Global News Podcast

President Zelensky wants safeguards before a ceasefire. Also: Israel frees Palestinian prisoners in return for the bodies of hostages and if Afghan men play international cricket why can't women?

A Bibas family member calls on Israeli officials to take responsibility for the deaths of hostages in Hamas captivity. Also: life in Kurdish parts of Syria, and why an Australian radio host is out of a job.

Ukraine and the US reach a deal on mineral resources. Donald Trump says it’ll help repay US military aid. Also: New investigations into war atrocities in the DRC and a Chinese animation breaks box office records.

Britain has announced it will increase defence spending, funded partly by cutting foreign aid. Also: The dispute over fish at a traditional Belgian festival, and stargazers anticipate a rare planetary spectacle.

The French and US Presidents met to discuss the war in Ukraine on the third anniversary of Russia's invasion . Also, the UN Security Council backs a resolution calling for an end to the conflict.

European leaders reaffirm support for Kyiv on third anniversary of Ukraine war. Also: record breaking snow in Japan and tackling minds - the health benefits of fishing.

Friedrich Merz is set to become Germany's next chancellor, as exit polls show his centre-right grouping has won the general election. The far-right AfD appears to have come second.

Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro, barred from running for office until 2030, has been charged with plotting a coup after his 2022 defeat. He remains a strong political force. Can he make a comeback?The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Alice Aylett Roberts, Laurie Kalus and Beth Timmins Sound engineer: Mike Regaard Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: China Collins

Israel delays release of 600 Palestinian prisoners due to be exchanged for 6 hostages freed from Gaza on Saturday; Also: Vatican says the Pope's health has got worse, and is this the biggest crypto theft in history?

Meet the artist who describes his own work as 'terrible', but has been getting commissions from around the world. Also: the strip performer entertaining the elderly, and the long-lost tomb of King Thutmose IIPresenter: Alan Smith. Music composed by Iona Hampson

Red Cross says it’s transferred a body to Israel, which Hamas claims is that of the Israeli hostage Shiri Bibas. Also: Trump accuses French and UK leaders of doing nothing to end Ukraine war, and how to avoid news stress.

Israel's prime minister Netanyahu says Hamas will pay price for "cruel and evil" violation of ceasefire after tests showed body returned from Gaza was not hostage Shiri Bibas. Also: cure for childhood blindness.

The US national security adviser Mike Waltz has told Kyiv to reign in its criticism of President Trump, and agree to US demands for a mineral rights deal. Also: Amazon gains control of the James Bond film franchise.

Hamas releases the bodies of four Israeli hostages who'd been held in Gaza. Also: the scammers working under duress in Myanmar

Donald Trump launches a fresh attack on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, calling him a "dictator". Also: global glaciers are melting faster than ever recorded - and a ridiculed New Zealand tourism campaign.

President Zelensky says Donald Trump is trapped in a disinformation space created by Russia. He was responding to scathing comments from the US president. Also- the fate of Rihanna's partner A$AP Rocky after his trial.

US and Russia forge ahead with negotiations without Ukraine and reset ties. President Zelensky emphasizes the need to not be excluded from talks. Also: a special report from eastern Congo, and could we soon grow teeth?

Senior Moscow and Washington diplomats hold their first meeting since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Also: Pope Francis cancels engagements due to hospital stay, and the new Scottish tartan - with a dark past.

UK PM says US security guarantee only way to deter Russia from attacking Ukraine again. Also: Using AI to detect prostate cancer and tributes paid to Paquita la del Barrio whose songs empowered women around the world.

US officials head to Saudia Arabia for talks with Russia on the war in Ukraine - but European leaders are not invited. Hundreds of people gather at Alexei Navalny's grave on the anniversary of his death.