Pjotr Sauer, journalist voor The Guardian en opgegroeid in Rusland, deelt zijn ervaringen over de impact van de oorlog en de politieke veranderingen onder Poetin. Hij vertelt over de worstelingen van Russische dissidenten en de emotionele gevolgen van censuur en arrestaties. Sauer reflecteert op de alternatieve werkelijkheid gecreëerd door propaganda en de uitdagingen van een journalist in oorlogstijd. Ook gaat hij in op de moeilijke keuzes van vrienden en collega's, en de schokkende realiteit van de invloed van geopolitiek op democratie.

Pjotr Sauer, a reporter covering Russian affairs, and technology journalist Alex Hern discuss the recent arrest of Telegram's CEO, Pavel Durov, in Paris. They delve into the implications for social media's content moderation practices and the balance between free speech and government regulation. The conversation highlights Durov's challenging journey from Vkontakte to Telegram, revealing tensions around user privacy and political conflicts. The duo also tackles how platforms like Telegram can empower activists while grappling with legal responsibilities.

Pjotr Sauer, a Russian affairs reporter for The Guardian, provides keen insights into Moldova’s recent EU referendum results. He unpacks the narrow margin of the vote and the intense internal divisions shaping public sentiment. The conversation dives into Russia's hybrid warfare tactics, including misinformation and vote manipulation, which challenge Moldova's democratic processes. Sauer also highlights the urgency for Moldova to assert its sovereignty amid geopolitical tensions between Western aspirations and Russian influence.

Pjotr Sauer, a Russian affairs reporter, joins Evan Gershkovich, a recently freed American journalist, to share insights on his dramatic imprisonment and liberation. They reflect on the emotional turmoil faced by loved ones and the complexities of international negotiations. Sauer highlights the intense geopolitical climate impacting journalists in Russia, revealing personal stories of resilience and friendship. Gershkovich adds humor to his experience, recalling heartfelt reunions and the importance of standing up for political prisoners.

Wagner is a private military company of mercenaries that has been fighting alongside the regular Russian army in Ukraine. Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin has for months been involved in a feud with the Russian defence ministry, but he denies trying to overthrow Mr Putin's regime. The short-lived rebellion, which saw Wagner fighters seize a major Russian city before heading north towards Moscow in a column of military vehicles, was a response to government plans to take direct control of Wagner, Prigozhin claims. This week on the Real Story we are focusing on the implications for Russia's military of the mutiny by a man who was once President Putin's caterer. Shaun Ley is joined by: Catrina Doxsee - From the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington DC. Pjotr Sauer - Russian affairs reporter for The Guardian newspaper. Samir Puri - author of Russia’s Road to War with Ukraine: Invasion amidst the ashes of empires. Also featuring: Professor Sergei Markov - Director of the Institute for Political Studies in Moscow.Produced by: Imogen Wallace, Ellen Otzen, Alex Hacillo & Rumella Dasgupta(Photo: Armored vehicles and fighters of Wagner on the streets of Rostov-on-Don, Russia; Credit: Arkady Budnitsky/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)