Russia on the Record

Russia on the Record

Author: The Moscow Times Language: English Episodes: 36
Produced by the seasoned journalists of The Moscow Times, Russia on the Record offers a vital and nuanced perspective from the ground. As the oldest independent English-language news outlet dedicated to the region, our team provides context that goes far beyond the headlines. This isn't about quick takes or recycled analysis; it's about deep, thoughtful conversation. Every episode features candid discussions with a range of voices-from leading policy experts and academics to everyday citizens navigating life's complexities. We delve into the political, social, and cultural forces actively shaping the nation, aiming to untangle the how and why behind current events. By listening to this podcast, you gain access to reflective journalism that prioritizes explanation over simple narration, building a clearer understanding of a country constantly in flux. The conversations are direct, the insights are substantive, and the goal is to put the evolving story of modern Russia into sharper focus, one detailed conversation at a time. We record these discussions to provide a lasting resource for anyone seeking a more informed, independent take on a part of the world that demands careful attention.
Episodes
Decoding the Reshuffles in Ramzan Kadyrov's Regime [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:52
This month, several senior officials in Russia's republic of Chechnya have been reshuffled or replaced. Meanwhile, strongman ruler Ramzan Kadyrov's children have been appointed to a number of government posts. Overshadow…
Helping Russian Deserters Flee the Front Lines [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:58
This week in Russia, a man was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison after he pleaded guilty to trying to persuade his friend to surrender to the Ukrainian army. Cases like this are on the rise, with over 5,500 d…
What Russia's New Defense Minister Means for the Ukraine War [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:48
As Russia opens a new front in its invasion of Ukraine, the country has a new defense minister. Sergei Shoigu has been replaced with the economist Andrei Belousov. Who is he, and what does his appointment mean for Russia…
Is Russia Behind Georgia’s Political Crisis? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:12
This week, we spoke with Georgian experts about why the ruling party is trying to pass the "foreign influence” bill, the protests against it, and what negative consequences the country might face if it is adopted.
Are Feminists the Kremlin’s Next Target? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:24
Feminist activist Zalina Marshenkulova joins us to discuss the Kremlin’s increasing pressure on women’s rights campaigners, the feminist movement’s influence, and her addition to Russia’s federal wanted list.
Chernobyl’s Legacy in Modern Russia [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:20
April 26 marks 38 years since Chernobyl, the world's worst nuclear disaster. In this episode, we discuss the legacy of this tragedy on modern-day Russia, how nuclear energy is used in Russia today, and its underexamined…
Russia's Difficult Balancing Act Between Israel and Iran [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:19
We discuss Russia's place in the region with Rajan Menon, director of the Grand Strategy Program at the U.S. think tank Defense Priorities, and Israeli journalist Milan Czerny.
A Dispatch from Russia's Flood-Hit Orenburg Region [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:44
The Russian city of Orenburg is famous for its elegant lace shawls, which are so fine they can be folded up to be so small that they can fit in a goose's egg. But the city and its surrounding regions have hit the headlin…
Has the Moscow Attack Made Russia More Xenophobic? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:17
Russia has seen a resurgence in xenophobic sentiment since the suspected gunmen in the Crocus City Hall attack were identified as Tajikistan citizens. Moscow police have established special units to carry out document ch…
Moscow Concert Hall Attack: What We Know and Why It Happened [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:29
The attack on Crocus City Hall has become the deadliest attack in Russia’s modern history. Its repercussions for Russian society are already being felt, with a spike in xenophobic sentiment against people from Central As…