logo
episode-header-image
Apr 2022
22m 13s

General disarray: Russia’s military fail...

The Economist
About this episode
Before the invasion of Ukraine, Russia’s armed forces were believed to be lean, modern and fighting fit. We ask why they have performed so poorly. A life sentence for a Turkish activist portends heightened repression as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan heads for a tough election. And celebrating master harmonica player Toots Thielemans on the centenary of his birth. For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist, subscribe here www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Up next
Today
Party likes it 1959: Cuba in crisis
<p>The country’s Communist Party leadership continues to cling to old ideals amid on-again, off-again diplomacy with America—and the people’s suffering <a href="https://www.economist.com/the-americas/2025/11/18/cuba-is-heading-for-disaster-unless-its-regime-changes-drastically?ut ... Show More
23m 15s
Today
Trailer: Drum Tower
Gain a deeper understanding of China with Jeremy Page and Sarah Wu. <em>The Economist</em>’s China correspondents report from across the country and the places it influences beyond its borders. Jiehao Chen joins the discussion from London. This award-winning podcast takes on ever ... Show More
2 m
Yesterday
Wage against the machine: the distortions of minimum pay
<p>For decades governments have found minimum-wage rises a politically expedient means of redistribution. But the onward <a href="https://www.economist.com/leaders/2025/11/20/why-governments-should-stop-raising-the-minimum-wage?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_so ... Show More
22m 16s
Recommended Episodes
Feb 2021
Mutual-appreciation anxiety: Putin and Erdogan
The presidents of Turkey and Russia make an odd couple; their former empires have clashed over centuries. We look at the fragile—but nonetheless worrisome—<a href="https://www.economist.com/europe/2021/02/23/putin-and-erdogan-have-formed-a-brotherhood-of-hard-power?utm_campaign=t ... Show More
20m 30s
Jun 2023
Putin’s chef spoils the broth: mutiny in Russia
<p>Yevgeny Prigozhin, nicknamed “Putin’s chef”, leads the Wagner Group of mercenaries fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. He had lambasted Russia’s military leaders for months, but the mutiny he <a href="https://www.economist.com/europe/2023/06/24/wagner-rebels-turn-aga ... Show More
27m 14s
Sep 2023
Preparing for the long war: an interview with President Zelensky
<p>As the counter-offensive continues, Ukrainian forces are running out of time to make substantial gains. Diplomatic attempts to isolate Russia have failed and progress on the front lines is slowing. From the capital Kyiv, <a href="https://www.economist.com/europe/2023/09/10/thi ... Show More
24 m
Mar 2024
The Intelligence: Russia’s sham election
<p>Voting begins today in an <a href="https://www.economist.com/europe/2024/03/12/russians-go-to-the-polls-in-a-sham-election-for-their-president?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_ar ... Show More
23m 20s
Apr 2022
New weapons and aid arriving in Ukraine as a new phase of war begins
Russia is calling for the remaining troops in Mariupol to surrender after weeks of shelling have decimated the eastern city. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says tens of thousands have died in the siege. As Russian troops regroup ahead of their expected focus on the east, ... Show More
40m 29s
Jan 2024
The Intelligence: Volodymyr Zelensky on Ukraine’s year ahead
<p>As Vladimir Putin promises to intensify Russia’s attacks, Mr Zelensky is frustrated at the wavering support from the West. <a href="https://www.economist.com/europe/2024/01/01/a-new-years-interview-with-volodymr-zelensky?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source ... Show More
26m 25s
Jul 2023
The Ukrainian spymaster who Putin wants dead
Major-General Kyrylo Budanov is the head of Ukraine’s military intelligence - the 37-year-old has enjoyed a meteoric rise to become the country's youngest head of the organisation. Russia believes that he is lying in a coma in Germany following a missile strike on his headquarter ... Show More
31m 55s
Mar 2022
Russia’s war, Ukraine’s fight
The UN reports that 136 civilian deaths have been recorded since Russia invaded Ukraine seven days ago, although the real number is likely to be "far higher". Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, and its second largest city, Kharkiv, are braced for further violence from Russian troops after ... Show More
27m 9s
Mar 2024
In Ukraine: a popular president, a less popular war
After two years of leading a country at war, Ukraine’s president remains popular. But as support for the fight wavers both inside and outside the country, Volodymyr Zelensky faces a new set of high-stakes challenges. Does demoting a popular general signal a shift in military stra ... Show More
24m 26s