Ilya Budraitskis

Simon Pirani, a historian and activist focusing on Russia and Ukraine, joins Ilya Budraitskis, an exiled scholar and political theorist, to discuss the plight of political prisoners in Russia. They shed light on Boris Kagarlitsky's unjust imprisonment and the broader context of dissent under Putin's regime. Ksenia Kagarlitskaya shares a poignant message from her imprisoned father, emphasizing the emotional toll of political repression. The panel calls for international solidarity and urges global leaders to address the crisis of political prisoners in both Russia and Ukraine.

In this conversation, Ilya Budraitskis, a historian and political theorist, and Zakhar Popóvych, a leading Ukrainian researcher, dissect Trump's controversial peace talks regarding Ukraine that sidelined its representatives. They explore how this fuels pro-Putin narratives and impacts Ukraine's sovereignty amid rising authoritarianism. The duo delves into the complexities of modern imperialism, the challenges of the left in Ukraine, and the dire necessity for international solidarity to combat these geopolitical shifts. It's a thought-provoking dialogue on resilience and the left's role.

Ilya Budraitskis and Grusha Gilayeva, passionate Russian dissident activists, delve into the complexities surrounding recent political prisoner exchanges from Russia. They discuss the fates of brave figures like Ilya Yashin and Vladimir Kara Murza, who risked everything opposing Putin. The duo raises questions about the ethical implications of using human lives in geopolitical maneuvers and the ongoing crisis faced by over a thousand prisoners still in captivity. Their insights reveal the resilience and struggles of the Russian opposition amid oppressive conditions.