Optimism but no deal after Ukraine peace talks

Summary

Global News Podcast – "Optimism But No Deal After Ukraine Peace Talks"

BBC World Service | Host: Chris Barrow | Date: December 29, 2025

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Episode Overview

This episode provides a globally-focused analysis of the current status of Ukraine-Russia peace talks, rising tensions around Taiwan, Myanmar's controversial election, the passing of French icon Brigitte Bardot, a "Battle of the Sexes" tennis match, and the early papacy of Pope Leo XIV. Expert guests and correspondents provide context, reactions, and insights, maintaining a tone of rigorous journalism and international perspective typical of the BBC.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Ukraine Peace Talks: Optimism, But No Final Deal Yet

Segment: [01:11]–[07:46]

• Talks at Mar-a-Lago: President Zelensky visits President Trump in Florida to discuss Ukraine-Russia peace, focusing on Zelensky’s new 20-point plan.

• Progress Highlights:

  • At least 90% (Zelensky) or 95% (Trump) of the peace plan reportedly agreed upon.
  • 100% agreement on U.S.-Ukrainian security guarantees; almost complete agreement on U.S.-Europe-Ukraine guarantees and military dimensions.
    • “20 point peace plan, 90% agreed. U.S.-Ukraine security guarantees. We 100% agreed. U.S.-Europe-Ukraine security guarantees, almost agreed. Military dimension, 100% agreed.” — Chris Barrow, summarizing Zelensky ([02:57])

• Sticking Point:

  • The main unresolved issue is the status of Ukrainian land lost during the war and what territorial concessions will be made.
    • “The key sticking point, according to Trump in particular, seems to be the control over Ukraine's land that is lost and what territorial concessions they would have to make for the war to end.” — Correspondent ([03:24])

• U.S. and European Security Roles:

  • Trump expects Europe to lead in securing and equipping Ukraine’s defense, with no U.S. troops on the ground.
    • “Europe would kind of take the lead in financing and equipping the Ukrainian Defense Forces. And the U.S. President’s been very unequivocal that he does not see a role for U.S. troops on the ground.” — Correspondent ([04:12])
  • Trump maintains ambiguity as a negotiating tactic, but U.S. ground intervention is officially not on the table.
    • “Nothing’s ever really off the table with this White House…He’s very fond of saying that he doesn’t like people knowing what he’s thinking or what he’s planning to kind of keep element of uncertainty there.” — Correspondent ([04:51])

• Russia’s Position:

  • Trump claims Putin “wants peace,” but offers no evidence; resistance from Moscow to a Ukrainian referendum is expected.
  • U.S. critics and European leaders doubt Russian intentions and Trump's optimism.
    • “He offered again no evidence or proof that Putin does want peace or does want Ukraine to succeed.” — Correspondent ([06:58])

• Ukrainian Public Sentiment:

  • Ukrainians are weary and hopeful for peace but wary of territorial concessions.
    • “For Ukrainians, it would certainly mean a possible land deal in which they would have to give up…that’s going to be a really hard sell for so many people.” — Samira Hussein, Kyiv correspondent ([07:59])
  • Referendum on a potential territorial deal is seen as politically necessary but practically difficult without a ceasefire.
    • “It’s hard to envision a situation in which the country will have to redraw its lines without getting buy-in from the people…Hard to see how you can have a referendum without any kind of ceasefire.” — Samira Hussein ([09:48])

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2. China: Xi Jinping’s Strategic Gains and Taiwan’s Rising Tensions

Segment: [10:53]–[16:41]

• Xi Jinping’s ‘Quiet Strength’:

  • Contrasts drawn between Trump’s brash style and Xi’s measured approach.
  • 2025 sees Xi resist U.S. tariffs, impose countermeasures, and avoid backlash at home despite a sluggish economy.
  • Continued support for Russia and positioning China as an emerging great power.
    • “Xi Jinping has ignored U.S. criticism and continues to very public support for Vladimir Putin…He appears to believe the U.S. President is presiding over a waning power and is positioning China to fill the void.” — Mickey Bristow ([11:58])

• Major Military Drills Around Taiwan:

  • China announces multi-branch military exercise, practicing blockade and invasion scenarios, deterring outside intervention (notably, Japan).
  • Political goal: present Taiwan’s unification as inevitable, despite majority opposition on the island.
    • “It’s a dress rehearsal for invading the island from all sides…The political objective, I suppose, is to try to convince not only the people in Taiwan, but the rest of the world that Taiwan’s unification with mainland China is somehow inevitable.” — Stephen McDonnell, Beijing Correspondent ([13:51])
  • Chinese threats described graphically: “Anyone who comes in contact with this shield will be annihilated.” ([15:45])
  • The explicit mention of deterring outside military aid is a new, escalatory tone.
    • “It seems to be the first time it’s been publicly mentioned…Either way, it has increased tensions in the region.” — Stephen McDonnell ([15:59])

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3. Myanmar’s 'Sham' Election Amid Civil War

Segment: [20:03]–[24:05]

• Context:
  • First election since the military coup ousting Aung San Suu Kyi; widely condemned internationally. Most candidates have military ties.
  • Widespread violence, millions displaced, severe media and speech restrictions.
  • “For the people of Myanmar, a chance to vote, yet with no real choice.” — Jonathan Head, reporting from Mandalay ([20:34])
• Public Mood:
  • Atmosphere of fear; dissent harshly punished (over 200 arrested for criticizing the poll).
  • “This election is a lie, she told me. Everyone is afraid we have lost our freedom.” — Anonymous interviewee ([23:16])
  • Symbolic voting, but no expectation of real political change.

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4. Remembering Brigitte Bardot: Cultural Icon and Controversial Legacy

Segment: [24:05]–[28:09]

• Role as a Sex Symbol:
  • Bardot’s on-screen image challenged norms, portraying agency and female desire.
    • “She was someone who asserted her own desire. She went after the men she wanted. She had a subjectivity as a character…She takes the lead.” — Jeanette Vincenteau, Professor, King’s College London ([24:56])
  • “In the game of love, she's the hunter as much as the prey.” — Quoting Simone de Beauvoir ([25:45])
• Cultural Impact:
  • Bardot's films provoked scandal and discussion, marking her as a transgressive, modern figure.
• Later Life and Controversy:
  • Shifted to animal rights activism and made highly controversial political comments, including fines for inciting racial hatred.
  • Urged not to retroactively apply current feminist standards to her earlier film career.
    • “To me there are really two Bardots…the film star, and then Bardot since, who devoted herself to animal welfare and so on.” — Jeanette Vincenteau ([27:01])
    • “It would be anachronistic to want her to adopt current feminist position way back in the 1950s and 1960s.” ([27:52])

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5. "Battle of the Sexes" Tennis: More Spectacle than Sport

Segment: [28:09]–[30:08]

• Event Recap:
  • Nick Kyrgios defeats Irina Sabalenka (6-3, 6-3) in a modified rules match in Dubai.
  • Game positioned as entertainment, not a serious commentary on gender or tennis parity, with references to Billie Jean King’s 1973 match.
• Player Quotes:
  • “Honestly, it could have gone either way. I’m not even joking. …I wouldn’t call myself the champ tonight.” — Nick Kyrgios ([28:58])
• Reaction:
  • Match attracts glitzy crowd; seen as showmanship, not social change.

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6. Pope Leo XIV: A North American Papacy Begins

Segment: [30:08]–[34:23]

• Background:
  • First North American Pope; conservative U.S. Catholics initially assumed he’d be an ally as he restored certain traditions.
• Emerging Priorities:
  • Has signaled independence from U.S. political factions; continues support for migrants and global Catholic core values.
    • “He has already signaled to powerful conservative Catholics in his home country, those close to Donald Trump, that he won’t be their man in the Vatican.” — Professor Massimo Faggioli ([31:48])
    • “When it's about key issues like immigration or what it means for a Catholic to be pro-life, there is no significant difference [from Francis].” ([32:17])
• Public Response:
  • Regarded as less charismatic than Pope Francis but gaining acceptance.
    • “His personality seems a bit colder, more detached from us. But I also think he’s improving in Italian, so I think I need to get used to it.” — Pilgrim ([32:50])
  • “Now it's very popular because we can sell rosary like magnets, like… very important. Because it's only here too much people, you know...” — Rome shopkeeper ([33:10])
• Personal Anecdotes:
  • Spends Tuesdays at Castel Gandolfo, rumored to be playing tennis—a “novelty” in papal habit—and addressing journalists on contemporary issues.
  • “No army, but a very influential voice, one it seems, Leo XIV is now finding and increasingly ready to use.” — Sarah Rainsford ([33:51])

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Ukraine Talks:
  • “Well, both leaders claim that the deal is 90 to 95% finished with one or two very thorny issues remaining.” — Chris Barrow ([02:54])
  • “My advice to Ukraine was that they're better off making a deal.” — Trump, paraphrased by Correspondent ([03:24])
• On Russia:
  • “He did sound, not for the first time, very confident and trustful of President Putin’s remarks in their phone call earlier.” — Correspondent ([06:49])
• On Taiwan:
  • “If you look at the military objective, it's quite simple…to practice blockading the island. But also it's a dress rehearsal for invading from all sides.” — Stephen McDonnell ([13:51])
• On Myanmar:
  • “I will vote, said this vendor, but not with my heart. …This election is a lie…we have lost our freedom.” — Anonymous voters ([22:57], [23:16])
• On Bardot:
  • “In the Game of Love, she's the hunter as much as the prey. …She was such a transgressive figure.” — Jeanette Vincenteau ([25:45])
• On Pope Leo XIV:
  • “He’s dealing with the problem of coming after Francis, who was incredibly charismatic with an instantaneous connection with the people.” — Chris Barrow ([31:41])
  • “The only reason to go there is because they’ve got a covered tennis court.” — Mickey Bristow ([33:44])

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Ukraine Peace Talks: [01:11]–[07:46]
• Xi Jinping & China Focus: [10:53]–[16:41]
• Myanmar Election: [20:03]–[24:05]
• Brigitte Bardot Tribute: [24:05]–[28:09]
• Battle of the Sexes Tennis: [28:09]–[30:08]
• Pope Leo XIV / Vatican: [30:08]–[34:23]

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Conclusion

This episode delivers in-depth, balanced coverage of the most pressing and consequential international developments at the end of 2025, with characteristic BBC clarity and global perspective. Whether analyzing the complexity of peace in Ukraine, the choreography of power in China, the fading prospects for democracy in Myanmar, or the legacy of a cultural icon, the podcast provides essential context and nuanced reporting for listeners worldwide.

Transcript

[Narrator/Reporter]

This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK.

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[Correspondent/Analyst]

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[Chris Barrow (BBC World Service Host)]

This is the global News podcast from the BBC World Service. I'm Chris Barrow and in the early hours of Monday 29th December, these are our main stories. Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy say that at least 90% has been agreed of the plan to end the war in Ukraine. Taiwan deploys what it calls appropriate forces as China prepares for a major military exercise around the island and Myanmar holds a national election amidst a civil war and accusations that the vote is a sham. Also in the podcast, she was the.

[Jeanette Vincenteau (Film Studies Professor)]

Traditional sex goddess as a character, but also as a person. In real life, she was someone who asserted her own desire. She went after the men she wanted. She takes the lead.

[Chris Barrow (BBC World Service Host)]

If you like remembering the French actress Brigitte Bardot, who's died at the age of 91. The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, has visited Donald Trump's Mar a Lago property in Florida for face to face talks on ending the war with Russia. On the table was a new 20 point plan for peace unveiled by Mr. Zelensky last week. After the meeting, both leaders said that progress had been made, but that talks would continue in the coming weeks. Still, President Trump said that a peace deal was closer than ever before.

[Correspondent/Analyst]

Our meeting was excellent.

[Advertiser/Commercial Voice]

We covered somebody would say 95%, I.

[Interviewee/Expert]

Don'T know what percent, but we have.

[Advertiser/Commercial Voice]

Made a lot of progress on ending.

[Correspondent/Analyst]

That war, which is really the, certainly the most deadly war since World War.

[Advertiser/Commercial Voice]

II, probably the biggest war since World War II.

[Chris Barrow (BBC World Service Host)]

And for his part, President Zelensky said Ukraine was ready for peace and thanked the US President for a great meeting.

[Interviewee/Expert]

We discussed all the aspects of the.

[Chris Barrow (BBC World Service Host)]

Peace framework, which includes, and we have great achievements. 20 point peace plan, 90% agreed. And U.S. ukraine security guarantees. We 100% agreed. U.S. europe, Ukraine security guarantees, almost agreed. Military dimension, 100% agreed. Well, both leaders claim that the deal is 90 to 95% finished with one or two very thorny issues remaining. To quote President Trump asked our reporter Bernard Busman what these are.

[Correspondent/Analyst]

The key sticking point, according to Trump in particular seems to be the control over Ukraine's land that is lost and what territorial concessions they would have to make for the war to end. This is something that Trump, his own position on this has changed quite a few times over the course of the year since he's returned to the White House. At one point, he had suggested that Ukraine might be able to take back all its territory. But now he seems to have shifted course yet again, saying that it's a very tough issue that he thinks will get resolved. But his advice to Ukraine was that they're better off making a deal.

[Chris Barrow (BBC World Service Host)]

And they spoke to European leaders after these bilateral talks. What does Donald Trump think Europe is going to be doing in this kind of peacekeeping role in the territory? Will there be actual troops there?

[Correspondent/Analyst]

In the proposals, President Trump sees Europe as the ones who will do the groundwork and the legwork, as it were, to any potential security guarantees for Ukraine in the future. Now, as part of the 20 point plan, Europe would kind of take the lead in financing and equipping the Ukrainian Defense Forces. And the US President's been very unequivocal that he does not see a role for US Troops on the ground.

[Chris Barrow (BBC World Service Host)]

There was one moment where he was asked if there was no resolution, would the US Go in though? And he kind of went, well, we might do. We're not sure yet. So it's kind of nothing really seems fully off the table with Donald Trump.

[Correspondent/Analyst]

Nothing's ever really off the table with this White House. And that's very indicative of how President Trump has carried out foreign policy since returning to the White House in January. He's very fond of saying that he doesn't like people knowing what he's thinking or what he's planning to kind of keep element of uncertainty there. But One fact is that among many of his supporters here in the United States, any very serious US Involvement on the ground in Ukraine might be very, very unpopular with some of his core supporters. He did, after all, campaign on avoiding foreign entanglements. And he's been very quick to say, for example, that Ukraine is paying for the weapons that it's getting from the United States rather than them being gifted to them. This is something that some of his MAGA base feels very, very strongly about.

[Chris Barrow (BBC World Service Host)]

The biggest question, I guess, after these talks is where does Russia stand? Will it agree to the proposal? We know that Donald Trump spoke to Vladimir Putin before meeting Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Do we know what was said in that conversation? And if there's any indication that Russia is closer to agreeing some of these points.

[Correspondent/Analyst]

President Trump had kind of mixed messaging about that issue in his remarks to the press. On one hand he said that he spoke to Putin. Now he believes very strongly that Putin peace, this is something he said in the past and he didn't really offer much in the way of evidence tonight. I think one of the sticking points would be that according to him, Putin and Moscow have no interest in a ceasefire to allow Ukraine to hold a referendum on some of these, which could be controversial elements of the 20 point plan. He said he understands Moscow's position because stopping and starting the fighting might be put them at some sort of military disadvantage. And he was very clear about that, that he understands Moscow's position here. But he did sound, not for the first time, very confident and trustful of President Putin's remarks in their phone call earlier.

[Chris Barrow (BBC World Service Host)]

Yeah, and he almost, I mean, you could say he's slightly parroting the Russian line there. I mean, is there really any hope with these talks if he is such good friends with Putin as he keeps saying?

[Correspondent/Analyst]

Well, I think that is something that will be asked a lot in Kyiv and in European capitals today. When he said that Putin want, wants Ukraine to succeed. I think that's something that many Ukrainians and many Europeans will object to quite strongly. He offered again no evidence or no proof that Putin does want peace or does want Ukraine to succeed. I mean, the one kind of specific he gave was that Putin, according to him, is willing to sell energy to Ukraine at a very discounted price in the future should there be a peace between the two. But besides that, he didn't really offer any glimpse into that conversation or what now again leads him to trust Putin after repeatedly expressing skepticism about Putin after previous conversations and fighting continued.

[Chris Barrow (BBC World Service Host)]

Bernd and as he mentioned, Ukrainians might be asked to vote in a referendum to approve a deal to end the war. So what did they make of these latest talks? Our correspondent in Kyiv, Samira Hussein, gave us this assessment.

[Advertiser/Commercial Voice]

I think for so many Ukrainians, they have been here before, they have seen these peace negotiations continue, but no actual deal. I would say that probably the tone of what we've been hearing from President Trump and President Zelensky just now suggests that they are, in fact, closer. And that both seemed quite upbeat. But for Ukrainians, it would certainly mean a possible land deal in which they would have to give up. There would be some territorial concessions, and that's going to be a really hard sell for so many people. This is a country that has been fighting a war for almost four years, and to now say that, well, you're going to have to give up parts of your country, that's not going to be an easy message to take.

[Chris Barrow (BBC World Service Host)]

And Donald Trump said it was potentially, if all went well, a deal could be reached within weeks. Is that feeling amongst the people of Ukraine that it could be weeks, or is it still too uncertain to say?

[Advertiser/Commercial Voice]

I think for so many people, they are just so hopeful for an end to this war. It has been long, it is winter here, it is cold, and Russia has really been concentrating their efforts on the energy infrastructure here in Ukraine. I mean, over the weekend, we saw this barrage of drone attacks and missiles from Russia hitting Kyiv, the capital, and a lot of their energy infrastructure. And as a result, there are thousands of people that are still without heat or electricity in these cold temperatures. So there's been a concerted effort to make it all just so difficult that people here are war weary and they do want an end to the war, but not at any cost.

[Chris Barrow (BBC World Service Host)]

Is there much appetite for a referendum? Because that was discussed as well.

[Advertiser/Commercial Voice]

It's hard to envision a situation in which the country will have to redraw its lines without getting buy in from the people who live in the country. And so this idea of a referendum, I think, would be necessary politically for Mr. Zelensky. But it's hard to see, you know, how you can have a referendum without any kind of ceasefire. And that is, of course, another sticking point in these peace negotiations.

[Chris Barrow (BBC World Service Host)]

Samira Hussein. Well, President Trump's attempts to end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine is just one of countless occasions this year that he's thrust himself into the spotlight. Tariffs, targeting drug traffickers, deporting migrants. His policies have affected so much of the world in 2025, and he says he's changing it for the better. But there's another world leader who has perhaps shown himself to be more able to navigate the complicated international arena and promote his own country's interests without much fanfare. Mickey Bristow looks back at what's been a good year for China's leader, Xi Jinping.

[Mickey Bristow (Reporter)]

The world's two most important leaders couldn't have more contrasting styles. There can be few people who haven't heard of Donald Trump or don't know something of his in your face style. He's everywhere. The same cannot be said of Xi Jinping. He exudes the quiet confidence. And seems to weigh up every word he says. He's not known for off the cuff statements. As opposed to Mr. Trump, he appears thoroughly uninteresting, like a very measured diplomat. Part of his confidence comes from experience. He's led his country for more than a decade. And with no presidential elections in China, Mr. Xi doesn't have to appeal to a fickle public. The Chinese president was one of the few world leaders this year to resist Mr. Trump's tariffs. China imposed its own duties on American goods and introduced restrictions on the sale of rare earths, vital metals used in a multitude of products. Mr. Trump was eventually forced to back down. The two leaders met in South Korea in October.

[Advertiser/Commercial Voice]

Well, thank you very much.

[Interviewee/Expert]

It's a great honor to be with.

[Correspondent/Analyst]

A friend of mine really for a long time now if you think about.

[Mickey Bristow (Reporter)]

It afterwards, Mr. Trump was upbeat. He said the meeting had been amazing. 12 out of 10. But the talks also seemed to lay the groundwork for subsequent deals that Beijing will be happy about over TikTok and US chip sales to China. At home, Mr. Xi has so far avoided any major blowback from a flagging economy. Internationally, he's held his own. The US Regularly berates Beijing for supporting Russia's war in Ukraine. But Xi Jinping has ignored US Criticism and continues to very public support for Vladimir Putin. Mr. Xi appears to believe the US President is presiding over a waning power and is positioning China to fill the void. In this video from Chinese state controlled media, Mr. Xi says the world is at a pivotal moment in history. China's rejuvenation, he says, is irresistible. Unlike Mr. Trump, there's no limit on how many years he can serve, so you might still be around to see that prediction fulfilled.

[Chris Barrow (BBC World Service Host)]

Mickey Bristow and staying with China, the country has announced it will conduct a major military exercise around Taiwan, the self governing island that Beijing considers its own territory. The Chinese army, navy, air force and rocket force will be involved. The Chinese military will practice blockading Taiwanese ports and deterring outside military intervention. Japan recently said it might get involved if China tried to retake Taiwan by force. These exercises will include live fire drills. Taiwan's President Lai Ching Te said the maneuvers were a provocation, adding that the island's own military would monitor the exercise. Our correspondent in Beijing is Stephen McDonnell. I asked him what China is trying to achieve.

[Interviewee/Expert]

There are two things, really. One is a military objective and the other is a political one. If you look at the military objective, it's quite simple. And they've been practicing this in all these recent drills. You surround Taiwan and you can see it by the maps that are released by the People's Liberation army, these zones. And that's to practice blockading the island. But also it's a dress rehearsal for invading the island from all sides as well and overwhelming Taiwan's military in that way. The political objective, I suppose, is to try to convince not only the people in Taiwan, but the rest of the world that Taiwan's unification with mainland China is somehow inevitable. It might not happen next year or the year after, but it is going to eventually happen and thereby somehow or other water down resistance to this concept. The problem, of course, is that people in Taiwan have shown time and again, whether it be opinion polls or election results, that they don't want this. They don't want to give up their free lifestyle with independent judiciary, with the free media and what have you, and be governed by Beijing. They would prefer the status quo. And Beijing, on the other hand, considers this to be a rogue province that just by a kind of accident of history, after the end of the civil war, became this island operating beyond its control. And there's the rub, really. And so it's what this is all about. But in terms of the military, it's also, I suppose, to try to scare people in Taiwan. You just have to look at the propaganda that's been released in conjunction with these drills. This image of a shield with a PLA saying that anyone who comes in contact with this shield will be annihilated. So the idea being you can't resist us if we really want to take the island by force.

[Chris Barrow (BBC World Service Host)]

And it's not just blockading the ports. They've actually said about this drill particularly that it's preventing others coming to help, like Japan, which I mentioned. I mean, is that an escalation in terms of talking about these drills?

[Interviewee/Expert]

Well, it seems to be the first time it's been publicly mentioned. And I suppose in that way you might call it an escalation, but you do get those messages anyway from the Chinese government. It's not clear though from that language whether they're talking about we're going to use these drills to actually dress, rehearse a military response. Should other countries like the US Or Japan or their allies try to get involved? Or are they trying to say that by just having these drills we will discourage anyone from becoming involved and achieving the result in that way? Either way, it has increased tensions in the region.

[Chris Barrow (BBC World Service Host)]

Stephen McDonnell still to come in this podcast, a look back at 2025 at the Vatican.

[Correspondent/Analyst]

He's dealing with the problem of coming after Francis, who was incredibly charismatic with.

[Mickey Bristow (Reporter)]

An instantaneous connection with the people.

[Chris Barrow (BBC World Service Host)]

We hear how Pope Leo has adjusted to his role as head of the Catholic Church.

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[Correspondent/Analyst]

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[Chris Barrow (BBC World Service Host)]

The first phase of an election that's been widely condemned as a sham has taken place in Myanmar. It's the first vote since the army overthrew the government of Aung San SUU Kyi nearly five years ago, and it's taking place despite the fact that the country is in the grip of a civil war. Thousands of people have been killed and millions forced from their homes. Most of the candidates allowed to take part in the election have links to the military. Our correspondent Jonathan Head reports from the city of Mandalay.

[Narrator/Reporter]

For the people of Myanmar, a chance to vote, yet with no real choice. New electronic voting machines ensure the process goes smoothly. Yet everyone casting their ballot at this Mandalay polling station knows their vote won't change who runs the country. With Aung San SUU Kyi still jailed and her party dissolved, only one party can win this election, the military's own usdp. Yet there is little enthusiasm for it. At this rally, the local candidate, an army man of course, General Tsar Jour, promised better times ahead. But the crowd they'd brought in could hardly keep their eyes open. I asked him whether the military accepted responsibility for the disastrous events since the coup. It's they who want to destroy this country with violence, he said, referring to the armed resistance which rose up to fight the coup. It's our job to prevent them, those who are with the enemy, he said are not the people. They're just terrorists. He was unapologetic about the bombing of schools and hospitals. The climate of fear hangs over this election. Everywhere we went, people were too frightened to express any opinion. I will vote, said this vendor, but not with my heart. They have good reason for caution. More than 200 have been arrested just for criticizing the poll. Some were given sentences of more than 40 years. One woman was brave enough to speak openly to us, but on condition we concealed her identity. This election is a lie, she told me. Everyone is afraid we have lost our freedom. On the other side of the Irrawaddy river from Mandalay, villages are still under the control of armed insurgents known as PDFs, loyal to the ousted democratic government. And they are still being bombed by the air Force. Travel there is difficult. We tried to reach a famous temple complex, but were held up at a government controlled village while they discussed whether we could go on. So we've just stopped in the this rather spacious tea house and this police officer, he's been checking our documents, but he's also giving us a rundown of the security in the area. Two very young looking men who've just walked in with automatic weapons, sitting down, having a cup of tea. He says they're volunteers from the village. He said there's been a lot of fighting. His job was difficult. He said everyone here has taken sides. No one is ready to compromise. He goes everywhere armed. The next village was controlled by the armed resistance. They would shoot me if they saw me, he said. In the end, he decided it was too unsafe for us to reach the temples. Mandalay has always been a stronghold of support for Aung San SUU Kyi, the scene of multiple protests against the coup until those were brutally crushed. Today it feels sullen and beaten, an unhappy backdrop for an election which promises only more military rule.

[Chris Barrow (BBC World Service Host)]

Jonathan Head with that report from Myanmar. France's culture Minister has paid tribute to the actress Brigitte Bardot, who's died at the age of 91, saying she was a legend who helped shape our imaginations. Wildly free and so French, she was a superstar of 50s and 60s French cinema, playing characters with hedonistic lifestyles, which led to fans and intellectuals alike revering her as a sex symbol. The French feminist philosopher Simone de Beauvoir even declared her to be the most liberated woman of post war France. In her later years, she made headlines for her controversial political views and was fined multiple times for inciting racial hatred with some of her public comments. So what made Brigitte Bardot the archetype of the modern sexual icon. Jeanette Vincenteau is emeritus professor in Film Studies at King's College London and has been speaking to my colleague Krupa Pardi.

[Jeanette Vincenteau (Film Studies Professor)]

On the one hand, she was the traditional sex goddess, a very sexualized image on screen, with everything designed to show off her figure, to really enhance the eroticism of her presence on screen. And at the same time, she was someone who as a character, but also as a person in real life, and the two became really blurred. She was someone who asserted her own desire. She went after the men she wanted. She had a subjectivity as a character. So most sex icons of the period, and I think including Marilyn Monroe, who was in some ways a model for Bardot, was always presented as somebody who reacted to male desire. And I think Bardot is very different. She takes the lead, if you like. And in saying that, I'm also saying what Simone de Beauvoir said. She wrote a text about Bardot in 1959, and she said, in the Game of Love, she's the hunter as much as the prey. And I think that really sums up the unusualness, but also the modernity of her figure at the time.

[Advertiser/Commercial Voice]

It almost sounds like she was a symbol of empowerment for women at the time. But equally, that image of hers drew in the male gaze.

[Jeanette Vincenteau (Film Studies Professor)]

Absolutely, yes. And she was extremely beautiful. She's really projected sexuality on screen in a very powerful way, but had something else and something different. And I think that's why she had such an impact on culture at the time, in both in France and outside France. That film God Created Woman, 1956, caused enormous scandal at the time. And I think that the violence of the reaction she provoked is also testimony to the fact that she was such a transgressive figure.

[Advertiser/Commercial Voice]

Let's talk about the later chapters of her life. She later publicly defended the disgraced actor Gerard Depardieu and pushed back at the MeToo movement. How important is it for us to re evaluate her as a figure of feminist rebellion, do you think?

[Jeanette Vincenteau (Film Studies Professor)]

Well, I think one should not re evaluate her in that first part of her life. We have to remember that Bardot stopped acting in 1973. And so to me, there are really two Bardots. There's Bardot, the film star, and then there's Bardot since who devoted herself to animal welfare and so on. She also is somebody who always spoke her mind. She came from a very privileged background. She felt quite entitled to say what she thought. And I think that's something that is carried on, and that's one way of looking at It, I think the other way is that she liked to provoke. But to me what she's saying about Gerard de Pardieu and about MeToo, to some extent it's a generational position that as an older woman she clearly does not understand what is happening today. And I think that one can be very critical of that. But I don't think one should read her earlier career in the light of these remarks because you know, these were different times. It would be anachronistic to want her to adopt current feminist position way back in the 1950s and 1960s.

[Chris Barrow (BBC World Service Host)]

Jeanette Van Sandeau Australia's Nick Kyrgios has won a so called battle of the sexes tennis match against the women's world number one Irina Sabalenka taking victory in straight sets in the best of three contest. The match in Dubai was played with modified rules. There was a smaller court for Sabalenka and both players only had one attempt at a serve per point. Our sports correspondent Natalie Perks was watching.

[Mickey Bristow (Reporter)]

It is Kyrgios who emerges victorious.

[Narrator/Reporter]

Six three, six three.

[Advertiser/Commercial Voice]

She's the biggest name in women's tennis, a four time grand slam champion. But in a result that surprised no one, the injury hit world number 671. Nick Kiriot claimed victory over the world number one in straight sets. Speaking after the match, Kyrgios praised Irina Sabalenka's performance.

[Interviewee/Expert]

Look, considering I took away one of her strengths, her first serve, she's an amazing athlete and honestly she was right there. Honestly, it could have gone either way. I'm not even joking. You know, I wouldn't call myself the champ tonight. I think seeing someone as great as arena out here and myself, I think it truly is a spectacle and I think this is a great stepping stone forward for the spirit.

[Advertiser/Commercial Voice]

Sabalenka had arrived for the match in a crystal encrusted coat dancing to Eye of the Tiger. It was more akin to a ring walk than a tennis match. The 1973 Battle of the sexes between Bobby Riggs and Billie Jean King was a genuine catalyst for change in sport and society. This was nothing more than entertainment in front of a sellout celebrity filled crowd in Dubai. Nick Kyrgios appeared to be feeling the effect of only having played six times in three years. His T shirt drenched in sweat. But whilst there were glimpses of Sabalenka's power throughout, several mistakes from the female number one coupled with Kyrgios superior power meant it was over in two sets. Sabalenka had said this match would help bring women's tennis to a higher level that is up for debate, though it will have certainly elevated both their bank balances.

[Chris Barrow (BBC World Service Host)]

Natalie Perks now Back in May, much of the world was transfixed as Catholic cardinals converged on the Vatican and began their mysterious conclave, locked behind the giant doors of the Sistine Chapel to elect a new pope following a series of rituals that are centuries old. The result, though, was something new. The first North American pope. Conservative Catholics in the US Initially welcomed Leo XIV as an ally as he reinstated a number of traditions cast out by his predecessor, Francis. But he's since begun voicing his concern about US Policy, especially on migration, as well as the rising tensions with Venezuela. He also recently appointed a new archbishop of New York, replacing a man close to Donald Trump. Sarah Rainsford reports from Rome on how the new head of the Catholic Church is making his mark.

[Advertiser/Commercial Voice]

On his first christmas, leo xiv restored a tradition. Beneath the giant dome of St. Peter's Basilica, he led the main Christmas Mass. That's something no pope has done in decades. But Leo himself is a novelty, the first ever North American in the role. And after the high drama of the conclave, the this spring, the baseball fan from Chicago is starting to give a sense of his priorities for the papacy.

[Correspondent/Analyst]

He's dealing with the problem of coming.

[Chris Barrow (BBC World Service Host)]

After Francis, who was incredibly charismatic with.

[Mickey Bristow (Reporter)]

An instantaneous connection with the people.

[Advertiser/Commercial Voice]

Professor Massimo Faggioli of Trinity College, Dublin sees Leo as cautious, but he has already signaled to powerful conservative Catholics in his home country, those close to Donald Trump, that he won't be their man in the Vatican.

[Correspondent/Analyst]

Immediately after the election of Pope Leo.

[Mickey Bristow (Reporter)]

We saw the attempt of right wing.

[Correspondent/Analyst]

Catholics in America to say Pope Leo liberated us from Pope Francis, from our nightmare. Pope Leo is the anti Francis.

[Mickey Bristow (Reporter)]

That's not true.

[Correspondent/Analyst]

I mean, when it's about key issues like immigration or what it means for.

[Mickey Bristow (Reporter)]

A Catholic to be pro life, there.

[Correspondent/Analyst]

Is no significant difference.

[Chris Barrow (BBC World Service Host)]

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, be among us.

[Advertiser/Commercial Voice]

All the way up the cobblestoned avenue leading to St. Peter's all year long, there's been processions of pilgrims following wooden crosses. I'm curious how much of a hit for these people hope Leah has been.

[Jeanette Vincenteau (Film Studies Professor)]

His personality seems a bit colder, more detached from us. But I also think he's improving in.

[Narrator/Reporter]

Italian, so I think I need to.

[Jeanette Vincenteau (Film Studies Professor)]

Get used to it.

[Chris Barrow (BBC World Service Host)]

But yes, I like him so far.

[Advertiser/Commercial Voice]

Do many people buy the Pope Leo merchandise?

[Correspondent/Analyst]

Is he popular?

[Chris Barrow (BBC World Service Host)]

Yes, now it's very popular because we can sell rosary like magnets, like. Yeah, very important because. Because it's only here too much people, you know, and sorry for my bad.

[Mickey Bristow (Reporter)]

English, because at the end of this.

[Advertiser/Commercial Voice]

Year, you can relax a bit.

[Correspondent/Analyst]

We hope.

[Jeanette Vincenteau (Film Studies Professor)]

We hope.

[Advertiser/Commercial Voice]

Leo believes in relaxation, too. Every Tuesday, he takes the day off and heads to a papal property outside Rome.

[Chris Barrow (BBC World Service Host)]

Most people think that he's going there.

[Correspondent/Analyst]

Because they've got a tennis court.

[Mickey Bristow (Reporter)]

There's been no official word on that, but I can't.

[Advertiser/Commercial Voice]

He could be slumped on the sofa watching Netflix.

[Mickey Bristow (Reporter)]

I doubt he's watching Netflix on the sofa there. He could do that here in Rome. The only reason to go there is because they've got a covered tennis court.

[Advertiser/Commercial Voice]

Those days in the country produce another novelty, because when the Pope's ready to leave Castel Gandolfo for Rome, journalists gather and pepper him with questions. He's addressed everything from migration to the U.S. bombing of Venezuelan ships and to war in the Middle east and Ukraine. No army, but a very influential voice, one it seems, Leo XIV is now finding and increasingly ready to use.

[Chris Barrow (BBC World Service Host)]

That was Sarah Rainsford, and that's all from us for now. There'll be a new edition of the Global News Podcast later on. If you'd like to comment on the podcast and the topics we cover, do send us an email. Our address is globalpodcastbc.co.uk you can also find us on X@BBC World Service, and you can use the hashtag globalnewspod. This edition was mixed by Chris Ablackwa. It was produced by Peter Goffin. The editor is Karen Martin. I'm Chris Barrow. And until next time, goodbye.

[Correspondent/Analyst]

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[Chris Barrow (BBC World Service Host)]

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