The hottest Russia Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

Media regurgitates fake news from US spies, risking World War III with Russia

Geopolitical Economy Report • 219 implied HN points • 25 Nov 22
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. Top Western media outlets published false information about Russia attacking Poland based on an unsupported claim from a US intelligence official, potentially escalating tensions between nuclear superpowers.
  2. The Associated Press was a key actor in amplifying the unsubstantiated claim, leading to international repercussions that could result in military conflicts.
  3. This incident highlights the close relationship between mainstream media and US intelligence agencies, demonstrating how false narratives can be spread to serve political interests.

Links for 2024-02-05

Axis of Ordinary • 58 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. Bill Gates believes in general purpose humanoid robots.
  2. Google Deepmind showcases expressive robot behaviors using large language models.
  3. Language agents struggle with complex planning tasks according to recent evaluations.

President/Puppet

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 13 implied HN points • 26 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Russia
  1. Trump has deep financial and political ties to Russian interests, with decades of money and contacts suggesting he has functioned as a Kremlin asset.
  2. Many of his policies—including a Ukraine “peace plan”—align with Moscow’s goals, weakening Ukraine and U.S. alliances while strengthening Russia’s strategic position.
  3. Those policy choices and rollbacks of health, environmental, and democratic safeguards erode American institutions and global stability, so urgent public accountability and protest are called for.

A Tribute to Saint Alexei, Patron Saint of Liberal Democracy

Fisted by Foucault • 393 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. Saint Alexei, a figure representing liberal democracy, faced challenges in his past but ultimately embraced the principles and mission of liberal democracy, symbolizing a transformation and dedication to the cause.
  2. The narrative highlights the conflict between Saint Alexei and Russian leaders, shedding light on the struggle for liberal democracy in a political environment filled with corruption and oppression.
  3. The portrayal of Saint Alexei as a hero and martyr underscores the importance of his mission to bring liberal democracy to Russia and the sacrifices made by individuals in this pursuit.

Who sabotaged Nord Stream pipelines? US boasts 'tremendous opportunity' to weaken Russia. CIA knew

Geopolitical Economy Report • 199 implied HN points • 10 Oct 22
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. Nord Stream pipelines were sabotaged before EU Baltic Sea pipeline opened, creating an opportunity to weaken Russia.
  2. US officials, like Secretary of State Blinken, openly saw the pipeline sabotage as a chance to reduce dependence on Russian energy.
  3. The sabotage of Nord Stream coincides with the US & Europe benefiting economically and strategically by increasing gas exports to replace Russian energy supplies to Europe.
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Mastermind: Gary Kasparov on the Global Leadership Vacuum

The Octavian Report • 8 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. There is a global leadership vacuum and short-term politics are weakening democracies and international institutions, which lets extremists and rivals gain influence.
  2. Authoritarian leaders operate like poker players, using secrecy, chaos, corruption, and tactical provocations to undermine NATO, the EU, and democratic norms instead of playing a transparent long-term game.
  3. The remedy is strong, early deterrence and renewed American-led moral and strategic leadership with long-term planning, because if leaders don’t act the vacuum will be filled by hostile actors.

Why is US easing some sanctions on Venezuela? Economic blackmail, oil, Russia

Geopolitical Economy Report • 279 implied HN points • 26 May 22
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. The US is easing some sanctions on Venezuela mainly due to economic reasons such as the ban on Russian oil and the necessity to stabilize energy prices.
  2. The situation in Venezuela shows that many oppose US sanctions, regardless of their political affiliation, and the sanctions have had severe negative economic impacts on the country.
  3. The US strategy towards Venezuela aims to force economic concessions from the socialist government through hybrid warfare, rather than achieving regime change.

Is Sanctioning Russia Permissible?

Going Awol • 39 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. The success of sanctions on Russia depends on their goal, such as hindering Putin's ability to fund his armed forces and increasing Ukraine's chances of winning.
  2. Sanctioning state officials involved in an unjust war is easier to justify compared to sanctions that harm innocent citizens.
  3. Imposing moderate economic sanctions on Russia, even if it harms innocent citizens, can be morally permissible if the goal is to prevent further harm and the burden is not excessively high.

Ukrainian leftist criticizes Western war drive with Russia: US is using Ukraine as ‘cannon fodder’

Geopolitical Economy Report • 318 implied HN points • 20 Mar 22
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. The US government has a history of meddling in Ukraine, backing coups, and fueling a civil war to advance political and economic interests.
  2. Neo-Nazis have significant influence in Ukraine's state security services, despite not directly running the government, which can impact decision-making and escalate tensions.
  3. Western sanctions, anti-Russian xenophobia, and demonization only hurt the working-class people in Russia and the US, creating additional hardships and making life harder for average individuals.

Biden’s Ukraine quagmire

Nonzero Newsletter • 417 implied HN points • 04 Aug 23
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. Ukraine's territorial gains against Russia come at a high cost and may not be sustainable long-term.
  2. Reducing economic engagement with China and Russia through 'decoupling' can increase the likelihood of conflict.
  3. One ambitious strategy to address global warming involves placing a large umbrella in outer space.

Belarus Security Update – 15 – 21 January 2024

Ukraine Conflict Monitor • 39 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. The posture of the Belarusian Armed Forces remained unchanged over the past week.
  2. Military-political developments in Belarus focused on upcoming strategic military documents like the military doctrine and national security concept.
  3. Belarusian military officials had active engagements, including readiness inspections, international meetings, and training events.

Mideast War: Blessing and Curse for Russia

Natto Thoughts • 59 implied HN points • 09 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. The Mideast conflict benefits Russia through distracting the West from supporting Ukraine, undermining US efforts in the Middle East, and increasing disillusionment with the West among Global South countries.
  2. The conflict could lead to a rise in oil prices, boosting Russian government revenues, while tarnishing Israel's image as a model for Ukraine.
  3. Passionate disagreements over the Mideast conflict within the political left worldwide play into the hands of Russia by weakening Western countries and inflaming internal discord.

China Looms over Taiwan Election; US-China Military Talks Resume; Bush's Legs and Putin's Eggs; Brittleness in Putin's System; China and Russia in Africa

Natto Thoughts • 39 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. Taiwan's 2024 Presidential Election focuses on identity, China relations, and economic well-being, with China attempting to influence the outcome through information operations.
  2. US-China military talks resumed with tension over Taiwan remaining a core issue, indicating China's unwavering stance on Taiwan despite the talks.
  3. Putin's rule in Russia shows signs of fragility with declining support for the war in Ukraine, mysterious deaths, and corruption within law enforcement agencies, signaling potential instability.

Vicki Victae

Fisted by Foucault • 236 implied HN points • 10 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. The Seventh Seal is a timeless movie loved for its themes of good and evil, faith and reason, and more, making it a perfect film.
  2. Death in The Seventh Seal is portrayed as a character that awaits no one, honest in his fatalistic inevitability.
  3. Victoria Nuland, a serious figure, symbolizes a US Empire focus on a Trotskyite jihad against Russia throughout her career.

🌍🌏 GLOBAL EYES 👁️🌎

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 7 implied HN points • 27 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. The U.S. 28-point peace plan, discussed with China and European partners, is reshaping negotiations and could pressure Ukraine into painful concessions.
  2. Putin is framing the war as a likely Russian victory, ruling out talks with Kyiv unless Ukraine cedes territory and using that stance to justify continued offensives.
  3. Leaked recordings of a U.S. envoy coaching Kremlin officials suggest U.S. diplomacy may be steering a deal that favors Russia, which alarms European and Ukrainian leaders.

Apple Squeezed; Russian Propaganda's Limits; No Cyber Pearl Harbor; Chinese Programmer's GitHub Earnings Confiscated; Russian Hackers Bribe Official

Natto Thoughts • 59 implied HN points • 06 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. Apple faced challenges complying with Chinese regulations, leading to restrictions on its business in China, despite its efforts.
  2. US defense officials have revised assumptions about cyber warfare, realizing that cyber attacks may be less impactful in shooting wars than previously thought.
  3. A Chinese programmer had their earnings from GitHub confiscated by a local public security bureau for using a VPN, sparking concerns about the impact on professionals who rely on VPNs for work outside China.

The Best Way to Appeal to Trump?

Phillips’s Newsletter • 78 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Russia
  1. Focusing on Russia's weaknesses can be an effective way to engage with Trump on issues like Ukraine. This approach plays into his narrative and interests.
  2. Understanding Trump's perspective is crucial for effective communication. Adjusting arguments to match his views can lead to better discussions.
  3. It's important to recognize how framing and arguments can impact political conversations. Tailoring messages to specific audiences, like Trump supporters, can change the outcome.

A Journey from Trans-Baikal to the Amur Through Manchuria - Peter Kropotkin, 1865 (1/4)

The Library of Alexandria Ultima • 6 implied HN points • 11 Dec 25
💾 History Russia
  1. Russia sought a much shorter overland route across Manchuria to connect Trans‑Baikal with Blagoveshchensk because the Amur and Argun form a long arc that made travel far longer. A direct route promised faster transport and would keep trade and silver under Russian control.
  2. A small caravan of Cossack hunters was sent to scout that straight route, carrying limited goods, forty horses, four carts, and about a month’s supplies to test markets and seek furs. The mission combined reconnaissance with trade and hunting to see if the route was practical and profitable.
  3. Russia’s mid‑19th‑century acquisition of the Amur and Ussuri regions and the later building of the Chinese Eastern Railway reshaped the frontier, shortened routes, and spurred colonization and new cities. Those strategic gains and the railway zone were later contested and changed hands after the Russian Revolution.

Why Putin Went to War to Keep Ukraine Out of the European Union

Japan Economy Watch • 239 implied HN points • 10 Mar 22
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. Ukraine's desire to join the European Union led to Putin's aggression and military actions.
  2. EU membership offers economic benefits like trade and foreign direct investment, leading to growth and modernization.
  3. The shift towards the EU in trade and foreign investment is helping Ukraine move away from Russian influence and progress towards a more prosperous and independent future.

Geopolitics and Georgia

John’s Substack • 4 implied HN points • 29 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. NATO's 2008 pledge to bring Georgia into the alliance was followed by a war with Russia in August 2008 that Georgia lost.
  2. Georgia remains in a precarious strategic position, caught between the influence of the EU on one side and Russia on the other.
  3. A recent interview about European geopolitics was translated into Georgian, limiting English-speakers' access, but it was posted so followers might translate it back into English.

Biden's Big Blunder

Diane Francis • 379 implied HN points • 24 May 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Russia
  1. Biden has been criticized for not imposing tough sanctions on Russia, especially regarding the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. It's believed that this could give Putin more power over Europe.
  2. Some experts warn that Russia's pipelines are a strategic move to make Europe dependent on their gas and undermine Ukraine. This could lead to bigger conflicts in the region.
  3. There are concerns that Biden's decisions might weaken the U.S. position globally and upset allies. Many believe that appeasing Russia could lead to more problems in the future.

Safe Skies for Ukraine

Thinking about... • 168 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. Congressional Republicans fail to address Ukraine without connecting it to the border issue
  2. Ukrainian resistance serves US interests by reducing risk of nuclear war and deterring China
  3. Support the Safe Skies project in Ukraine to protect critical infrastructure

Europe's Unending Troubles

John’s Substack • 4 implied HN points • 16 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. Europe faces long-running problems that keep resurfacing and show no easy fix.
  2. The war in Ukraine is central to this instability and is making Europe's future look bleak and uncertain.
  3. Public discussions and media conversations reflect growing pessimism about Europe's near-term prospects and ability to recover quickly.

China’s Russia Dilemma

The Upheaval • 315 implied HN points • 02 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. China has not yet sent any arms to Russia, despite alleged considerations.
  2. China is conflicted about supporting Russia due to conflicting economic and diplomatic interests.
  3. Chinese material military support could significantly impact the Ukraine conflict in Russia's favor.

Ukraine War Defense $$$

Dana’s Newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 02 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. Ukraine relies on U.S. funding for defense supplies like artillery shells and tanks.
  2. Without American funding, Ukraine may struggle in its counteroffensive against Russia.
  3. Political infighting in the U.S. risks interrupting crucial support for Ukraine's defense.

BRICS Meeting, China- and Russia-Friendly Peace Activists, Bootleg “Barbie,” Aesopian Language, Prigozhin

Natto Thoughts • 39 implied HN points • 25 Aug 23
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. The BRICS Summit is significant for China, showcasing their strong interest in expanding cooperation with other countries.
  2. American peace activists have differing views on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, highlighting divisions within the peace advocacy community.
  3. Russians are finding creative ways to access content like pirated Barbie movies amidst government bans, showing a desire for diverse narratives.

Russian crisis actors in Ukraine; China’s “Old Friend” Henry Kissinger visits; Russian nuclear saber-rattling; China’s Law on Foreign Relations; Cyber risks in solar equipment

Natto Thoughts • 39 implied HN points • 28 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. Russian disinformation involved staged stories by crisis actors to justify invasion of Ukraine.
  2. Henry Kissinger's visit to China signals US efforts to improve relations and China's strategic messaging.
  3. The implementation of China's Law on Foreign Relations strengthens China's global influence and emphasizes China-centric order.

Into Siberia: The Long Arm of Ukrainian Intelligence and the Green Wedge

Glen’s Substack • 19 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. Ukrainian intelligence conducted bold and strategic attacks deep inside Russia, impacting Russian trade routes and signaling a vulnerability in Siberia.
  2. The Green Wedge, a large Ukrainian community in the Russian Far East, poses a security threat to Moscow and has historical significance in Ukrainian nationalism.
  3. The recent railway attacks in Siberia will likely escalate into a broader Ukrainian sabotage campaign in the Russian Far East, affecting Russian-China trade relations and military logistics.

The war in Ukraine is a giant disaster and Putin should not be valorized for it

Michael Tracey • 122 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. The ongoing war in Ukraine is seen as a huge disaster, and there are concerns about the support for Putin and his actions that led to this conflict.
  2. There has been a noticeable shift from simply understanding Russia's grievances to actively endorsing and supporting them, especially in the context of the war in Ukraine.
  3. Criticism is voiced against the exaltation of Putin and the belief that his invasion of Ukraine was morally justified, with a call for a critical view of all parties involved in the conflict.