Arkady Ostrovsky, Russia editor for The Economist with deep expertise in Russian politics, and Matthew Holhouse, British political correspondent focusing on the UK's landscape, explore the complexities of Russian public opinion about the war in Ukraine. They discuss the internal divisions facing Russians, who desire a return to normalcy. The conversation also shifts to the UK's political future post-2024, while analyzing challenges faced by the Labour government amid a fragmented electorate and exploring the cultural significance of nicknames.

Join Arkady Ostrovsky, The Economist's expert on Russia, as he reveals the harrowing truth about life inside Russia's brutal prison system, where political prisoners face unimaginable conditions. Vijay Vaitheeswaran discusses the daunting challenge of transitioning from oil dependency, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions amidst rising global temperatures. Meanwhile, Anne Rowe honors Amnon Weinstein, a luthier on a mission to restore Holocaust violins, bringing their haunting histories back to life through music.

Arkady Ostrovsky, Russia editor for The Economist, discusses Mikhail Gorbachev's unintended role in the Soviet Union's collapse and the polarized views of his legacy in modern Russia. Simon Wright sheds light on the electric vehicle industry's rapid growth, emphasizing looming challenges in battery manufacturing and material sourcing. Fiametta Rocco takes listeners on a journey to Michael Heiser's monumental sculpture 'City' in Nevada, exploring its artistic impact and the evolution of land art.

For Russians opposed to Vladimir Putin, everything changed the moment they awoke to news of the invasion of Ukraine a year ago. They felt a range of emotions: pain, fury and shame. And they had to figure out what to do next. The Economist’s Arkady Ostrovsky has been speaking to them, because their stories help solve the mystery of why this senseless war began – and how it might end.New episodes will be released weekly on Saturdays.For full access to print, digital and audio editions, as well as exclusive live events, subscribe to The Economist at economist.com/moscowoffer

Arkady Ostrovsky, Russia and Eastern Europe editor for The Economist, offers a deep dive into the sham nature of Russia’s upcoming elections, spotlighting how the absence of opposition creates a façade of democracy. He discusses potential protests and the implications for Putin's regime. Anne Rowe, the obituaries editor, pays tribute to the creator of Dragon Ball Z, weaving a nostalgic thread into the conversation. They also explore how the conflict in Sudan intertwines with the war in Ukraine, revealing a complex geopolitical struggle.

In this discussion, Arkady Ostrovsky, the Russia and Eastern Europe editor for The Economist, dives into the increasing plight of Alexei Navalny, shedding light on his dire conditions in prison and the chilling implications for political dissent in Russia. Kerry Richmond Jones, an international economics correspondent, highlights the long-standing economic disparities between Israelis and Palestinians, linking it to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Both guests bring essential insights into the intertwining issues of politics and economics.

In this enlightening discussion, guests include Shashank Joshi, a defense expert; Edward Carr, a global economics analyst; Arkady Ostrovsky, a specialist in Russian politics; and Sarah Larniuk, who reports directly from Ukraine. They delve into the stagnation in the Ukraine war and the growing use of surveillance and drones. The harsh realities faced by soldiers and civilians are explored, highlighting deeper morale issues. The conversation emphasizes the complex interplay of international support, Ukrainian resilience, and the human cost of ongoing conflict.

Arkady Ostrovsky, Russia editor for The Economist, provides keen insights into the alleged assassination of Yevgeny Prigozhin and its implications for Ukraine and Putin's Kremlin. He explores the dramatic rise and fall of the Wagner leader, discussing potential motives behind the crash and the power dynamics shifting within Russian politics. The conversation also touches on Indonesia's quest for moderate Islam and introduces the vibrant new genre of Q-pop, blending indigenous sounds with K-pop influences, showcasing cultural creativity.

Catherine Belton, an acclaimed journalist and author of "Putin's People," shares insights on Vladimir Putin's strategic rise to power, fueled by a network of KGB affiliates and oligarchs. Alongside Arkady Ostrovsky, a Russian politics expert, they analyze the complex dynamics between Putin and Trump, revealing a shared disdain for liberal values. They also discuss the implications of European military roles in Ukraine and the moral justifications used to support Russia's actions, highlighting the intricate geopolitical landscape that affects us all.

Catherine Belton, a Washington Post reporter and author of "Putin’s People," and Arkady Ostrovsky, Russia editor for The Economist, dive into Vladimir Putin's rise to power. They discuss how a network of KGB officers and oligarchs orchestrated his ascent. Belton reveals Putin's tactics of fear and corruption, while Ostrovsky analyzes his current ambitions, especially regarding Ukraine. They also explore the implications of Putin’s actions on global democracy and Western relations, highlighting the troubling trend of ‘strongman leadership’.