The hottest Russia Substack posts right now

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Top World Politics Topics

🌍🌎🌏👁️ GLOBAL EYES

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 4 implied HN points • 21 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. Ukraine is under intense pressure to accept a U.S.-brokered 28-point peace framework that would cede territory, limit its military, and bar NATO membership, with threats to cut intelligence and weapons if it refuses. Many view the plan as forcing a humiliating surrender and Zelensky is publicly resisting it to defend sovereignty and dignity.
  2. European leaders are outraged by a rival proposal to use frozen Russian assets for American-led reconstruction while taking a large share of the profits, a move seen as unethical and likely to derail EU efforts to fund Ukraine. That proposal risks fracturing Western support and wrecking a reparations loan plan.
  3. Ceasefires in the Middle East remain fragile and the Phase II plan for Gaza — which depends on disarming Hamas, deploying an international stabilization force, and quickly rebuilding the Strip — faces huge political and operational hurdles. Without clear answers on who will govern, secure, and rebuild Gaza, the region risks renewed violence and a prolonged stalemate.

Russia says its Victory Day

That Damn Optimist • 204 implied HN points • 09 May 23
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. The author reflects on the significance of Victory Day for their family, especially their grandpa who fought in the war.
  2. There is a complex mix of emotions around celebrating Victory Day due to current political events involving Russia and Ukraine.
  3. Honoring the memory of those who sacrificed and understanding the individual stories behind the mass tragedy of war is important.

What should Ukraine do next?

Comment is Freed • 130 implied HN points • 29 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. Ukraine needs to prepare for a long war and focus on strengthening its position for the future.
  2. Putin wants substantive political concessions from Ukraine and may prefer a prolonged conflict over a quick resolution.
  3. Ukraine should be ready for ongoing fighting, retaliation strategies, and potential threats to critical infrastructure.

Weekend Update #72: The Weimar Triangle

Phillips’s Newsletter • 95 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. The Weimar Triangle, consisting of Macron, Scholz, and Tusk, plays a crucial role in determining Europe's support for Ukraine.
  2. Speaker Johnson's statements in Washington regarding aid for Ukraine lack concrete plans, leading to uncertainty.
  3. The actual war in Ukraine has seen the front line remain static, with Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries showing strategic promise.
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Missiles over Kyiv

Thinking about... • 170 implied HN points • 17 May 23
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. Russian attacks on Kyiv are an act of terrorism aiming at civilians and infrastructure.
  2. Ukrainian self-defense through air-defense systems is crucial in this conflict.
  3. Russian propaganda distorts the reality of their actions, promoting fascism as a form of politics.

Ukraine's offensive: is it failing?

Comment is Freed • 143 implied HN points • 23 Aug 23
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. The Russo-Ukraine War has reached its eighteen-month mark with neither side having a clear path to victory.
  2. There are critiques about Ukraine's offensive strategy and suggestions for a potential shift in approach.
  3. The political and military processes in Ukraine and Russia are complex, and the outcome of the war remains uncertain.

Ukrainians sink another valuable Russian warship

Phillips’s Newsletter • 87 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. Ukrainians have successfully hit and sunk multiple valuable Russian warships in recent months, showcasing potential technological advancements or weaknesses in the Russian Navy.
  2. The reliability of Ukrainian claims regarding attacks on large Russian warships have been largely accurate, with visible evidence backing their actions.
  3. The recent sinking of the Russian Ropucha Class landing vessel, Caesar Kunikov, marks the third such incident within the span of seven months, indicating a consistent trend.

Explosion over the Kremlin

Thinking about... • 149 implied HN points • 04 May 23
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. Russian authorities blamed Ukraine for an explosion over the Kremlin without evidence, raising doubts about their claims.
  2. The staged incident at the Kremlin could be a Russian ploy to justify war crimes and rally public support for the war in Ukraine.
  3. Canceling parades commemorating the victory of the Red Army may have been an underlying motive for staging the attack at the Kremlin.

BREAKING NEWS: The New Questions Federal Investigators Must Ask on An Emergency Basis About Trump’s Eleventh-Hour Bond Proposal—Whose Apparent Kremlin Connections Increase By the Hour

Proof • 79 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Russia
  1. Federal investigators need to urgently inquire about Trump's bond proposal due to increasing apparent Kremlin connections, as highlighted by a former federal investigator in a detailed list.
  2. The proposed bond by Trump has drawn attention due to potential issues, with the NYC federal court overseeing the E. Jean Carroll case being provided with insights on its concerning aspects.
  3. The involvement of figures like convicted Kremlin spy Maria Butina and others raises questions about the connections and interests behind the significant financial backing sought by Trump.

War and politics

Thinking about... • 144 implied HN points • 12 May 23
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. War can lead to unexpected political consequences.
  2. Russian wartime propaganda might not always reflect the true situation.
  3. Political pressure from war can force leaders to make difficult choices.

Putin and Beyond

Comment is Freed • 78 implied HN points • 10 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. Putin's recent address showed his confidence and focus on growing Russia's power and influence in the world.
  2. Putin's long-standing goal has been to retain power and shape Russia's future, with plans extending up to 2030.
  3. Putin aimed to modernize Russia's economy and state power, steering away from the Soviet model.

ZELENSKY'S 'BAD MOMENT'

Seymour Hersh • 106 implied HN points • 21 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. Ukrainian leader Zelensky is facing challenges in a failing counteroffensive
  2. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine is at a critical turning point
  3. Biden administration's actions against Nord Stream pipelines have significant implications

Stalemate, Zugzwang and a long Middle Game

Comment is Freed • 103 implied HN points • 19 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. Stalemate can highlight the need for diplomatic resolutions in war situations.
  2. The term 'stalemate' in chess refers to a specific situation where one player cannot make any legal moves, unique to the game.
  3. The concept of 'Zugzwang' in chess signifies being compelled to make a move that leads to a worse position, showcasing strategic vulnerability.

Back Story China-Russia

Dana’s Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 23 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. China and Russia are pursuing an agenda against free and Liberal democracies.
  2. Both nations seek to replace the U.S. dollar as the global currency and become the global superpower.
  3. China is adamant about taking Taiwan, even if it means armed conflict with NATO and America.

Putin and Trump, Shared Strategy

Dana’s Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 19 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Russia
  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.

Back Story Newsletter

Dana’s Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 25 May 23
🌍 World Politics Russia
  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.

Back Story Newsletter

Dana’s Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 30 May 23
🌍 World Politics Russia
  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.

Hacker “Bentley” indicted; China weaponizing vulnerabilities; Journalists suspect poisoning; Breakfast on the Verge of the Apocalypse; Free WIFI in China comes with a cost; Disinformation wins a round

Natto Thoughts • 19 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Russia
  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'.

Note to subscribers: coming attractions

Thinking about... • 118 implied HN points • 23 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. Podcasts of recent texts about war and U.S. politics will be posted in the next two weeks.
  2. A live discussion of contemporary events for paid subscribers on March 3rd.
  3. Lectures on Ukrainian history will be released over the next ten weeks, with summaries and readings for each lecture.

Two Different Languages

Phillips’s Newsletter • 59 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. There is a noticeable shift in European discourse regarding the Ukraine war, with a growing emphasis on the need for Ukraine to win against Russia.
  2. The longer the war persists and the more atrocities Russia commits, the more resistance there is to the idea of Putin achieving a victory in Europe.
  3. While there may not be a complete consensus on the matter, there is a clear trend in European sentiment towards the conflict.

SUMMER OF THE HAWKS

Seymour Hersh • 87 implied HN points • 17 Aug 23
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. Wishful thinking persists in Biden's foreign policy team amidst Ukraine conflict
  2. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan led an inconsequential peace summit in Saudi Arabia
  3. Acting Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland dealt with a coup in Niger with potential East-West implications

The Global South, BRICS, and the G20

Comment is Freed • 82 implied HN points • 13 Aug 23
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. The 'Global South' is not a homogenous group and has its distinct dynamics and interests.
  2. BRICS countries like Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa share economic significance and political viewpoints, such as advocating for multipolarity and de-dollarisation.
  3. Diplomatic peace initiatives by countries like Brazil, African nations, Saudi Arabia, and others demonstrate a shifting international landscape in response to the Russo-Ukraine War.

OPERA BUFFA IN UKRAINE

Seymour Hersh • 80 implied HN points • 27 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. The Ukrainian attacks on the Russian Kerch Bridge were significant events in the ongoing conflict.
  2. The Biden administration played a vital role in supporting Ukraine in these attacks.
  3. Concerns exist in the American intelligence community about potential Russian retaliation to the Ukrainian drone attacks.

THE UKRAINE REFUGEE QUESTION

Seymour Hersh • 80 implied HN points • 17 May 23
🌍 World Politics Russia
  1. Ukraine's neighbors are urging President Zelensky to pursue peace to handle the influx of displaced individuals into Europe.
  2. Zelensky's intentions for military action against Russia are a matter of concern, even though the White House believes he has not violated any agreements.
  3. Countries like Poland are pressuring Zelensky to end the war and start rebuilding Ukraine, even hinting at the possibility of his resignation if necessary.

PARTNERS IN DOOMSDAY

Seymour Hersh • 63 implied HN points • 15 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics Russia
  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.

Chinese banks scrutinize trade payments from Russia: report

Pekingnology • 37 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Russia
  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.

Suwalki

Dr. Pippa's Pen & Podcast • 30 implied HN points • 26 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Russia
  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.