What happened to Annie? The family of Swedish woman Annie Börjesson go in search of the truth after their daughter is found dead on Prestwick beach, Scotland, in 2005. Could the CIA have been involved?
For more than a decade, London mum Anna has led a secret double life as a brothel keeper. But in 2024, a break-in at her brothel there sparks a potentially deadly chain of events.Pitted against both criminals and the police, can Anna untangle herself from this hidden world with both her secret and her safety intact? The first episodes of The Brothel are out in May.The series uses the voices of actors to protect the identities of those featured.
EPISODE 7: A new court case finally exposes abuse in Barrow. Jason and Liz have known about these allegations for years but they can only reveal the facts now. The case involves three brothers and it's taken their victims more than a decade to get justice. Now we can tell the story of their crimes and follow a thread leading back to Ellie Williams. She's out of jail and not allowed to talk to the media. But Jason and Liz find her old diaries raise fresh questions. Warning: This episode contains descriptions of violence and sexual abuse, explicit language, and a reference to suicide From Sky News Storycast, Unreliable Witness is presented by Jason Farrell and Liz Lane. Episode Producer: Soila Apparicio Executive Producer: Louise Cotton Sound Design: Matt Wareham Sky Podcasts Editor: Paul Stanworth
Police material is released, taking us to the moments they discover her battered at her flat and the night before her infamous post. They also reveal her reaction when accused of lying. Meanwhile Liz and Jason are given a psychiatric report charting medical records and interviews which reveal more on Ellie's background and state of mind. And, finally, Liz hears from the young woman at the centre of it all - directly from prison. Warning: This series discusses issues of sexual abuse, self-harm, violence and suicide From Sky News Storycast, Unreliable Witness is presented by Jason Farrell and Liz Lane.Series Producer: Anne-Marie Bullock Executive Producer: Louise Cotton Sound Design: Matt Wareham Additional Journalism: Sarah O'Connell Sky Podcasts Editor: Paul Stanworth
It's revealed Mohammed Ramzan has been facing allegations other than from Ellie Williams. Liz and Jason meet ‘Sarah' - who says she was groomed as a child in Hull and accuses Mo of being involved in the gang responsible. He claims something more sinister is at play. But his anger at the situation sees him back in court – in the dock. Warning: This series discusses issues of sexual abuse, self-harm, violence and suicide From Sky News Storycast, Unreliable Witness is presented by Jason Farrell and Liz Lane Series Producer: Anne-Marie Bullock Executive Producer: Louise Cotton Sound Design: Matt Wareham Additional Journalism: Sarah O'Connell Sky Podcasts Editor: Paul Stanworth
Ellie has been sentenced to 8 and a half years in prison but questions have been raised about what evidence was presented and left out in court. One potential witness who wasn't called on says she could have supported parts of Ellie's story. Liz and Jason ask why Williams wasn't prosecuted in relation to the other men she had accused. Warning: This series discusses issues of sexual abuse, self-harm, violence and suicide From Sky News Storycast, Unreliable Witness is presented by Jason Farrell and Liz Lane Series Producer: Anne-Marie Bullock Executive Producer: Louise Cotton Sound Design: Matt Wareham Additional Journalism: Sarah O'Connell Sky Podcasts Editor: Paul Stanworth
After Covid delays, the trial is finally held and Ellie Williams is in the dock. Liz and Jason were among the reporters at court when the extent of her claims were revealed for the first time, shocking the media and public alike. She's accused of perverting the course of justice against 5 men, including 4 who are white – of lying to police and falsifying evidence to back up her claims, including causing the horrific injuries to herself. Liz and Jason share some of the shocking twists and revelations of the 11-week trial and what Ellie has to say in her defence. Warning: This series discusses issues of sexual abuse, self-harm, violence and suicide. From Sky News Storycast, Unreliable Witness is presented by Jason Farrell and Liz Lane Series Producer: Anne-Marie Bullock Executive Producer: Louise Cotton Sound Design: Matt Wareham Additional Journalism: Sarah O'Connell Sky Podcasts Editor: Paul Stanworth
The fuse has been lit...and with limited information from police or in the news, social media speculation starts fingers pointing. Barrow is about to hit boiling point. Asian businesses are attacked. Individuals are targeted. Meanwhile local businessman Mohammed Ramzan is arrested – suspected of being a central figure in the grooming gang. But a senior detective coming onto the case starts to find holes in the account police have been told. Warning: This series discusses issues of sexual abuse, self-harm, violence and suicide From Sky News Storycast, Unreliable Witness is presented by Jason Farrell and Liz Lane Series Producer: Anne-Marie Bullock Executive Producer: Louise Cotton Sound Design: Matt Wareham Additional Journalism: Sarah O'Connell Sky Podcasts Editor: Paul Stanworth
Ellie's family and boss share their worries about her leading up to the infamous Facebook post. Unexplained injuries. Becoming withdrawn. Incessant messages. Harassment on the street. Then she starting to go missing regularly. When she suddenly moves out of the family home, her family feel they're losing contact. Eventually she turns up so badly injured she says she can't take it any more and goes public with claims on social media that go viral and shock the nation. Warning: This series discusses issues of sexual abuse, self-harm, violence and suicide. If you feel affected by the issues, you can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK From Sky News Storycast, Unreliable Witness is presented by Jason Farrell and Liz Lane Series Producer: Anne-Marie BullockExecutive Producer: Louise Cotton Sound Design: Matt Wareham Additional Journalism: Sarah O'Connell Sky Podcasts Editor: Paul Stanworth
At the height of lockdown, 19-year-old Ellie Williams claims on social media she's been trafficked by an Asian grooming gang across the North of England. Photos of her horrific injuries add to the outrage and the post goes viral – shared more than 100 thousand times.Social media rumours lead to attacks on Asian men and businesses in her hometown of Barrow-in-Furness. But when she's arrested for perverting the course of justice, things really explode and there are protest rallies and claims of a cover-up. At the trial the prosecution claims she'd lied, faked text messages and even caused the catalogue of injuries to herself. In season 6 of StoryCast, Sky News' Jason Farrell and Liz Lane, who reported on the case at the time, return to Barrow to investigate what could have led her to make these claims and if, underneath it all, there is some other secret buried amongst the lies.With access to her family, police investigators and those most impacted by her allegations, we ask: Why did Ellie Williams create such an elaborate lie? And what happened AFTER the trial – once all the media attention died down and other allegations began to emerge?
A long serving doctor and his partner agree to help Alexis break out of psychiatric care and flee the country, a decision that has the potential to change all their lives. This series discusses rape and sexual assault.Credits -From Sky News StoryCast, Patient 11 is written and produced by Robert Mulhern. Reporting by Rebecca Thomas and Robert Mulhern. Editing by Paul Stanworth. Data and Forensics by Saywah Mahmood. Social Media by David Chipakupaku. Story commissioner, Dave Terris. Graphics by Kelly Casanova. Press and marketing by Anna Phelan. If you were impacted by this story please email the StoryCast team on storycast@sky.uk
Enduring long periods in solitary and having descended to the darkest reaches of psychiatric care, Alexis plots an escape, one, that if successful, will take her thousands of miles from England. This series discusses rape and sexual assault.
Undiagnosed, legally detained and separated from her daughter for more than a year, Alexis is moved to an all-male psychiatric ward on Christmas Eve, 2013. What happens next will, ultimately, bring her to the attention of the most powerful institutions in the state. This series discusses rape and sexual assault.
Following the death of her brother, young mother Alexis Quinn seeks temporary respite in NHS psychiatric care, never imagining that three days, would turn into more than three years, or that her bid to break free would bring her to the attention of UK and European law enforcement agencies. This series discusses rape and sexual assault.
.Young mother and former GB youth swimmer, Alexis Quinn, agrees to enter NHS England psychiatric care following a family tragedy. She could never imagine that her three-day admission will turn into a three-year ordeal. Then undiagnosed with autism, and often the subject of 24-hour surveillance as well as long periods in solitary confinement, Alexis descends to the darkest reaches of locked-in, psychiatric care. There, she encounters the kind of threat she never could have imagined in a secure mental health hospital. In a bid to break free, Alexis plots a daring escape. Making it back to her daughter, however, will pit her against some of the most powerful institutions in the State, including the police.All episodes available from January 29th.A warning this series contains discussions about sexual assault.
In an extended episode to mark one year since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Ilyas, Oksana and Seva come together for the first time as a group, to share just some of what impacted them most in the last 12 months and to consider what the future holds? OUR DIARISTS Oksana, 35, works in overseas education. She lives with her husband, Seva, in an apartment complex in central Kyiv. Many of Oksana's closest friends have left the country to begin new lives in Europe. Some may never return. She's continues to try and make a life there.Ilyas is an IT specialist and married father who fled from Kyiv to Lviv shortly after the war started. His wife Natalia, and two young sons are taking refuge in Poland. As of February 2023, Ilyas is back living in the family apartment in Kyiv.Seva, 41, is a company CEO and husband to Oksana. Before the war, he travelled across Europe for business. Now, he makes regular supply drops of medical aid and rations to Ukrainian troops on the front line in Eastern Ukraine. He's originally from a small village near Dnipro. Ukraine War Diaries uses first-person audio, recorded on the ground in Ukraine, to give an intimate day-to-day perspective of life in a war zone. From the producers of Sky News' multi-award winning series – StoryCast. Producer: Rob MulhernEditing: Paul Stanworth
Ilyas praises Ukraine's leader after Volodymyr Zelenskyy's UK visit and is grateful his wife and children, in Poland, don't have to experience life in the middle of a warzone. Oksana is happy to have electricity this week and is looking forward to Spring and a trip to Europe, where she'll be reunited with her best friend after many months apart And her husband Seva, a military volunteer, has returned from eastern Ukraine and reflects on how he has gotten used to the Russian missile bombardment, nearly a year on since the invasion. OUR DIARISTS Oksana, 35, works in overseas education. She lives with her husband, Seva, in an apartment complex in central Kyiv. Many of Oksana's closest friends have left the country to begin new lives in Europe. Some may never return. She's continues to try and make a life there. Ilyas is an IT specialist and married father who fled from Kyiv to Lviv shortly after the war started. His wife Natalia, and two young sons are taking refuge in Poland. As of February 2023, Ilyas is back living in the family apartment in Kyiv. Seva, 41, is a company CEO and husband to Oksana. Before the war, he travelled across Europe for business. Now, he makes regular supply drops of medical aid and rations to Ukrainian troops on the front line in Eastern Ukraine. He's originally from a small village near Dnipro. Ukraine War Diaries uses first-person audio, recorded on the ground in Ukraine, to give an intimate day-to-day perspective of life in a war zone. EP67 diary entries were recorded using WhatsApp voice note. From the producers of Sky News' multi-award winning series – StoryCast. Producers: Rob Mulhern and Annie Joyce Editing: Paul Stanworth Archive: Simon Windsor Digital: David Chipakupaku
Military volunteer Seva learns about comrades who suffered horrific deaths when he returns to Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine.In Kyiv, answering a displaced mother's call for help leads to an inspiring phone conversation for Oksana. And Ilyas undertakes an anxious journey hundreds of kilometres across Ukraine to buy a car for his family.WARNING: Seva's diary contains graphic references detailing death and torture. OUR DIARISTS Seva, 41, is a company CEO and husband to Oksana. Before the war, he travelled across Europe for business. Now, he makes regular supply drops of medical aid and rations to Ukrainian troops on the front line in Eastern Ukraine. He's originally from a small village near Dnipro.Oksana, 35, works in overseas education. She lives with her husband, Seva, in an apartment complex in central Kyiv. Many of Oksana's closest friends have left the country to begin new lives in Europe. Some may never return. She's continues to try and make a life there.Ilyas is an IT specialist and married father who fled from Kyiv to Lviv shortly after the war started. His wife Natalia, and two young sons are taking refuge in Poland. As of February 2023, Ilyas is back living in the family apartment in Kyiv. Ukraine War Diaries uses first-person audio, recorded on the ground in Ukraine, to give an intimate day-to-day perspective of life in a war zone. EP44 diary entries were recorded using WhatsApp voice note. From the producers of Sky News' multi-award winning series – StoryCast. Producer: Rob MulhernEditing: Paul StanworthArchive: Simon WindsorDigital: David Chipakupaku
Now more than half-way through the winter, and more than 11 months since his family fled the country, Ilyas makes peace with the realisation that his eldest son is successfully assimilating into life in Poland, a re-location forced upon his family by the Russian invasion. In Kyiv, conversations with his comrades on the front line forces Seva to yet again match the odds of mounting Russian pressure against the Ukrainian need for ever greater Western firepower. Meanwhile, amid growing fears over a Russian Spring offensive - and the prospect of a major military push against Kyiv - Oksana redoubles her efforts to cherish special moments with her loved ones. OUR DIARISTS Ilyas is an IT specialist and married father who fled from Kyiv to Lviv shortly after the war started. His wife Natalia, and two young sons are taking refuge in Poland. As of February 2023, Ilyas is back living in the family apartment in Kyiv. Seva, 41, is a company CEO and husband to Oksana. Before the war, he travelled across Europe for business. Now, he makes regular supply drops of medical aid and rations to Ukrainian troops on the front line in Eastern Ukraine. He's originally from a small village near Dnipro. Oksana, 35, works in overseas education. She lives with her husband, Seva, in an apartment complex in central Kyiv. Many of Oksana's closest friends have left the country to begin new lives in Europe.Some may never return. She's continues to try and make a life there. Ukraine War Diaries uses first-person audio, recorded on the ground in Ukraine, to give an intimate day-to-day perspective of life in a war zone. EP43 diary entries were recorded using WhatsApp voice note. From the producers of Sky News' multi-award winning series – StoryCast. Producer: Rob MulhernEditing: Paul StanworthArchive: Simon WindsorDigital: David Chipakupaku
Returning from assignment, Seva speaks with comrades in the eastern city of Bakhmut who are in desperate need of more advanced weaponry but happy to be alive.In Kyiv, Ilyas turns his birthday into a military fundraising exercise.And as Ukraine pleads to the West for more heavy weapons, the story of displacement continues as Oksana supports the arrival of more refugees into Kyiv. OUR DIARISTS Seva, 41, is a company CEO and husband to Oksana. Before the war, he travelled across Europe for business. Now, he makes regular supply drops of medical aid and rations to Ukrainian troops on the front line in Eastern Ukraine. He's originally from a small village near Dnipro.Oksana, 35, works in overseas education. She lives with her husband, Seva, in an apartment complex in central Kyiv. Many of Oksana's closest friends have left the country to begin new lives in Europe. Some may never return. She's continues to try and make a life there. Ilyas is an IT specialist and married father who fled from Kyiv to Lviv shortly after the war started. His wife Natalia, and two young sons are taking refuge in Poland. As of January 2023, Ilyas is back living in the family apartment in Kyiv. Ukraine War Diaries uses first-person audio, recorded on the ground in Ukraine, to give an intimate day-to-day perspective of life in a war zone. EP42 diary entries were recorded using WhatsApp voice note. From the producers of Sky News' multi-award winning series – StoryCast. Producer: Rob MulhernEditing: Paul StanworthArchive: Simon WindsorDigital: David Chipakupaku
Seva has a difficult conversation with his sister after a Russian ballistic missile targets her Dnipro neighbourhood, killing 45 people and injuring dozens more.In Kyiv, Oksana shares some of the stories that have penetrated the soul of the nation and reflects on how the attack is impacting the Ukrainian psyche. Meanwhile, a conversation between Ilyas and his grandmother - who grew up in the aftermath of World War II - shifts his focus to those ageing citizens who are struggling to cope with war. OUR DIARISTSOksana, 35, works in overseas education. She lives with her husband, Seva, in an apartment complex in central Kyiv. Many of Oksana's closest friends have left the country to begin new lives in Europe. Some may never return. She's continues to try and make a life there. Seva, 41, is a company CEO and husband to Oksana. Before the war, he travelled across Europe for business. Now, he makes regular supply drops of medical aid and rations to Ukrainian troops on the front line in Eastern Ukraine. He's originally from a small village near Dnipro. Ilyas is an IT specialist and married father who fled from Kyiv to Lviv shortly after the war started. His wife Natalia, and two young sons are taking refuge in Poland. As of January 2023, Ilyas is back living in the family apartment in Kyiv. Ukraine War Diaries uses first-person audio, recorded on the ground in Ukraine, to give an intimate day-to-day perspective of life in a war zone. EP41 diary entries were recorded using WhatsApp voice note. From the producers of Sky News' multi-award winning series – StoryCast. Producer: Rob MulhernEditing: Paul StanworthDigital Promotion: David ChipakupakuArchive: Simon Windsor
As fighting rages in the east of the country and against the backdrop of mounting casualties in the mining town of Soledar, Oksana finds some unexpected respite at a Kyiv comedy night.Meanwhile, in an basement gym, Ilyas finds a world removed from war until the building is plunged into darkness. OUR DIARISTS Oksana, 35, works in overseas education. She lives with her husband, Seva, in an apartment complex in central Kyiv. Many of Oksana's closest friends have left the country to begin new lives in Europe. Some may never return. She's continues to try and make a life there. Seva, 41, is a company CEO and husband to Oksana. Before the war, he travelled across Europe for business. Now, he makes regular supply drops of medical aid and rations to Ukrainian troops on the front line in Eastern Ukraine. He's originally from a small village near Dnipro. Ilyas is an IT specialist and married father who fled from Kyiv to Lviv shortly after the war started. His wife Natalia, and two young sons are taking refuge in Poland. As of December 2022, Ilyas is back living in the family apartment in Kyiv.Ukraine War Diaries uses first-person audio, recorded on the ground in Ukraine, to give an intimate day-to-day perspective of life in a war zone.EP40 diary entries were recorded using WhatsApp voice note.From the producers of Sky News' multi-award winning series – StoryCast.Producer: Rob MulhernEditing: Paul StanworthDigital Promotion: David Chipakupaku
In Kyiv, making use of one of the cities bomb-proofed theatres, Oksana books a comedy night for military volunteer husband Seva. In one of the capital's restaurants, Seva begins the new year in the company of army comrades who extend an emotional gesture of brotherhood in the form of a knife.And after saying farewell to his family, Ilyas transports an old car from Poland ear-marked for frontline soldiers, before finding himself in the blast radius of a missile strike in Kyiv.OUR DIARISTS Oksana, 35, works in overseas education. She lives with her husband, Seva, in an apartment complex in central Kyiv. Many of Oksana's closest friends have left the country to begin new lives in Europe. Some may never return. She's continues to try and make a life there.Seva, 41, is a company CEO and husband to Oksana. Before the war, he travelled across Europe for business. Now, he makes regular supply drops of medical aid and rations to Ukrainian troops on the front line in Eastern Ukraine. He's originally from a small village near Dnipro.Ilyas is an IT specialist and married father who fled from Kyiv to Lviv shortly after the war started. His wife Natalia, and two young sons are taking refuge in Poland. As of December 2022, Ilyas is back living in the family apartment in Kyiv.Ukraine War Diaries uses first-person audio, recorded on the ground in Ukraine, to give an intimate day-to-day perspective of life in a war zone.EP39 diary entries were recorded using WhatsApp voice note.From the producers of Sky News' multi-award winning series – StoryCast. Producer: Rob MulhernEditing: Paul StanworthDigital Promotion: David Chipakupaku
Against the backdrop of a Kyiv still under siege, Oksana reflects on magical Christmas memories from childhood until a drone attack brings her back to reality with a jolt.Meanwhile Seva shares the Christmas reality of comrades who continue to fight through the festive period.And Ilyas, looks to the New Year with hope.OUR DIARISTS Ilyas is an IT specialist and married father who fled from Kyiv to Lviv shortly after the war started. His wife Natalia, and two young sons are taking refuge in Poland. As of December 2022, Ilyas is back living in the family apartment in Kyiv.Seva, 40, is a company CEO and husband to Oksana. Before the war, he travelled across Europe for business. Now, he makes regular supply drops of medical aid and rations to Ukrainian troops on the front line in Eastern Ukraine. He's originally from a small village near Dnipro. Oksana, 35, works in overseas education. She lives with her husband, Seva, in an apartment complex in central Kyiv. Many of Oksana's closest friends have left the country to begin new lives in Europe. Some may never return. She's continues to try and make a life there. Ukraine War Diaries uses first-person audio, recorded on the ground in Ukraine, to give an intimate day-to-day perspective of life in a war zone.EP38 diary entries were recorded using WhatsApp voice note. From the producers of Sky News' multi-award winning series – StoryCast. Producer: Rob Mulhern Editor: Paul StanworthDigital Promotion: David Chipakupaku
Alone in his apartment in Kyiv, memories of Christmas past come flooding back to Ilyas. Can he find a way to escape the blitz-like conditions and be reunited with his wife and two sons in Poland? OUR DIARISTS Ilyas is an IT specialist and married father who fled from Kyiv to Lviv shortly after the war started. His wife Natalia, and two young sons are taking refuge in Poland. As of December 2022, Ilyas is back living in the family apartment in Kyiv. Seva, 40, is a company CEO and husband to Oksana. Before the war, he travelled across Europe for business. Now, he makes regular supply drops of medical aid and rations to Ukrainian troops on the front line in Eastern Ukraine. He's originally from a small village near Dnipro. Oksana, 35, works in overseas education. She lives with her husband, Seva, in an apartment complex in central Kyiv. Many of Oksana's closest friends have left the country to begin new lives in Europe. Some may never return. She's continues to try and make a life there. Ukraine War Diaries uses first-person audio, recorded on the ground in Ukraine, to give an intimate day-to-day perspective of life in a war zone.EP37 diary entries were recorded using WhatsApp voice note. From the producers of Sky News' multi-award winning series – StoryCast. Producer: Rob MulhernEditor: Paul StanworthDigital Promotion: David Chipakupaku
Having left Kyiv on the day of a devastating Russian air attack in October, Oksana makes an emotional return.Ilyas, illustrates how he - and other Ukrainians - are using their smart phones to stay one step ahead of enemy bombing raids.And Seva marks a national day of military celebration.OUR DIARISTS Ilyas is an IT specialist and married father who fled from Kyiv to Lviv shortly after the war started. His wife Natalia, and two young sons are taking refuge in Poland.As of December 2022, Ilyas is back living in the family apartment in Kyiv. Seva, 40, is a company CEO and husband to Oksana. Before the war, he travelled across Europe for business. Now, he makes regular supply drops of medical aid and rations to Ukrainian troops on the front line in Eastern Ukraine. He's originally from a small village near Dnipro. Oksana, 35, works in overseas education. She lives with her husband, Seva, in an apartment complex in central Kyiv. Many of Oksana's closest friends have left the country to begin new lives in Europe. Some may never return. She's continues to try and make a life there. Ukraine War Diaries uses first-person audio, recorded on the ground in Ukraine, to give an intimate day-to-day perspective of life in a war zone. EP36 diary entries were recorded using WhatsApp voice note. From the producers of Sky News' multi-award winning series – StoryCast. Producer: Rob MulhernEditor: Paul StanworthDigital Promotion: David Chipakupaku
Under siege in Kyiv, Ilyas endures his longest blackout.Military volunteer, Seva, sources chainsaws for comrades in the east and in her mind, Oksana visits the rooftop of her apartment block to offer a god-like view of a Ukrainian capital under siege. OUR DIARISTS Ilyas is an IT specialist and married father who fled from Kyiv to Lviv shortly after the war started. His wife Natalia, and two young sons are taking refuge in Poland.As of December 2022, Ilyas is back living in the family apartment in Kyiv. Seva, 40, is a company CEO and husband to Oksana. Before the war, he travelled across Europe for business. Now, he makes regular supply drops of medical aid and rations to Ukrainian troops on the front line in Eastern Ukraine. He's originally from a small village near Dnipro. Oksana, 35, works in overseas education. She lives with her husband, Seva, in an apartment complex in central Kyiv. Many of Oksana's closest friends have left the country to begin new lives in Europe. Some may never return. She's continues to try and make a life there. Ukraine War Diaries uses first-person audio, recorded on the ground in Ukraine, to give an intimate day-to-day perspective of life in a war zone. EP57 diary entries were recorded using WhatsApp voice note. From the producers of Sky News' multi-award winning series – StoryCast. Producer: Rob MulhernEditor: Paul StanworthDigital Promotion: David Chipakupaku
In the dark of Kyiv, Ilyas fears for the under-fire Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, knowing how the 1986 Chernobyl disaster continues to impact lives in Ukraine to this day. With new orders, military volunteer Seva, prepares to go on assignment in southern Ukraine, but not before an unexpected meeting with two soldiers involved in the recent liberation of Kherson.And feeling helpless overseas, Oksana desperately tries to reach her family in the midst of yet another devastating missile attack. OUR DIARISTS Ilyas is an IT specialist and married father who fled from Kyiv to Lviv shortly after the war started. His wife Natalia, and two young sons are taking refuge in Poland.As of November 2022, Ilyas is back living in the family apartment in Kyiv. Seva, 40, is a company CEO and husband to Oksana. Before the war, he travelled across Europe for business. Now, he makes regular supply drops of medical aid and rations to Ukrainian troops on the front line in Eastern Ukraine. He's originally from a small village near Dnipro. Oksana, 35, works in overseas education. She lives with her husband, Seva, in an apartment complex in central Kyiv. Many of Oksana's closest friends have left the country to begin new lives in Europe. Some may never return. She's continues to try and make a life there. Ukraine War Diaries uses first-person audio, recorded on the ground in Ukraine, to give an intimate day-to-day perspective of life in a war zone. EP34 diary entries were recorded using WhatsApp voice note. From the producers of Sky News' multi-award winning series – StoryCast. Producer: Rob MulhernEditor: Paul StanworthDigital Promotion: David Chipakupaku
On the road in freezing temperatures, military volunteer Seva, reflects on Russia's latest mass attack on the Ukrainian energy network.And looking out across a darkened Kyiv - after a Russian missile knocks out the power in his apartment block - the ramifications of winter become very real for Ilyas, but so too enemy soldiers.OUR DIARISTSIlyas is an IT specialist and married father who fled from Kyiv to Lviv shortly after the war started. His wife Natalia, and two young sons are taking refuge in Poland.As of November 2022, Ilyas is back living in the family apartment in Kyiv and working, in part, for the Ukrainian government on various IT projects.Seva, 40, is a company CEO and husband to Oksana. Before the war, he travelled across Europe for business. Now, he makes regular supply drops of medical aid and rations to Ukrainian troops on the front line in Eastern Ukraine. He's originally from a small village near Dnipro.Oksana, 35, works in overseas education. She lives with her husband, Seva, in an apartment complex in central Kyiv and has remained in the Ukrainian capital since the war started. Many of Oksana's closest friends have left the country to begin new lives in Europe. Some may never return. She's determined to stay.Ukraine War Diaries uses first-person audio, recorded on the ground in Ukraine, to give an intimate day-to-day perspective of life in a war zone. EP33 diary entries were recorded using WhatsApp voice note. From the producers of Sky News' multi-award winning series – StoryCast. Producer: Rob MulhernEditor: Paul StanworthDigital Promotion: David Chipakupaku
In Kyiv, a sudden restaurant blackout forces Ilyas to consider the reality of winter in a city without power and increasingly isolated. Injured by an anti-tank grenade, Seva accompanies a close friend to one of Kyiv's trauma units. Meanwhile, against the backdrop of conversations about a future evacuation, Oksana readies to return again to the Ukrainian capital.OUR DIARISTSIlyas is an IT specialist and married father who fled from Kyiv to Lviv shortly after the war started. His wife Natalia, and two young sons are taking refuge in Poland.As of November 2022, Ilyas is back living in the family apartment in Kyiv and working, in part, for the Ukrainian government on various IT projects.Seva, 40, is a company CEO and husband to Oksana. Before the war, he travelled across Europe for business. Now, he makes regular supply drops of medical aid and rations to Ukrainian troops on the front line in Eastern Ukraine. He's originally from a small village near Dnipro.Oksana, 35, works in overseas education. She lives with her husband, Seva, in an apartment complex in central Kyiv and has remained in the Ukrainian capital since the war started. Many of Oksana's closest friends have left the country to begin new lives in Europe. Some may never return. She's determined to stay.Ukraine War Diaries uses first-person audio, recorded on the ground in Ukraine, to give an intimate day-to-day perspective of life in a war zone. EP32 diary entries were recorded using WhatsApp voice note. From the producers of Sky News' multi-award winning series – StoryCast. Producer: Rob MulhernEditor: Paul StanworthDigital Promotion: David Chipakupaku
From his apartment in Kyiv, Ilyas watches and listens as Ukrainian air defence armoury targets yet another onslaught of Russian missiles.Meanwhile, military volunteer, Seva, sets off on a lone assignment to the frontlines in Donetsk where his thinking is challenged by an embattled tank battalion.OUR DIARISTSIlyas is an IT specialist and married father who fled from Kyiv to Lviv shortly after the war started. His wife Natalia, and two young sons are taking refuge in Poland.As of November 2022, Ilyas is back living in the family apartment in Kyiv and working, in part, for the Ukrainian government on various IT projects.Seva, 40, is a company CEO and husband to Oksana. Before the war, he travelled across Europe for business. Now, he makes regular supply drops of medical aid and rations to Ukrainian troops on the front line in Eastern Ukraine. He's originally from a small village near Dnipro.Oksana, 35, works in overseas education. She lives with her husband, Seva, in an apartment complex in central Kyiv and has remained in the Ukrainian capital since the war started. Many of Oksana's closest friends have left the country to begin new lives in Europe. Some may never return. She's determined to stay.Ukraine War Diaries uses first-person audio, recorded on the ground in Ukraine, to give an intimate day-to-day perspective of life in a war zone. EP31 diary entries were recorded using WhatsApp voice note. From the producers of Sky News' multi-award winning series – StoryCast. Producer: Rob MulhernEditor: Paul StanworthDigital Promotion: David Chipakupaku
From the window of his Kyiv apartment, Ilyas witnesses a drone strike that results in the death of a pregnant woman and her husband. On military assignment in Western Ukraine, Seva's thoughts turn to his father who is about to undergo major surgery in a hospital within the compass of continued Russian strikes.Meanwhile, Oksana readies to return to a Kyiv that looks set to be plunged further into darkness.OUR DIARISTSIlyas is an IT specialist and married father who fled from Kyiv to Lviv shortly after the war started. His wife Natalia, and two young sons are taking refuge in Poland.As of October 2022, Ilyas is back living in the family apartment in Kyiv and working, in part, for the Ukrainian government on various IT projects.Seva, 40, is a company CEO and husband to Oksana. Before the war, he travelled across Europe for business. Now, he makes regular supply drops of medical aid and rations to Ukrainian troops on the front line in Eastern Ukraine. He's originally from a small village near Dnipro.Oksana, 35, works in overseas education. She lives with her husband, Seva, in an apartment complex in central Kyiv and has remained in the Ukrainian capital since the war started. Many of Oksana's closest friends have left the country to begin new lives in Europe. Some may never return. She's determined to stay.Ukraine War Diaries uses first-person audio, recorded on the ground in Ukraine, to give an intimate day-to-day perspective of life in a war zone. EP30 diary entries were recorded using WhatsApp voice note. From the producers of Sky News' multi-award winning series – StoryCast. Producer: Rob MulhernEditor: Paul StanworthDigital Promotion: David Chipakupaku
After escaping Russia's single biggest one-day attack on Kyiv, Oksana catches her breath in Madrid, where she tries to second guess what Vladimir Putin's forces are going to do next?Meanwhile, recording in the basement of his Kyiv apartment block during an air-raid, Ilyas outlines what he - and many Ukrainians - are being told in respect of a nuclear attack. OUR DIARISTSOksana, 35, works in overseas education. She lives with her husband, Seva, in an apartment complex in central Kyiv and has remained in the Ukrainian capital since the war started. Many of Oksana's closest friends have left the country to begin new lives in Europe. Some may never return. She's determined to stay.Ilyas is an IT specialist and married father who fled from Kyiv to Lviv shortly after the war started. His wife Natalia, and two young sons are taking refuge in Poland.As of October 2022, Ilyas is back living in the family apartment in Kyiv and working, in part, for the Ukrainian government on various IT projects.Seva, 40, is a company CEO and husband to Oksana. Before the war, he travelled across Europe for business. Now, he makes regular supply drops of medical aid and rations to Ukrainian troops on the front line in Eastern Ukraine. He's originally from a small village near Dnipro. Ukraine War Diaries uses first-person audio, recorded on the ground in Ukraine, to give an intimate day-to-day perspective of life in a war zone. EP29 diary entries were recorded using WhatsApp voice note. From the producers of Sky News' multi-award winning series – StoryCast. Producer: Rob MulhernEditor: Paul StanworthDigital Promotion: David Chipakupaku
In Kiev, Ilyas watches in horror as Russian rockets rain down on his city— the deadliest attack on the Ukrainian capital since the beginning of the war.Having left for Poland just hours before, Oksana escapes the attack, only to find her exit route to Warsaw targeted by more enemy missiles.Helpless, and on military assignment in Ireland, Seva takes stock of what's to come.And with the dust now settling somewhat in Kyiv, Ilyas returns to record a final reflection on one of the most significant week's in the war.OUR DIARISTSIlyas is an IT specialist and married father who fled from Kyiv to Lviv shortly after the war started. His wife Natalia, and two young sons are taking refuge in Poland.As of October 2022, Ilyas is back living in the family apartment in Kyiv and working, in part, for the Ukrainian government on various IT projects.Oksana, 35, works in overseas education. She lives with her husband, Seva, in an apartment complex in central Kyiv and has remained in the Ukrainian capital since the war started. Many of Oksana's closest friends have left the country to begin new lives in Europe. Some may never return. She's determined to stay. Seva, 40, is a company CEO and husband to Oksana. Before the war, he travelled across Europe for business. Now, he makes regular supply drops of medical aid and rations to Ukrainian troops on the front line in Eastern Ukraine. He's originally from a small village near Dnipro. Ukraine War Diaries uses first-person audio, recorded on the ground in Ukraine, to give an intimate day-to-day perspective of life in a war zone. EP28 diary entries were recorded using WhatsApp voice note. From the producers of Sky News' multi-award winning series – StoryCast. Producer: Rob MulhernEditor: Paul StanworthDigital Promotion: David Chipakupaku
Recording on assignment, military volunteer Seva weighs the cost of fallen colleagues against Ukraine's greater ambition to liberate the entire country.In Kyiv, Oksana expresses her horror at billionaire Elon Musk's controversial peace plan - which involved getting Twitter followers to vote on possible outcomes — and at a world failing to grasp the threat of an apocalyptic conflict. Meanwhile,encouraged in part by the continued nuclear threat, Ilyas wonders about a spike in marriage nationally - BACKGROUND - *This week billionaire Elon Musk tweeted a poll on Twitter headlined ‘Ukraine-Russia Peace' which asked his followers to vote yes or no to the following proposals - Redo elections of annexed regions under UN supervision. Russia leaves if that is will of the people.· Crimea formally part of Russia, as it has been since 1783.· Water supply to Crimea assured.· Ukraine remains neutral. TIMECODES - 0.00 - Seva3.10 - Oksana7.00 - Ilyas OUR DIARISTS Seva, 40, is a company CEO and husband to Oksana. Before the war, he travelled across Europe for business. Now, he makes regular supply drops of medical aid and rations to Ukrainian troops on the front line in Eastern Ukraine. He's originally from a small village near Dnipro. Oksana, 35, works in overseas education. She lives with her husband, Seva, in an apartment complex in central Kyiv and has remained in the Ukrainian capital since the war started. Many of Oksana's closest friends have left the country to begin new lives in Europe. Some may never return. She's determined to stay. Ilyas is an IT specialist and married father who fled from Kyiv to Lviv shortly after the war started. His wife Natalia, and two young sons are taking refuge in Poland.As of October 2022, Ilyas is back living in the family apartment in Kyiv and working, in part, for the Ukrainian government on various IT projects. Ukraine War Diaries uses first-person audio, recorded on the ground in Ukraine, to give an intimate day-to-day perspective of life in a war zone. EP27 diary entries were recorded using WhatsApp voice note. From the producers of Sky News' multi-award winning series – StoryCast. Producer: Rob MulhernEditor: Paul StanworthDigital Promotion: David Chipakupaku
In Kyiv, spooked by the threat of nuclear attack, Oksana's close friend moves her family to western Ukraine.Meanwhile, Ilyas finds hope in what he sees as desperate Russian measures.And Seva is left astonished by conversations with fellow military personnel on the frontlines.TIMECODES -0.00 - Oksana4.45 - Ilyas8.07 - SevaBACKGROUND -Oksana, 35, works in overseas education. She lives with her husband, Seva, in an apartment complex in central Kyiv and has remained in the Ukrainian capital since the war started. Many of Oksana's closest friends have left the country to begin new lives in Europe. Some may never return. She's determined to stay.Ilyas is an IT specialist and married father who fled from Kyiv to Lviv shortly after the war started. His wife Natalia, and two young sons are taking refuge in Poland.As of September 2022, Ilyas is back living in the family apartment in Kyiv and working, in part, for the Ukrainian government on various IT projects.Seva, 40, is a company CEO and husband to Oksana. Before the war, he travelled across Europe for business. Now, he makes regular supply drops of medical aid and rations to Ukrainian troops on the front line in Eastern Ukraine. He's originally from a small village near Dnipro.Ukraine War Diaries uses first-person audio, recorded on the ground in Ukraine, to give an intimate day-to-day perspective of life in a war zone. EP26 diary entries were recorded using WhatsApp voice note. From the producers of Sky News' multi-award winning series – StoryCast. Producer: Rob MulhernEditor: Paul StanworthDigital Promotion: David Chipakupaku
Military volunteer, Seva, greets news of the Russian mobilisation decree to call up of 300,000 army reservists with glee.Thousands of miles from home Oksana finds an unexpected show of solidarity.And in Kyiv, Ilyas reflects on the recent grim discovery of mass graveyards in liberated lands close to Kharkiv.BACKGROUND Seva, 40, is a company CEO and husband to Oksana. Before the war, he travelled across Europe for business. Now, he makes regular supply drops of medical aid and rations to Ukrainian troops on the front line in Eastern Ukraine. He's originally from a small village near Dnipro.Oksana, 35, works in overseas education. She lives with her husband, Seva, in an apartment complex in central Kyiv and has remained in the Ukrainian capital since the war started. Many of Oksana's closest friends have left the country to begin new lives in Europe. Some may never return. She's determined to stay.Ilyas is an IT specialist and married father who fled from Kyiv to Lviv shortly after the war started. His wife Natalia, and two young sons are taking refuge in Poland.As of September 2022, Ilyas is back living in the family apartment in Kyiv and working, in part, for the Ukrainian government on various IT projects. Ukraine War Diaries uses first-person audio, recorded on the ground in Ukraine, to give an intimate day-to-day perspective of life in a war zone. EP25 diary entries were recorded using WhatsApp voice note. From the producers of Sky News' multi-award winning series – StoryCast. Producer: Rob MulhernEditor: Paul StanworthDigital Promotion: David Chipakupaku
In London, Oksana seeks out an antidote to the horrors discovered by Ukrainian forces during this week's counter-offensive.Returning from assignment in Ireland, military volunteer Seva makes a roadside pitstop in Poland to reflect on the Ukrainian army's breakthrough.Meanwhile in Kyiv, for the first time since the Russian invasion, Ilyas can see a clear road-map to victory.BACKGROUND- Oksana, 35, works in overseas education. She lives with her husband, Seva, in an apartment complex in central Kyiv and has remained in the Ukrainian capital since the war started. Many of Oksana's closest friends have left the country to begin new lives in Europe. Some may never return. She's determined to stay.Seva, 40, is a company CEO and husband to Oksana. Before the war, he travelled across Europe for business. Now, he makes regular supply drops of medical aid and rations to Ukrainian troops on the front line in Eastern Ukraine. He's originally from a small village near Dnipro.Ilyas is an IT specialist and married father who fled from Kyiv to Lviv shortly after the war started. His wife Natalia, and two young sons are taking refuge in Poland.As of September 2022, Ilyas is back living in the family apartment in Kyiv and working, in part, for the Ukrainian government on various IT projects. Ukraine War Diaries uses first-person audio, recorded on the ground in Ukraine, to give an intimate day-to-day perspective of life in a war zone. EP24 diary entries were recorded using WhatsApp voice note. From the producers of Sky News' multi-award winning series – StoryCast. Producer: Rob MulhernEditor: Paul StanworthDigital Promotion: David Chipakupaku
Close to the front line of his country's cyber war with Russia, Ilyas discloses some of how Ukraine's ‘IT Army' are waging war. Meanwhile in London, Oksana considers the feelings of guilt that follow a protracted conflict.Seva is away on assignment. ADDITIONAL - *The Starlinks service referred in Ilyas' diary is a satellite communications network provided to Ukraine by Elon Musk and Space X to maintain and support the internet. BACKGROUND - Ilyas is an IT specialist and married father who fled from Kyiv to Lviv shortly after the war started. His wife Natalia, and two young sons are taking refuge in Poland.As of September 2022, Ilyas is back living in the family apartment in Kyiv and working, in part, for the Ukrainian government on various projects. Oksana, 35, works in overseas education. She lives with her husband, Seva, in an apartment complex in central Kyiv and has remained in the Ukrainian capital since the war started. Many of Oksana's closest friends have left the country to begin new lives in Europe. Some may never return. She's determined to stay. Ukraine War Diaries uses first-person audio, recorded on the ground in Ukraine, to give an intimate day-to-day perspective of life in a war zone. EP23 diary entries were recorded using WhatsApp voice note. From the producers of Sky News' multi-award winning series – StoryCast. Producer: Rob MulhernEditing: Dave TerrisDigital Promotion: David Chipakupaku
Recording while on assignment for the Ukrainian army, Seva shares conversations with soldiers and friends with knowledge of the threat to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.In Kyiv, Oksana prepares for another adventure.And estranged from his family once again, Ilyas retreats into the memories from his last visit to Poland.BACKGROUNDSeva, 40, is a company CEO and husband to Oksana. Before the war, he travelled across Europe for business. Now, he makes regular supply drops of medical aid and rations to Ukrainian troops on the front line in Eastern Ukraine. He's originally from a small village near Dnipro.Oksana, 35, works in overseas education. She lives with her husband, Seva, in an apartment complex in central Kyiv and has remained in the Ukrainian capital since the war started. Many of Oksana's closest friends have left the country to begin new lives in Europe. Some may never return. She's determined to stay.Ilyas is an IT specialist and married father who fled from Kyiv to Lviv shortly after the war started. His wife Natalia, and two young sons are taking refuge in Poland.As of August 2022, Ilyas is back living in the family apartment in Kyiv and working, in part, for the Ukrainian government on various projects.Ukraine War Diaries uses first-person audio, recorded on the ground in Ukraine, to give an intimate day-to-day perspective of life in a war zone.EP22 diary entries were recorded using WhatsApp voice note. From the producers of Sky News' multi-award winning series – StoryCast. Producer Rob MulhernEditing Dave TerrisDigital Promotion David Chipakupaku
In Poland combat stress bleeds into Ilyas' peaceful surrounds, before he steels himself to say goodbye to his family and return to Ukraine.In Kyiv, Independence Day is marked for Seva not by traditional marching bands but a concerning phone call from his sister in Dnipro.This week, Oksana is away. BACKGROUNDIlyas is an IT specialist and married father who fled from Kyiv to Lviv shortly after the war started. His wife Natalia, and two young sons are taking refuge in Poland.As of August 2022, Ilyas is back living in the family apartment in Kyiv and working, in part, for the Ukrainian government on various projects.Seva, 40, is a company CEO and husband to Oksana. Before the war, he travelled across Europe for business. Now, he makes regular supply drops of medical aid and rations to Ukrainian troops on the front line in Eastern Ukraine. He's originally from a small village near Dnipro.Oksana, 35, works in overseas education. She lives with her husband, Seva, in an apartment complex in central Kyiv and has remained in the Ukrainian capital since the war started. Many of Oksana's closest friends have left the country to begin new lives in Europe. Some may never return. She's determined to stay.Ukraine War Diaries uses first-person audio, recorded on the ground in Ukraine, to give an intimate day-to-day perspective of life in a war zone.EP21 diary entries were recorded using WhatsApp voice note. From the producers of Sky News' multi-award winning series – StoryCast. Producer Rob MulhernEditing Paul StanworthDigital Promotion David Chipakupaku
It's almost six months to the day since Russia invaded Ukraine. Throughout that time, Ilyas, Oksana and Seva have been documenting their personal lives in a country at war. In this edition of Ukraine War Diaries they ask what the future holds for them now?BACKGROUNDOksana, 35, works in overseas education. She lives with her husband, Seva, in an apartment complex in central Kyiv and has remained in the Ukrainian capital since the war started. Many of Oksana's closest friends have left the country to begin new lives in Europe. Some may never return. She's determined to stay.Seva, 40, is a company CEO and husband to Oksana. Before the war, he travelled across Europe for business. Now, he makes regular supply drops of medical aid and rations to Ukrainian troops on the front line in Eastern Ukraine. He's originally from a small village near Dnipro. Ilyas is an IT specialist and married father who fled from Kyiv to Lviv shortly after the war started. His wife Natalia, and two young sons are taking refuge in Poland.As of August 2022, Ilyas is back living in the family apartment in Kyiv and working, in part, for the Ukrainian government on various projects. Ukraine War Diaries uses first-person audio, recorded on the ground in Ukraine, to give an intimate day-to-day perspective of life in a war zone.EP20 diary entries were recorded using WhatsApp voice note. From the producers of Sky News' multi-award winning series – StoryCast. Producer Rob MulhernEditing Paul StanworthDigital Promotion David Chipakupaku
After months of war Oksana begins to experience vivid destructive thoughts. Recording while returning from the frontline, Seva shares important news about his father.Meanwhile, Ilyas is given clearance to make a special journey to Poland. BACKGROUNDOksana, 35, works in overseas education. She lives with her husband, Seva, in an apartment complex in central Kyiv and has remained in the Ukrainian capital since the war started. Many of Oksana's closest friends have left the country to begin new lives in Europe. Some may never return. She's determined to stay.Seva, 40, is a company CEO and husband to Oksana. Before the war, he travelled across Europe for business. Now, he makes regular supply drops of medical aid and rations to Ukrainian troops on the front line in Eastern Ukraine. He's originally from a small village near Dnipro. Ilyas is an IT specialist and married father who fled from Kyiv to Lviv shortly after the war started. His wife Natalia, and two young sons are taking refuge in Poland.As of August 2022, Ilyas is back living in the family apartment in Kyiv and working, in part, for the Ukrainian government on various projects. Ukraine War Diaries uses first-person audio, recorded on the ground in Ukraine, to give an intimate day-to-day perspective of life in a war zone.EP20 diary entries were recorded using WhatsApp voice note. From the producers of Sky News' multi-award winning series – StoryCast. Producer Rob MulhernEditing Paul StanworthDigital Promotion David Chipakupaku