Glenn Thrush and Tim Mak: Russia's Plots Against the West
Feb 22, 2024
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Exploring Russian plots against the West, highlighting a double agent's role, Republicans' spread of Russian-sourced information. Ukraine's feelings of betrayal 2 years after Russian invasion. Thrush and Mak discuss with Tim Miller.
Republican leaders embraced false claims from Russian disinformation against Biden for political gain.
The Ukraine-Russia conflict evokes feelings of betrayal and uncertainty among Ukrainians towards the West.
Personal narratives from Ukraine highlight the human toll of war and resilience against Russian aggression.
Deep dives
Investigation into Russian Disinformation Targeting Biden
The podcast episode delves into the investigation by Glenn Thrush and Tim Mack concerning Alexander Smirnoff's disinformation campaign aimed at Joe and Hunter Biden. Smirnoff fabricated claims that Biden received money from Burisma, triggering an impeachment inquiry. However, the FBI found the allegations baseless and potentially seeded by Russian intelligence.
Impact of False Allegations and Political Manipulation
The Republicans, including Grassley and Jordan, uncritically embraced Smirnoff's false claims as a political weapon, leading to misleading narratives about Biden's involvement with Burisma. The episode highlights how political motives overshadowed factual accuracy, with leaders like Elise Stefanik amplifying unverified information, potentially sourced from Russian disinformation.
Ukrainian War and Betrayal Concerns
Tim Mack discusses the grim reality of the Ukraine-Russia conflict amidst the imminent anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The morale in Ukraine is plummeting due to perceived betrayal by the West, especially the US. The fear of losing US support and escalating Russian aggression raises alarming uncertainties about the sustainability of Ukraine's resistance.
Human Stories Amidst Conflict and Propaganda
The episode highlights personal stories from Ukraine, shedding light on the impact of war on individuals facing loss, injury, and psychological trauma. From medics evacuating war zones to persecuted Christian pastors, these narratives provide intimate insights into the human toll of the conflict, countering Russian propaganda narratives.
Counter-offensive Reporting and Resilience in Ukraine
Tim Mack's reporting with Counter Offensive on Substack offers in-depth accounts of Ukrainian resistance and the impacts of Russian occupation on everyday life. The stories of bravery, sacrifice, and cultural resilience underline Ukraine's determination against Russian aggression, presenting a stark contrast to the misleading narratives propagated by Russian and some American sources.
A rundown on double agent Alexander Smirnov, and Republicans' eagerness to amplify information sourced from Russia. And in Ukraine, feelings of betrayal on the second anniversary of the Russian invasion. Thrush and Mak join Tim Miller.
