Global News Podcast – Russia Warns Ukraine: Reach Deal or Lose More Territory

Host: Janat Jalil, BBC World Service
Date: November 21, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode focuses on dramatic new developments regarding the Russia-Ukraine war, as the Kremlin pushes for urgent peace talks and warns Ukraine it will lose more territory if no deal is reached soon. The podcast also provides updates on Gaza since the ceasefire, abductions in Nigeria, South Africa’s reaction to gender-based violence, controversy around Miss Universe, the UN Climate Summit in Brazil, and how AI is helping conservationists study lions.

Key Stories and Discussion Points

1. Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks and Kremlin Warnings

[00:49–09:42]

• Kremlin's Message: Russia has warned Ukraine will lose “more territory on the battlefield unless it reaches a deal on ending the war immediately.” The U.S. handed President Zelensky a draft peace plan that “appears to favor many of Moscow's demands.”
• Draft Peace Plan Details:
  • Ukraine to cede large territories (including the Donbas), reduce the size of its army, give up long-range weapons, and ban foreign troops on Ukrainian soil.
  • Some demands on Russia too: e.g., using frozen Russian assets to rebuild Ukraine and a commitment under Russian law not to invade again.
• Exclusion & Reactions:
  • Neither Ukraine nor European allies were involved in drafting the plan.
  • Zelensky gave a “guarded response,” expressing readiness for “constructive, honest and efficient work.”
  • Quote (Jonathan Beale, BBC Kyiv Correspondent):

    “Some of the demands that have been reported, such as giving up the entire Donbas region… those are concessions they've rejected in the past. Now the US is saying both sides will have to make concessions.” (08:01)

  • Strong pressure from the U.S. for a quick agreement within weeks.
• European Concerns:
  • EU’s top diplomat Kaya Kallas:

    “Any peace plan to work, it has to be with Ukraine and with the Europeans on board.” (04:23)

  • “Europe has been left in the dark,” no mention in the plan of the ongoing European initiative to form a reassuring coalition for Ukraine.
• Ukrainian Public Opinion:
  • Ordinary Kyiv residents are divided but predominantly skeptical.

    “What they are offering us is not very good for us… The two countries should be equal and no one should give in.” (05:15)
    “Ukraine is the one who decides, not America... this is our land and not our war. We have to defend our land.” (06:10)

• Political Situation in Ukraine:
  • A corruption scandal involving a Zelensky ally has weakened government support, further complicating negotiations.

2. Gaza Update: Ongoing Deaths and Future Governance

[09:43–17:52]

• Child Deaths Despite Ceasefire:
  • UNICEF reports nearly 70 children killed in Gaza since the ceasefire took effect last month.
  • Ricardo Pirez, UNICEF:

    “Child deaths had averaged nearly two a day... This is during an agreed ceasefire. The pattern is staggering.” (10:38)

• Competing Security Forces and Militias:
  • Israeli-backed militias (e.g., Counter Terrorism Strike Force led by Hossam Al Astal) are emerging in Gaza, challenging Hamas.
  • Palestinian Authority rejects “blanket integration” of such militias into future Gaza security forces.

    “What Israel demands does not necessarily benefit the Palestinians. Israel wants to continue imposing its control in one way or another.” — Maj. Gen. Anwar Rajab (13:14)

• Gazans’ Distrust:
  • Civilians express deep unease at militias’ roles, fearing a repeat of history with unintended consequences.

    “Any government is better than gangs. These groups that cooperate with the occupation are the worst thing that the war has produced.” (15:05)

• Personal Story – Sanabel:
  • Sanabel, a young Gazan who struggled to study during war, wins a university scholarship.
  • She shares her determination despite loss:

    “Every time I try to maintain my calm… something happens and destroy everything. I really want to get rid of wars. I’m sick of living in wars for my entire life.” (17:10)

3. Nigeria: Escalating School Kidnappings

[18:06–21:15]

• Wave of Abductions:
  • Third mass kidnapping in a week, this time nearly 100 pupils and staff from a Catholic school in Niger state.
  • Chris Yuuoka (BBC Abuja):

    “They actually came with vehicles... about 2 am local time... as they were going the vehicle reportedly broke down, but help didn’t come for the students before they were taken away.” (19:30)

  • State government had ordered school closures but the school attacked hadn’t complied.

4. South Africa: Women Arm Themselves Against Gender-Based Violence

[22:20–28:30]

• Growing Use of Firearms for Self-Defense:
  • Amidst high rates of violence (15 women killed and 117 rape cases daily), women seek firearm training for protection.
  • Lynette Oxley, Girls on Fire:

    “Women themselves must say enough… I want ladies to change what they think about them. Stop being silent.” (23:17)

  • Survivor, Prudence:

    “As much as it’s me that was raped, there’s many other girls in these communities. How do we make it safer for them?” (25:08)

  • Erica, rape survivor:

    “I don’t want a woman to ever have to use her firearm. But having it gives you a sense of more control…” (26:13)

• Rights Group’s Call for Action:
  • Cameron Kasambala, Women for Change:

    “15 women killed every single day... There’s a lack of implementation and transparency... The government is hiding under high-level promises.” (27:00)

5. UN Climate Summit, Brazil: Fossil Fuel Battle

[28:36–30:38]

• Divided Over Fossil Fuel Phase-Out:
  • Over 30 nations oppose Brazil’s draft that omits any commitment to phase out oil, gas, and coal.
  • Esme Stallard, BBC climate reporter:

    “We’ve moved a lot of the easier parts of our economy away from fossil fuels. This is now the tougher areas...there is a real divide at the moment.” (28:57)

6. Miss Universe 2025: A Scandalous Turnaround

[30:40–34:19]

• Miss Mexico Wins After Controversial Year:
  • Fatima Bosch had previously walked out of an event after being berated by a Thai official.
  • Audio from confrontation:

    Organizer: “You are not respecting me as a woman.”
    Ms. Mexico: “Because I have a voice and it’s not correct…” (31:39)

  • Her win divided opinion — some praised her for standing up, others accused organizers of favoritism after judges resigned and rigging accusations.
  • Despite the controversy, the pageant remains a lucrative global business.

7. AI and Lion Roars: Conservation Innovation

[34:23–37:30]

• Using AI to Distinguish Lion Roars:
  • Scientists use artificial intelligence to identify different lion vocalizations, assisting population monitoring.
  • Jonathan Grocott, lead study author:

    “A lion’s full-throated roar is an acoustic signature. If you can identify a lion by its roar… you can start to count the number of individuals in a landscape.” (36:15)

  • This breakthrough could revolutionize conservation practices.

Notable Quotes and Moments

• EU Diplomacy:

  “Any peace plan to work, it has to be with Ukraine and with the Europeans on board.” — Kaya Kallas, EU Diplomat (04:23)

• Ukrainian Public Sentiment:

  “Ukraine is the one who decides, not America… this is our land and not our war. We have to defend our land.” (06:10)

• Sanabel’s Message From Gaza:

  “I really want to get rid of wars. I’m sick of living in wars for my entire life.” (17:10)

• South African Survivor:

  “I screamed, I cried. But he didn’t take any no for an answer… There’s many other girls in these communities… how do we make it safer for them?” — Prudence (25:08)

• Lion Conservation:

  “A lion’s full throated roar is an acoustic signature… If you can identify a lion by its roar… you can start to count the number of individuals in a landscape.” — Jonathan Grocott (36:15)

Segment Timestamps

• Russia-Ukraine Peace Plan: 00:49–09:42
• Gaza Update & Personal Story: 09:43–17:52
• Nigeria/School Kidnappings: 18:06–21:15
• South Africa/Gender Violence: 22:20–28:30
• UN Climate Summit: 28:36–30:38
• Miss Universe Controversy: 30:40–34:19
• AI & Lion Conservation: 34:23–37:30

Tone:
The reporting maintains the BBC’s clear, analytical, and balanced tone, giving equal weight to policy, personal impact, and expert analysis. Direct quotes from participants and civilians portray the gravity and human aspect of the covered stories.

Listeners interested in global affairs, diplomacy, humanitarian crises, or innovative science and conservation will find this episode especially compelling for its breadth, depth, and immediacy.