
James Kilner
Russian analyst focusing on internal Russian politics, propaganda and economic and social indicators; contributes reporting and commentary on developments inside Russia.
Top 10 podcasts with James Kilner
Ranked by the Snipd community

30 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 41min
Calls for conscription age to be lowered as manpower shortage leaves Ukrainian city ‘on the brink’ & special forces launch 'fire attack' on major Russian petrochemical plant
In this discussion, James Kilner, a former Telegraph correspondent with expertise in Russia and the Caucasus, delves into pressing military and geopolitical issues. He highlights Kyiv Mayor Klitschko's call to lower the conscription age amid a manpower crisis. Kilner also explores Kazakhstan's recent alignment with the US through the Abraham Accords, signaling possible shifts in regional dynamics. Additionally, he assesses the potential fallout of Sergei Lavrov's declining influence within the Kremlin and Russia's response to labor shortages.

30 snips
Oct 21, 2025 • 48min
Trapped Russian troops 'blown apart' fleeing by boat & Trump's summit with Putin in Hungary threatened as Europe pulls rank
Dominic Nicholls, Associate Editor for Defence at The Telegraph, provides sharp insights into the struggle of Russian troops on the front lines, revealing disturbing morale issues and reports of abandoned soldiers. Verity Bowman shares harrowing eyewitness accounts of the dire conditions in the Dnipro Delta. Meanwhile, James Kilner analyzes the Kremlin's tactics in shaping narratives around the Trump-Putin summit and the economy's weakening grip. The conversation concludes with a debate on the implications of frozen Russian assets for Ukraine.

26 snips
Oct 30, 2025 • 39min
Pentagon to 'immediately' test nuclear weapons & Russia fires 705 missiles and drones at Ukraine in 'vile attack'
James Kilner, a former Telegraph Russia correspondent, delivers sharp insights into the ongoing chaos in Russia and Ukraine. He discusses the Kremlin's militarization efforts, including the troubling normalization of drone use among youth. Kilner also analyzes protests within Russia prompted by economic pain and repression. He highlights how the government is tightening control ahead of potential unrest amid sanctions and public dissatisfaction. Plus, he shares intriguing news about the cultural shifts in Russian identity under Putin's regime.

24 snips
Nov 26, 2025 • 49min
Trump: Putin is ‘making concessions’ in peace talks & US envoy Witkoff coaches Kremlin negotiator in leaked call
Dominic Nicholls, Associate Editor (Defence), and James Kilner, foreign correspondent and Russia expert, delve into the recent leak revealing U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff coaching a Kremlin negotiator on appealing to Trump. They discuss the implications of this guidance on U.S.-Russia relations and Europe's political landscape. With insights on Putin's clever framing as a peacemaker amid ongoing conflicts, they also address Russia's economic challenges and recruitment issues. Expect sharp analysis and intriguing commentary on the shifting dynamics of the peace talks.

23 snips
Dec 3, 2025 • 53min
Putin launches huge drone attack after rejecting Trump’s peace deal
James Kilner, a foreign correspondent and Russia expert, offers insights into Kremlin strategies and the implications of Russia's recent drone attacks. Latika Bourke, a writer-at-large, highlights Australia and New Zealand's increasing support for Ukraine and shares a compelling interview with former Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba, discussing aid fatigue and political aspirations. The conversation delves into NATO's challenges, EU moves to cut dependence on Russian gas, and Russia's declining influence in Africa amidst military setbacks.

18 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 29min
Trump shares intelligence for long-range strikes on Russia & Crimea's governor 'hacked'
James Kilner, a veteran foreign correspondent and Russia expert, dives into the harsh realities of the war's economic impact on Russia. He discusses the alarming petrol shortages due to refinery attacks and the Kremlin's drastic emergency measures. Kilner also highlights the effects of VAT increases on inflation and state budgets, as well as the struggles faced by major manufacturers like Avtovaz. Additionally, he addresses troubling setbacks for Russian propaganda and the diplomatic implications of reinstating Russian athletes in international sports.

15 snips
May 15, 2025 • 48min
Putin ‘no-show’ at peace talks as potentially historic day descends into chaos
Joe Barnes, a Brussels Correspondent, and James Kilner, a former Russia correspondent for The Telegraph, provide crucial insights from the frontlines of the ongoing Ukraine conflict. They discuss Putin's snub of peace talks in Turkey and the international backlash over his controversial delegation. The conversation also reveals the alarming increase in Russian military activity, juxtaposed with Ukraine's resilience and NATO's role in the dynamics. A new monument to Stalin is unveiled, raising further questions about Russia's intentions on the global stage.

10 snips
Dec 16, 2025 • 48min
US offers Ukraine ‘platinum’ NATO-style security guarantees in ‘breakthrough’ & Kyiv blows up $400m Russian submarine with underwater drones
Roland Oliphant, a chief foreign analyst, and James Kilner, a Russian politics expert, tackle major developments in the Ukraine conflict. They discuss the U.S. offering 'platinum' NATO-style security guarantees to Ukraine and the skepticism surrounding Russia's acceptance of these terms. A historic underwater drone attack sinks a Russian submarine, marking a notable shift in military tactics. Additionally, the duo analyzes internal Russian pressures and the unsettling reopening of Mariupol's theatre, reflecting on the human impact of the ongoing war.

8 snips
Dec 9, 2025 • 44min
Trump’s Ukraine peace deal 'on brink of collapse' as US President tears into 'stupid, weak' European leaders
Dom Nicholls, Associate Editor for Defence at The Telegraph, navigates the complexities of military affairs, while James Kilner offers keen insights as the Russia correspondent. The guests delve into President Zelensky's firm rejection of Trump’s territory concessions and discuss the implications of a new European peace plan. The podcast also covers key updates on Ukrainian resistance in Pokrovsk, Putin's mobilization of reservists, and surprising protests over tax hikes in Russia. Laughs abound with anecdotes about Huddersfield's crisp festival too!

May 2, 2025 • 1h 10min
Massive drone strikes blast Russian airbases in occupied Crimea as US retreats from peace talks
James Kilner, a seasoned foreign correspondent, and Emeric Lhuisset, a visual artist focused on conflict zones, share insights on the recent drone attacks targeting Russian airbases in Crimea. They discuss the implications of a new minerals deal between the US and Ukraine and the shifting dynamics of US involvement in peace talks. Emeric also reflects on his poignant contributions to the Kherson Art Museum, emphasizing the intersection of art and cultural resilience amidst the chaos of war.


