The Lawfare Podcast Escalation, Episode Three: Us vs. Them
May 29, 2025
The podcast delves into the tumultuous history of U.S.-Ukrainian relations during the late 1990s, highlighting Russia's slide into corruption and its effects on Ukraine. The tragic story of journalist Georgi Gangadze exposes the perils of challenging the corrupt status quo. It also traces Vladimir Putin's rise to power, marked by deception and controversy. As geopolitical tensions rise, the complexities around Ukraine's electoral turmoil reveal the ongoing struggle for democracy amid corruption, setting the stage for the enduring U.S.-Ukraine dynamic.
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Georgi Gangadze's Courageous Journalism
- Journalist Georgi Gangadze uncovered corruption in Ukraine's presidency under Leonid Kuchma.
- His reporting led to government pressure, threats, and eventually his disappearance.
Gangadze's Murder Shocks Ukraine
- Georgi Gangadze was abducted and later found beheaded near Kyiv in 2000.
- His death shocked Ukraine and spurred public outcry against corruption and repression.
Kuchma Tapes Expose Corruption
- Secret recordings revealed President Kuchma's involvement in corruption and hostility towards journalists.
- These tapes exposed attempts to silence opposition through intimidation and criminal fabrication.
