This Is Why

Donald Trump just loves a long-running feud, and in recent days he’s returned to an old favourite.
America’s mudslinger-in-chief is calling for Ukraine’s wartime president Volodymyr Zelenskyy to be replaced – after he criticised the US diesel deal with Russia.
But as Vladimir Putin’s war rages on, elections are perhaps the last thing on the minds of Ukrainians. So, how do people in the war-torn country really feel about Zelenskyy? And what is the reality of everyday life following more than four years of conflict?
Niall Paterson speaks to Ukrainian independent journalist Dinara Khalilova about the ongoing trauma being inflicted on the country’s people.

Cheat Sheet - all the news you need to know in 10 minutes.
On today's episode, Sophy and Wilf discuss the latest forecast from the IMF, how Andy Burnham has reignited the Brexit debate, and the start of Russell Brand's rape trial. Plus, a senior figure in the Iran-backed Houthis has told Sky News that Saudi Arabia is to blame for civilian casualties this weekend.

In today’s episode of This Is Why, we’re introducing our new podcast – Russell Brand: On Trial
Listen to Russell Brand: On Trial on your podcast app
What happened on Russell Brand’s first day in court as the trial process got underway? Sky News’ Martin Brunt and Katie Spencer take us through the day- inside and outside the court. It starts with queues of journalists arriving early to get a seat on the press benches of court 3 at Southwark Crown Court.
Outside photographers gather to get images of Russell Brand as he walks in with his wife. No broadcast cameras or recording are allowed inside so Katie Spencer - arts and entertainment correspondent for Sky and crime commentator Martin Brunt - are your eyes and ears in court.
The first development: selecting the jury, the people who will decide if Russell Brand is guilty, or not guilty.
He faces three counts of rape, three of sexual assault and one of indecent assault. He denies all charges and the trial continues.
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A notorious killer convicted of murder more than 30 years ago has finally faced the death penalty – execution by lethal injection. Except Christa Pike didn’t die.
Investigative journalist John North was one of the few people allowed inside a maximum-security facility in Nashville, Tennessee, to witness Pike’s death. What happened next was one of the most extraordinary moments in America’s troubled history with the death penalty.
Speaking to Niall Paterson, John describes in detail how the execution went wrong, why Christa Pike’s violent murder of Colleen Slemmer still resonates three decades later, and the heartbreaking response of her victim’s family.
And as the country prepares for its first public execution in almost a century – with plans to livestream former US Army major Nidal Hasan’s death by firing squad – Niall and John discuss why state-sponsored killing remains such a divisive topic in American society.
Warning: This episode contains graphic details of Christa Pike’s original crime and attempted execution, which some listeners may find distressing.
Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk

Taking a hot shower, heating your home, cooking dinner – all things we take for granted. All at risk.
Britain’s gas storage levels are at a decade-low, while the UK’s largest storage facility faces closure as its stockpiles near empty.
Wars in the Middle East and Ukraine continue to constrain supplies and push up prices. And what if Donald Trump goes through with his threat to put "America first" and stop the flow of fuel abroad?
Niall Paterson is joined by Sky's economics and data editor Ed Conway, who was given exclusive access to a previously unseen emergency planning exercise – revealing what would happen if the country runs out of gas.
You can watch Ed’s full investigation here.
Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk