The Eastern Border

Regional elections in Russia. Wagner Group prisoner convicts are returning home with expectable results. Meduza has interviewed mothers of Russian schoolkids about how they deal with propaganda.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Identity polititics and Russia. How Putin destroys the common ties that bind the people together, causing long-term damage for short-term gain.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

News about the war in Ukraine. More weirdness from Russia, Ukraine's defence minister change and some success on the front lines.Discord: https://discord.gg/JRJRc6DNSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings, Comrades! Was asked to write an article, explaining why the top league in football is at it's worst shape, decided to turn it into a breather episode. If you have even the slighthest interest in sports, you should check out EPL this year - because it's not about who wins, it's about who's going to lose slightly less than the other teams.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings, Comrades! This is our conversation with Victor, as he's home now from Ukraine as well. We had some crazy adventures together, and then he had some on his own...and there's also a bit of news. Victor's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victor.nordland/Victor's youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAOlHF7FqlcxdRxwijLOEygSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings, Comrades! Today we are joined by our good friend Sean from the amazing Advent of Computing podcast, to discuss about how computers are integrated in modern weapons systems and, of course, how that might impact the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Enjoy!Advent of Computing podcast page: https://adventofcomputing.com/Our discord: https://discord.gg/JTPY6QhpSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I gathered everything that we know for sure and did some proper analysis on what happened, so here you go. Prigozhin's death with all the facts, possible versions of events and proper analysis. Better than what you'll get anywhere else. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Breaking, and as it happens. Verified data. Part 2, after more info is known.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

First news episode with our new microphone. Russia says it doesn't need democracy, Z-patriots now seriously advocate for "finding out" stuff about NATO, and why the Luna-25 mission was such an epic failure and why it matters. Oh, and Wagner Group is being pushed out of Africa too.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

News about the war. Situation on the front, the "meanwhile in Russia" segment, which contains a lot of human rights abuse, and also I got hacked yesterday. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I'm talking about my conversation with the Ukrainian officer, responsible for Russian PoW's in Zaporizhizye region, a bit on the other stuff that happened to me while I was over there, and respond to some things you asked about yesterday's episode.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is the name that was chosen to be the title of Navalny's letter. The first one that he's posted via his team after the latest sentence of 19 years. The problem is - if you pick a title like that, it puts a certain responsibility on You - or more likely Your team. You have to take it seriously, any message with such a title ought to be witty, well-written, explosive and thought provoking. The 'collective west' likes their subtle references, nuances and symbolism. This could have been great. But then Navalny's team absolutely failed to live up to the title. And nobody there actually gives a shit. And Navalny has neither read the books, nor seen the movie nor even heard of Hunter S. Thompson.This is one of those cases, where it is very likely that his PR team picked a "cool sounding title" gave it to Alexey and he, without any additional information or knowledge, wrote what he thought would be expected with such a title.There is a bright lining to all of this, however. If I get my PhD in communications science, then I know that I'll be using this letter in class to show how terrible form can undermine content - made all the worse when the content is about how important proper form is. Enjoy!Join our discord:https://discord.gg/f5NSrKH9Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings, Comrades! I'm back from Ukraine, there are things I need to catch up on, stuff happening, articles to write, and lots to talk about. For the next few days I'll be once again releasing episodes daily - otherwise we'll reach Carlin levels of podcast lenght. This time, as I managed to talk with some economists, I wanted to talk about the material side of why I think Russia will be facing internal struggles pretty soon. Treat this as a companion episode to the Russia's Suicidal Consciousness one. Oh, and there's some weird news too.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings from Krivy Rih! Recording in a cottage in Zelensky’s home city about the news related to the war.Our discord: https://discord.gg/f5NSrKH9 Victor’s youtube channel: https://youtu.be/YmdPUH8oeAYSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I think I just experienced the most Gonzo thing in my life. This...this was a hell of a night. We got arested by Ukrainian border guards on the Transnistrian border, due to an angry, drunk man, who was wearing nothing but his underpants. Also, lost my GoPro. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings, Comrades! Before I make a news episode (as there has been a lot of things going on) I’d like to give You my first interview from Kyiv, with an American enterpeneur Mark, who’s been helping Ukraine and is now working towards driving more investment here. Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New instructions from Putin to propaganda which you'll hear on the paid media. Also, new mobilization laws, and western media being stupid about everything once again.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this short episode, I explain what our best enemy, Igor Girkin is and why he’s been arrested. If you’ve listened to this show for any period of time, you’ll understand why I just had to.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This started out as an investigation in some weirdness related to the Crimean bridge explosion. But, as it happens, when you go full research mode, and now I give you an episode that should outline the main societal disasters and  their potential causes and instigators that await Russia in the near future. And...sorry for the clickbaity title but it'll make sense in the end.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings, Comrades! This episode (a very long one) is our conversation about dictatorships, Putin and the war with out dear friend Andrew from Political Orphanage podcast. This was done on our discord, as will be some future episodes, so please join in! Also, a special Thanks goes out to Secret Police Podcast who did the editing! Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I was peacefully working on my article about Soviet/Russian army Hazing traditions, and was about to go to sleep...but then, I read news so weird that...well...just had to share them with you.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

News about the war in Ukraine. Girkin's getting into consipiracy theories, pro-war Z folks getting more dissappointed with Putin, criminalization of Russia increases.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The "butthurt vatniks" edition. Seriously, today, somehow, all levels of Russians who can be seen in the public sphere, managed to cry and get hurt somehow. Official Kremlin, pro war Z-scumbags including Girkin and also the so called "liberal opposition" who made one of the worst PR decisions in their carreers. Link to German student's gofundme:https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-indipendant-journalism-for-ukraineORYou can go to https://theeasternborder.lv/ and click the donate button there. Thank You!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

News about the war - but as not that much has happened, I took some time to dig up the archives for some bit more philosophical articles and research on this war. There are nrumors out there again, about making some negotiations or a deal...and I wanted to dig up some arguments and show you why that's nearly impossible - and even if it would be, it's a much worse idea than just defeating Russia on the battlefield.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’ve not only outlasted Wagner group, I’ve also outlasted Prigozhin’s troll farms. And…now there’s also nobody to feed students in Moscow schools. Oh, and….soryy about the sound here, my nose is completely clogged up. But, you know, Happiness is Mandatory!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As I had a day off, I had the time to answer some emails and also talk with people on discord. A few of these email questions were…hard hitting. Also, some plans about the future, thoughts about the war, and in general, issues related to the podcast. Obviously, patrons are not going to be charged for this episode. Please, come join us sometime:https://discord.gg/jwSJFAqKAnd:Help independent German journalists make a documentary about Ukraine. By doing so, you’re helping me, help them stay alive, as they’re going to be coming with me on the trip!https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-indipendant-journalism-for-ukraineSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Everything is a mess in Russia. Both on the front lines and off them. Meanwhile, our friends in the Club of Angry Patriots make bold political statements!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings, Comrades! The "coup" delayed this for a bit, but here you go. Oz is a friend of ours, he was there on the ground from the very first day the war started, and he's also covered war in Syria. One of the most inspiring - and brave - people I've spoken to, a truly professional war journalist sharing his opinions and perspectives.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Because of how this ended up….we just recorded this on discord with Zack from When Diplomacy Fails and Alex from History Impossible…and I hope this ends up as an uneventful night.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prigozhin crisis analysis. Took some crazy effort, and we did crazy things on discord. Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

News about the war, events in Russia and more. Ramzan "Don-don" Kadyrov's genius daugther, Wagner hiring their own military police, world wildlife fund declared terrorists.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Senile man pretending that he’s an actual competent leader talks in a supposedly international economics forum with his own propaganda machine, fails spectaculary.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a national rememberance day here in Latvia, and in all the Baltic states. Today we remember the tens of thousands of people, sent to die in Siberia, either in the wilderness or in the GULAG's by the Soviet Union, because Stalin said so. But we, in the Baltics, are ancient peoples that have endured. And now it's our duty to help our friends in Ukraine endure. May this winter be short and merciful.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings, Comrades! I'm working on a news episode as you're reading this, but I wanted a breather episode, so we had a nice talk about architecture and why it matters with David from https://www.livingprocess.net/ - he also was the very first person I ever collaborated with many years ago. This was one of the most interesting and relaxing episodes for me to record, and I hope you'll love it as much as I did - but be prepared to pause frequently and google stuff up. Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

News about the war. Kahovka dam situation, Prigozhin's conflicts with Kadyrov and  Russian army and how the internal accounting of Wagner group works.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings, Comrades! I'm honored to present you an interview recorded yesterday on 05.06 with our newly elected president. We spoke about Latvian internal issues, diaspora problems, cooperation with our NATO allies and Ukraine, how to communicate our issues to the west - and how to deal with the postsoviet mentality that sadly so many of us still have.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

News about the war in Ukraine. "Meanwhile in Russia" edition, in the weirdest way possible. Prigozhin's conflict with Kadyrov and other things that prove that Russian government is simply insane. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

News about the war in Ukraine. Wagner buys mobilized, new peace conditions by Russia. Also, Latvian Hockey team made history today!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Everything that I know so far about the events in Belogorsk oblast, and the reaction to them and what we should look out for. Will keep You updated, please, follow me on Twitter for real-time stuff. @torquemadastarkSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As I'm making a news episode about the events in Belgorod oblast, I'd like to give you this interview with a  colleague of mine, Dylan Burns - American journalist and streamer, who's in Ukraine currently and doing a great job there. Everyone should   also check out his homepage, if You haven't already! https://www.dylanburns.tv/Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings, Comrades! I was busy with my Foreign Policy Magazine article (which can be found here: https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/05/16/russia-prisons-wagner-group-ukraine-crime-culture/ ) last week, so I didn't have enough time to focus fully on the podcast news. But a major event is about to happen in my home country of Latvia and I really wanted to cover that. So, I invited Juris Kaža, who's been on the show multiple times by now to help me with that. Enjoy! Oh, and check out the article too - especially if you've listened to my Prison Culture 101 episode.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

News about the war. Prigozhin's angering Kremlin, Zakhar Prilepin's not telling us the truth  about his explosion and yet more counterattack rumors.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today is an extremely sad day for me. However. No matter what, Happiness is Mandatory. I bring you the news from Ukraine. Until the war ends. Information about the Ukraine counteroffensive from Prigozhin, Dmitry Medvedev and his nonsense, and new guidelines for Kremlin's propaganda machine. Happiness is Mandatory.  Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Journalists from Вёрстка have created and finalized an in-depth investigation about how Putin first decided that he had issues with Ukraine and how this ties into with Viktor Medvedchuk…which, by the way, is often called “Putin’s Godfather”, and his childhood buddy with whom they did organised crime together. Also, his favorite Philosophers and everything. And I, of course, once again, did not sleep to make sure you get the English version first. Enjoy!Prigozhin and his personal weirdness coming in the next episode.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings, Comrades! In this episode, we are joined by Zack from When Diplomacy Fails podcast, to talk about how Girkin did (or did not) start the whole mess, make some predictions about the future, and discuss Irish politics a bit, because, they too - technically - are on the Eastern Border of the EU.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I'm hated by the Russian opposition, phone conversations that you have while the phone is tapped are considered public and everyone's on the edge about the counterattack.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

News about the war. Info about the situation on the front, Putin and Zelensky visit the front, more prisoner recruitment, Girkin has published the manifesto of his rag-tag angry patriot group, and an even more insane message from an even more rag-tag angry patriots.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I tried to make a basic overview of the post-Soviet prison culture, and how Putin relates to it and why you can't really be an expert of Russia if you don't understand it. It ended up being very long, chaotic and...well, I hope, entertaining. Cat decided to go utterly crazy today, and trying to compress a subject as deep and complex as this into a single episode also wasn't optimal. But hey, this isn't a news episode, this is just an in-between extra, so I don't really feel that bad about it.Also, links to my previous, more in-depth prison culture episodes.Part 1 - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/zaharchenko-and-prisons/id1070996136?i=1000419135897On apple podcasts, because the link on my homepage does not work, probably because of the cyberattacks the page experienced in 2020. Will try to get a homepage link working soon as well.Part 2 - https://open.spotify.com/episode/3GVDUAAoZ7Ha9yjt9ENg5bBecause again, I'm not sure if the homepage will work. I hadn't realized how old these episodes actually were.News coming out tomorrow. Happiness is mandatory!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I'm back on twitter! And people are helping me grow again! My tag is @torquemadastark, please join and tell others. About the news - in this episode, I look at the blatantly fascist, bordering on totalitarianism new conscription laws that Russia has adopted. There's also quite a lot of introductionary things aimed at my new listeners and also information about how Russia has constantly lied about the draft. Oh, and Girkin's finally getting into trouble.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings, Comrades! As I'm recoding my news episode  now - and that's a difficult one - I'd like to present you our discussion with our friend Andrew Heaton from the Political Orphanage podcast and our recurring sidetracking expert, and current Mad Baron of California, Alex from History Impossible. We tried to understand what Socialism really is, what it means in the west and in my side of the planet - and in the end, why do we keep calling new phenomenon using 19th century terms and what is says about us.Also, note that this is the first episode with our new theme song! I hope you like it, because...you know, a year in the war, it just felt wrong to keep using a Soviet army song, as kitch and ironic as it is. We're not throwing that one away, it's just that we have a new one, composed to us by a talented Estonian music writer Kristjan Thomas Haaristo.Enjoy!News coming soon - I'm using  the fact that  Anete just finished editing this to buy me some time for a better episode!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.