In Moscow's Shadows
Mark Galeotti
Russia, behind the headlines as well as in the shadows. This podcast is the audio counterpart to Mark Galeotti's blog of the same name, a place where "one of the most informed and provocative voices on modern Russia", can talk about Russia historical and (more often) contemporary, discuss new books and research, and sometimes talk to other Russia-watchers. If you'd like to keep the podcast coming and generally support my work, or want to ask questions or suggest topics for me to cover, do please contribute to my Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/InMoscowsShadowsThe podcast's corporate partner and sponsor is Conducttr, which provides software for innovative and immersive crisis exercises in hybrid warfare, counter-terrorism, civil affairs and similar situations.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 18, 2026 • 50min
In Moscow's Shadows 267: Once Upon A Time In... Chelyabinsk?
A Chelyabinsk gang investigation opens a window onto Russia’s evolving criminal underworld. Explore violent debt collection, Chechen criminal franchising, the fading authority of thieves-in-law, women’s changing roles, and AUE youth recruitment. The discussion also examines wartime smuggling, shifting drug routes, veterans’ risks, and how anti-extremism laws are reshaping prosecutions.
41 snips
Oct 11, 2026 • 45min
In Moscow's Shadows 266: Diesel and Delusion
Trump’s diesel deal may reward Moscow even if no fuel is delivered, widening the rift between Washington and Kyiv while exposing Europe’s strategic confusion. The discussion examines refinery strikes, Russia’s export options, and the political value of appearing powerful. It also challenges Western war slogans, explores groupthink, and defends open debate through the controversy surrounding Latvian journalist Leonid Ragozin.
19 snips
Oct 4, 2026 • 50min
In Moscow's Shadows 265: Valdai and Putin on Peace
Valdai’s evolution from scholarly forum to Kremlin messaging platform reveals shifting priorities in Russian foreign policy. Putin’s speech ranges from global power struggles and artificial intelligence to threats against Western defence industries. The discussion examines his revised account of the Ukraine war, mounting economic pressures, and signals that the remaining Donbas, Ukrainian neutrality, and a new European security framework could shape negotiations.
20 snips
Sep 27, 2026 • 50min
In Moscow's Shadows 264: Russia’s Bear(s) On The March
Russia’s manipulated election gives United Russia an unprecedented constitutional supermajority, raising questions about Putin’s next move. The discussion turns to the Ukraine war, looming winter hardships, and a more focused Russian hybrid campaign against Europe. Then comes a stranger threat: rising, sometimes deadly bear encounters, explored through climate change, shrinking habitats, folklore, and Russia’s powerful bear symbolism.
50 snips
Sep 20, 2026 • 46min
In Moscow's Shadows 263: Voting for War Putinism
Russia’s elections become a ritual of manufactured consent, with suspicious turnout, electronic voting and occupied-territory ballots. The discussion explores hybrid pressure on the West, why mass mobilisation remains unlikely, and how BRICS expands Moscow’s diplomatic room. Medvedev’s vision of Russia as an embattled great power leads into the rise of “War Putinism,” an ugly but adaptive system pursuing autonomy and global status.
15 snips
Sep 6, 2026 • 48min
In Moscow's Shadows 262: Jaw-Jaw Not Ending The War-War
Peace talks appear stalled as Washington’s envoys chase an elusive breakthrough. A warning about Russian airspace may be psychological warfare aimed at airlines and insurers, while the SCO summit reveals pragmatic ties among China, India, and Russia. The discussion then turns to Ukraine’s intelligence rivalry, a drone strike on the SBU, and criminal call centres becoming tools of corruption, sabotage, and statecraft.
19 snips
Aug 30, 2026 • 50min
In Moscow's Shadows 261: Happy Days for Putin?
A probing look at how Kremlin insiders might actually view the war and prospects for peace. Analyzes strategic winter options like power and water targeting and new long-range drone tactics. Explores Russia’s manpower management and political maneuvers at home. Examines implications of deepening Russia–Iran ties for regional strategy.
8 snips
Aug 23, 2026 • 51min
In Moscow's Shadows 260: Digging (Relics) For Victory
Discussion of escalating tactics and rising desperation in the war, including strikes, drone plans and risks to civilians. Analysis of political turmoil, diplomatic signals and likely winter infrastructure targeting. A curious detour into relics used for propaganda and vivid medieval archaeology stories from Gnezdova and Novgorod.
26 snips
Aug 16, 2026 • 50min
In Moscow's Shadows 259: A Bite Out Of The Apple
A discussion of why authorities moved to ban a rising opposition party and what a viral apple meme campaign revealed about grassroots energy. A look at a major new biography of Boris Nemtsov and how 1990s rivalries shaped today’s politics. A sharp debate over whether isolation or protection should guide responses to the regime and what moral authority versus political ambition means for opposition strategy.
11 snips
Aug 9, 2026 • 47min
In Moscow's Shadows 258: The Ukraine War and Russia's Khaki Election
Analysis of Ukraine shifting from flashy strikes to hitting logistics hubs and the effects on morale, markets and daily life. A look at evolving air-defence limits, new unmanned systems leadership, and assassination attempts within Russia’s military. Close examination of the political battlefield: presidential visibility, pensioner vote dynamics, pressure on liberal parties, and how far managed elections can stretch during wartime.
