This week, my friend Alexander Woolley joins me to discuss Ukraine, and in particular the historic Black Sea port of Odessa.

We cover various topics, including:

• Is it 'Ukraine' or ‘The Ukraine’ and the whole ‘correcting people on how they pronounce a country’ thing.
• On being squashed between other countries (see also: Poland)
• The wonderful city of Odessa
• The Potemkin stairs (or are they steps?)
• Going to the opera / theatre (including tips)
• Speaking the language – or not (and indeed which one?)
• Ukrainian food and restaurants
• Sleeper train travel in Ukraine