In Moscow's Shadows 247: Victory Day Without The Victory

In Moscow's Shadows 247: Victory Day Without The Victory

Author: Mark Galeotti May 10, 2026 Duration: 52:11
No tanks, great camera work. Victory Day is supposed to be Russia’s most unshakeable story, the moment when the state proves its strength, its allies, and its confidence on Red Square. Yet watching this year’s parade, I can’t escape the sense that the symbolism is working harder than the reality: fewer troops, no heavy hardware in Moscow, and security concerns hanging over the whole performance. In the rest of the podcast, I look at a leaked report on spinning peace and wonder if it par...

For those looking past the day's news to understand the deeper currents shaping Russia, In Moscow's Shadows offers a nuanced and authoritative perspective. Hosted by the acclaimed analyst Mark Galeotti, this podcast serves as an audio companion to his long-running blog, creating a space for detailed discussion on the nation's history and, more frequently, its complex contemporary politics. Rather than rehashing headlines, Galeotti delves into the underlying forces-the cultural shifts, power struggles, and historical echoes-that truly define events. Episodes might feature a deep dive into a new academic work, a solo analysis of a developing situation, or a conversation with fellow experts, all approached with Galeotti's characteristic blend of erudition and provocation. The result is a consistently engaging listen that feels like a private briefing from one of the field's most informed voices. By tuning into this podcast, you gain access to a clearer, more substantive understanding of Russia, exploring both its visible machinations and the influential dynamics that operate, as the title suggests, just out of sight. It’s essential listening for anyone who appreciates context and commentary that challenges conventional wisdom.
Author: Language: en-gb Episodes: 100

In Moscow's Shadows
Podcast Episodes
In Moscow's Shadows 196: Space, the Failing Frontier [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:10
In the first half, I look at developments regarding Ukraine (I'm getting more sceptical about Putin's interest in a deal) and profile former FSB general Sergei Beseda, 'the Baron.' In the second half, for Cosmonautics Da…
In Moscow's Shadows 195: Q&A, Part 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:42
A bonus second batch of questions, relating to war, peace and my attitudes to social media! The CASE survey of emigre attitudes is here. The RUSI commentary on the OSCE is here. The podcast's corporate partner and sponso…
In Moscow's Shadows 194: Q&A, Part 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:15
Comrades! Forgive the tedious title, but this episode is the first of two answering questions set by my esteemed Patrons, covering Russian domestic and foreign policy, with another to follow covering the war and more. Cl…
In Moscow's Shadows 191: How is Russian Foreign Policy Made? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:57
What shapes Russian foreign policy? I start by looking at the core issue of the moment, Moscow's thinking over the proposed ceasefire, then consider more broadly what kind of a bizarre and varied mix of institutions and…
In Moscow's Shadows 190: Sanctions, Spies, and Suspect Legitimacy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:02
Reflecting the chaotic and fast-moving nature of the times, another podcast of two parts. In the first, looking at various issues of the week, from Trump's apparent threat to increase sanctions on Russia to a spy case in…
In Moscow's Shadows 188: War and Peace and Trump [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:45
In a more-freeform-than usual episode, I consider the aftermath of the Munich Security Conference, why Trump is such a Putin fanboy (more about being a wannabe strongman than because of any kompromat), and what this mean…
In Moscow's Shadows 187: Tatarstan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:50
As Russia-watchers, we know that Russia is not just Russian, or Russian Orthodox, but there is also a glib assumption that to be Muslim or otherwise a minority is to be depressed, repressed, and suppressed. So how to exp…