James Menendez

That may well materialise down the line. At the moment, the Kremlin is just repeating its demands, really, these really quite extreme demands of complete control of the four Ukrainian territories it occupies territory in. That would involve Ukraine surrendering entire cities. have yet to fall. And it wants the complete demilitarization of Ukraine.

And it's repeated that false claim that Ukraine is run by a Nazi government. So Russia is standing firm. But if you look at the language from Washington... It's looking to appease Moscow already. We're already seeing the conversation shift to Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.

And it's repeated that false claim that Ukraine is run by a Nazi government. So Russia is standing firm. But if you look at the language from Washington... It's looking to appease Moscow already. We're already seeing the conversation shift to Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.

And President Zelensky is just fighting to keep himself in that conversation because what he's said time and time again is that there can be no talks about Ukraine without Ukraine, but that's materialising.

And President Zelensky is just fighting to keep himself in that conversation because what he's said time and time again is that there can be no talks about Ukraine without Ukraine, but that's materialising.

This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK.

This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK.

And not just Americans, but also some Russians. Yep.

And not just Americans, but also some Russians. Yep.

Have you heard from or have you seen any reaction from the families of the five released today?

Have you heard from or have you seen any reaction from the families of the five released today?

This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK.

This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK.

And what about the airport? Is that in M23 hands too, do you know?

And what about the airport? Is that in M23 hands too, do you know?

And if that is the case, what are the implications for delivery of humanitarian aid in the days to come?

And if that is the case, what are the implications for delivery of humanitarian aid in the days to come?

Well, I was going to ask you, how bad is the situation? What do people need right now?

Well, I was going to ask you, how bad is the situation? What do people need right now?

Have you had any direct contact yourself with the rebels?