Global News Podcast – US Hails 'Tremendous' Progress at Ukraine Talks (BBC World Service, 24 November 2025)
Overview
This episode dives into significant world events led by major progress in US-Ukraine peace talks, despite ongoing tensions and diplomatic hurdles. The show also covers the continuing crisis of mass abductions in Nigeria, a chilling investigation regarding ritual killings in Sierra Leone, the killing of a top Hezbollah official by Israel amidst a fragile ceasefire, dramatic splits within South Africa's Zuma family linked to Russia's war in Ukraine, a pioneering gene therapy story, and the triumph of India’s blind women’s cricket team.
Key Stories & Discussion Points
1. US-Ukraine Peace Talks in Geneva
(Main segment: 01:11–07:03)
- Background: Tense but promising negotiations in Geneva as US, Ukrainian, and European officials work on a proposal to end the war with Russia, following Donald Trump’s mixed signals toward Ukraine.
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio: Highlighted unprecedented progress on narrowing outstanding issues, calling it a “very productive day.” Emphasized that some points remain unresolved and that presidents still need to reach a final agreement.
- Quote: “It is probably the most productive day we have had on this issue, maybe in the entirety of our engagement, but certainly in a very long time.” – Marco Rubio [02:44]
- Ukraine’s stance (Andrei Yermak): Expressed cautious optimism and a strong yearning for “just and lasting peace.”
- Quote: “We have very good progress, and we are moving forward to the just and lasting peace. Ukrainian people deserve and want this peace more than anyone on this planet.” – Andrei Yermak [03:24]
- European Perspective (Sarah Rainsford): Europeans feel sidelined, seeking a support role and moral backing for Ukraine amid concerns deals may favor Russia or bypass key stakeholders.
- Quote: “They are talking positively... no problem is insurmountable. Although Mr. Rubio said a couple of problems remain without going into details.” – Sarah Rainsford [03:42]
- Ukraine’s Concerns: Seeks certainty amid Donald Trump’s erratic statements; fears being painted as the deal breaker and is wary of Russian intentions for genuine peace.
- Quote: “Ukraine feels the pressure. It knows that it has to engage with this political process... because, frankly, it needs the United States.” – Sarah Rainsford [05:00]
- Role of Europeans: Present as “moral backup” for Ukraine, seeking not to be left out but remain influential and informed.
2. Ritual Killing Trade Exposed in Sierra Leone
(07:03–12:22)
- Investigation: BBC reporter Tyson Conte uncovers a widespread black market in human body parts, sold for ritualistic witchcraft promising power, success, or wealth.
- Personal Story: Fatmata Conte, a 28-year-old woman, is found dead with ritualistic elements suspected.
- Undercover Operation: Footage captures traffickers claiming links to 250 herbalists, discussing methods and sales of body parts to ambitious politicians.
- Seller (Idara): “There are no human parts that we don’t work with... we put the whole body in one place. Some say they want the raw part, some request the whole body.” [08:41]
- Traditional Healers’ Response: Legitimate herbalists condemn ritual killings, differentiating themselves: “We are healers, we are not killers.” [10:14]
- Police Challenges: Deep-rooted belief in spiritual practices complicates investigations.
- Police Superintendent Ali Jalo: “You cannot just get into the shrine of a witch doctor without protection.” [11:03]
- Outcome: Several arrests, though scale of crime remains unquantified, and ritual killing isn’t distinctly recorded under law.
3. Mass Abduction at Nigerian Catholic School
(12:22–14:19)
- Event: Over 300 children and 12 staff abducted by gunmen; about 50 escape. Authorities under scrutiny for persistent abductions.
- On the Ground (BBC’s Medina Maishanu): Scenes of devastation, outcry from families, frustration with officials’ failures.
- Quote (Father of Abducted Child): “They were being trafficked on foot, the way shepherds control their herds. The gunmen were on bikes while controlling the girls.” [13:15]
- Parent’s Plea: “My whole life is filled with sadness. He’s my only son. He’s my firstborn. Please help us.” [13:32]
- Political Angle: US President Trump threatens intervention over “persecution of Christians,” while local officials note all faiths are targeted.
4. The Nanny Who Was a KGB Spy
(14:19–18:21)
- Story: Argentinian author Laura Ramos learns her childhood nanny, Maria Luisa (real name Africa de las Heras), was a Soviet spy involved in the planning of Leon Trotsky’s assassination.
- Personal Impact: Shock and confusion on discovering the truth, juxtaposing the nanny’s warmth with her secret deadly past.
- Quote (Laura Ramos): “Horror, because Trotsky was for us an uncle... our nanny drew the plans of the house and gave them to the KCB [KGB]... [the assassin] had been her friend since the Spanish Civil War.” [15:48]
- Complex Portrait: Maria Luisa described as brave, adventurous, and a revolutionary—yet also “a murderer.”
- Quote: “She was a hero or she was a murderer. She was the boss.” [18:10]
5. Israel Kills Hezbollah Chief in Beirut amid Ceasefire
(20:17–23:27)
- Incident: Israeli airstrike in Beirut kills Haitham Abu Ali Tabatabayi, Hezbollah's chief of staff, during a period of supposed truce.
- Expert Analysis (Jim Muir): Tabatabayi was a significant military leader with ties to Iran, long-wanted by the US. The killing marks a sharp escalation in hostilities.
- Quote: “He was described as the chief of staff of Hezbollah... He had a $5 million price on his head... The Israelis are saying they didn’t check it out with the Americans before doing this.” [21:29]
- Regional Tensions: Increase in Israeli strikes in Lebanon and the threat of further escalation with Iran and in Gaza.
6. Zuma Family Rift Tied to Russia’s War in Ukraine
(23:27–26:30)
- Revelation: Jacob Zuma’s daughter, Nkosazana, files police charges against half-sister Duzile, alleging recruitment of young men to fight for Russia under false pretenses.
- Details: Men believed they’d be training as bodyguards, but found themselves on Russia’s front lines in Ukraine.
- Quote (Nomsa Maseko): “They were handed over to a Russian mercenary group and are now at the front line fighting for Russia in the Ukraine.” [23:49]
- Political Fallout: Family disputes spill into public, and the South African and Botswanan governments are pressured for their repatriation.
7. Gene Therapy Breakthrough for Hunter Syndrome
(26:30–30:36)
- Milestone: Three-year-old Oliver Chu from California receives world-first gene therapy for Hunter Syndrome, developed in the UK. Parents and doctors report remarkable progress.
- Medical Overview: Therapy involves inserting a healthy gene into Oliver’s blood stem cells, offering the chance for a near-normal life.
- Parental Joy: “I want to pinch myself every time I tell people, you know, Oliver is making his own enzymes. Every time we talk about it, I wanted to cry because it’s just so amazing.” – Oliver’s mother, Jingru [28:51]
- Comparison with Older Sibling: Oliver’s brother Skyler, too old for the therapy, remains on older, less effective treatments.
- Quote (Father, Ricky): “With this gene therapy, it feels like Oliver got a reset in his life ... that’s why I want the same thing for Skyler, even though he’s a little bit older.” [29:22]
- Expert’s Hope: “I’ve been waiting 20 years for this... To see a boy like Ollie doing as well as he has, it’s just so exciting.” – Prof. Simon Jones [29:57]
- Implication: Early days for the trial, but potential to transform lives affected by this rare disease.
8. India Wins Blind Women’s Cricket T20 World Cup
(30:36–32:17)
- Historic Win: India’s blind women’s cricket team clinch the first T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka, defeating Nepal.
- Game Adaptation: Cricket modified for the visually impaired, fostering inclusion and destigmatizing disability.
- Player Voices: India’s captain faced initial doubt; US player Megan Whelan found the sport “empowering and exciting.”
- Diplomacy and Sport: Warm relations between Indian and Pakistani teams challenge negative diplomatic expectations.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- US on Ukraine Talks:
- “This is a very productive and meaningful discussion.” – Marco Rubio [03:42]
- Ukrainian Voice:
- “Ukrainian people deserve and want this peace more than anyone on this planet.” – Andrei Yermak [03:24]
- Sierra Leone:
- “There are no human parts that we don’t work with.” – Idara [08:41]
- BBC Africa Eye:
- “We are not killer. We are healer.” – President, Council of Traditional Healers [10:14]
- On Ritual Killing Law:
- “Ritual killing is not recorded as a distinct crime in Sierra Leone. The scale of the problem remains unknown.” – Tyson Conte [12:15]
- Personal Trauma - Nigeria:
- “My whole life is filled with sadness. He’s my only son. He’s my firstborn. Please help us.” [13:32]
- Espionage Shocker:
- “She was a hero or she was a murderer. She was the boss.” – Laura Ramos [18:10]
- Medical Breakthrough:
- “Oliver is making his own enzymes ... it’s just so amazing.” – Oliver’s mum [28:51]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- US-Ukraine Talks: 01:11–07:03
- Sierra Leone Investigation: 07:03–12:22
- Nigerian School Kidnapping: 12:22–14:19
- KGB Nanny: 14:19–18:21
- Hezbollah Killing: 20:17–23:27
- Zuma Family Rift: 23:27–26:30
- Gene Therapy Breakthrough: 26:30–30:36
- Blind Women’s Cricket: 30:36–32:17
Summary
This episode reflects BBC World Service’s trademark global sweep, combining top-level diplomatic developments and groundbreaking medicine with human stories of resilience, tragedy, and justice. The tone remains factual, empathetic, and at moments deeply personal, reflecting both the hope and heartbreak of recent world events.