kind of demonstrate to the west that there should be more support— west that there should be more support internationally and we've _ support internationally and we've already seen, as lenski said, — we've already seen, as lenski said. "as _ we've already seen, as lenski said, ——as zelensky says, he would — said, ——as zelensky says, he would likely instructions on the long—range weapons lifted. both— the long—range weapons lifted. both are — the long—range weapons lifted. both are in so far as you can use— both are in so far as you can use them— both are in so far as you can use them against hardened targets, sort of 150 kilometres, that would be the chris— kilometres, that would be the chris alike storm shadow or scalp — chris alike storm shadow or scalp which are file —— fired from — scalp which are file —— fired from ukrainian aircraft and a ground—based ballistic missile if you — ground—based ballistic missile if you like it could be fired from _ if you like it could be fired from a _ if you like it could be fired from a tillies which has an attack— from a tillies which has an attack on _ from a tillies which has an attack on which has a slightly longer— attack on which has a slightly longer range which could be used — longer range which could be used against easier harder targets— used against easier harder targets which are the cluster verrency— targets which are the cluster verrency you could catch russian _ verrency you could catch russian aircraft out in the open _ russian aircraft out in the open -- _ russian aircraft out in the open —— atacms. there is a relatively— open —— atacms. there is a relatively small number of those _ relatively small number of those targets that would effectively be in range. ukrainians have got a long—range drone programme, you know, _ long—range drone programme, you know. up— long—range drone programme, you know. up to — long—range drone programme, you know, up to of kilometres range _ know, up to of kilometres range. they have been using successfully but there are

bound _ successfully but there are bound to be some hardened targets— bound to be some hardened targets that are now viable for them — targets that are now viable for them to — targets that are now viable for them to hit that would help this incursion. if them to hit that would help this incursion.— them to hit that would help this incursion. if we go back 11 da s, this incursion. if we go back 11 days. we _ this incursion. if we go back 11 days, we were _ this incursion. if we go back 11 days, we were surprised i this incursion. if we go back. 11 days, we were surprised that this happened, a lot of people were really surprised. until recently, you were working at the mod. do you know what the response was there? did the mod. do you know what the response was there?— response was there? did this, is a bit of _ response was there? did this, is a bit of a — response was there? did this, is a bit of a shock? _ response was there? did this, is a bit of a shock? i _ response was there? did this, is a bit of a shock? i don't - is a bit of a shock? idon't know— is a bit of a shock? idon't know but— is a bit of a shock? i don't know but for all of the world it seems— know but for all of the world it seems ukrainians have not told — it seems ukrainians have not told the _ it seems ukrainians have not told the international partners and that— told the international partners and that frankly represents very— and that frankly represents very good operational security and it— very good operational security and it is— very good operational security and it is different to the broader counteroffensive last year — broader counteroffensive last year where there was not great operational security amongst the ukrainian system, russians had penetrated it and announce their— had penetrated it and announce their plans but also frankly there — their plans but also frankly there were some planning leaks from _ there were some planning leaks from amongst international partners that ended up in the media — partners that ended up in the media and is definitely feeling amongst the ukrainians of the compromise the success of last years— compromise the success of last years counteroffensive although in truth — years counteroffensive although in truth the reasons for why that— in truth the reasons for why that didn't go as well are many and varied _ that didn't go as well are many and varied and include the ability— and varied and include the ability to marry up equipment, training — ability to marry up equipment, training and people but it

doesn't _ training and people but it doesn't seem like they tell people _ doesn't seem like they tell people about this operation, they've _ people about this operation, they've achieved some surprise. ithink— they've achieved some surprise. i think that _ they've achieved some surprise. i think that kind of presents a bit of— i think that kind of presents a bit of a — i think that kind of presents a bit of a fait accompli because no-one — bit of a fait accompli because no-one is _ bit of a fait accompli because no—one is now going to come out well— no—one is now going to come out well it— no—one is now going to come out well it is— no—one is now going to come out well it is proceeding in this way— well it is proceeding in this way and _ well it is proceeding in this way and tell them to stop, i think— way and tell them to stop, i think that would be highly damaging. think that would be highly damaging-— think that would be highly damauain. �* , , damaging. but why is it ok, apparently. _ damaging. but why is it ok, apparently. to _ damaging. but why is it ok, apparently, to use - damaging. but why is it ok, apparently, to use tanks - damaging. but why is it ok, | apparently, to use tanks and humvees and whatever can be used in closer range combat without fearing a massive escalation by russia? and not ok to use long—range missiles? 0k to use long—range missiles? those i believe because a massive escalation but not close range? what's the point? why not? i close range? what's the point? wh not? ., ., ., why not? i would argue and i would say — why not? i would argue and i would say this, _ why not? i would argue and i would say this, haven't - why not? i would argue and i would say this, haven't i, - would say this, haven't i, having _ would say this, haven't i, having previously been involved in this. — having previously been involved in this, that the kind of slow ratcheting up of international support — ratcheting up of international support was, for a long time, very— support was, for a long time, very successful and basically did to — very successful and basically did to the russians what they did to the russians what they did to — did to the russians what they did to the russians what they did to the west over years which _ did to the west over years which is _ did to the west over years which is you take small incremental steps are never

quite — incremental steps are never quite justifies a large reaction and that worked pretty well over— reaction and that worked pretty well over the course of the conflict _ well over the course of the conflict and at least for the first — conflict and at least for the first 18 _ conflict and at least for the first 18 months or so. i think there — first 18 months or so. i think there is— first 18 months or so. i think there is an _ first 18 months or so. i think there is an argument about whether— there is an argument about whether or not it has now too slow — whether or not it has now too slow to — whether or not it has now too slow to adapt to changes of ukrainian needs on the ground and in — ukrainian needs on the ground and in truth that's probably it should — and in truth that's probably it should be a private conversation.- should be a private conversation. , ., ~ , conversation. do you think this all makes _ conversation. do you think this all makes the _ conversation. do you think this all makes the ukraine - conversation. do you think this all makes the ukraine and - all makes the ukraine and russia wore a bigger issue in the lead—up to the elections? could this change minds in washington? i could this change minds in washington?— could this change minds in washington? i think it could. it feels like _ washington? i think it could. it feels like the _ washington? i think it could. it feels like the intent - washington? i think it could. it feels like the intent is - it feels like the intent is definitely to send a message to the us— definitely to send a message to the us system. we are winners. back— the us system. we are winners. back at— the us system. we are winners. back at us. _ the us system. we are winners. back at us. it's true if its trump _ back at us. it's true if its trump and it's true if it's harris. _ trump and it's true if it's harris. i— trump and it's true if it's harris. i think the danger is across— harris. i think the danger is across the _ harris. i think the danger is across the us system there is the increasing focus on china and — the increasing focus on china and the — the increasing focus on china and the view that europe should start— and the view that europe should start up— and the view that europe should start up and ukraine is a european problem. and that would — european problem. and that would be the case regardless of who is— would be the case regardless of who is the president. it also

elements of the republican party— elements of the republican party who basically think they should — party who basically think they should be putting in support now. so _ should be putting in support now. so it could be messaging that us — now. so it could be messaging that us system but in all honesty, i think it was an argument that europe and others should _ argument that europe and others should be — argument that europe and others should be providing more support. should be providing more support-— should be providing more sue eort, . �* ., ., ., support. we're going to end on a question. _ support. we're going to end on a question, and _ support. we're going to end on a question, and i'm _ support. we're going to end on a question, and i'm sure - support. we're going to end on a question, and i'm sure it's i a question, and i'm sure it's won many of you have thought about, a few of our listeners have messaged us with this one but let's have a listen now to our listener dennis, who is induction. our listener dennis, who is induction-— induction. good day, ukrainecast. - induction. good day, ukrainecast. while i induction. good day, - ukrainecast. while walking my rhodesian ridgeback and listening to your last podcaster, i too pondered how putin would respond to the increase in by ukrainian forces into kursk. the question is good putin deploy tactical nuclear weapons to drive out the ukrainian ground troops? it would not be crossing nato's line as the weapons are being used on russian territory to defend itself against, ironically, an invading force. can, though it is likely some russian residents would be collateral damage, it hasn't necessarily deterred him in the

past. i'd be interested in your views. , , , views. sorry... this is where we views. sorry. .. this is where we enter— views. sorry... this is where we enter the _ views. sorry... this is where we enter the field _ views. sorry. .. this is where we enter the field of- views. sorry... this is where we enter the field of broad i we enter the field of broad speculation because i think in truth — speculation because i think in truth this— speculation because i think in truth this is an area that we don't — truth this is an area that we don't know ——so... the russians have _ don't know ——so... the russians have consistently made threats about _ have consistently made threats about nuclear weapons, often in relation — about nuclear weapons, often in relation to— about nuclear weapons, often in relation to threats to nuclear plants. — relation to threats to nuclear plants, and they've done the same — plants, and they've done the same over the kursk plant which is far— same over the kursk plant which is far as — same over the kursk plant which is far as i — same over the kursk plant which is far as i can tell the ukrainians are not threatening. ukrainians— ukrainians are not threatening. ukrainians would argue with some — ukrainians would argue with some force that they have called _ some force that they have called russia's bluff on this several— called russia's bluff on this several times now. i don't several times now. idon't think— several times now. i don't think the _ several times now. i don't think the russians would hesitate to give serious firepower inside russia on their— firepower inside russia on their own urban areas to eject their own urban areas to eject the ukrainians because they would — the ukrainians because they would blame the ukrainians. it's would blame the ukrainians. it's hard _ would blame the ukrainians. it's hard to see the ukrainians using — it's hard to see the ukrainians using tactical nuclear weapons on their— using tactical nuclear weapons on their own territory. i think they— on their own territory. i think they may— on their own territory. i think they may threaten it against ukraine _ they may threaten it against ukraine but in truth, their retaliation against ukraine is more — retaliation against ukraine is more likely to be a ramping up oftheir— more likely to be a ramping up of their long—range strike campaign against ukrainian

infrastructure, power generation, other civilian targets— generation, other civilian targets to basically inflict political pain on zelensky, particularly ahead of winter. has nuclear been mentioned in russia in the past 11 days that you have heard, vitaly? i’m russia in the past 11 days that you have heard, vitaly? i'm not sure about _ you have heard, vitaly? i'm not sure about the _ you have heard, vitaly? i'm not sure about the past _ you have heard, vitaly? i'm not sure about the past seven - you have heard, vitaly? i'm not sure about the past seven days| sure about the past seven days but as you say, matthew, they keep mentioning all of the time and in fact, there is an official in moscow, a deputy, foreign minister called radkov, whosejob is, seems to be to keep saying well, we are prepared to use all means available to us, including nuclear weapons would be correct to say, matthew, that the more you make of this threat, the less effective it becomes —— lavrov. i think certainly, they have made it enough times and if you listen to someone like medvedev the way that they have talked, it's almost parity at the moment. i don't think we should be blase about— don't think we should be blase about the risk of escalation with— about the risk of escalation with a _ about the risk of escalation with a nuclear armed power but

fundamentally, it's mostly russian _ fundamentally, it's mostly russian interests to keep this conventional because they have a lot— conventional because they have a lot of— conventional because they have a lot of conventional advantages, at least for the next — advantages, at least for the next 8—12 months. i mean, their responses — next 8—12 months. i mean, their responses been pretty fumbling at the _ responses been pretty fumbling at the moment. there is a sign at the moment. there is a sign at the — at the moment. there is a sign at the moment. there is a sign at the moment that they may only— at the moment that they may only be — at the moment that they may only be using sort of conscript or other— only be using sort of conscript or other forces, only be using sort of conscript or otherforces, rather only be using sort of conscript or other forces, rather than moving _ or other forces, rather than moving the heavy forces up to defend. — moving the heavy forces up to defend, so they are digging in further— defend, so they are digging in further back. but putin has taken _ further back. but putin has taken hundreds of thousands of casualties. he is prepared to pay the _ casualties. he is prepared to pay the cost. it doesn't seem like _ pay the cost. it doesn't seem like they— pay the cost. it doesn't seem like they feel the need to kind of do — like they feel the need to kind of do that kind of completely over — of do that kind of completely over the _ of do that kind of completely over the top escalation because they probably are calculating that the conventional strength of the — that the conventional strength of the moment would be enough in due _ of the moment would be enough in due course. i think that's why— in due course. i think that's why the _ in due course. i think that's why the question is is the ukrainian move, particularly if they— ukrainian move, particularly if they can — ukrainian move, particularly if they can withdraw or pullback without — they can withdraw or pullback without taking heavy losses, because _ without taking heavy losses, because that really matters for their— because that really matters for their force for next year, that this— their force for next year, that this is— their force for next year, that this is about fundamentally a propaganda victory and information victory and a morale _ information victory and a morale victory, rather than, as

we have — morale victory, rather than, as we have discussed, the idea that— we have discussed, the idea that they— we have discussed, the idea that they want to hold me territory. that they want to hold me territory-— that they want to hold me territo . , , , , ., territory. very briefly before we wrap up. a _ territory. very briefly before we wrap up, a final- territory. very briefly before we wrap up, a final thought| we wrap up, a final thought because so many people are wanting to know where is this habit? i wanting to know where is this habit? ., wanting to know where is this habit? . ., �* , habit? i mean, that's the difficult _ habit? i mean, that's the difficult one _ habit? i mean, that's the difficult one because - habit? i mean, that's the difficult one because i . habit? i mean, that's the i difficult one because i would have — difficult one because i would have said at the start of the week— have said at the start of the week that this was intended to create — week that this was intended to create tactical pressure on russian _ create tactical pressure on russian forces in northern ukraine _ russian forces in northern ukraine and to really make a powerful _ ukraine and to really make a powerful point about morale and essentially ukrainian strength. if essentially ukrainian strength. if talked — essentially ukrainian strength. if talked in the past 48 hours, if they— if talked in the past 48 hours, if they intend to consolidate a bit more. _ if they intend to consolidate a bit more, and that would be incredibly risky, particularly if they— incredibly risky, particularly if they tried to stick it out through— if they tried to stick it out through to negotiations, so i suspect— through to negotiations, so i suspect that we will more of a consolidation and withdrawal to more _ consolidation and withdrawal to more defensible lines. but who knows. — more defensible lines. but who knows. ~ ., ~' ., , more defensible lines. but who knows. ., ~ ., , �*, , more defensible lines. but who knows. ~ ., ~ ., , �*, , knows. who knows, it's been so wonderful— knows. who knows, it's been so wonderful to — knows. who knows, it's been so wonderful to have _ knows. who knows, it's been so wonderful to have your - wonderful to have your thoughts. thank you for being with us on this special edition of ukrainecast. myefo that's all we have time for. thank you so much for listening, for viewing, watching as well. our pod drops in a few hours' time

and i really urge you to download it and have a listen and the reason why it is we have some vivid and remarkable testimony from kursk itself, from a woman who lives there and vitaly, it's rare to get this kind of access, isn't it? absolutely, because people are afraid to speak their mind and if you are in russia you best to assume you are being listened to and watched on speaking your mind is a dangerous thing.- speaking your mind is a dangerous thing. speaking your mind is a dancerous thin. �* , , dangerous thing. and she tells us about what _ dangerous thing. and she tells us about what life _ dangerous thing. and she tells us about what life like, - dangerous thing. and she tells us about what life like, to - us about what life like, to such a valuable thing to hear from someone on the ground who was caught up in this and a civilian who is caught up in this, so it's a really great listen. as i mentioned, it will be dropping a few hours' time so do listen and you can find ukrainecast wherever you get your podcast, white and subscribers well. that's it from me, lucy hocking is. very good to have you with us. thanks so much for watching and listening. thanks so much for watching and listeninu. . ~ thanks so much for watching and listeninu. ., ,, , ., thanks so much for watching and listening._ goodbye. i listening. thank you. goodbye. ukrainecast. _ listening. thank you. goodbye. ukrainecast. from _ listening. thank you. goodbye. ukrainecast. from bbc- listening. thank you. goodbye. ukrainecast. from bbc news. i

hello there. we're into a fine, settled spell of weather now, just in time for the weekend, and we should see a lot of sunshine around on both saturday and sunday, especially across england and wales. winds light in the south, always a bit fresher further north — that's because scotland is closer to this area of low pressure over iceland, but the azores high bringing plenty of sunshine and lighter winds to england and wales. but it will be quite a cool start to saturday morning — cool and fresh with temperatures in single digits out of towns and cities. but there'll be plenty of sunshine to begin the day. cloud tending to bubble up into the afternoon and that will bring a few showers to northern and western scotland and northern ireland through the day, where it'll stay quite breezy, but light winds further south. temperatures here 24—25 degrees. mid to high teens across the north. maybe 20 degrees across northeast scotland. now, the showers tend to fade away across most of the north, the odd one continuing across the highlands through saturday night. lengthy clear skies again. light winds to the south, so it's going to be another fresh night to come with 7—12 degrees. for sunday, the azores high across the south just nudges up a little bit further northwards, so large parts of england and wales,

maybe northern ireland, southern scotland will see lighter winds. but still quite breezy across the north and west of scotland where, again, we'll have a few showers, and a few showers perhaps for northern ireland, maybe just one or two across western england and wales, but similar sorts of temperatures — mid 20s in the south and mid to high teens further north. now, as we head out to sunday to monday, our area of high pressure begins to get squeezed out in towards the near continent as low pressure takes over across western areas. it goes downhill through the day across the north and the west, wetter and windier, but central and eastern parts of the country will stay dry. plenty of sunshine and light winds, too. further north and west, it will be turning blustery with that rain, so temperatures here high teens at best. quite warm and turning increasingly humid across the southeast — 25, maybe 26 degrees. tuesday looks more unsettled generally across the country, could even see a few showers in the southeast. it'll be a breezier day to come but the heaviest of the rain

will tend to be across the north and west of scotland. temperatures here again mid to high teens, up to around 20—24 in the south. further areas of low pressure will cross the country, bringing wet and windy spells to the north and west, but it should tend to stay largely dry, quite warm, humid and breezy across the southeast.

good morning. welcome to breakfast with charlie stayt and naga munchetty. 0ur headlines today: cases of a highly contagious variant of mpox spread in parts of africa. the world health organization calls on richer nations to share their supplies of vaccines. president biden expresses hopes that a ceasefire in gaza and the release of israeli hostages is close after two days of talks. ahead of a celebration concert for britain's 0lympians, throughout the morning we'll have 12 team gb gold—medallists here on the sofa. in sport, the premier league returns. and in dramatic style manchester united beat fulham in the opening match of the season courtesy of an 87th minute toe poke

from one of their new signings.