Mark Youngman
@threatologist.com
Open-source investigator specialising in Russian security issues. My newsletter unpacks major issues or storie from the world of Russian security — tracing the relationships, trends, and deeper meaning behind them.
www.threatologist.com/newsletter
www.threatologist.com/newsletter
Pinned
Mark Youngman
@threatologist.com
· Feb 22
The best* book ever written on the Caucasus Emirate’s ideology is now available for pre-order.
The Caucasus Emirate: Ideology, identity and insurgency in Russia’s North Caucasus (Manchester University Press)
amzn.eu/d/6QrSQ3h
* and only
The Caucasus Emirate: Ideology, identity and insurgency in Russia’s North Caucasus (Manchester University Press)
amzn.eu/d/6QrSQ3h
* and only
The BBC has reported on yet more human rights violations carried out by Russian private military companies in Mali. It cites eyewitness testimony from civilians and is one of many such reports since Wagner arrived in late 2021.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk
November 28, 2025 at 10:30 AM
The BBC has reported on yet more human rights violations carried out by Russian private military companies in Mali. It cites eyewitness testimony from civilians and is one of many such reports since Wagner arrived in late 2021.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
A resident of Kabardino-Balkaria has been detained on charges of failing to inform the authorities about the plans of a man who attacked police in Nalchik in July 2025.
November 25, 2025 at 11:02 AM
A resident of Kabardino-Balkaria has been detained on charges of failing to inform the authorities about the plans of a man who attacked police in Nalchik in July 2025.
A resident of Ingushetia has been detained on suspicion of aiding a group of Islamic State militants, led by Amirkhan Gurazhev, that were killed in the republic in Mar 24. The man is accused of providing accommodation, transport, food and medication Mar-Apr 23.
www.kavkaz-uzel.eu/articles/417...
www.kavkaz-uzel.eu/articles/417...
Житель Ингушетии заподозрен в причастности к группировке Гуражева
Заключен под стражу житель села Пседах, подозреваемый в помощи боевикам Амирхана Гуражева и оборудовании тайников с оружием.
www.kavkaz-uzel.eu
November 25, 2025 at 10:55 AM
A resident of Ingushetia has been detained on suspicion of aiding a group of Islamic State militants, led by Amirkhan Gurazhev, that were killed in the republic in Mar 24. The man is accused of providing accommodation, transport, food and medication Mar-Apr 23.
www.kavkaz-uzel.eu/articles/417...
www.kavkaz-uzel.eu/articles/417...
The security services in Krasnodar have detained a Ukrainian citizen, accusing him of preparing to blow up a railway line. The man was allegedly operating under instructions from the Ukrainian security services.
www.kavkaz-uzel.eu/articles/417...
www.kavkaz-uzel.eu/articles/417...
Силовики отчитались о предотвращении теракта в Краснодаре
Гражданин Украины, задержанный в Краснодаре, готовил теракт на железной дороге, чтобы сорвать перевозку военной техники в зону СВО, рапортовало ФСБ.
www.kavkaz-uzel.eu
November 25, 2025 at 10:38 AM
The security services in Krasnodar have detained a Ukrainian citizen, accusing him of preparing to blow up a railway line. The man was allegedly operating under instructions from the Ukrainian security services.
www.kavkaz-uzel.eu/articles/417...
www.kavkaz-uzel.eu/articles/417...
A resident of Kabardino-Balkaria has been detained on suspicion of treason and preparing a sabotage attack. The security services claim the 34-year-old was acting in coordination with Ukraine.
www.kavkaz-uzel.eu/articles/417...
www.kavkaz-uzel.eu/articles/417...
Житель Кабардино-Балкарии задержан по делу о подготовке диверсии
Задержан житель Кабардино-Балкарии, подозреваемый в госизмене и подготовке диверсии на территории республики.
www.kavkaz-uzel.eu
November 21, 2025 at 1:15 PM
A resident of Kabardino-Balkaria has been detained on suspicion of treason and preparing a sabotage attack. The security services claim the 34-year-old was acting in coordination with Ukraine.
www.kavkaz-uzel.eu/articles/417...
www.kavkaz-uzel.eu/articles/417...
The FSB have detained a priest in Novorossiysk, Krasnodar Kray, accusing him of recruiting parishioners to the Russian Volunteer Corps, which is fighting against Russia in Ukraine.
www.kavkazr.com/a/v-novoross...
www.kavkazr.com/a/v-novoross...
В Новороссийске ФСБ задержала священника по делу о вербовке прихожан в "Русский добровольческий корпус"
В Новороссийске иерея греческой православной церкви имени Иверской Божией Матери задержали по делу об участии в террористической организации. По версии ФСБ, он вербовал прихожан в "Русский добровольче...
www.kavkazr.com
November 21, 2025 at 12:02 PM
The FSB have detained a priest in Novorossiysk, Krasnodar Kray, accusing him of recruiting parishioners to the Russian Volunteer Corps, which is fighting against Russia in Ukraine.
www.kavkazr.com/a/v-novoross...
www.kavkazr.com/a/v-novoross...
Chechen opposition group Niyso claims that four members of the same family have been forced to sign contracts with Russia’s Ministry of Defence and go to Ukraine and fight. It was reportedly punishment for the actions of a family member.
www.kavkazr.com/a/chechenski...
www.kavkazr.com/a/chechenski...
Чеченские активисты рассказали о насильной отправке в Украину членов одной семьи – один из них подросток
Четырех членов одной семьи из Чечни насильно заставили подписать контракт с Минобороны и отправиться на войну против Украины. Так их наказали за "провинившегося" родственника, заявили в чеченском оппо...
www.kavkazr.com
November 21, 2025 at 11:59 AM
Chechen opposition group Niyso claims that four members of the same family have been forced to sign contracts with Russia’s Ministry of Defence and go to Ukraine and fight. It was reportedly punishment for the actions of a family member.
www.kavkazr.com/a/chechenski...
www.kavkazr.com/a/chechenski...
A resident of Stavropol Kray sentenced in 2023 to 11 years in prison for membership of the Azov Battalion has been declared a political prisoner by human rights group Memorial. The group rejects Russia’s decision to classify Azov as a terrorist organisation.
www.kavkazr.com/a/otpravlenn...
www.kavkazr.com/a/otpravlenn...
Отправленного в колонию по делу о причастности к "Азову" жителя Ставрополя признали политзаключенным
Жителя Ставрополя Никиту Беликова признали политическим заключенным. В 2023 году его приговорили к 11 годам колонии строгого режима за причастность к украинскому батальону "Азов". Правозащитники счита...
www.kavkazr.com
November 21, 2025 at 11:55 AM
A resident of Stavropol Kray sentenced in 2023 to 11 years in prison for membership of the Azov Battalion has been declared a political prisoner by human rights group Memorial. The group rejects Russia’s decision to classify Azov as a terrorist organisation.
www.kavkazr.com/a/otpravlenn...
www.kavkazr.com/a/otpravlenn...
Rosoboronekport's CEO, Aleksandr Mikheyev, has estimated the value of his company's African portfolio to stand at $4 billion.
He claims the company is active in 46 African countries
www.military.africa/2025/11/roso...
He claims the company is active in 46 African countries
www.military.africa/2025/11/roso...
Rosoboronexport African Arms Portfolio Reaches $4 Billion
Russia’s state-owned arms exporter, Rosoboronexport (ROE), is navigating a complex geopolitical landscape by reinforcing its long-standing defence ties with African nations. The company’s Chi…
www.military.africa
November 18, 2025 at 10:03 AM
Rosoboronekport's CEO, Aleksandr Mikheyev, has estimated the value of his company's African portfolio to stand at $4 billion.
He claims the company is active in 46 African countries
www.military.africa/2025/11/roso...
He claims the company is active in 46 African countries
www.military.africa/2025/11/roso...
A 23-year-old resident of Maykop, Adygea has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for recruiting a foreign citizen to an international terrorist organisation.
www.kavkaz-uzel.eu/articles/417...
www.kavkaz-uzel.eu/articles/417...
Житель Майкопа осужден за вербовку в террористическую организацию
Южный окружной военный суд приговорил 23-летнего жителя Майкопа Шамиля Алиева к 14 годам лишения свободы за вербовку гражданина в международную террористическую организацию.
www.kavkaz-uzel.eu
November 18, 2025 at 10:00 AM
A 23-year-old resident of Maykop, Adygea has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for recruiting a foreign citizen to an international terrorist organisation.
www.kavkaz-uzel.eu/articles/417...
www.kavkaz-uzel.eu/articles/417...
Six residents of Dagestan have been detained in Makhachkala on charges of preparing attacks on law enforcement personnel.
www.kavkaz-uzel.eu/articles/417...
www.kavkaz-uzel.eu/articles/417...
Шестеро махачкалинцев арестованы по делу о террористическом сообществе
В Махачкале задержаны и заключены под стражу шестеро жителей Дагестана, которые, по версии следователей, готовили нападения на полицейских.
www.kavkaz-uzel.eu
November 18, 2025 at 9:56 AM
Six residents of Dagestan have been detained in Makhachkala on charges of preparing attacks on law enforcement personnel.
www.kavkaz-uzel.eu/articles/417...
www.kavkaz-uzel.eu/articles/417...
Chechen Prime Minister Magomed Daudov has reported that there are currently 14,000 troops from the republic fighting in Ukraine.
He did not specify how many were people from other regions who had passed through the Russian University of Spetsnaz
www.kavkaz-uzel.eu/articles/417...
He did not specify how many were people from other regions who had passed through the Russian University of Spetsnaz
www.kavkaz-uzel.eu/articles/417...
Даудов рапортовал о числе бойцов из Чечни в зоне СВО
В зоне военной операции находятся 14 тысяч бойцов, отправленных из Чечни, сообщил глава правительства республики Магомед Даудов.
www.kavkaz-uzel.eu
November 18, 2025 at 9:54 AM
Chechen Prime Minister Magomed Daudov has reported that there are currently 14,000 troops from the republic fighting in Ukraine.
He did not specify how many were people from other regions who had passed through the Russian University of Spetsnaz
www.kavkaz-uzel.eu/articles/417...
He did not specify how many were people from other regions who had passed through the Russian University of Spetsnaz
www.kavkaz-uzel.eu/articles/417...
Finland deports to Russia a former Wagner fighter who was earlier detained for illegally crossing the border and had claimed he had was fleeing from the war.
The man had posted videos on social media that were critical of the Russian Defence Ministry.
www.currenttime.tv/a/kanello-is...
The man had posted videos on social media that were critical of the Russian Defence Ministry.
www.currenttime.tv/a/kanello-is...
Финляндия выдала России бежавшего наемника ЧВК "Вагнер". Ранее он критиковал "преступные приказы" Минобороны России
Миграционная служба Финляндии отправила в Россию россиянина по имени Евгений, который ранее незаконно пересек границу, сообщает финское издание Yle со ссылкой на пресс-службу пограничного управления С...
www.currenttime.tv
November 18, 2025 at 9:51 AM
Finland deports to Russia a former Wagner fighter who was earlier detained for illegally crossing the border and had claimed he had was fleeing from the war.
The man had posted videos on social media that were critical of the Russian Defence Ministry.
www.currenttime.tv/a/kanello-is...
The man had posted videos on social media that were critical of the Russian Defence Ministry.
www.currenttime.tv/a/kanello-is...
Chechen opposition activist have reported on mass searches being carried out across the republic.
They claim that the police are checking vehicles and people's phones for politically sensitive information.
There is no independent confirmation of the claims.
www.kavkazr.com/a/chechenski...
They claim that the police are checking vehicles and people's phones for politically sensitive information.
There is no independent confirmation of the claims.
www.kavkazr.com/a/chechenski...
Критики Кадырова заявили о массовых рейдах в Чечне – у жителей проверяют мессенджеры и поисковые запросы
Чеченское оппозиционное движение NIYSO заявило о массовых рейдах в республике. Находящиеся за границей активисты ссылаются на сообщения от местных жителей. Подтверждений из других источников нет. Влас...
www.kavkazr.com
November 18, 2025 at 9:22 AM
Chechen opposition activist have reported on mass searches being carried out across the republic.
They claim that the police are checking vehicles and people's phones for politically sensitive information.
There is no independent confirmation of the claims.
www.kavkazr.com/a/chechenski...
They claim that the police are checking vehicles and people's phones for politically sensitive information.
There is no independent confirmation of the claims.
www.kavkazr.com/a/chechenski...
Ingushetia's Supreme Court has begun hearing a case against two residents accused of planning a sabotage attack that would have "undermined the economic security and defence capabilities of the Russian Federation"
November 18, 2025 at 9:15 AM
Ingushetia's Supreme Court has begun hearing a case against two residents accused of planning a sabotage attack that would have "undermined the economic security and defence capabilities of the Russian Federation"
Sometimes, what AI produces is objectively hilarious.
I've been asking ChatGPT to produce illustrations from photos, according to a specified style. The output can be inconsistent and ChatGPT infuriating, but sometimes it works.
I've been asking ChatGPT to produce illustrations from photos, according to a specified style. The output can be inconsistent and ChatGPT infuriating, but sometimes it works.
November 12, 2025 at 12:12 PM
Sometimes, what AI produces is objectively hilarious.
I've been asking ChatGPT to produce illustrations from photos, according to a specified style. The output can be inconsistent and ChatGPT infuriating, but sometimes it works.
I've been asking ChatGPT to produce illustrations from photos, according to a specified style. The output can be inconsistent and ChatGPT infuriating, but sometimes it works.
Yesterday, I flagged a Proyekt Media investigation into nepotism in Chechnya. Today, I want to outline some of the methodological problems that arise with this work.
bsky.app/profile/thre...
bsky.app/profile/thre...
Proyekt Media have published a deep-dive on nepotism in Chechnya — part of a much wider project on Russian elites. While its baseline conclusion is accurate and the project as a whole worthwhile, it also showcases why methodological rigour matters.
November 12, 2025 at 11:54 AM
Yesterday, I flagged a Proyekt Media investigation into nepotism in Chechnya. Today, I want to outline some of the methodological problems that arise with this work.
bsky.app/profile/thre...
bsky.app/profile/thre...
Proyekt Media have published a deep-dive on nepotism in Chechnya — part of a much wider project on Russian elites. While its baseline conclusion is accurate and the project as a whole worthwhile, it also showcases why methodological rigour matters.
November 11, 2025 at 11:37 AM
Proyekt Media have published a deep-dive on nepotism in Chechnya — part of a much wider project on Russian elites. While its baseline conclusion is accurate and the project as a whole worthwhile, it also showcases why methodological rigour matters.
A resident of Kabardino-Balkaria who was already serving time has been sentenced to 12 years in prison on terrorism financing charges.
According to prosecutors, the man received money from an acquaintance and transferred part of it to a member of the Islamic State.
www.kavkazr.com/a/zhitelj-ka...
According to prosecutors, the man received money from an acquaintance and transferred part of it to a member of the Islamic State.
www.kavkazr.com/a/zhitelj-ka...
Житель Кабардино-Балкарии осужден на 12 лет за перевод денег. Приговор ему вынес суд в Ростове-на-Дону
Житель Кабардино-Балкарии осужден на 12 лет колонии строгого режима по уголовному делу о финансировании терроризма. Данных из независимых источников, которые могли бы подтвердить достоверность обвинений, нет. Приговор Кантемиру Гоголадзе вынес Южный окружной военный суд в Ростове-на-Дону....
www.kavkazr.com
October 22, 2025 at 10:34 AM
A resident of Kabardino-Balkaria who was already serving time has been sentenced to 12 years in prison on terrorism financing charges.
According to prosecutors, the man received money from an acquaintance and transferred part of it to a member of the Islamic State.
www.kavkazr.com/a/zhitelj-ka...
According to prosecutors, the man received money from an acquaintance and transferred part of it to a member of the Islamic State.
www.kavkazr.com/a/zhitelj-ka...
The Southern District Military Court is to consider the case of one Russian and two Ukrainian citizens accused of planning a terrorist attack while detained in a pre-trial detention facility in Rostov-on-the-Don
October 22, 2025 at 10:31 AM
The Southern District Military Court is to consider the case of one Russian and two Ukrainian citizens accused of planning a terrorist attack while detained in a pre-trial detention facility in Rostov-on-the-Don
The Russian University of Spetsnaz, the Chechen paramilitary training centre based in Gudermes, will receive RUB 2.5 billion from the federal budget in 2026-2027.
novayagazeta.eu/articles/202...
novayagazeta.eu/articles/202...
Частный «Университет спецназа» Рамзана Кадырова получит пять млрд рублей из российского бюджета в ближайшие два года. Это первый государственный грант на содержание учебного заведения, которое готовит...
Российский бюджет в 2026 и 2027 годах потратит по 2,5 млрд рублей на финансирование «Российского университета спецназа», заметила «Новая газета Европа», изучив законопроект о бюджете, внесенный правит...
novayagazeta.eu
October 20, 2025 at 3:11 PM
The Russian University of Spetsnaz, the Chechen paramilitary training centre based in Gudermes, will receive RUB 2.5 billion from the federal budget in 2026-2027.
novayagazeta.eu/articles/202...
novayagazeta.eu/articles/202...
Dagestan, meanwhile, has decided to ban the publication of information on terrorist attacks, drone strikes, the location of defence forces and infrastructure, and other security information.
October 15, 2025 at 10:41 AM
Dagestan, meanwhile, has decided to ban the publication of information on terrorist attacks, drone strikes, the location of defence forces and infrastructure, and other security information.
The FSB claims that it has detained 280 people on terrorism-related charges in the North Caucasus since the start of the year.
It also claims that it has prevented 33 crimes, of which 27 were terrorist attacks.
The problem? These figures bear little relation to developments in the region.
It also claims that it has prevented 33 crimes, of which 27 were terrorist attacks.
The problem? These figures bear little relation to developments in the region.
October 15, 2025 at 10:31 AM
The FSB claims that it has detained 280 people on terrorism-related charges in the North Caucasus since the start of the year.
It also claims that it has prevented 33 crimes, of which 27 were terrorist attacks.
The problem? These figures bear little relation to developments in the region.
It also claims that it has prevented 33 crimes, of which 27 were terrorist attacks.
The problem? These figures bear little relation to developments in the region.
Four people are to stand trial for the December 2024 murder of Igor Kirillov, the head of Russia’s Radiation, Chemical, and Biological Protection Forces. Two are from Ingushetia, one each Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan oc-media.org/two-natives-...
Two natives of Ingushetia to stand trial over killing of Russian General Kirillov
According to investigators, Ramazan Padiev and Batukhan Tochiev rented a flat for the direct perpetrator of the killing.
oc-media.org
October 14, 2025 at 8:18 AM
Four people are to stand trial for the December 2024 murder of Igor Kirillov, the head of Russia’s Radiation, Chemical, and Biological Protection Forces. Two are from Ingushetia, one each Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan oc-media.org/two-natives-...
What does terrorism- and insurgency-related violence look like thus far in 2025?
The overall picture is really one of continued but quite low-level stability.
The overall picture is really one of continued but quite low-level stability.
October 8, 2025 at 10:56 AM
What does terrorism- and insurgency-related violence look like thus far in 2025?
The overall picture is really one of continued but quite low-level stability.
The overall picture is really one of continued but quite low-level stability.