How Russia's vaccine disinformation war backfired

How Russia's vaccine disinformation war backfired

Author: The Times February 18, 2021 Duration: 33:15

In October, a Stories of our times investigation blew the lid off a Russian disinformation campaign, which had aimed to stoke fears about the Oxford vaccine.

Now Russia has its own vaccine, Sputnik, which is highly effective but still isn't most countries' first choice. Has the Kremlin shot itself in the foot, and become Sputnik’s own worst enemy?

We revisit our investigation and check in with our Moscow correspondent for an update.

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today and get one month free at: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes.

Guest: Marc Bennetts, Moscow correspondent for The Times and The Sunday Times.

Host: Manveen Rana.

Clips used: BBC, CNBC, CNN, Times Radio, Comedy Central.

This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


Each morning, The Story arrives with a clear purpose: to move beyond the headlines and explore the forces and people shaping our world. Guided by the experienced reporting of Manveen Rana and Luke Jones, this daily podcast from The Times delves into the most significant political developments and news events with a level of depth and context that only their global network of journalists can provide. You’ll hear more than just summaries; you’ll get a nuanced understanding of why a story matters, who it impacts, and what might happen next. The analysis is sharp and the storytelling is compelling, designed to fit into your morning routine seven days a week. It’s a direct line to the frontline reporting and editorial expertise of one of the world’s most respected news organizations. This consistent, in-depth approach makes the podcast a reliable resource for anyone looking to truly comprehend the day’s events. Supported by readers of The Times and The Sunday Times, the production maintains a commitment to journalistic integrity and thorough exploration, ensuring every episode provides substance and clarity.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 108

The Story
Podcast Episodes
An almighty student debt reckoning has arrived [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:49
The Times’ Money desk has been investigating the UK’s student debt system – and has discovered some bombshells. After being promised a loan that would be like paying a ‘phone bill every month’, graduates are weighed down…
Drugs, oil and power: what Trump is doing with Venezuela [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:31
It’s almost six weeks since America launched military strikes against Venezuela and captured its President over claims the country was flooding the US with drugs and migrants. But was this ever actually the intention, or…
What you didn’t know about the Epstein files [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:24
It’s been almost a fortnight since the release of the Epstein files, and since then we’ve learned a lot about the disgraced financier’s connections to the rich and powerful. But what more have we learned about Jeffrey Ep…
What happens when Britain's population starts to shrink? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:28
The Office for National Statistics has said that by 2029 it expects more deaths than births in Britain. Simultaneously migration could go into reverse soon, with more people leaving our shores than arriving. But how will…
Is Keir Starmer’s premiership terminal? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:24
It’s been a week of chaos in Westminster, as Prime Minister Keir Starmer fights for survival. The crisis he faces reached fever pitch on Sunday with the resignation of his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, followed swift…
Prince William walks a tightrope in Saudi Arabia [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:02
Prince William is making his first visit to Saudi Arabia this week to celebrate “growing trade, energy and investment ties” between the kingdom and the UK. But with a number of sensitive issues on the table – from defenc…