Big Ideas Vladimir Putin’s Russia — with exiled journalist and author Mikhail Zygar
11 snips
May 8, 2025 Mikhail Zygar, an exiled Russian journalist and founder of Rain TV, discusses the authoritarian grip of Vladimir Putin's regime and the plight of independent media in Russia. He shares harrowing anecdotes about life as a journalist under constant threat, revealing the extensive silencing of dissent. Zygar also delves into the evolving sentiments of Ukrainians during the ongoing conflict, reflecting on their determination and fatigue. Additionally, he highlights the complex U.S.-Russia relations and how Ukraine views Trump’s policies, exploring the broader implications for global democracy.
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Zygar’s Early Kremlin Reporting
- Mikhail Zygar started as a young war correspondent covering conflict zones and quickly gained recognition from Putin himself.
- His Kremlin press pool accreditation enabled first-hand coverage of Putin’s politics before being expelled for unfavorable reporting.
Narrow Escape in Andijan Massacre
- Zygar witnessed the 2006 Andijan massacre in Uzbekistan and narrowly avoided deadly police action.
- Security forces later attacked him in Moscow, but he survived and continued his investigative journalism.
Co-author’s Mysterious Death
- Zygar’s co-author investigating Russia’s arms trade was killed by falling from a window before publication.
- The investigation was suppressed, illustrating the dangerous environment for Russian investigative journalism.
