Mark Galeotti
@markgaleotti.bsky.social
Analyst of murky topics from Russian politics to organised crime.
Reposted by Mark Galeotti
Another highly insightful battlefield update from Konrad Muzyka. Russian drone use vs Ukraine's rear "has created a dynamic in which Ukrainian losses among logistics personnel and drone crews now exceed those among infantry" rochan-consulting.com/impressions-...
rochan-consulting.com
November 17, 2025 at 8:38 AM
Another highly insightful battlefield update from Konrad Muzyka. Russian drone use vs Ukraine's rear "has created a dynamic in which Ukrainian losses among logistics personnel and drone crews now exceed those among infantry" rochan-consulting.com/impressions-...
Monday morning re-up: Addressing a variety of questions, from which countries have a special relationship with Russia (I'm not sure this is the best way to think of things) to why it's a bit awkward for Moscow to make hay with Ukraine's corruption crisis
In Moscow's Shadows 224: In Helsinki's (and Kyiv's) Shadows
From where's Lavrov to Europe speaking to Putin, qs raised during a recent trip to Finland. And, in 2nd half, Pokrovsk and what to make of the Midas corruption case - and how Russia covers it
www.buzzsprout.com/1026985/epis...
From where's Lavrov to Europe speaking to Putin, qs raised during a recent trip to Finland. And, in 2nd half, Pokrovsk and what to make of the Midas corruption case - and how Russia covers it
www.buzzsprout.com/1026985/epis...
In Moscow's Shadows 224: In Helsinki's (and Kyiv's) Shadows - In Moscow's Shadows
From where's Lavrov to whether it's time for Europe to speak to Putin directly, some questions with wider significance raised during my recent hectic trip to Finland. And, in the second half, how shou...
www.buzzsprout.com
November 17, 2025 at 8:09 AM
Monday morning re-up: Addressing a variety of questions, from which countries have a special relationship with Russia (I'm not sure this is the best way to think of things) to why it's a bit awkward for Moscow to make hay with Ukraine's corruption crisis
In Moscow's Shadows 224: In Helsinki's (and Kyiv's) Shadows
From where's Lavrov to Europe speaking to Putin, qs raised during a recent trip to Finland. And, in 2nd half, Pokrovsk and what to make of the Midas corruption case - and how Russia covers it
www.buzzsprout.com/1026985/epis...
From where's Lavrov to Europe speaking to Putin, qs raised during a recent trip to Finland. And, in 2nd half, Pokrovsk and what to make of the Midas corruption case - and how Russia covers it
www.buzzsprout.com/1026985/epis...
In Moscow's Shadows 224: In Helsinki's (and Kyiv's) Shadows - In Moscow's Shadows
From where's Lavrov to whether it's time for Europe to speak to Putin directly, some questions with wider significance raised during my recent hectic trip to Finland. And, in the second half, how shou...
www.buzzsprout.com
November 16, 2025 at 9:55 AM
In Moscow's Shadows 224: In Helsinki's (and Kyiv's) Shadows
From where's Lavrov to Europe speaking to Putin, qs raised during a recent trip to Finland. And, in 2nd half, Pokrovsk and what to make of the Midas corruption case - and how Russia covers it
www.buzzsprout.com/1026985/epis...
From where's Lavrov to Europe speaking to Putin, qs raised during a recent trip to Finland. And, in 2nd half, Pokrovsk and what to make of the Midas corruption case - and how Russia covers it
www.buzzsprout.com/1026985/epis...
What the fall of Pokrovsk tells us about the Russia-Ukraine war
My latest for @thetimes.com - the likely imminent fall is a military reverse for Kyiv, but also needs to be considered in its political context, both Ukr manpower issues and winning over Trump
www.thetimes.com/world/russia...
My latest for @thetimes.com - the likely imminent fall is a military reverse for Kyiv, but also needs to be considered in its political context, both Ukr manpower issues and winning over Trump
www.thetimes.com/world/russia...
What the fall of Pokrovsk tells us about the Russia-Ukraine war
The sacrifices have cost Zelensky far more than Putin — while sending an important message from the Kremlin to the White House
www.thetimes.com
November 16, 2025 at 8:30 AM
What the fall of Pokrovsk tells us about the Russia-Ukraine war
My latest for @thetimes.com - the likely imminent fall is a military reverse for Kyiv, but also needs to be considered in its political context, both Ukr manpower issues and winning over Trump
www.thetimes.com/world/russia...
My latest for @thetimes.com - the likely imminent fall is a military reverse for Kyiv, but also needs to be considered in its political context, both Ukr manpower issues and winning over Trump
www.thetimes.com/world/russia...
As usual, ignore the clickbait title, but also as usual, @hugorifkind.bsky.social manages to cram a lot of sharp qs into this 10-minute Times Radio chat about Putin and the updated version of my WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT PUTIN (published last week)
youtu.be/DyuzfMba1C4?...
youtu.be/DyuzfMba1C4?...
Putin looks 'withered' from chaotic strategy depleting forces in Pokrovsk | Mark Galeotti
YouTube video by Times Radio
youtu.be
November 11, 2025 at 2:47 PM
As usual, ignore the clickbait title, but also as usual, @hugorifkind.bsky.social manages to cram a lot of sharp qs into this 10-minute Times Radio chat about Putin and the updated version of my WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT PUTIN (published last week)
youtu.be/DyuzfMba1C4?...
youtu.be/DyuzfMba1C4?...
The Russians have a dense calendar of days devoted to various professions, and today is Police Day. So AiF offers a bizarre and bewildering array of virtual cards to send to the cop in your life, from cute kitten/puppy ones to cops as... Terminators?
aif.ru/society/gall...
aif.ru/society/gall...
30+ открыток с Днем полиции. Красивые картинки для сотрудников МВД России
10 ноября отмечается День сотрудника органов внутренних дел Российской Федерации, в недавнем прошлом - День милиции. Скачайте бесплатно красивые открытки и поздравляйте своих друзей, родных и коллег, ...
aif.ru
November 10, 2025 at 2:24 PM
The Russians have a dense calendar of days devoted to various professions, and today is Police Day. So AiF offers a bizarre and bewildering array of virtual cards to send to the cop in your life, from cute kitten/puppy ones to cops as... Terminators?
aif.ru/society/gall...
aif.ru/society/gall...
Lovely see see that the estimable @dauntbooks.bsky.social has listed HOMO CRIMINALIS as one of their History and Current Affairs Books of the Year, calling it “fiercely readable and ultimately chilling”
November 10, 2025 at 10:55 AM
Lovely see see that the estimable @dauntbooks.bsky.social has listed HOMO CRIMINALIS as one of their History and Current Affairs Books of the Year, calling it “fiercely readable and ultimately chilling”
Reposted by Mark Galeotti
I follow very few podcasts but I do this one, and episodes like this is the reason why.
In Moscow's Shadows 223: After Putin Who... or What?
It's fruitless to try and come up with names of potential successors - but maybe we can identify archetypes, the kinds of people who might succeed him, depending on the perceived needs of the day.
www.buzzsprout.com/1026985/epis...
It's fruitless to try and come up with names of potential successors - but maybe we can identify archetypes, the kinds of people who might succeed him, depending on the perceived needs of the day.
www.buzzsprout.com/1026985/epis...
In Moscow's Shadows 223: After Putin, Who... or What? - In Moscow's Shadows
We need to talk about post-Putin. It's fruitless at this point to try and come up with names of potential successors -- but maybe we can identify potential archetypes, the kinds of people who might su...
www.buzzsprout.com
November 9, 2025 at 10:38 PM
I follow very few podcasts but I do this one, and episodes like this is the reason why.
Monday morning re-up: at this stage it's futile to say who will eventually succeed Putin (you know, after his and Xi's 150 years...), but we can consider the kinds of people who might emerge based on the circumstances of the time
In Moscow's Shadows 223: After Putin Who... or What?
It's fruitless to try and come up with names of potential successors - but maybe we can identify archetypes, the kinds of people who might succeed him, depending on the perceived needs of the day.
www.buzzsprout.com/1026985/epis...
It's fruitless to try and come up with names of potential successors - but maybe we can identify archetypes, the kinds of people who might succeed him, depending on the perceived needs of the day.
www.buzzsprout.com/1026985/epis...
In Moscow's Shadows 223: After Putin, Who... or What? - In Moscow's Shadows
We need to talk about post-Putin. It's fruitless at this point to try and come up with names of potential successors -- but maybe we can identify potential archetypes, the kinds of people who might su...
www.buzzsprout.com
November 10, 2025 at 9:05 AM
Monday morning re-up: at this stage it's futile to say who will eventually succeed Putin (you know, after his and Xi's 150 years...), but we can consider the kinds of people who might emerge based on the circumstances of the time
In Moscow's Shadows 223: After Putin Who... or What?
It's fruitless to try and come up with names of potential successors - but maybe we can identify archetypes, the kinds of people who might succeed him, depending on the perceived needs of the day.
www.buzzsprout.com/1026985/epis...
It's fruitless to try and come up with names of potential successors - but maybe we can identify archetypes, the kinds of people who might succeed him, depending on the perceived needs of the day.
www.buzzsprout.com/1026985/epis...
In Moscow's Shadows 223: After Putin, Who... or What? - In Moscow's Shadows
We need to talk about post-Putin. It's fruitless at this point to try and come up with names of potential successors -- but maybe we can identify potential archetypes, the kinds of people who might su...
www.buzzsprout.com
November 9, 2025 at 4:42 PM
In Moscow's Shadows 223: After Putin Who... or What?
It's fruitless to try and come up with names of potential successors - but maybe we can identify archetypes, the kinds of people who might succeed him, depending on the perceived needs of the day.
www.buzzsprout.com/1026985/epis...
It's fruitless to try and come up with names of potential successors - but maybe we can identify archetypes, the kinds of people who might succeed him, depending on the perceived needs of the day.
www.buzzsprout.com/1026985/epis...
Out today!* The updated edition of WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT PUTIN from Ebury (@penguinrandomhouse.bsky.social), taking the story into the darker years since it was written in 2018
* Hardcopy in UK, ebook everywhere, hardcopies elsewhere in due course...
* Hardcopy in UK, ebook everywhere, hardcopies elsewhere in due course...
November 6, 2025 at 8:57 AM
Out today!* The updated edition of WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT PUTIN from Ebury (@penguinrandomhouse.bsky.social), taking the story into the darker years since it was written in 2018
* Hardcopy in UK, ebook everywhere, hardcopies elsewhere in due course...
* Hardcopy in UK, ebook everywhere, hardcopies elsewhere in due course...
Reposted by Mark Galeotti
I like the Blakean note this podcast ends on, re: the Kremlin's "Mind-forg'd manacles." Also glad that Mark agrees with me about operation names like "Resolute Dragon." 🐲
I was one of the people asking for a very special "In Tokyo's Shadows" episode, and it was worth the wait. 🎧
Thank you, Mark! 😁
I was one of the people asking for a very special "In Tokyo's Shadows" episode, and it was worth the wait. 🎧
Thank you, Mark! 😁
In Moscow's Shadows 221: Is the Sun Rising over Russo-Japanese Relations?
The new Japanese PM wants a long-delayed peace treaty with Russia. Will Moscow show the cunning and vision to seize the moment -- while keeping China and North Korea happy?
www.buzzsprout.com/1026985/epis...
The new Japanese PM wants a long-delayed peace treaty with Russia. Will Moscow show the cunning and vision to seize the moment -- while keeping China and North Korea happy?
www.buzzsprout.com/1026985/epis...
In Moscow's Shadows 221: Is the Sun Rising over Russo-Japanese Relations? - In Moscow's Shadows
The new Japanese PM wants to conclude a long-delayed peace treaty with Russia - but that will mean selling a thorny territorial dispute. Will Moscow show the cunning and vision to try and undermine Ja...
www.buzzsprout.com
November 3, 2025 at 5:08 PM
I like the Blakean note this podcast ends on, re: the Kremlin's "Mind-forg'd manacles." Also glad that Mark agrees with me about operation names like "Resolute Dragon." 🐲
I was one of the people asking for a very special "In Tokyo's Shadows" episode, and it was worth the wait. 🎧
Thank you, Mark! 😁
I was one of the people asking for a very special "In Tokyo's Shadows" episode, and it was worth the wait. 🎧
Thank you, Mark! 😁
Manoeuvre Warfare is a Social Construct
Aptly subtitled "Or, we all want to be Napoleon", a useful rumination on the pitfalls of "manoeuvrism" by @so3brocktree.bsky.social
substack.com/home/post/p-...
Aptly subtitled "Or, we all want to be Napoleon", a useful rumination on the pitfalls of "manoeuvrism" by @so3brocktree.bsky.social
substack.com/home/post/p-...
Manoeuvre Warfare is a Social Construct
Or, we all want to be Napoleon
substack.com
November 3, 2025 at 8:56 AM
Manoeuvre Warfare is a Social Construct
Aptly subtitled "Or, we all want to be Napoleon", a useful rumination on the pitfalls of "manoeuvrism" by @so3brocktree.bsky.social
substack.com/home/post/p-...
Aptly subtitled "Or, we all want to be Napoleon", a useful rumination on the pitfalls of "manoeuvrism" by @so3brocktree.bsky.social
substack.com/home/post/p-...
In Moscow's Shadows 222: Are We Seeing A New Putin?
A busy day yesterday meant I was able to record and upload, but not do the social media hype. Anyway, I consider how Putin may have changed over the past 7 years: welcome to 'Putin squared'
www.buzzsprout.com/1026985/epis...
A busy day yesterday meant I was able to record and upload, but not do the social media hype. Anyway, I consider how Putin may have changed over the past 7 years: welcome to 'Putin squared'
www.buzzsprout.com/1026985/epis...
In Moscow's Shadows 222: Are We Seeing A New Putin? - In Moscow's Shadows
The forthcoming release of the updated version of my WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT PUTIN gives me an excuse to consider whether and how Putin has changed since I originally wrote the book in 2018. My conclusi...
www.buzzsprout.com
November 3, 2025 at 8:32 AM
In Moscow's Shadows 222: Are We Seeing A New Putin?
A busy day yesterday meant I was able to record and upload, but not do the social media hype. Anyway, I consider how Putin may have changed over the past 7 years: welcome to 'Putin squared'
www.buzzsprout.com/1026985/epis...
A busy day yesterday meant I was able to record and upload, but not do the social media hype. Anyway, I consider how Putin may have changed over the past 7 years: welcome to 'Putin squared'
www.buzzsprout.com/1026985/epis...
With the revised + updated version of my WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT PUTIN coming out next week, a chance in @thetimes.com to consider what seems has changed since writing the original in 2018. In short, Putin has become 'Putin squared,' almost a caricature of himself
www.thetimes.com/world/russia...
www.thetimes.com/world/russia...
Putin still thinks he’s a genius. All the naysayers are gone
The Russian leader was once willing to listen to his critics. But now he surrounds himself with yes-men and is obsessed with his legacy
www.thetimes.com
November 2, 2025 at 8:10 AM
With the revised + updated version of my WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT PUTIN coming out next week, a chance in @thetimes.com to consider what seems has changed since writing the original in 2018. In short, Putin has become 'Putin squared,' almost a caricature of himself
www.thetimes.com/world/russia...
www.thetimes.com/world/russia...
Next week! The revised and updated WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT PUTIN from @penguinrandomhouse.bsky.social is out on 6/11. Ukraine, Prigozhin, COVID, Navalny's murder, a lot has happened since it was first written...
www.penguin.co.uk/books/439532...
www.penguin.co.uk/books/439532...
October 31, 2025 at 9:16 AM
Next week! The revised and updated WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT PUTIN from @penguinrandomhouse.bsky.social is out on 6/11. Ukraine, Prigozhin, COVID, Navalny's murder, a lot has happened since it was first written...
www.penguin.co.uk/books/439532...
www.penguin.co.uk/books/439532...
I'm doing a webinar on 'Understanding Russia's Strategy' for Wikistrat on 5 November. It's free, and if you want to 'attend', the sign-up form is here: i.wikistrat.com/ru-strtg
October 30, 2025 at 8:07 PM
I'm doing a webinar on 'Understanding Russia's Strategy' for Wikistrat on 5 November. It's free, and if you want to 'attend', the sign-up form is here: i.wikistrat.com/ru-strtg
Why is Putin obsessed with nuclear ‘wonder weapons’?
It's more than just cosplaying Dr Evil. My take for the @thespectator1828.bsky.social blog
www.spectator.co.uk/article/why-...
It's more than just cosplaying Dr Evil. My take for the @thespectator1828.bsky.social blog
www.spectator.co.uk/article/why-...
Why is Putin obsessed with nuclear 'wonder weapons'?
One answer might be that it fears those existing forces may be rendered obsolete by new generations of anti-missile systems.
www.spectator.co.uk
October 30, 2025 at 9:42 AM
Why is Putin obsessed with nuclear ‘wonder weapons’?
It's more than just cosplaying Dr Evil. My take for the @thespectator1828.bsky.social blog
www.spectator.co.uk/article/why-...
It's more than just cosplaying Dr Evil. My take for the @thespectator1828.bsky.social blog
www.spectator.co.uk/article/why-...
Monday morning re-up: Will Moscow have the vision, courage and flexibility to seize the opportunity to improve relations with Japan under its new PM? When has it ever?
In Moscow's Shadows 221: Is the Sun Rising over Russo-Japanese Relations?
The new Japanese PM wants a long-delayed peace treaty with Russia. Will Moscow show the cunning and vision to seize the moment -- while keeping China and North Korea happy?
www.buzzsprout.com/1026985/epis...
The new Japanese PM wants a long-delayed peace treaty with Russia. Will Moscow show the cunning and vision to seize the moment -- while keeping China and North Korea happy?
www.buzzsprout.com/1026985/epis...
In Moscow's Shadows 221: Is the Sun Rising over Russo-Japanese Relations? - In Moscow's Shadows
The new Japanese PM wants to conclude a long-delayed peace treaty with Russia - but that will mean selling a thorny territorial dispute. Will Moscow show the cunning and vision to try and undermine Ja...
www.buzzsprout.com
October 27, 2025 at 8:58 AM
Monday morning re-up: Will Moscow have the vision, courage and flexibility to seize the opportunity to improve relations with Japan under its new PM? When has it ever?
In Moscow's Shadows 221: Is the Sun Rising over Russo-Japanese Relations?
The new Japanese PM wants a long-delayed peace treaty with Russia. Will Moscow show the cunning and vision to seize the moment -- while keeping China and North Korea happy?
www.buzzsprout.com/1026985/epis...
The new Japanese PM wants a long-delayed peace treaty with Russia. Will Moscow show the cunning and vision to seize the moment -- while keeping China and North Korea happy?
www.buzzsprout.com/1026985/epis...
In Moscow's Shadows 221: Is the Sun Rising over Russo-Japanese Relations? - In Moscow's Shadows
The new Japanese PM wants to conclude a long-delayed peace treaty with Russia - but that will mean selling a thorny territorial dispute. Will Moscow show the cunning and vision to try and undermine Ja...
www.buzzsprout.com
October 26, 2025 at 9:27 AM
In Moscow's Shadows 221: Is the Sun Rising over Russo-Japanese Relations?
The new Japanese PM wants a long-delayed peace treaty with Russia. Will Moscow show the cunning and vision to seize the moment -- while keeping China and North Korea happy?
www.buzzsprout.com/1026985/epis...
The new Japanese PM wants a long-delayed peace treaty with Russia. Will Moscow show the cunning and vision to seize the moment -- while keeping China and North Korea happy?
www.buzzsprout.com/1026985/epis...
Reposted by Mark Galeotti
Can we organise a sort of Davos-style boot camp for billionaires, where @markgaleotti.bsky.social explains to them how that works in Russia and how it rarely ends well for the local magnate?
This is obviously illegal. It is also very stupid. An unconstrained executive will quickly learn that the best way to pay for the government is to call together all of the billionaires and ask them who wants to demonstrate their patriotism the most
Donor Who Gave $130 Million to Pay Troops Is Reclusive Heir to Mellon Fortune
www.nytimes.com
October 25, 2025 at 2:54 PM
Can we organise a sort of Davos-style boot camp for billionaires, where @markgaleotti.bsky.social explains to them how that works in Russia and how it rarely ends well for the local magnate?
When Will Putin's War Machine Break Down? | One Decision
No, don't expect me to give a hard answer to that q! Was delighted to sit down with Kate McCann and Sir Richard Dearlove to talk about the war for the One Decision podcast
www.youtube.com/watch?v=vX_8...
No, don't expect me to give a hard answer to that q! Was delighted to sit down with Kate McCann and Sir Richard Dearlove to talk about the war for the One Decision podcast
www.youtube.com/watch?v=vX_8...
When Will Putin's War Machine Break Down? | One Decision
YouTube video by One Decision
www.youtube.com
October 24, 2025 at 7:34 AM
When Will Putin's War Machine Break Down? | One Decision
No, don't expect me to give a hard answer to that q! Was delighted to sit down with Kate McCann and Sir Richard Dearlove to talk about the war for the One Decision podcast
www.youtube.com/watch?v=vX_8...
No, don't expect me to give a hard answer to that q! Was delighted to sit down with Kate McCann and Sir Richard Dearlove to talk about the war for the One Decision podcast
www.youtube.com/watch?v=vX_8...
Tomahawk diplomacy: how Putin outmanoeuvred Zelensky
Trump may be bolstered by his success in the Middle East but the Donbas is not Gaza and the Russian president has cards still left to play
My latest for @thetimes.com (£)
www.thetimes.com/world/russia...
Trump may be bolstered by his success in the Middle East but the Donbas is not Gaza and the Russian president has cards still left to play
My latest for @thetimes.com (£)
www.thetimes.com/world/russia...
Tomahawk diplomacy: how Putin outmanoeuvred Zelensky
Trump may be bolstered by his success in the Middle East but the Donbas is not Gaza and the Russian president has cards still left to play
www.thetimes.com
October 19, 2025 at 7:06 PM
Tomahawk diplomacy: how Putin outmanoeuvred Zelensky
Trump may be bolstered by his success in the Middle East but the Donbas is not Gaza and the Russian president has cards still left to play
My latest for @thetimes.com (£)
www.thetimes.com/world/russia...
Trump may be bolstered by his success in the Middle East but the Donbas is not Gaza and the Russian president has cards still left to play
My latest for @thetimes.com (£)
www.thetimes.com/world/russia...
We need to talk about WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT PUTIN! I've just received the advance copies of the revised and updated version of my 2019 book from @penguinrandomhouse.bsky.social, out in the UK 13 November. Ukraine, Navalny, Prigozhin - lots to include but the core takes hold true.
October 16, 2025 at 1:48 PM
We need to talk about WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT PUTIN! I've just received the advance copies of the revised and updated version of my 2019 book from @penguinrandomhouse.bsky.social, out in the UK 13 November. Ukraine, Navalny, Prigozhin - lots to include but the core takes hold true.
«La Russia di Putin è prigioniera del passato. Una popolazione plasmata dalla guerra»
Somehow, I doubt the Italian translation of my FORGED IN WAR will fall into Putin's hand, but I appreciate the image, and the chance to talk to Corriere della Sera about the book
www.corriere.it/esteri/25_ot...
Somehow, I doubt the Italian translation of my FORGED IN WAR will fall into Putin's hand, but I appreciate the image, and the chance to talk to Corriere della Sera about the book
www.corriere.it/esteri/25_ot...
October 14, 2025 at 2:36 PM
«La Russia di Putin è prigioniera del passato. Una popolazione plasmata dalla guerra»
Somehow, I doubt the Italian translation of my FORGED IN WAR will fall into Putin's hand, but I appreciate the image, and the chance to talk to Corriere della Sera about the book
www.corriere.it/esteri/25_ot...
Somehow, I doubt the Italian translation of my FORGED IN WAR will fall into Putin's hand, but I appreciate the image, and the chance to talk to Corriere della Sera about the book
www.corriere.it/esteri/25_ot...