In Moscow's Shadows 248: What If?

In Moscow's Shadows 248: What If?

Author: Mark Galeotti May 17, 2026 Duration: 44:06
First, a round up of some current issues: Putin heading to China, two governors out (and two men with Ukraine war connections in), party politics and the jostling for second place, and how the Council of Europe is implicitly encouraging Putin to stay in power until he dies... In the second half, the opening episode of a series of alternative history (the rest will be available to paying Patrons) exploring some of the great what-ifs. This time, what if Kyiv had surrendered to the Mongols in 12...

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: 50

In Moscow's Shadows
Podcast Episodes
In Moscow's Shadows 263: Voting for War Putinism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:07
In Russia’s elections, the ballot box is no longer a measure of consent but rather a tool for manufacturing it. It's only two days into the three days of elections to the State Duma, but I catch up on the latest and cons…
In Moscow's Shadows 262: Jaw-Jaw Not Ending The War-War [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:04
I start with a round-up of current news stories: the Witkoff-Kushner peace mission that is likely heading nowhere, Zelensky's apparent threat to civil aviation that was likely more psyop than serious, and the SCO summit…
In Moscow's Shadows 261: Happy Days for Putin? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:55
Everyone keeps diagnosing Putin’s mood, not least given the CIA Director’s visit to Moscow. Putin is angry, he's frightened, he's desperate -- that seems to be the standard Western talking point these days, and hence the…
In Moscow's Shadows 260: Digging (Relics) For Victory [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:46
The war seems to be getting (even) nastier, in part perhaps - and this may be over-optimistic - as both sides seen an endgame almost in sight, as well as out of growing desperation on both sides. The desperation even ext…
In Moscow's Shadows 259: A Bite Out Of The Apple [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:36
When the Kremlin changed its mind and decided to ban the opposition party Yabloko (Apple) from running in September's elections, it demonstrated its concern that this could become the new vessel of the 'coalition of the…
In Moscow's Shadows 258: The Ukraine War and Russia's Khaki Election [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:09
Ukraine’s long-range campaign against Russia is no longer just about spectacular refinery fires. When Kyiv pivots towards softer targets like logistics hubs, it can hit morale, prices, and everyday life in ways that pure…
In Moscow's Shadows 257: A Tale Of Two Systems [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:12
Zelensky sacks a defence minister, then removes his commander-in-chief, and suddenly the question is not “who is better?” but “who controls the politics of war?” I use this as an opportunity to explore the systemic warfi…
In Moscow's Shadows 256: Desperation, Escalation, Mobilisation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:48
Putin is being pressed by some within the elite to call it quits and freeze the war on the current front line, by others to step up and try and impose a quick military solution. His natural impulse is to put off decision…
In Moscow's Shadows 254: Endgames [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:21
A collection of stories to discuss, but all of which in one way or another come down to endgames: the death of Sergei Ivanov, the "drone siege" of Crimea, the debate over the use of non-strategic nuclear weapons, and a s…