Why Is Trump Criticising Zelensky And Complimenting Putin?

Why Is Trump Criticising Zelensky And Complimenting Putin?

Newscast · 2026-10-17

Today, President Trump blocked sanctions on Russia a month after he signed them into law. This comes after he said he ‘wasn’t a big fan’ of Volodymyr Zelensky. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian president at a summit in Brussels said the Europeans were ‘real leaders’.

Laura is joined by BBC world affairs editor John Simpson to discuss why the US president is becoming more friendly with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Plus, John marks 60 years at the BBC by sharing his most memorable moments from his career reporting around the world.

Apply to run with Adam (or just cheer him on in person) as he completes his 500k in 100 days challenge: https://www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/shows/newscast-run-club-27oct26

You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers.

Get in touch with Newscast by emailing [email protected] or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.

New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Laura Kuenssberg. It was made by Joe Wilkinson with Adam Chowdhury and Cordelia Hemming. The technical producer was Philip Bull. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Newscast

The BBC’s daily news podcast with episodes available Monday to Sunday at 5pm. Newscast picks the brains of BBC News experts so you're ready if someone picks yours, covering the latest news, developments in politics in Westminster and beyond. Newscast is hosted by trusted politics and news journalists including Adam Fleming, BBC Political Editor Chris Mason, Laura Kuenssberg and Paddy O'Connell. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers. Catch Newscast seven-days a week. Watch on BBC One at 23:40 on Thursday night or later on BBC iPlayer: https://bbc.in/3VoD7vJ. GET IN TOUCH: Send us a message or voicenote via WhatsApp to 03301239480Email [email protected]Or use the hashtag #BBCNewscast

Where can you listen?

Apple Podcasts Logo Spotify Logo Podtail Logo Google Podcasts Logo RSS

Episodes