Wrongful detainees, exiled Putin dissidents, dirty Russian cash & Russian sanctions | Full Episodes

Wrongful Detainees (11s)

• Wrongful detainees are a growing problem: While most people associate the term "hostage" with terrorist groups, the majority of Americans imprisoned abroad are held by foreign governments. These individuals are considered "wrongful detainees" by the US government, and there are currently over 40 of them.
• Danny Fenster's case highlights the challenges: Danny Fenster, a journalist, was detained in Myanmar for nearly six months. His case illustrates the difficulties faced by wrongful detainees and their families. The US government struggled to obtain information about Fenster and secure his release due to the lack of diplomatic relations with the military regime.
• The US government's efforts and the role of special envoys: The US State Department has a special envoy for hostage affairs, Roger Carstens, who works to secure the release of Americans held abroad. However, the government faces challenges in negotiating with foreign governments, particularly when they demand concessions in exchange for the release of detainees. Bill Richardson, a former congressman and governor, took a more proactive approach, engaging with the Myanmar government and ultimately securing Fenster's release.

The Capital of Free Russia (13m29s)

• Vilnius, Lithuania, has become a haven for Russian exiles fleeing Putin's regime. The city is a symbol of resistance against Russia, with Ukrainian flags displayed prominently and the Russian embassy's address changed to "Heroes of Ukraine Street." Lithuania has welcomed over 2,500 Russian exiles and is committed to providing shelter to those seeking freedom and democracy.
• Anastasia Shevchenko, a Russian activist, fled to Lithuania after facing persecution for her opposition to Putin. Shevchenko's daughter, Alina, who was severely disabled, died in a Russian hospital due to inadequate care and lack of access to medication. Shevchenko's activism against Putin stemmed from her personal experiences with the Russian government's neglect and abuse.
• Sergey Devidas, a human rights activist and former leader of the Nobel Peace Prize-winning organization Memorial, also sought refuge in Lithuania. He highlights the increasing crackdown on dissent in Russia, with political arrests, violence, and torture becoming commonplace. Devidas emphasizes the complete suppression of independent media and the spread of government-controlled propaganda.
• The chapter showcases the efforts of Russian exiles in Lithuania to counter Putin's propaganda and provide a platform for truth. Radio hosts Tatiana Fakhhower and Alexander Pef, who were silenced in Russia, now stream their show on YouTube, offering a space for honest discussion about the war in Ukraine. Lithuanian authorities are also actively working to combat Russian disinformation by displaying posters on trains traveling through Lithuania, exposing the truth about Putin's actions to Russian citizens.
• The chapter also highlights the dangers faced by Russian exiles in Lithuania. Leonid Volkov, a top aide to Putin's late rival Alexei Navalny, was attacked with a hammer in Vilnius, highlighting the potential for Russian retaliation against dissidents. Despite these risks, exiles remain determined to fight for a free and democratic Russia.

Londongrad (27m2s)

• London has become a haven for Russian oligarchs, earning the nickname "Londongrad." The UK has actively courted Russian billionaires for decades, welcoming them with open arms and granting them citizenship despite concerns about the origins of their wealth. This has led to a significant influx of Russian money into the UK, which has been used to purchase luxury properties, fund businesses, and even influence British politics.
• The UK's lax approach to Russian money has allowed oligarchs to launder their wealth and build influence. A 2019 report by Dominic Grieve, a former Conservative MP, found that the UK was vulnerable to Russian interference due to the vast amount of Russian money flowing into the country. This money has been used to buy influence and potentially undermine Western democracies.
• The UK is now facing pressure to crack down on Russian oligarchs and their money. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the UK has begun to take action against Russian oligarchs, imposing sanctions and freezing assets. However, critics argue that these measures are too little, too late, and that the UK has been complicit in allowing Russian money to corrupt its institutions for too long.

Economic Shock and Awe (40m15s)

• The Biden administration has implemented a comprehensive economic sanctions campaign against Russia, aiming to cripple its economy and deter further aggression. This strategy, dubbed "economic shock and awe," involves cutting off Russia from the global financial system, freezing assets of Russian oligarchs, and targeting key sectors of the Russian economy.
• The sanctions have had a significant impact, causing the ruble to plummet, the Moscow Stock Exchange to shutter, and numerous companies to withdraw from Russia. The Russian government has acknowledged the economic hardship, warning of rising prices and unemployment.
• While the sanctions are intended to pressure Putin to end the war, there are concerns about potential unintended consequences, such as a backlash from Russia or a strengthening of ties between Russia and other sanctioned countries like China. The administration maintains that the sanctions are not about regime change but about ensuring that Putin's actions are seen as a strategic failure.