The hottest Russia Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics
Seymour Hersh β€’ 63 implied HN points β€’ 15 Jun 23
  1. Ukraine launching a counter-offensive while Russia hints at a renewed nuclear threat.
  2. Potential panic at the US State Department over the resignation of Deputy Secretary Wendy Sherman and the possible replacement with Victoria Nuland.
  3. Victoria Nuland's hawkish stance on Russia aligns with President Biden's views.
Pekingnology β€’ 37 implied HN points β€’ 21 Feb 24
  1. Chinese banks are closely reviewing trade payments from Russia, causing disruptions for Chinese companies involved in business transactions.
  2. Major Chinese banks, including state-owned ones, are halting payments from sanctioned Russian financial institutions, leading to challenges for traders in various regions of China.
  3. The heightened scrutiny on remittances related to Russia by Chinese banks reflects the changing regulatory environment post third quarter of last year, impacting cross-border transactions and requiring stricter due diligence.
Dana’s Newsletter β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 19 Mar 23
  1. In an age of disinformation, it's important to see past confusing information and keep a clear head.
  2. Putin and Trump utilize similar strategies of media control and disruption of opposition to maintain power.
  3. Both Putin and Trump seek to manipulate narratives, distract from their actions, and sow division to advance their agendas.
Dana’s Newsletter β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 25 May 23
  1. Russian nationalists conducted a raid on Russia's border towns, further complicating the conflict in Ukraine.
  2. Groups like the Free Russia Legion seek to distract Russian forces and gain support through cross-border attacks.
  3. Florida Gov Ron DeSantis entered the U.S. presidential race, and the U.S. is facing a looming default if spending cuts are not agreed upon.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:
Dana’s Newsletter β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 30 May 23
  1. Ukraine faced unprecedented air attacks from Russia in Kyiv, emphasizing the need for more air defense supplies.
  2. Tensions flare in Kosovo with Serb protesters attacking NATO forces amid conflict with Russia over Kosovo's independence.
  3. Erdogan tightens his grip on power in Turkey after a contentious election marked by anti-immigration rhetoric and concerns about LGBTQ rights.
Natto Thoughts β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 08 Sep 23
  1. Russian hackers 'Bentley' have used Trickbot and Conti malware to steal funds, leading to indictments and sanctions from the US and UK.
  2. China has a system that nationalizes vulnerability disclosures, sharing data with agencies like the CNCERT/CC and Ministry of Public Security, raising concerns.
  3. Journalist Elena Kostyuchenko suspected of being poisoned, highlights the dangers faced by critical journalists in Russia, with a forthcoming book 'I Love Russia'.
Gideon's Substack β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 05 Feb 24
  1. America has a slow-moving foreign policy landscape, and changing course is challenging during turbulent times.
  2. Biden's foreign policy shows continuity with Trump's decisions, following precedents and existing consensus.
  3. The Biden administration faced challenges in anticipating events tactically, especially in Afghanistan and Ukraine.
Pekingnology β€’ 45 implied HN points β€’ 12 Jul 23
  1. The new development in Vladivostok is a Chinese domestic regulation change, not a decision by Russia.
  2. China allows certain goods to be considered domestic trade even when passing through Vladivostok in Russia.
  3. Vladivostok being used as a transit port for Chinese domestic trade has been allowed since as early as 2007.
Dr. Pippa's Pen & Podcast β€’ 30 implied HN points β€’ 26 Jul 23
  1. The Suwalki Gap is a critical strategic location between Belarus and Kaliningrad that could impact NATO and Russia relations.
  2. Russia's potential control of the Suwalki Gap could lead to access to the sea through Kaliningrad and a wedge between Baltic states and the West.
  3. The buildup of Russian and Wagner troops near the Suwalki Gap has led to NATO and Poland increasing military readiness to address potential security threats.
Letters from an American β€’ 13 implied HN points β€’ 18 Feb 24
  1. The events in Ukraine on February 18, 2014, were crucial in shaping the current geopolitical landscape.
  2. Paul Manafort's role in Ukrainian politics and connection to Russian interests had significant repercussions in US presidential campaigns.
  3. The continued conflict in Ukraine and Russia's invasion highlight the ongoing impact of past political decisions.
Letters from an American β€’ 13 implied HN points β€’ 01 Feb 24
  1. The Republican Party is facing increasing extremism, as evidenced by the attacks on the bipartisan border measure and Senator Lankford's unexpected alignment with Trump.
  2. There is a risk that U.S. aid to Ukraine could be jeopardized due to the political maneuvering around the border security deal, which could have significant repercussions in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
  3. Senator King emphasizes the crucial importance of supporting Ukraine in its resistance against authoritarian threats from Putin and China, highlighting the broader implications for global democracy and alliances.
Letters from an American β€’ 11 implied HN points β€’ 24 Feb 24
  1. Two years ago, the passionate plea from Ukraine's president Zelensky to Russians for peace was followed by a Russian invasion despite it.
  2. Ukraine stood firm against the Russian invasion, with President Zelensky rejecting offers to leave and instead choosing to defend the country.
  3. Republicans are facing challenges due to their stance on abortion and IVF, affecting their public support and media attention on critical issues like the Russian disinformation case.
Letters from an American β€’ 11 implied HN points β€’ 17 Feb 24
  1. Vice President Kamala Harris defended global engagement at the Munich Security Conference, emphasizing the importance of upholding international rules, norms, and alliances for American strength and security.
  2. Harris highlighted support for Ukraine as a stand for freedom and democracy, stressing the need for severe consequences on Russia to deter other authoritarians worldwide.
  3. The recent events surrounding Russian opposition leader Navalny's death tied the Republicans to Putin's regime, leading to distancing efforts and calls for accountability within the party.
Dr. Pippa's Pen & Podcast β€’ 26 implied HN points β€’ 27 Jun 23
  1. There are theories suggesting that recent events in Russia, including a coup attempt, may have been orchestrated in a theatrical manner involving Putin, a former chef, and a private army.
  2. The risk of Russia breaking up into smaller parts is being discussed, with concerns about potential nuclear weapons falling into the wrong hands.
  3. The CIA's promotion of amnesty for Russians and the actions of key figures like the former chef may have significant implications for international relations and security.
Center for the Study of Partisanship and Ideology β€’ 25 implied HN points β€’ 22 May 23
  1. Ukraine's counteroffensive is delayed by mud and weather conditions, but they are well-trained and waiting for the right moment.
  2. The conflict in Ukraine is a proxy war between Russia and NATO, impacting military aid and political considerations.
  3. Ukraine's advantage in modern equipment and trained soldiers may lead to strategic gains, potentially targeting areas where Russia is less defended.
Apricitas Economics β€’ 31 implied HN points β€’ 18 Feb 23
  1. Russia is turning to new friends like China and Turkey due to being cut off from trade with the US, EU, Japan, and others.
  2. China is a key partner for Russia in trade, particularly in oil and natural gas, machinery, electronics, and vehicles.
  3. Turkey is also becoming a significant trade partner for Russia, showing a strong growth in exports and imports, especially in manufacturing and gold.
Japan Economy Watch β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 16 Mar 22
  1. Ukraine is seeking to distance itself from Russia for economic reasons, particularly to align with the European Union for prosperity.
  2. The difference between countries that join the EU and those that don't is a key factor influencing Ukraine's desire to break away from Russia.
  3. To understand Ukraine's situation and its desire to join the EU, one can explore content such as the Toyo Keizai publication conveying the reasons behind the country's decisions.
Big Serge Thought β€’ 10 implied HN points β€’ 10 Apr 23
  1. The leaked documents reveal significant weaknesses in Ukraine's combat power and military intelligence framework.
  2. Ukraine's force generation is degraded, with under-equipped and undertrained brigades for the spring offensive.
  3. The Pentagon lacks independent intelligence on Ukrainian forces, relying on propaganda and open source projects.
Weaponized β€’ 10 HN points β€’ 15 Apr 23
  1. Kremlin Twitter accounts are getting more followers and engagement due to Elon Musk's actions on Twitter.
  2. Musk lifted restrictions on Kremlin-linked accounts, boosting their visibility and pushing them into people's feeds.
  3. The decision by Musk to amplify Russian government accounts raises concerns of promoting propaganda and aiding autocratic regimes.
Phillips’s Newsletter β€’ 1 HN point β€’ 03 Mar 24
  1. Reflexive control is a strategic concept used by Russia to influence enemy decision-making by shaping their thought processes, even more critical than battlefield actions.
  2. Putin's deployment of nuclear threats as part of reflexive control tactics has successfully influenced Western countries like the USA and Germany in providing limited aid to Ukraine, despite numerous unfulfilled threats in the past.
  3. The recent high rate of Russian aircraft losses in Ukraine showcases a short-term risk strategy to target Ukrainian military weaknesses, indicating potential long-term consequences for Russia's airpower.
Numb at the Lodge β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 28 Jun 23
  1. Yevgeny Prigozhin's rise to power in Russia reveals a unique path to success and influence.
  2. Russia's complex history and cultural identity make it a fascinating and enigmatic country in the eyes of the world.
  3. The recent events in Russia, while surreal, highlight the deep-rooted struggles and tensions within the nation that have global implications.
TOP SECRET UMBRA β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 27 Jun 23
  1. Tensions within Russia's military resulted in a pseudo-coup led by a group of mercenaries.
  2. The pseudo-coup included seizing a major city and caused speculation about the fall of the Putin regime.
  3. The situation ended abruptly with the mercenaries pulling back, raising questions about loyalty and the underlying deal between parties.