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
Nov 8, 2026 • 49min
In Moscow's Shadows 270: Hoax Bombs and Difficult Language
Europe faces a growing shadow war of cyberattacks, arson, and hoax bomb threats. Who is behind it, and how can governments respond when proof is deliberately elusive? The discussion explores Russia’s aims, public resilience, and the political risks of careless attribution. It also unpacks what Vladimir Putin means by “strategic defeat” and how that language shapes war, negotiations, and perceptions.
9 snips
Nov 1, 2026 • 54min
In Moscow's Shadows 269: White Flags and Red Banners
European leaders reopen direct channels with Moscow while a fragile Alyeshki ceasefire offers a rare glimpse of practical humanitarian cooperation. The discussion then turns to Russia’s Communist Party: electoral setbacks, inequality, war financing, managed opposition, and the growing persecution of activists who challenge the Kremlin’s boundaries.
8 snips
Oct 25, 2026 • 54min
In Moscow's Shadows 268: Peace and (Info) War
Emerging peace talks offer hope for Ukraine, but the Donbas remains a daunting stumbling block. A fragile ceasefire brings humanitarian relief around Oleshky. The discussion then turns to Moscow’s information operations, Western countermeasures, and the dangers of escalation, from covert attacks to Kaliningrad provocations and nuclear signaling. Bluster, distrust, and miscalculation could make an already dangerous standoff even worse.
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.
21 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.
