Shield of the Republic Putin's Growing Body Count
Aug 7, 2025
Fred Starr, former President of Oberlin University and a central figure at the Central Asia and Caucasus Institute, dives into Russia's military struggles and staggering losses. He sheds light on the myriad challenges facing Russian forces and the complexities of public opinion in the country. The discussion spans the rich resources and political landscapes of Central Asia, addressing how Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan are navigating post-communist governance. Starr also touches on the renewed interest in avoiding Moscow's influence among former Soviet states.
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Russia's Logistical Collapse
- Media focus on frontline gains misses the critical collapse behind the lines.
- Fred Starr says Russia's logistics are in a state of collapse, undermining sustained operations.
Z-Bloggers As Safety Valve
- Kremlin tolerates hardline Telegram 'Z' bloggers partly to let off steam and gauge sentiment.
- Fred Starr notes these bloggers initially pushed the war and later flipped to harsh critics.
Russia Spent Its 'Kitty'
- Russia entered the war with roughly $140–$150 billion in reserves and is rapidly spending them.
- Fred Starr cites Elvira Nabiulina and economists warning the rainy day fund could be gone soon.