The hottest Russia Substack posts right now

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Top World Politics Topics

Livestream Tonight 6:30 pm ET: Explaining Russiagate Exposé

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 4113 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Russia
  1. A multipart series co-written with Michael Shellenberger and Alex Gutentag discusses the corrupt origins of the Trump-Russia investigation.
  2. The first installment reveals a political espionage campaign involving at least 26 Trump aides and associates, based on a never-released classified report.
  3. A livestream will be held tonight at 6:30 pm ET to provide detailed insights into the story and upcoming articles and materials will be published to clarify the complex information.

The enemy within

Comment is Freed • 112 implied HN points • 10 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. The US National Security Strategy sides with nationalist 'Patriotic Parties' and raises alarms about demographic change, amounting to direct interference in European domestic politics.
  2. The NSS downplays Russia’s role as an aggressor in Ukraine and pushes for 'stabilising' relations and a quick peace without addressing justice, which could reward aggression and weaken European security.
  3. The document matters and must be taken seriously, but the administration is inconsistent and factional, so Europeans should judge actions over words and prepare for different possible US approaches.

A Crack in the Ice of Geopolitics: Greenland, Svalbard, Bornholm, Canada, the Digital Iron Curtain and Suez

Dr. Pippa's Pen & Podcast • 42 implied HN points • 21 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. Greenland is suddenly a high-stakes strategic prize, with the US pushing for greater control as part of bigger security bargains, while the Inuit insist on autonomy and resent being treated like a pawn.
  2. Western unity is fraying as several European countries and Canada cozy up to China or act independently, straining NATO cohesion and intelligence sharing and worrying the US about unreliable partners.
  3. Economic and tech coercion is rising — threats of tariffs and criticism of Europe’s reliance on Chinese-made tech hint at a coming 'digital iron curtain' and increased risk of trade and technology decoupling.
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Zelensky resists ceding Donbas, after abandoning it years ago

Aaron Mate • 107 implied HN points • 12 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. Zelensky is publicly refusing to cede the Donbas to Russia and has suggested holding a national vote or elections so Ukrainians can decide the region's fate.
  2. A Ukrainian-administered referendum would likely exclude most people who now live in Donbas because they are under Russian control, so such a vote wouldn’t capture the region’s current residents.
  3. Ukraine had earlier chances—most notably the 2015 Minsk accords—to keep Donbas inside Ukraine with limited autonomy (and forego NATO aspirations), but successive governments rejected that compromise and pursued military options instead.

The Weaponization Czar

Thinking about... • 683 implied HN points • 20 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Russia
  1. Ed Martin has been appointed as the 'weaponization czar' to use the law against Americans, which is seen as a move towards authoritarianism. His role focuses on intimidating and punishing people who haven't committed any crimes.
  2. Martin has connections with Russian propaganda outlets and has aligned his views with those of Trump, creating a troubling overlap between American politics and Russian interests. This connection shows how dangerous authoritarian practices can spread.
  3. The appointment of someone like Martin raises concerns about the growing influence of foreign propaganda in U.S. politics and highlights the need to recognize the reality of such connections in understanding current political events.

Talking With Elephants.

News Items • 491 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. Only a third of Americans are willing to accept the results of the 2024 US election regardless of the outcome.
  2. AI-powered fake-detection software struggles to keep up with improving AI technology.
  3. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is leading efforts to create artificial general intelligence (AGI).

The Prigozhin Puzzle

Diane Francis • 839 implied HN points • 28 Aug 23
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. Yevgeny Prigozhin's death raises many questions. People are wondering if it was an accident or if he was murdered, and what this means for the future of Russia and the Wagner Group.
  2. The U.S. is starting to train Ukrainian pilots, showing a shift in support for Ukraine against Russia. This could help Ukraine strengthen its military position.
  3. Prigozhin's demise could lead to more instability in Russia. Without his presence, the country might see further divisions among its leaders and military, speeding up its economic problems.

Putin as the Patron Saint of Right Wing Misanthropy

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 3072 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. Hatred of America in right-wing circles can sometimes reflect a deeper misanthropy that values different societal aspects than standard measurements of success.
  2. The anti-American right's hostility to democracy and liberalism can stem from a disdain for what most people desire and choose.
  3. Some in the conservative movement prioritize a pro-Putin stance over rational arguments against America's Ukraine policy, complicating efforts for peace and strategic negotiation.

January 27, 2024: Russian Digest

Unmasking Russia • 412 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. Senate deal on border and Ukraine at risk of collapse as Trump calls it 'meaningless'
  2. Ukraine aims to control its airspace with F-16s and other weapons by 2024
  3. Russia aims to challenge Western dominance by strengthening ties with China and the Global South

Was Epstein's Empire a Kremlin Honeytrap?

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 16 implied HN points • 04 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. The released Epstein documents show more disturbing evidence than expected that many powerful men regularly visited his island and were linked to sexual misconduct.
  2. Bold claims that Epstein was a Kremlin 'honeytrap' or Putin’s wealth manager are dramatic but remain unproven and deserve caution and further investigation.
  3. Large counts of Putin mentions in the files often come from forwarded news clippings, so raw mention totals don’t by themselves prove a direct personal connection.

February 1, 2024: Russian Digest

Unmasking Russia • 353 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. Ukraine claims to have sunk a Russian warship and launched missile attacks on Crimea.
  2. China warns Ukraine about the consequences of labeling Chinese companies as 'international sponsors of war'.
  3. Russia's intelligence services are impersonating Western researchers in a hacking campaign to access email accounts.

January 30, 2024: Russian Digest

Unmasking Russia • 353 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. CIA director emphasizes the importance of providing aid to Ukraine to prevent a historic mistake
  2. Russia has been secretly sending oil supplies to Europe through Turkey, bypassing sanctions
  3. EU countries are determined to pass a 50 billion euro aid package for Ukraine, even if Hungary's support is lacking

The New York Times simps for nationalism abroad

Yasha Levine • 648 implied HN points • 21 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. The New York Times is accused of projecting nationalist ideas onto foreign countries while not supporting nationalism domestically.
  2. The writer critiques the idea that Russia needs to be broken up for democracy to flourish, highlighting the implication that a multi-ethnic country is seen as illegitimate.
  3. The essay discusses the importance of homogeneity in a nation-state, contrasting it with the diversity of multi-ethnic societies.

World roundup: September 12 2023

Foreign Exchanges • 648 implied HN points • 13 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. Syrian Democratic Forces faced resistance in eastern Syria's Deir Ezzor province despite claiming control
  2. Iraq relocating Iranian Kurdish opposition to comply with agreement, amid threat of Iranian attacks
  3. Japanese government appoints active duty official to defense attache in Taiwan, potentially escalating tensions with China

PUTIN’S LONG WAR

Seymour Hersh • 26 implied HN points • 20 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. The war has now lasted longer than Russia’s fight against Nazi Germany and is causing serious economic harm at home, with businesses closing and shops struggling under international sanctions.
  2. Western intelligence and some senior military figures are frustrated and puzzled that the leader refuses to end the war despite mounting domestic problems and military restlessness.
  3. Growing economic strain and political unrest are sparking talk of possible leadership change, since continued conflict could lead to economic chaos and demands for new rulers.

January 31, 2024: Russian Digest

Unmasking Russia • 294 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. Ukrainian forces conducted successful attacks against Russian-occupied territories, hitting airbases and command posts.
  2. Moldovan companies sold aircraft spare parts to Russia, potentially violating EU sanctions.
  3. Russian hackers are causing disruptions in European GPS systems, indicating potential cyber warfare activities.

January 29, 2024: Russian Digest

Unmasking Russia • 294 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. Russian President Putin and Belarus President Lukashenko agreed to create a joint state propaganda entity.
  2. Brazilian authorities bring new money laundering charges against GRU officer linked to Russian embassy.
  3. Latvian Member of European Parliament revealed as a Russian intelligence agent, reporting to FSB.

Ukraine's D-Day

Diane Francis • 779 implied HN points • 08 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. Ukraine is using a quiet and strategic approach for their counteroffensive, making small but significant moves to weaken Russia's defenses. They're targeting various fronts, both on land and in the air, to reclaim their territory.
  2. Recent psychological operations from Ukraine aim to spread fear in Russia, including hacking broadcasts to disrupt communications and mimic official announcements. This tactic is intended to create panic among Russian citizens and disrupt military operations.
  3. Criticism of Russia's military leadership is growing, with some insiders suggesting that their troops are not effectively trained and are fleeing from battle. This unrest hints at possible future instability within Russia's political structure.

TL;DRussia Weekend Roundup

TL;DRussia • 550 implied HN points • 15 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. The Kremlin is escalating its military call-up process by digitizing and tightening rules for serving military notices.
  2. Russian citizens are expressing dissatisfaction with the new measures, but resistance or protests are not yet widespread.
  3. Academic research is shedding light on the role of financial service providers in maintaining networks of Russian kleptocratic capital.

Countries worldwide are dropping the US dollar: De-dollarization in China, Russia, Brazil, ASEAN

Geopolitical Economy Report • 538 implied HN points • 13 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. Countries like China, Russia, and Brazil are moving away from using the US dollar in trade deals.
  2. Southeast Asian nations are also shifting towards local currency payments in trade, reducing dependence on the US Dollar.
  3. Global financial newspapers are recognizing the trend towards a more diverse, multipolar currency world as an alternative to the dominance of the US dollar.

Inside Russia: Economists describe impact of Western sanctions and Ukraine war

Geopolitical Economy Report • 538 implied HN points • 17 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. Economists in Russia observe the country's deepening integration with Asia and its shift away from neoliberal economics.
  2. Despite Western sanctions and the war in Ukraine, Russia's economy has been relatively resilient with only a minor decrease in growth.
  3. Russian economists are increasingly adopting anti-neoliberal positions, emphasizing state controls and redistribution as crucial for economic survival against sanctions.

The View from France

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 55 implied HN points • 06 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. Europe increasingly fears the United States may not defend it and now treats American envoys more like outside actors than reliable allies.
  2. Russia is openly menacing Europe while warmly courting U.S. businessmen in Moscow, a tactic meant to divide Europeans and undermine deterrence.
  3. European militaries are under-resourced and would need years to rebuild, and for now Ukraine’s resistance is seen as the primary barrier preventing a wider Russian attack.

TL;DRussia Weekend Roundup

TL;DRussia • 530 implied HN points • 22 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. The focus of the newsletter is on analyzing current events in Russia, particularly related to figures like Evgeny Prigozhin and Igor Girkin.
  2. The author discusses the Kremlin's approach to solving economic challenges, such as tax laws for non-resident citizens and interest rate hikes by the Central Bank.
  3. There is a comparison made between the analysis methods of the CIA Director and the author, emphasizing the importance of understanding immediate responses over relying solely on past patterns.

TL;DRussia Weekend Roundup

TL;DRussia • 491 implied HN points • 13 May 23
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. Ukraine's spring/summer counter-offensive is sparking debates about potential consequences for Russia.
  2. Western analysis falls short in understanding the complexities of decision-making in Russia.
  3. Sanctions are impacting Russia's economy, leading to new challenges and responses.

February 5, 2024: Russian Digest

Unmasking Russia • 235 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. Russian forces destroyed a hotel in Ukraine, trapping civilians under rubble
  2. Millions of barrels of fuel made from Russian oil are still being imported to the UK through a refining loophole
  3. Turkey is demanding new gas discounts from Putin during his visit to Ankara

TL;DRussia Weekend Roundup

TL;DRussia • 471 implied HN points • 15 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. NATO was not ready to offer membership to Ukraine at the recent summit in Vilnius.
  2. Putin's focus is on maintaining power in Russia, not achieving gains abroad.
  3. Recent events with Prigozhin and military officers in Russia highlight internal tensions and dissent.

Ukraine's neoliberalism on steroids, Europe’s economic suicide

Geopolitical Economy Report • 458 implied HN points • 22 May 23
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. The conflict in Ukraine reflects aggressive neoliberal reforms and Europe's self-destructive policies.
  2. Wars are fought not just with arms, but also with economic strategies. The underlying geopolitical economy is complex.
  3. Russia is focused on turning military victory in Ukraine into a new economic order, challenging Western imperialism and promoting a multipolar world.

Transcript: America This Week, Episode 78: "The Surveillance State is a Moody, Sadistic Child"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1634 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Russia
  1. The rise in Bitcoin price can serve as a proxy for general anxiety felt by the investing public, reflecting concerns about uncertain times.
  2. A notable news development was the New York Times article revealing the ways in which the CIA assists Ukraine in its conflict against Putin.
  3. The general anxiety levels are increasing across various facets, not just limited to one area.

Weekend Edition.

News Items • 235 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. Russian citizens are mobilizing in support of an antiwar candidate for the presidential election against Putin.
  2. Over 2.3 million migrants have been released into the United States at the southern border under the Biden administration.
  3. President Biden is considering using new emergency authorities to shut down the border if Congress passes a bipartisan immigration plan.

How Russia lost the Soviet manufacturing base?

kamilkazani • 353 implied HN points • 18 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. The USSR had a massive military and machine tool industry, but when it collapsed in 1991, Russia struggled to maintain it
  2. Russia was forced to cut military spending after the USSR's collapse, leading to financial ruin for much of its military industry
  3. The Russian military industry suffered for over a decade due to reduced government purchases

TL;DRussia Weekend Roundup

TL;DRussia • 412 implied HN points • 04 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. The West should push Ukraine to negotiate a settlement with Russia
  2. Current levels of military supply to Ukraine may be insufficient for outright victory
  3. Some argue that Western support for Ukraine should not be sustained indefinitely

February 6, 2024: Russian Digest

Unmasking Russia • 196 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. Ukraine is creating a military force dedicated to drones to enhance its defense capabilities against Russia.
  2. Russia may be assisting North Korea with access to international banking networks in exchange for weapons, which could impact global security.
  3. Russian influence on European politics is under investigation, uncovering potential corruption with the funding of political parties.

The Insider: What a beauty these colors are! Tikkurila, Dulux, and Pinotex, contrary to statements, did not curtail their business in Russia

Unmasking Russia • 196 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. Tikkurila and AkzoNobel did not reduce their business in Russia, despite public statements
  2. Tikkurila continues to operate in Russia, importing foreign components and participating in local events
  3. AkzoNobel still sells paints in Russia and faces sanctions risks for receiving sanctioned components