Newshour BBC Podcasts

Mr Putin is expected to arrive in the capital to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un – but what do both countries want? Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised North Korea for "firmly supporting" Moscow's war in Ukraine. This is his first visit to Pyongyang in 24 years.
In eight days, the US journalist Evan Gershkovich will stand trial on espionage charges in Russia. The Wall Street Journal reporter has been accused of collecting information for the CIA. We’ll hear from his editor, Emma Tucker.
Also in the programme, a new report says next month's Paris Olympics could be the hottest games ever. We'll hear from India's top triathlete, Pragnya Mohan, who's already had to relocate her training away from her home country's heat.
(Photo: Russian and North Korean leaders at a meeting in September in the Russian city of Vladivostok Credits: REUTERS)

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dissolved his six-member war cabinet, a widely expected decision that follows the departure of centrist opposition leader Benny Gantz and his ally Gadi Eisenkot.

Also on the programme: Migrant deaths in the Mediterranean allegedly at the hands of the Greek coastguard, we hear testimony from those who witnessed others thrown overboard; and the international effort to find hundreds of species of ‘missing’ birds

(Photo: Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu Credit: Gil Cohen Magen via Reuters)

Today marks the official start of campaigning for the snap general election in France. It was called by President Emmanuel Macron after his Renaissance party lost heavily to the anti-immigration National Rally in the recent EU parliamentary polls.

Also in the programme: the BBC hears testimony that the Greek coastguard caused the deaths of migrants in the Mediterranean; and the music stars with a difference -- K-pop's first hearing-impaired group.

(Photo: People take part in a demonstration against the French far right party National Rally after the results of the European elections, in Paris, France, 15 June 2024. Credit: Mandatory Credit: Photo by Andre Pain/ EPA-EFE/REX Shutterstock)

The Ukraine peace summit ends in Switzerland with strong support for Kyiv and a call for dialogue - but is Russia listening?
Also in the programme: the heat dome spreading across the US, with dangerous consequences; and some advice on living happily from the world's happiest country.
(IMAGE: (L-R) President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of Ghana, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, Swiss Federal President Viola Amherd, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, President Gabriel Boric Font of Chile and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada attend the closing press conference of the Summit on Peace in Ukraine in Stansstad near Lucerne, Switzerland, 16 June 2024 / CREDIT: Allessandro della Valle / POOL / EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

The Israeli military says it will hold a daily "tactical pause of military activity" along a road in southern Gaza to enable more humanitarian aid to enter but emphasised that there is no ceasefire and combat would continue in Rafah. They will only affect a route that leads northwards from the key Kerem Shalom crossing, which Gaza shares with Israel.
World leaders at the Ukraine summit for peace in Switzerland are exploring ways of ensuring the security of nuclear sites and of Ukraine's food exports.
Also on the programme: the mystery and history surrounding the desk of literary giant Dr Samuel Johnson; and we hear from the father of Swedish DJ Avicii, on his son's life and death.
(Photo: Displaced Palestinians collect donated food in Khan Yunis camp Credit: Photo by HAITHAM IMAD/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

Delegates at a peace summit for Ukraine in Switzerland have been voicing their support for Kyiv, but some have questioned the meeting's purpose without Russia in attendance. Leaders from 90 countries are attending.
Also on the programme: we'll look back over a turbulent few days in France after President Macron's surprise snap election call last Sunday; and with the Olympics due to start in just over a month, what is the current status of Russian athletes?
(Picture: President Zelensky of Ukraine in Switzerland. Credit: EPA)