Kremlin File

Thank you to everyone who tuned in to our latest episode of Pax Americana!Julie Roginsky and I delved into some of the biggest Russia-related developments this week and how they intersect with the U.S. and Europe. If you missed it, here’s a recap of what we covered:* Armenia: For nearly a year, Russia ran multi-faceted operations against Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, fusing disinformation, political pressure, economic coercion, and influence operations to remove him from power. Despite these efforts, Pashinyan’s Civil Contract party won nearly 50% of the vote, defeating the Kremlin-backed opposition alliance.* Ukraine has successfully been targeting the land corridor connecting Russia to illegally occupied Crimea and southern Ukraine, striking logistics routes, fuel supplies, military convoys, and infrastructure along the Mariupol–Melitopol highway. Recent attacks have also destroyed the Chonhar Bridge, one of the key links connecting occupied Crimea to mainland Ukraine.Read More: Kyiv Independent* Russian-installed authorities in Crimea have introduced fuel rationing measures as Ukrainian strikes continue targeting oil facilities, pumping stations, supply routes, and infrastructure. Reports describe limits on fuel purchases and disruptions to supply chains.Read More: Reuters* Despite heavy losses in Ukraine, Russia is expanding military bases, barracks, equipment storage facilities, and ammunition depots near the borders of Finland, Norway, and Baltics. A joint Nordic-Baltic investigation found the buildup could increase Russian troop levels in the region from roughly 20,000 to as many as 80,000–115,000, fueling concerns among Western intelligence officials that Moscow is preparing for a longer-term confrontation with NATO.* In the same week that Russia’s State Duma approved legislation creating a registry of every mobile phone operating in the country, news emerged that the Federal Communications Commission is advancing proposals that could make owning burner phones significantly more difficult in the United States.* In the Moscow region, a car bomb killed Lt. General Damir Davydov, a Russian official responsible for heavy ammunition programs. Another bomb was reportedly discovered and defused in Moscow.Read More: The Guardian* Leaked Paradise Papers documents show that Amaryllis Fox Kennedy, a Trump intel advisor, served as president of an offshore company owned by her father while helping pursue payments from Renaissance Capital, a Kremlin investment bank staffed by Russian intelligence officers.Read More: ICIJEach week on Pax Americana, we expose Russia’s playbook and its dangerous intersections with U.S. politics. We break down:* Updates on Russia’s genocidal war in Ukraine* Russia’s latest news and moves* The latest on Moscow’s hybrid warfare tactics in the U.S. and Europe* Sanctions, corruption, and Kremlin networks* Disinformation and malign influence operations* Tactics that Trump is using in the U.S. mirroring Russia’s system—politicizing law enforcement; attacking the press, universities, protesters, and opposition— and turning institutions into tools to consolidate power Get full access to Unmasking Russia at olgalautman.substack.com/subscribe

Thank you to everyone who tuned in to our latest episode of Pax Americana!Julie Roginsky and I delved into some of the biggest Russia-related developments this week and how they intersect with the U.S. and Europe. If you missed it, here’s a recap of what we covered:* China’s Xi gives Putin a red-carpet welcome – and makes a veiled jab at the USChinese leader Xi Jinping hailed ties with Russia as a force for “calm amid chaos” during a meeting with Vladimir Putin in Beijing on Wednesday, days after Xi hosted President Donald Trump for a US-China summit. Xi alluded to an increasingly fractious international situation – and took a veiled jab at the US – as he sat down with Putin in the Great Hall of the People for meetings kicking off the Russian leader’s roughly 24-hour state visit in the Chinese capital. “The international situation is marked by intertwined turbulence and transformation, while unilateral hegemonic currents are running rampant,” Xi said, using Beijing’s typical language to criticize what it sees as American foreign policy overreach.Read More: CNN* Russians covertly trained by China return to fight in UkraineChina’s armed forces secretly trained about 200 Russian military personnel in China late last year and some have since returned to fight in Ukraine, according to three European intelligence agencies and documents seen by Reuters.While China and Russia have held a number of joint military exercises since Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Beijing has repeatedly stated that it is neutral in the conflict and presents itself as a peace mediator.According to Reuters and secret documents reviewed by WELT, China covertly trained around 200 Russian troops on Chinese soil in late 2025, including drone operators, electronic warfare specialists, and combat personnel later deployed to illegally occupied Crimea and Zaporizhzhia Oblast. The training took place under a confidential Russian-Chinese military agreement signed in Beijing in July 2025 that explicitly barred media coverage and disclosure to third parties.* Internal Russian documents detail estimated cost of war, Zelensky saysInternal Russian documents obtained by Ukraine revealed the mounting costs Moscow has suffered as a result of its full-scale war, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on May 18, pointing to key indicators of Russia’s deepening economic strain.The estimates, which Zelensky said were presented by acting Foreign Intelligence Service chief Oleh Luhovskyi, show conditions the Kremlin “is trying to conceal both from the world and from their own domestic audience.”According to Zelensky, the first indicator is a reduction in active oil wells, with one Russian oil company reportedly forced to suspend operations at roughly 400 sites.“Given the specifics of Russian oil production, these are significant losses, as restarting wells in Russia is far more difficult than in other oil-producing countries,” Zelensky said.Read More: Kyiv Independent* Treasury extends Russian oil sanctions waiver for another monthTrump officials extended for a third straight month a Treasury waiver allowing countries to continue purchasing Russian crude already loaded on tankers, despite earlier promises to let the exemption expire.Source: PoliticoUnmasking Russia is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.* The email glitch that blindsided Poland on US troop movePoland’s military leadership was caught off guard by the Pentagon’s decision to suspend the planned deployment of more than 4,000 U.S. troops to Poland after a classified American warning reportedly sat unread in the inbox of Poland’s top general. Polish officials ultimately learned about the canceled deployment through American media reports.Source: Politico EU* ‘Disposable spies’: Poland records unprecedented number of Russian espionage casesWarsaw has recorded an unprecedented number of hybrid attacks on its territory since 2024, Poland’s internal security service (ABW) said in a report published this week. Amateur spies once used by Russian intelligence services have laid the groundwork for more complex operations, according to a researcher following the emergence of these “single-use agents”.Read More: France 24* A Russian ship sank in mysterious circumstances. It may have been carrying submarine nuclear reactors to North KoreaA Russian cargo ship likely carrying two nuclear reactors for submarines, possibly destined for North Korea, suffered a series of explosions and sank in unexplained circumstances, about 60 miles off the coast of Spain, a CNN investigation has found.The extraordinary fate of the Ursa Major has been shrouded in secrecy since it sank on December 23, 2024. But it may mark a rare and high-stakes intervention by a Western military to prevent Russia from sending an upgrade in nuclear technology to a key ally, North Korea, CNN reporting suggests. The ship set sail just two months after Kim Jong Un had sent troops to assist with Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.Read More: CNN* Russia threatens Latvia over unfounded claims of Ukrainian drone launch plansRussia’s foreign intelligence service on May 19 threatened a military attack against Latvia after making unfounded accusations about plans for Ukrainian drone launches from Latvian territory.The claim comes amid Moscow’s increasing inability to fend off Ukrainian drone attacks, which it falsely claims are made possible by the Baltic states granting Kyiv access to their airspace.“It would be useful to remind that the coordinates of decision-making centers on Latvian territory are well known,” reads the press statement from the Russian foreign intelligence service (SVR), suggesting a willingness to launch air strikes against the Latvian government.Latvia’s “membership in NATO will not protect terrorist accomplices from fair retribution,” the Russian spy agency added.Baiba Braze, Latvia’s foreign minister, already called out Russia’s claims on X, writing: “Latvia does NOT provide airspace for attacks on Russia. That has been explained several times to Russian representatives.”Read More: Kyiv IndependentEach week on Pax Americana, we expose Russia’s playbook and its dangerous intersections with U.S. politics. We break down:* Updates on Russia’s genocidal war in Ukraine* Russia’s latest news and moves* The latest on Moscow’s hybrid warfare tactics in the U.S. and Europe* Sanctions, corruption, and Kremlin networks* Disinformation and malign influence operations* Tactics that Trump is using in the U.S. mirroring Russia’s system—politicizing law enforcement; attacking the press, universities, protesters, and opposition— and turning institutions into tools to consolidate power Get full access to Unmasking Russia at olgalautman.substack.com/subscribe

Get full access to Unmasking Russia at olgalautman.substack.com/subscribe

Get full access to Unmasking Russia at olgalautman.substack.com/subscribe

Get full access to Unmasking Russia at olgalautman.substack.com/subscribe

Get full access to Unmasking Russia at olgalautman.substack.com/subscribe

Get full access to Unmasking Russia at olgalautman.substack.com/subscribe

Get full access to Unmasking Russia at olgalautman.substack.com/subscribe

Thank you to everyone who tuned in to our latest episode of Pax Americana! Below are the show notes… See you next week!Julie Roginsky and I are excited to announce our Fall 2025 seminar: a 6-week discussion on information warfare, disinformation, and media manipulation—exclusively for our paid subscribers.Starts: Wednesday, September 24 at 3:00 PM ETMeets: Weekly on Wednesdays (Sept 17–Oct 22)Format: ZoomZoom link will be sent separately on Wednesday at 2:30 PM ET. Cut-off for registration is September 24 at 2:00 PM ET.Slides will be emailed the following day…Registration Link:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe551pR8NzIWqCrKQZeJ5aWX0TsSTfQFZ8Ol9_YwP6qTsFnhg/viewform?usp=headerShow Notes* Julie and I were excited to have The Ken Harbaugh Show join us to discuss his amazing work in Ukraine and his latest article in the Atlantic. The Atlantic* US military officers observe Russia-Belarus war games as Trump gets closer to Minsk U.S. military officers observed joint war games between Russia and Belarus on Monday for the first time since Moscow used Belarus as a launchpad to enter Ukraine, as U.S. President Donald Trump deepens ties with Moscow's closest ally. The presence of the U.S. officers, less than a week after neighbouring Poland shot down Russian drones that crossed into its airspace, is the latest sign that Washington is seeking to warm ties with Belarus.Source: Reuters* The Most Terrifying Thing Trump Has Done* Graham, Blumenthal, Britt and Klobuchar Introduce Legislation to Designate Russia A State Sponsor of Terrorism If They Don’t Return Kidnapped Ukrainian ChildrenU.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut), Katie Britt (R-Alabama) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota) today introduced legislation that would designate Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism under U.S. law if they fail to return the more than 19,000 Ukrainian children that have been kidnapped during the course of the war.* Russian drone incursion into Poland ‘was Kremlin test on Nato’Poland’s foreign minister has said the Russian drone incursion into Polish airspace was an attempt by the Kremlin to test Nato’s reactions by incremental escalations without prompting a full-scale response, as Romania became the second Nato country to report an incursion in a matter of days and protested to Moscow over what it called an “unacceptable” act.Radosław Sikorski confirmed that while the drones that entered Poland last week were capable of carrying ammunition, they were not loaded with explosives. “Interestingly, they were all duds, which suggests to me that Russia tried to test us without starting a war,” Sikorski told the Guardian in Kyiv.* From Russia's Playbook to Trump’s America* Julie and my latest chapter from our new seriesEach week on Pax Americana, we expose Russia’s playbook and its dangerous intersections with U.S. politics. We’ll break down:* Updates on Russia’s genocidal war in Ukraine* Russia’s latest news and moves* The latest on Moscow’s hybrid warfare tactics in the U.S. and Europe* Sanctions, corruption, and Kremlin networks* Disinformation and malign influence operations* Tactics that Trump is using in the U.S. mirroring Russia’s system—politicizing law enforcement, attacking the press, universities, protesters, and opposition— and turning institutions into tools to consolidate power.Tune in each week as we go beyond the headlines, delivering the unfiltered truth and exposing Russia’s playbook in real-time. From Ukraine to Washington, we’ll break down how Russia’s tactics—oligarchy, disinformation, propaganda, political repression, and institutional capture—are being mirrored in the U.S. and what it means for the future of America.📅 Join us every Thursday at 11 AM ET on Substack Live for Pax Americana.📅 Join us every Tuesday at 12:30 PM ET on Substack Live for our Active Measures series.Thanks for reading Unmasking Russia! This post is public, so feel free to share it. Get full access to Unmasking Russia at olgalautman.substack.com/subscribe

Get full access to Unmasking Russia at olgalautman.substack.com/subscribe

Get full access to Unmasking Russia at olgalautman.substack.com/subscribe

Get full access to Unmasking Russia at olgalautman.substack.com/subscribe

Thank you to everyone who tuned in to our latest episode of Pax Americana! Below are the show notes… See you next week!Disinfo Series on Zoom Starts Sept 17Julie Roginsky and I are so excited to announce our Fall 2025 seminar: a 6-week discussion on information warfare, disinformation, and media manipulation— exclusively for our paid subscribers.Starts: Wednesday, September 17 at 3:00 PM ETMeets: Weekly on Wednesdays (Sept 17–Oct 22)Format: ZoomZoom link will be sent separately on Wednesday at 2:30 PM ET. Cut-off for registration is September 17 at 2:00 PM ET.Slides will be emailed the following day…Registration Link:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSccVY1gdQvAJLIsN8ahz0oRRl1bsyqDupu1Ixx5SEcWZLZ6kg/viewform?usp=headerShow Notes* Russian drones deep inside PolandNATO warplanes, including Dutch F-35s and Polish F-16s, shot down multiple Russian drones deep inside Poland—the first direct alliance engagement against Russian weapons over member territory. Russia’s attack forced airport closures and damaged homes. It prompted Prime Minister Donald Tusk to invoke NATO Article 4, calling it “the closest we have been to open conflict since World War II.” Source: Wall Street Journal* Poland and Latvia Restrict Airspace Near Russian and Belarusian Borders After Drone IncursionPoland and Latvia barred drones and low-flying aircraft along their borders with Russia and Belarus after NATO jets shot down Russian drones inside Polish territory. The restrictions, which don’t affect commercial flights, are meant to give NATO and local defenses room to intercept further incursions. Source: The Moscow Times* Poland closes all border crossings with Belarus: about 1,700 cars in queuesThe State Border Committee of Belarus reported that it had received an official notification from the Polish Border Service about the closure of all remaining active checkpoints on the Belarusian-Polish border. Source: The Insider (Russian language) * Belarus frees 52 prisoners after Trump appeal, US eases some sanctions on MinskBelarus released 52 prisoners, including journalist Ihar Losik and 14 foreign nationals, after a personal appeal from Donald Trump. In return, Washington eased sanctions on Belarus’ national airline Belavia, even as opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya warned the gesture covered only a fraction of political prisoners and signaled no real change in Lukashenko’s rule. Source: Reuters* Belarusian spy network uncovered by Eurojust operation, Moldovan ex-intel chief arrestedA Eurojust-backed operation involving Czechia, Romania, Hungary, and Moldova exposed a Belarusian KGB spy ring spanning multiple countries. Among those arrested was Alexandru Bălan, Moldova’s former deputy intelligence chief, accused of passing state secrets and meeting Belarusian officers in Budapest. Source: Euroactiv* Russian spy drones over GermanyRussian surveillance drones are conducting reconnaissance flights over eastern Germany to track arms shipments to Ukraine, with over 530 drone sightings recorded in the first three months of this year alone, according to Western intelligence services. Source: Euronews* Russia plans to produce nearly 2,500 high-precision missiles in 2025Russia is expected to manufacture close to 2,500 high-precision missiles in 2025, spanning cruise, ballistic, and hypersonic classes, Vadym Skibitsky, the deputy head of Ukraine's military intelligence agency, said in an interview with Ukrinform. Source: Kyiv Independent* 123,000 flights disrupted by Russian signals – threatening flight safetyIn four months, nearly 123,000 flights have been disrupted by Russian signals that interfere with GPS and other satellite systems. This is according to a report from Sweden and five neighboring countries that SVT has reviewed. Source: TVP World and SVT (In Swedish)* Julie and my latest chapter from our new seriesEach week on Pax Americana, we expose Russia’s playbook and its dangerous intersections with U.S. politics. We’ll break down:* Updates on Russia’s genocidal war in Ukraine* Russia’s latest news and moves* The latest on Moscow’s hybrid warfare tactics in the U.S. and Europe* Sanctions, corruption, and Kremlin networks* Disinformation and malign influence operations* Tactics that Trump is using in the U.S. mirroring Russia’s system—politicizing law enforcement, attacking the press, universities, protesters, and opposition— and turning institutions into tools to consolidate power.Tune in each week as we go beyond the headlines, delivering the unsanitized truth and exposing Russia’s playbook in real time. From Ukraine to Washington, we’ll break down how Russia’s tactics—oligarchy, disinformation, propaganda, political repression, and institutional capture—are being mirrored in the U.S. and what it means for the future of America.📅 Join us every Thursday at 11 AM ET on Substack Live!Thanks for reading Unmasking Russia! This post is public, so feel free to share it. Get full access to Unmasking Russia at olgalautman.substack.com/subscribe

Get full access to Unmasking Russia at olgalautman.substack.com/subscribe

Get full access to Unmasking Russia at olgalautman.substack.com/subscribe

Get full access to Unmasking Russia at olgalautman.substack.com/subscribe

Thank you to everyone who tuned in to our latest episode of Pax Americana! Below are the show notes… See you next week!Show Notes* Trump-Putin MeetTrump’s shady real estate associate Steve Witkoff met with Putin in Moscow yesterday. The Kremlin announced a potential Trump-Putin summit as early as next week, with Trump floating the idea of including Zelenskyy. Earlier today, the White House pushed back, saying no meeting will happen. Regardless, Trump continues buying time for Russia as it escalates its genocidal war. Source: CNN and ABC News for today’s update* Russia Launched Record 6,129 Drones Against Ukraine in JulyRussia launched a record 6,129 Shahed-type drones on Ukraine in July, surpassing June’s 5,337. Daily swarms now hit up to 728 drones, devastating civilian areas and causing mass casualties—an enormous escalation from 423 drones in July 2024. Ukrainian officials warn the true count may be higher as Russia ramps up drone production. Source: Kyiv Independent* Lithuania Requests NATO Help Boost Its Air Defenses After Second Drone Crosses BorderLithuania has formally asked NATO to deploy additional air defense resources, including experimental systems, after a Russian drone carrying explosives entered from Belarus and crashed in a military training zone. This marks the second such incident in July, with officials warning these incursions are likely to continue. Source: Politico* Russia Moves Jamming Systems Closer to NATO Border, Estonia SaysEstonia revealed that Russia has deployed additional electronic warfare systems near the Estonian border, specifically in the area around Kingisepp—just 12 miles from NATO territory. These jamming systems, used in Ukraine to disrupt drones and GPS signals, are now interfering with civilian aviation and maritime navigation in the Baltic region. Source: Bloomberg* Russia's sending kidnapped Ukrainian children to front line’Ukraine’s government says Russia is conscripting abducted Ukrainian children into its military. An estimated 35,000 children have been stolen since 2014 (though Russia claims over 700,000), and some are being forced to fight against Ukraine. Zelenskyy’s chief of staff confirmed that the bodies of former stolen children have been found on the battlefield, and Yale researchers are investigating what they describe as a growing "conscription-to-combat pipeline." Source: The Times* Russia’s Hybrid War on Moldovan DemocracyWith Moldova’s September 28 parliamentary elections approaching, Russia is already executing a full-scale hybrid interference operation to destabilize the pro-European government of President Maia Sandu. Tactics include mass vote buying via an app, AI-generated fake news, paid protests, and cyberattacks—while pro-Kremlin oligarchs like Ilan Shor and Vladimir Plahotniuc orchestrate efforts from abroad. Source: Reuters* Durham’s Debunking of the ‘Clinton Plan’ Emails, ExplainedTrump allies pushed a declassified claim that Hillary Clinton orchestrated the Russia probe to smear Trump. But Special Counsel John Durham concluded the so-called “Clinton Plan” emails were likely Russian fabrications and created by Russian intelligence—assembled using info from real hacked emails to appear authentic and mislead U.S. intelligence. Source: New York Times* NY Times reported John Durham found the “Clinton Plan” emails were likely created by Russian spies. Right-wing media are running with them as legitimate.John Durham’s Russia probe revealed that so-called “Clinton Plan” emails were likely fabricated by Russian intelligence. But right-wing media are pushing the documents as “proof” that Clinton plotted to frame Trump, calling it a “soft coup” and demanding prosecutions. Source: Media Matters* Julie and my new seriesEach week on Pax Americana, we expose Russia’s playbook and its dangerous intersections with U.S. politics. We’ll break down:* Updates on Russia’s genocidal war in Ukraine* Russia’s latest news and moves* The latest on Moscow’s hybrid warfare tactics in the U.S. and Europe* Sanctions, corruption, and Kremlin networks* Disinformation and malign influence operations* Tactics that Trump is using in the U.S. mirroring Russia’s system—politicizing law enforcement, attacking the press, universities, protesters, and opposition— and turning institutions into tools to consolidate power.Tune in each week as we go beyond the headlines, delivering the unsanitized truth and exposing Russia’s playbook in real time. From Ukraine to Washington, we’ll break down how Russia’s tactics—oligarchy, disinformation, propaganda, political repression, and institutional capture—are being mirrored in the U.S. and what it means for the future of America.📅 Join us every Thursday at 11 AM ET on Substack Live!Catch up on our last episode…Thanks for reading Unmasking Russia! This post is public, so feel free to share it. Get full access to Unmasking Russia at olgalautman.substack.com/subscribe

Thank you to everyone who tuned in to our latest episode of Pax Americana! Below are the show notes… See you next week!Show Notes* Julie’s article: Fascism is Here* Trump-Putin: During a Cabinet meeting, Trump criticized Putin’s rhetoric as “a lot of b******t,” dismissed his “very nice” but “meaningless” tone, and announced his intent to supply Ukraine with defensive weapons. This is after Trump ended Congressionally approved weapons shipments, already staged in Poland, last week. Actions speak louder than words. Source: Guardian* State propaganda ordered to scold Trump after harsh remarks against Putin: After Trump called Putin’s words “b******t” and “pledged” more arms for Ukraine, Russian state media was instructed to lash out, accusing him of “Bidenization” and mocking his intelligence. Kremlin propagandists and bots flooded channels with insults. Source: Moscow Times Russian Edition* Russian military launches a record-breaking air assault on Ukraine: Russia launched two massive aerial assaults on Ukraine this week—first with 728 drones and 13 missiles on Tuesday, then with 400 drones and 18 missiles on Thursday—and marked a shift in tactics with multi-directional, high-altitude strikes. Kyiv called for tougher sanctions as Zelenskyy warned of Russia’s escalating terror. Source: New York Times and CNN* Säpo Reports Increase in Hybrid Threat Incidents in Sweden: Sweden’s Security Service (Säpo) reports a sharp increase in hybrid threat incidents, including sabotage of telecom masts, GPS disruptions, and cable breaks. While officials urge caution in blaming foreign actors, military intelligence warns Russia is growing bolder in exploiting instability and spreading propaganda to sow public distrust. Source: Sweden Herald* Dutch and Norwegian F-35s to patrol Eastern European skies to deter threats from Russia: The Netherlands will deploy F-35 fighter jets to Poland from September 1 to December 1 as part of a NATO mission to protect the delivery of military aid to Ukraine. Operating alongside Norwegian F-35s, the jets will enforce NATO airspace under the alliance’s Quick Reaction Alert system, ready to intercept Russian aircraft. Source: The Insider* Russia striking NATO while China invades Taiwan 'plausible' scenario, experts say: NATO officials are warning that a two-front war—with China invading Taiwan and Russia striking NATO—is now “plausible.” A statement from Secretary General Mark Rutte reveals concern that Beijing may coordinate with Moscow to divide and distract Western forces. Source: Kyiv IndependentEach week on Pax Americana, we expose Russia’s playbook and its dangerous intersections with U.S. politics. We’ll break down:* Updates on Russia’s genocidal war in Ukraine* Russia’s latest news and moves* The latest on Moscow’s hybrid warfare tactics in the U.S. and Europe* Sanctions, corruption, and Kremlin networks* Disinformation and malign influence operations* Tactics that Trump is using in the U.S. mirroring Russia’s system—politicizing law enforcement; attacking the press, universities, protesters, and opposition— and turning institutions into tools to consolidate power.Tune in each week as we go beyond the headlines, delivering the unsanitized truth and exposing Russia’s playbook in real time. From Ukraine to Washington, we’ll break down how Russia’s tactics—oligarchy, disinformation, propaganda, political repression, and institutional capture—are being mirrored in the U.S. and what it means for the future of America.📅 Join us every Thursday at 11 AM ET on Substack Live!Thanks for reading Unmasking Russia! This post is public so feel free to share it.Catch up on the last episode… Get full access to Unmasking Russia at olgalautman.substack.com/subscribe

Thank you 💛 to everyone who tuned in to our latest episode of Pax Americana!Show Notes* Julie’s article:* Putin-Trump Call: According to Russian state media, Putin and Trump reaffirmed their interest in joint economic projects, specifically in energy and space. “As part of the exchange of opinions on bilateral matters, mutual interest in implementing a number of promising economic projects was confirmed, in particular in energy and space exploration,” said Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov. Source: Russian state media* Pentagon halting promised munitions for Ukraine: The Pentagon, under Trump appointee Elbridge Colby, has frozen delivery of critical air defense systems and munitions to Ukraine, citing “low stockpiles”—even though the aid was already approved by Congress, and some weapons are in Poland. The pause comes as Russia unleashes its heaviest aerial assault yet, with over 5,400 drones and hundreds of missiles fired in June. Source: Politico* Russia Amasses 50,000 Troops Around Sumy, Putting Ukraine in Precarious Position: Russia has massed 50,000 troops near Sumy, just 12 miles from the city, opening a new front. Outnumbered 3-to-1, Ukraine is depending on elite units like the Timur Special Forces to hold the line. Source: Wall Street Journal* North Korea to Send 30,000 Troops to Fight for Russia in Ukraine: North Korea plans to deploy up to 30,000 troops to support Russia’s war in Ukraine, according to Ukrainian and Western intelligence. This follows a prior secret deployment of 11,000 North Korean soldiers in late 2024, which Moscow later confirmed. Satellite imagery, flight data, and military logistics indicate preparations for the new deployment are underway, with Russian forces integrating North Korean units into combat roles and front-line operations. Source: CNN* Deputy Chief of the Russian Navy Dies in Kursk Region: Ukrainian troops fired a HIMARS MLRS at a private house in Korenevo, where a temporary deployment point for Russian troops was located. According to Russian military bloggers, 22 people in total were killed as a result of a Ukrainian HIMARS strike in Russia's Kursk Oblast bordering Ukraine. Kyiv has yet to comment on the attack. Source: BBC* Tensions Between Russia and Azerbaijan Are Escalating: Relations between Russia and Azerbaijan have sharply deteriorated in recent weeks following the deaths of ethnic Azerbaijanis during a Russian police operation, the crash of an Azerbaijani airliner allegedly hit by Russian air defenses, and growing Azerbaijani ties with Ukraine and Turkey. Baku has arrested Russian nationals, raided Kremlin media offices, and publicly condemned Russian abuses—while Moscow retaliated with threats and detentions of Azerbaijani community leaders. Source: Associated Press, Moscow Times, and Meduza* A Pro-Russia Disinformation Network Is Using Free AI to Flood the Internet with Fakes: A Kremlin-backed disinformation campaign called Operation Overload is flooding the internet with fake content generated by free AI tools. Researchers found over 587 AI-generated images, videos, and websites impersonating real media and pushing racist, anti-immigrant narratives between September 2024 and May 2025. Source: WIREDEach week on Pax Americana, we expose Russia’s playbook and its dangerous intersections with U.S. politics. We’ll break down:* Updates on Russia’s genocidal war in Ukraine* Russia’s latest news and moves* The latest on Moscow’s hybrid warfare tactics in the U.S. and Europe* Sanctions, corruption, and Kremlin networks* Disinformation and malign influence operations* Tactics that Trump is using in the U.S. mirroring Russia’s system—politicizing law enforcement; attacking the press, universities, protesters, and opposition— and turning institutions into tools to consolidate power.Tune in each week as we go beyond the headlines, delivering the unsanitized truth and exposing Russia’s playbook in real time. From Ukraine to Washington, we’ll break down how Russia’s tactics—oligarchy, disinformation, propaganda, political repression, and institutional capture—are being mirrored in the U.S. and what it means for the future of America.📅 Join us every Thursday at 11 AM ET on Substack Live!Thanks for reading Unmasking Russia! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Unmasking Russia at olgalautman.substack.com/subscribe

Thank you 💛 to everyone who tuned in to our latest episode of Pax Americana!Programming Alert: There will be no live episode of Pax Americana on June 12. We will resume our episodes on June 19…Town Hall Alert: Zoom Meeting on June 17 @ 3:00 PM ESTAlso, join our virtual town hall on June 17 for our paid subscribers for an urgent and important conversation. We’ll discuss the path forward, answer your questions, and continue building this strong, informed, and vibrant Pax Americana community. This event is open to all paid subscribers—whether you’re with me or with Julie Roginsky, Salty Politics, you’re invited to join us. Please use the registration link below to sign up!Registration Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1InLg53QPkQrTTJVEQxqgsaiLdgHocpF3s8D09iS-wkA/editShow Notes* Putin-Trump Call: Putin and Trump held a call in which they discussed Ukraine’s attacks on Russian airfields and Iran’s nuclear program—but the real story lies in what the media isn’t focusing on. Also, missing from the Trump-Putin conversation was any condemnation of Russian aggression, any defense of U.S. allies, or any push for accountability—revealing once again Trump’s fealty to Moscow Source: CNN * Trump Official Who Dismantled Russia Disinfo Unit Tied to Kremlin via Wife’s Family: Darren Beattie, the Trump appointee who shut down the State Department’s Russia disinformation agency, is married to Yulia Kirillova—whose uncle has been thanked by Putin and held Kremlin posts. Beattie, previously ousted for white nationalist ties, is known for disseminating pro-Kremlin and anti-NATO propaganda. Source: Telegraph* Russia's Useful Idiots, Trump's inner circle sides with Putin -- again:* Hegseth will skip a meeting on organizing military aid to Ukraine in a first for the US: For the first time since its creation, the U.S. defense secretary will not attend the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting. Pete Hegseth won’t appear in person or virtually as over 50 nations gather to coordinate military support for Ukraine. Source: Associated Press* Official Involved in Withholding Ukraine Aid Confirmed for Defense Role: The Senate confirmed Michael Duffey—who infamously ordered the freeze on Ukraine military aid in Trump’s first term—to serve as undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment. Source: Reuters* Under Trump, State Department questions Europe’s commitment to “democracy.” Trump is accusing key European allies of “free speech backsliding” and plans to impose visa bans on officials tied to online content moderation. A new “Office of Natural Rights” is being created to push this line, while Trump praises far-right leaders like Marine Le Pen and Viktor Orbán. Source: Washington Post* State Dept. Launches “Remigration” Office to Advance Trump Deportation Agenda: The State Department is replacing its refugee bureau with an “Office of Remigration” to carry out Trump’s mass deportation agenda. The plan slashes 300 offices and purges over 3,400 jobs, gutting refugee support in favor of expulsion. Source: The Guardian* Each week on Pax Americana, we expose Russia’s playbook and its dangerous intersections with U.S. politics. We’ll break down:* Updates on Russia’s genocidal war in Ukraine* Russia’s latest news and moves* The latest on Moscow’s hybrid warfare tactics in the U.S. and Europe* Sanctions, corruption, and Kremlin networks* Disinformation and malign influence operations* Tactics that Trump is using in the U.S. mirroring Russia’s system—politicizing law enforcement; attacking the press, universities, protesters, and opposition— and turning institutions into tools to consolidate power.Don’t forget to subscribe to Julie’s Substack for amazing insights!Tune in each week as we go beyond the headlines, delivering the unsanitized truth and exposing Russia’s playbook in real-time. From Ukraine to Washington, we’ll break down how Russia’s tactics—oligarchy, disinformation, propaganda, political repression, and institutional capture—are being mirrored in the U.S. and what it means for the future of America.📅 Join us every Thursday at 11 AM ET on Substack Live!Thanks for reading Unmasking Russia! This post is public, so feel free to share it.Catch up on the last episode… Get full access to Unmasking Russia at olgalautman.substack.com/subscribe

Thank you 💛 to everyone who tuned in to our latest episode of Pax Americana!Julie Roginsky and I explored some of the most significant Russia-related developments of the week and their implications for the U.S. and Europe. Also, thank you to everyone who joined Julie and me for yesterday’s AMA on Zoom—it was such a great conversation, and we really enjoyed connecting with everyone. We’ll be hosting these virtual town halls for our paid subscribers a few times each month, with the next one coming up in mid-June. Stay tuned for the exact date and time…Show Notes from today’s episode* Russia, Stalin, and their new claims that the dissolution of USSR was “illegal” —Russia is resurrecting Stalin statues and glorifying his legacy, in its campaign to whitewash Soviet crimes. And, the Kremlin now pushes the narrative that the USSR was illegally dissolved—part of a broader effort to rewrite history, legitimize imperial ambitions, and erase the truth of past atrocities. Source: @BBCSteveR on X* Elon Musk, unauthorized Doge, and our data —Also, an article I wrote…* Ukraine, Trump theatre, and the failure of media —Also, check out Julie’s article … * Noem blasts 'weak' European leaders, stumps for conservative candidate in Poland —Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stunned diplomats by endorsing far-right Polish candidate Karol Nawrocki at CPAC Warsaw, slamming his opponent as “a train wreck” and attacking Biden over immigration and terrorism. Source: ABC News* Germany Deploys First Permanent Brigade Abroad Since WWII to Bolster NATO DefenseWhat Happened: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz inaugurated a permanent German army brigade in Lithuania—marking Germany’s first long-term foreign troop deployment since World War II. The 5,000-strong unit, to be fully operational by 2027, will help guard NATO’s eastern flank amid escalating Russian threats.Source: CNN* Young U.S. Men Join Russian Orthodox Churches for ‘Absurd Manliness’A growing number of young American men are converting to Russian Orthodoxy through the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia, drawn by its rigid gender roles, anti-modern ethos, and glorification of “traditional masculinity.” Priests like Father Moses McPherson in Texas preach virility, large families, and rejection of liberal norms. ROCOR, with historical ties to the Moscow Patriarchate, has seen a surge in U.S. popularity alongside Trump’s growing alignment with Russia.Source: BBC News. Some background on the Russian Orthodox Church from an article I wrote for CEPA * Judge Orders Release of Russian Harvard Scientist —A federal judge ruled that ICE must release Kseniia Petrova, a Russian scientist at Harvard, detained since February for failing to declare frog embryo samples at U.S. customs. The DOJ then filed felony charges to keep her in custody. Source: New York TimesUnmasking Russia is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Each week on Pax Americana, we expose Russia’s playbook and its dangerous intersections with U.S. politics. We’ll break down:* Updates on Russia’s genocidal war in Ukraine* Russia’s latest news and moves* The latest on Moscow’s hybrid warfare tactics in the U.S. and Europe* Sanctions, corruption, and Kremlin networks* Disinformation and malign influence operations* Tactics that Trump is using in the U.S. mirroring Russia’s system—politicizing law enforcement; attacking the press, universities, protesters, and opposition— and turning institutions into tools to consolidate power.Don’t forget to subscribe to Julie’s Substack for amazing insights!Tune in each week as we go beyond the headlines, delivering the unsanitized truth and exposing Russia’s playbook in real-time. From Ukraine to Washington, we’ll break down how Russia’s tactics—oligarchy, disinformation, propaganda, political repression, and institutional capture—are being mirrored in the U.S. and what it means for the future of America.📅 Join us every Thursday at 11 AM ET on Substack Live!Thanks for reading Unmasking Russia! This post is public so feel free to share it.Catch up on the last episode… Get full access to Unmasking Russia at olgalautman.substack.com/subscribe

Thank you 💛 to everyone who tuned in to our latest episode of Pax Americana!Julie Roginsky and I delved into some of the biggest Russia-related developments this week and how they intersect with the U.S. and Europe. If you missed it, here’s a recap of what we covered:📢 Exclusive Zoom AMA for Paid Subscribers: Trump, Russia & the New GeopoliticsWednesday, May 28, 2025 @2:00 PM ETJoin us for a candid, paid subscriber-only Zoom meet where we’ll break down how Trump is borrowing straight from Putin’s authoritarian playbook—media control, political persecution, disinformation, and the weaponization of institutions. We’ll explore the latest geopolitical shifts, Russia’s growing influence, and what it means for the U.S. and Europe going forward.This is an open AMA format—come with your questions, insights, or just listen in on an honest, urgent conversation. This event is open to all paid subscribers—whether you’re with me or with Julie Roginsky Salty Politics, you’re invited to join us. Please use the registration link below to sign up!Registration Link: https://forms.gle/KThegwuJHtrCucPS8Show Notes* Update on Ukraine..Russia Demands Zelensky’s Removal to Sign War Memorandum: A top Russian Foreign Ministry official declared that Volodymyr Zelenskyy must be replaced before Moscow will sign any peace memorandum with Ukraine. Maxim Musikhin questioned Zelenskyy’s “legitimacy” and insisted that any deal signed by him would be invalid. This follows Putin’s May 19 call with Trump. Bottom line: Russia has zero desire to end its genocidal war against Ukraine and continues its stalling tactics using Trump to provide cover. Source: Tass* Germany Foils Alleged Russian Plot to Mail Explosives: German authorities arrested 3 men—two in Germany, one in Switzerland—accused of plotting to send explosive-laden packages in a Russian-backed sabotage campaign targeting logistics operators. The suspects reportedly tested the scheme with GPS-tracked dummy packages. Source: Wall Street Journal* Russia Accused of Trying to Hack Border Security Cameras to Disrupt Ukraine Aid: UK and allied intelligence agencies say Russia’s GRU Unit 26165 (Fancy Bear) hacked into thousands of border and traffic cameras to track Western military aid flowing into Ukraine. The group also targeted logistics networks with phishing emails and attempted voice impersonation to access sensitive shipment data. Over 80% of compromised cameras were in Ukraine, with others in Romania, Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia. Source: The Guardian* Finland ‘Preparing for the Worst’ as Russia Expands Military Presence Near Border: Finland’s top defense strategist warned that Russia is gradually expanding military infrastructure along their shared border, likely preparing to redeploy troops after its war in Ukraine. Satellite images show new bases, vehicles, and construction activity. Meanwhile, Finland has completed the first segment of a high-tech border fence designed to counter Russian hybrid threats, such as asylum-seeker manipulation. Source: The Guardian* Poland Prepares for War: Poland is rapidly militarizing, spending nearly 5% of its GDP on defense—more than any other NATO country. It’s deploying Abrams tanks, laying mines and anti-tank barriers along its border, and training civilians for war. Source: NPR* Western intelligence: Putin will transfer hundreds of thousands of soldiers to NATO borders if war in Ukraine ends: Western intelligence warns that if Russia’s war in Ukraine ends, Moscow plans to redeploy up to 800,000 troops to NATO’s borders, including Finland, the Baltics, and Poland. Russia is already expanding military infrastructure and could use the Zapad-2025 exercises as a smokescreen for further aggression. Source: Moscow Times Russian Edition* U.S. to Begin Talks on European Troop Reductions Later This Year, NATO Ambassador Says: U.S. NATO Ambassador Matthew Whitaker confirmed that Trump will begin formal discussions on reducing American troop presence in Europe after the June NATO summit. While claiming the U.S. isn’t withdrawing from NATO, Whitaker said Trump has “run out of patience” with allies and wants immediate action. Source: Reuters* The Spy Factory: Russia Used Brazil as a Launchpad for Deep-Cover Operatives A years-long investigation by Brazil’s Federal Police—supported by U.S., Israeli, Dutch, and other Western intelligence services—exposed a covert Russian GRU operation using Brazil as a breeding ground for “illegals,” elite spies posing as Brazilians. At least nine Russian officers created entirely new identities, built real businesses and relationships, and were then dispatched to NATO countries for espionage. Some were caught trying to infiltrate institutions like the ICC and U.S. universities. The operation was codenamed Operation East. Source: New York Times* Centrist Dan Defeats Pro-Trump Simion in Romanian Presidential Upset: Bucharest mayor Nicușor Dan won Romania’s presidency with 54% of the vote, defeating hard-right, Trump-aligned Kremlin loyalist George Simion, who had campaigned to cut Ukraine aid and mimic MAGA policies. Source: Reuters* Each week on Pax Americana, we expose Russia’s playbook and its dangerous intersections with U.S. politics. We’ll break down:* Updates on Russia’s genocidal war in Ukraine* Russia’s latest news and moves* The latest on Moscow’s hybrid warfare tactics in the U.S. and Europe* Sanctions, corruption, and Kremlin networks* Disinformation and malign influence operations* Tactics that Trump is using in the U.S. mirroring Russia’s system—politicizing law enforcement; attacking the press, universities, protesters, and opposition— and turning institutions into tools to consolidate power.Don’t forget to subscribe to Julie’s Substack for amazing insights!Tune in each week as we go beyond the headlines, delivering the unsanitized truth and exposing Russia’s playbook in real-time. From Ukraine to Washington, we’ll break down how Russia’s tactics—oligarchy, disinformation, propaganda, political repression, and institutional capture—are being mirrored in the U.S. and what it means for the future of America.📅 Join us every Thursday at 11 AM ET on Substack Live!Thanks for reading Unmasking Russia! This post is public so feel free to share it.Catch up on the last episode… Get full access to Unmasking Russia at olgalautman.substack.com/subscribe

Get full access to Unmasking Russia at olgalautman.substack.com/subscribe

Get full access to Unmasking Russia at olgalautman.substack.com/subscribe

Programming Note: May 2 at 11:00 AM Join us tomorrow for an emergency Substack Live at 11 AM to discuss the insane possibility that a shady real estate developer/Putin asset could be the next National Security Advisor.Thank you 💛 to everyone who tuned in to our latest episode of Pax Americana!Julie Roginsky and I delved into some of the biggest Russia-related developments this week and how they intersect with the U.S. and Europe. If you missed it, here’s a recap of what we covered:Show Notes* Putin Proposes 3-Day “Ceasefire” for WWII Anniversary — Putin proposed a three-day “ceasefire” starting May 8 for his Victory Day. Ukraine rejected the delay and called for an immediate, month-long ceasefire instead. The only reason Putin wants a ceasefire is to avoid drone attacks in Moscow during his Victory Day parade and foreign leaders' visits. Source: NPR* Lavrov reiterated Russia’s absurd demands for “negotiations” with Ukraine* Ukraine must commit to not joining NATO* Ukraine must confirm neutral and non-bloc status* Ukraine must address “neo-Nazi regime in Kyiv” formed after the “coup in February 2014,” particularly regarding policies affecting Russian language, media, and culture* International recognition of Russian control over Crimea, Sevastopol, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts* Legally binding agreements with enforcement mechanisms* “Demilitarization and denazification” of Ukraine* Lifting of sanctions against Russia* Return of frozen Russian assetsSource: Euromaidan Press* Trump’s real estate developer Steve Witkoff met with Putin for the fourth time in two months — These secretive Kremlin meetings are being sold to Americans as discussions centered on a so-called “deal” but in reality are about Trump restoring ties with Putin, using backdoor channels to enrich himself, and doing Russia’s bidding. The optics of the meeting were ridiculous, with Witkoff on one side of the table while Putin was flanked by senior Kremlin officials on the other side. It was a display of who’s really calling the shots. Source: BBC* Dossier Center and Russia’s GRU list — GRU agents are ordered to collect home addresses of Kremlin critics for potential "active measures." According to the Dossier Center, targets include journalists, politicians, bloggers, and cultural figures flagged for potential “active measures.”It’s a covert hit list in the making. Source: Khodorkovsky on X* Ed Martin Praised a Nazi Sympathizer While Purging J6 ProsecutorsEd Martin, Trump’s acting U.S. attorney in D.C. and “Stop the Steal” extremist, awarded convicted January 6 insurrectionist and Nazi sympathizer Timothy Hale-Cusanelli, calling him a symbol of “God, family, and country.” Martin had defended him on his podcast, dismissing documented antisemitic remarks as smears. He has also made over 150 appearances on Russian state media, parroting Kremlin propaganda while attacking U.S. institutions. At the same time, he’s purging J6 prosecutors. Call your Senators and demand they vote against him! Source: Washington Post and Mother Jones* The Russian Military Moves That Have Europe on Edge — As attention stays on Ukraine, Russia is quietly expanding military infrastructure near NATO borders—especially Finland. New army bases, reactivated rail lines, and surging weapons production point to preparations for a possible future war with Europe. Source: Wall Street JournalMeanwhile, Putin’s Press Secretary Peskov made this comment yesterday…Russia can mobilize for war on a scale comparable to the Soviet Union during World War II if necessary."If a great country needs to stand up, it will stand up at any moment. No one can have any doubts," Peskov said during a lecture at the Victory Museum in Moscow.This is just the beginning. Each week on Pax Americana, we’ll expose Russia’s playbook and its dangerous intersections with U.S. politics. We’ll break down:* Updates on Russia’s genocidal war in Ukraine* Russia’s latest news and moves* The latest on Moscow’s hybrid warfare tactics in the U.S. and Europe* Sanctions, corruption, and Kremlin networks* Disinformation and malign influence operations* Tactics that Trump is using in the U.S. mirroring Russia’s system—politicizing law enforcement; attacking the press, universities, protesters, and opposition— and turning institutions into tools to consolidate power.Don’t forget to subscribe to Julie’s Substack for amazing insights!Tune in each week as we go beyond the headlines, delivering the unsanitized truth and exposing Russia’s playbook in real-time. From Ukraine to Washington, we’ll break down how Russia’s tactics—oligarchy, disinformation, propaganda, political repression, and institutional capture—are being mirrored in the U.S. and what it means for the future of America.📅 Join us every Thursday at 11 AM ET on Substack Live!If there’s something you want us to cover, send us your questions and insights! Drop your questions, and we’ll break it down live.Thanks for reading Unmasking Russia! This post is public, so feel free to share it.Catch up on last week’s episode… Get full access to Unmasking Russia at olgalautman.substack.com/subscribe

Get full access to Unmasking Russia at olgalautman.substack.com/subscribe

Get full access to Unmasking Russia at olgalautman.substack.com/subscribe

Thank you to everyone who tuned in to our latest episode of Pax Americana!Julie Roginsky and I delved into some of the biggest Russia-related developments this week and how they intersect with the U.S. and Europe. If you missed it, here’s a recap of what we covered:Show Notes* ‘We are all afraid’: Murkowski says fear of retaliation from Trump administration is ‘real’— Sen. Lisa Murkowski said a fear of retaliation from Trump is rising to levels she’s not seen before, acknowledging this week that it is so pervasive that even the outspoken senator is “oftentimes very anxious” to speak up out of fear of recrimination. Source: Politico* Trump’s Authoritarian Attack on Universities— We break down Trump’s escalating war on universities—how federal agencies are being used to threaten funding, monitor campuses, and crush academic freedom. From the IRS to ICE, the crackdown is already underway. Source: Reuters, The Hill * National Labor Relations Board whistleblower— A whistleblower at the National Labor Relations Board exposed that Musk’s operatives accessed and likely extracted confidential labor data — including union organizer identities and legal case files — then disabled security logs and deleted records. Shortly after, a Russian IP tried logging in using one of the DOGE-created accounts. The whistleblower, Daniel Berulis, was later targeted with a threatening note and drone surveillance after raising internal alarms. Source: NPR and another NPR article* Pentagon Officials Pressure Ally to Stop Support— Trump’s push for a Ukraine ceasefire by his 100th day is unraveling. Russia has intensified attacks, ignoring U.S. “proposals.” Meanwhile, the Pentagon reportedly pressured a U.S. ally to stop sending weapons to Ukraine, as the U.S. plans to withdraw troops from Poland and slash military support. Source: The Economist* US Derails G-7 Condemnation of Russian Missile Strike on Ukraine— After Russia launched deadly missile strikes on the Ukrainian city of Sumy, killing at least 35 civilians on Palm Sunday, G7 nations drafted a statement condemning the strike. The U.S. refused to endorse it, citing the need to keep negotiations with Moscow "on track." Source: Bloomberg* White House Moves to Slash State, UN, and NATO Funding— Trump has proposed cutting the State Department’s budget by nearly 50%, closing overseas diplomatic missions, and eliminating funding for most international organizations—including the United Nations, its agencies, and NATO headquarters. Source: Associated Press* Russian spy sensors found hidden in UK waters— Russian sensors suspected of trying to spy on British nuclear submarines are reported to have been found hidden in the seas around the UK. Source: The Telegram* Must Read by Julie Roginsky This is just the beginning. Each week on Pax Americana, we’ll expose Russia’s playbook and its dangerous intersections with U.S. politics. We’ll break down:* Updates on Russia’s genocidal war in Ukraine* Russia’s latest news and moves* The latest on Moscow’s hybrid warfare tactics in the U.S. and Europe* Sanctions, corruption, and Kremlin networks* Disinformation and malign influence operations* Tactics that Trump is using in the U.S. mirroring Russia’s system—politicizing law enforcement; attacking the press, universities, protesters, and opposition— and turning institutions into tools to consolidate power.Don’t forget to subscribe to Julie’s Substack for amazing insights!Tune in each week as we go beyond the headlines, delivering the unsanitized truth and exposing Russia’s playbook in real-time. From Ukraine to Washington, we’ll break down how Russia’s tactics—oligarchy, disinformation, propaganda, political repression, and institutional capture—are being mirrored in the U.S. and what it means for the future of America.📅 Join us this Thursday at 11 AM ET on Substack Live!If there’s something you want us to cover, send us your questions and insights! Drop your questions, and we’ll break it down live.Thanks for reading Unmasking Russia! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Unmasking Russia at olgalautman.substack.com/subscribe

Thank you to everyone who tuned in to our latest episode of Pax Americana!Julie Roginsky and I delved into some of the biggest Russia-related developments this week and how they intersect with the U.S. and Europe. If you missed it, here’s a recap of what we covered:Show Notes* No Tariffs on Russia — Trump’s tariffs spared Russia despite 2024 trade of $3.5 billion. Meanwhile, Ukraine, a key U.S. ally under a genocidal assault, faces tariffs on steel and other goods, highlighting where Trump’s loyalties lie. Source: Newsweek* Pentagon Considering Cutting 10,000 Troops From Europe — Trump is reviewing a proposal to withdraw up to 10,000 U.S. troops from Eastern Europe—about half of those sent by Biden after Russia’s 2022 full-scale genocidal invasion of Ukraine. Source: NBC News* US Neo-Nazi Group with Russia-Based Leader Calls for Targeted Ukraine Attacks — The Base, a U.S.-designated neo-Nazi terrorist group led by American Rinaldo Nazzaro from St. Petersburg, Russia, is calling for assassinations and attacks on Ukraine’s infrastructure to support Kremlin goals during ceasefire negotiations. Source: The Guardian* Here Comes the Gulag — Trump is trying to socialize his plan to send American citizens to CECOT, the Salvadorian hellhole gulag.* While the Economy Burns, Trump Plans a Parade — As Trump’s reckless tariffs tank the economy, his focus is nowhere near jobs or stability. Instead, he’s fixated on staging a dictator-style military parade in the heart of Washington, DC.This is just the beginning. Each week on Pax Americana, we’ll expose Russia’s playbook and its dangerous intersections with U.S. politics. We’ll break down:* Updates on Russia’s genocidal war in Ukraine* Russia’s latest news and moves* The latest on Moscow’s hybrid warfare tactics in the U.S. and Europe* Sanctions, corruption, and Kremlin networks* Disinformation and malign influence operations* Tactics that Trump is using in the U.S. mirroring Russia’s system—politicizing law enforcement; attacking the press, universities, protesters, and opposition— and turning institutions into tools to consolidate power.Don’t forget to subscribe to Julie’s Substack for amazing insights!Tune in each week as we go beyond the headlines, delivering the unsanitized truth and exposing Russia’s playbook in real-time. From Ukraine to Washington, we’ll break down how Russia’s tactics—oligarchy, disinformation, propaganda, political repression, and institutional capture—are being mirrored in the U.S. and what it means for the future of America.📅 Join us this Thursday at 11 AM ET on Substack Live!If there’s something you want us to cover, send us your questions and insights! Drop your questions, and we’ll break it down live.Thanks for reading Unmasking Russia! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Unmasking Russia at olgalautman.substack.com/subscribe

Thank you to everyone who tuned in to our latest episode of Pax Americana!Julie Roginsky and I delved into some of the biggest Russia-related developments this week and how they intersect with the U.S. and Europe. If you missed it, here’s a recap of what we covered:Show Notes* Ukrainian children — Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the State Department preserved a critical database documenting the mass kidnappings of Ukrainian children by Russia—data lawmakers feared was deleted after Trump defunded the Yale-led program tracking the kidnappings. Russia has kidnapped over 21,000 Ukrainian children in an act of genocide. Thank you to everyone for speaking out and pressuring Congress. Source: New York Times* The Bonkers Putin to Pentagon Pipeline — Pete Hegseth’s use of the Russian term “near abroad” in Pentagon strategy reflects the growing influence of authoritarian-aligned think tanks like the Heritage Foundation, which has deepened ties with Orbán’s pro-Kremlin regime in Hungary. The language — and the policy — highlight a broader shift by Trump and his cronies toward aligning with Putin’s worldview and undermining Western alliances and democracies.* Kirill Dmitriev: Putin’s Messenger Arrives In Washington — Kirill Dmitriev, the Kremlin’s most trusted financial operator and messenger, has quietly arrived in Washington. Not in disgrace. But with a special temporary sanctions waiver, personally approved by Trump, so he could waltz into the White House under the guise of "ceasefire talks."* Influencer Paid by Russia Added to White House Press Pool — Tim Pool, a right-wing YouTuber who took Russian money to spread propaganda and disinformation about Ukraine and the 2024 election, has been added to Trump’s White House press pool. Source: Daily Beast This is just the beginning. Each week on Pax Americana, we’ll expose Russia’s playbook and its dangerous intersections with U.S. politics. We’ll break down:* Updates on Russia’s genocidal war in Ukraine* Russia’s latest news and moves* The latest on Moscow’s hybrid warfare tactics in the U.S. and Europe* Sanctions, corruption, and Kremlin networks* Disinformation and malign influence operations* Tactics that Trump is using in the U.S. mirroring Russia’s system—politicizing law enforcement; attacking the press, universities, protesters, and opposition— and turning institutions into tools to consolidate power.Don’t forget to subscribe to Julie’s Substack for amazing insights!* Tune in each week as we go beyond the headlines, delivering the unsanitized truth and exposing Russia’s playbook in real-time. From Ukraine to Washington, we’ll break down how Russia’s tactics—oligarchy, disinformation, propaganda, political repression, and institutional capture—are being mirrored in the U.S. and what it means for the future of America.📅 Join us this Thursday at 11 AM ET on Substack Live!If there’s something you want us to cover, send us your questions and insights! Drop your questions, and we’ll break it down live.Thanks for reading Unmasking Russia! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Unmasking Russia at olgalautman.substack.com/subscribe

Thank you Katherine Cooper, Linda Weide, Kathryn Clancy, The Sassy Soup Spoon, Deborah Cox, and many others for tuning into my live video with Zev Shalev! Join me for my next live video in the app. Get full access to Unmasking Russia at olgalautman.substack.com/subscribe

Episode 2 Recap: Pax Americana with Julie RoginskyThank you to everyone who tuned in to our latest episode of Pax Americana!Julie Roginsky and I delved into some of the biggest Russia-related developments this week and how they intersect with the U.S. and Europe. If you missed it, here’s a recap of what we covered:Show Notes* American soldiers missing in Lithuania — Four U.S. soldiers went missing during a training mission near Lithuania’s border with Belarus—a serious incident raising immediate security concerns. When asked by reporters Wednesday evening if he had been briefed, Trump responded: “No, I haven’t.”Source: CNN * SignalGate — Trump’s senior officials leaked war plans in a Signal chat that included a journalist. This isn’t just reckless—it’s a national security crisis. Source: The Atlantic* Witkoff in Moscow — Steve Witkoff was in Moscow when he was added to the now-infamous Signal chat planning a strike on the Houthis. Dangerous. Reckless and Completely Incompetent.* Der Spiegel uncovers major security breach — Phone numbers, emails, passwords, and active Signal/WhatsApp accounts tied to top Trump officials—Hegseth, Waltz, and Gabbard—were exposed using leaked data and commercial people search tools. Source: Der Spiegel* Trump Officials Left Venmo Friends List Public — National Security Adviser Mike Waltz—and other top Trump officials like Susie Wiles—left their Venmo friend lists public, exposing hundreds of contacts tied to the infamous Signal chat. After WIRED reached out, the accounts were set to private. Source: WIRED* US Allies Alarmed by Signal Chat Leak — A leaked Signal group chat between top Trump officials discussing planned strikes on the Houthis has rattled U.S. allies. European diplomats called it “scary” and “reckless,” with security experts warning it shows a stunning disregard for protocol. Adding insult, U.S. officials mocked Europe— Vance griped about “bailing out” allies, while Defense Secretary Hegseth slammed “pathetic freeloading.”Source: Military Times and Associated Press* White House Adds Starlink Wi-Fi—Experts Warn of Security Risks — Trump has installed Musk’s Starlink Wi-Fi in the White House, raising alarms among cybersecurity experts. The rushed move bypasses normal federal IT protocols and sets a dangerous precedent for network security and oversight. Source: WIREDThis is just the beginning. Each week on Pax Americana, we’ll expose Russia’s playbook and its dangerous intersections with U.S. politics. We’ll break down:* Updates on Russia’s genocidal war in Ukraine* Russia’s latest news and moves* The latest on Moscow’s hybrid warfare tactics in the U.S. and Europe* Sanctions, corruption, and Kremlin networks* Disinformation and malign influence operations* Tactics that Trump is using in the U.S. mirroring Russia’s system—politicizing law enforcement; attacking the press, universities, protesters, and opposition— and turning institutions into tools to consolidate power.Don’t forget to subscribe to Julie’s Substack for amazing insights!* Tune in each week as we go beyond the headlines, delivering the unsanitized truth and exposing Russia’s playbook in real-time. From Ukraine to Washington, we’ll break down how Russia’s tactics—oligarchy, disinformation, propaganda, political repression, and institutional capture—are being mirrored in the U.S. and what it means for the future of America.📅 Join us this Thursday at 11 AM ET on Substack Live!If there’s something you want us to cover, send us your questions and insights! Drop your questions, and we’ll break it down live.Thanks for reading Unmasking Russia! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Unmasking Russia at olgalautman.substack.com/subscribe

Thank you The Truth Factor, Bob Lewis, Canary, Adam Cheklat, Anne Kepplinger, and many others for tuning into my live video with Zev Shalev and Dean Blundell! Join me for my next live video in the app. Get full access to Unmasking Russia at olgalautman.substack.com/subscribe

Episode 1 Recap: Pax Americana with Julie RoginskyThank you to everyone who tuned in for the first episode of Pax Americana! Julie Roginsky and I broke down some of the biggest Russia-related developments this week and how they intersect with the U.S. and Europe. If you missed it, here’s a recap of what we covered:Show Notes* Trump-Putin Call – A sham “peace” discussion timed with the anniversary of Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea. Instead of pushing for an actual end to the war, Trump is helping Putin reestablish economic ties with the U.S. and global standing while legitimizing Russia’s continued occupation of Ukrainian territory and genocidal war.* Kidnapped Ukrainian Children & War Crimes Accountability – The Trump regime cut funding for Yale’s program tracking kidnapped Ukrainian children, ensuring Russia’s war crimes go unpunished. Meanwhile, the U.S. is pulling out of an international effort to hold Russia, Belarus, Iran, and North Korea accountable for aggression against Ukraine. Trump is actively covering up Russia’s war crimes investigations. Source: NPR and The New York Times* NATO Command Shake-Up – Reports indicate the Pentagon is considering giving up its role as NATO’s supreme allied commander in Europe, a position the U.S. has held since Eisenhower. This would be a massive win for Russia, weakening NATO’s military structure while Trump pushes to reduce U.S. forces abroad. Source: The Hill* Suspension of Counter-Russian Sabotage Efforts – Several U.S. national security agencies have halted work on countering Russian terror, sabotage, disinformation, and cyberattacks, making it easier for Moscow to destabilize Western democracies. Trump’s National Security Council has stopped holding regular meetings with European allies on Russian threats, betraying our key alliances while emboldening Russia. Source: Reuters* French Scientist Denied U.S. Entry – A French scientist was detained and denied entry into the U.S. after border agents found private messages critical of Trump on his phone. This feels straight out of Russia’s playbook—where border controls and state power are used to punish critics and silence free speech. Source: The GuardianThis is just the beginning. Each week on Pax Americana, we’ll expose Russia’s playbook and its dangerous intersections with U.S. politics. We’ll break down:* Updates on Russia’s genocidal war in Ukraine* Russia’s latest news and moves* The latest on Moscow’s hybrid warfare tactics in the U.S. and Europe* Sanctions, corruption, and Kremlin networks* Disinformation and malign influence operations* Tactics that Trump is using in the U.S. mirroring Russia’s system—politicizing law enforcement; attacking the press, universities, protesters, and opposition— and turning institutions into tools to consolidate power.Don’t forget to subscribe to Julie’s Substack for amazing insights!Tune in each week as we go beyond the headlines, delivering the unsanitized truth and exposing Russia’s playbook in real-time. From Ukraine to Washington, we’ll break down how Russia’s tactics—oligarchy, disinformation, propaganda, political repression, and institutional capture—are being mirrored in the U.S. and what it means for the future of America.📅 Join us this Thursday at 11 AM ET on Substack Live!If there’s something you want us to cover, send us your questions and insights! Drop your questions, and we’ll break it down live.Thanks for reading Unmasking Russia! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Unmasking Russia at olgalautman.substack.com/subscribe

Thank you DD., DC, Max P., Helinka, Sara Bothsidesnow, and many others for tuning into my live video with Zev Shalev! Join me for my next live video in the app. Get full access to Unmasking Russia at olgalautman.substack.com/subscribe

Thank you Ramona Grigg, Brian Tanguay, Steve Lubetkin, JBO, Sheri Handel, and many others for tuning into my live video with Zev Shalev! Join me for my next live video in the app. Get full access to Unmasking Russia at olgalautman.substack.com/subscribe

Thank you Evelyn, David Phinney, Vila Mundi, Craig Unger, Laura Grossman, and many others for tuning into my live video with Julie Roginsky! Join me for my next live video in the app. Get full access to Unmasking Russia at olgalautman.substack.com/subscribe

Thank you J Dziak, Olena Kryzhanivska, Brian Tanguay, Gigi Tierney, Vila Mundi, and many others for tuning into my live video with Zev Shalev! Join me for my next live video in the app. Get full access to Unmasking Russia at olgalautman.substack.com/subscribe

Olga and Mo are joined by Yevhen Fedchenko - a Ukrainian pioneer in combating disinformation and co-founder of StopFake.org. Since 2014, StopFake has debunked over 4,000 Russian fake videos and news stories, and his team trains people from all over the world on debunking disinformation and investigating influence campaigns. https://www.stopfake.org/ https://twitter.com/yevhenfedchenkoSponsor Link: https://masterworks.art/kremlinfile Get full access to Unmasking Russia at olgalautman.substack.com/subscribe

Maria Avdeeva, a Ukrainian disinformation and national security expert, joins us from the ground in Kharkiv where she’s documenting the truth about the Russian invasion.https://twitter.com/maria_avdv Get full access to Unmasking Russia at olgalautman.substack.com/subscribe

Olga and Mo assess the evolving landscape of Ukraine’s battle for survival in the face of Putin’s brutal campaign.  Recommendations to send financial support:Support for the War Effort:  https://bank.gov.ua/en/about/support-the-armed-forcesSupport mental health with Lifeline Ukraine: https://lifelineukraine.com/en Get full access to Unmasking Russia at olgalautman.substack.com/subscribe

Olga and Mo are joined by Ruth Ben-Ghiat, an NYU professor and scholar on fascism and authoritarian leaders. Her articles are published in national and international media outlets with a column on CNN. Her latest book, "Strongmen: From Mussolini to the Present," examines how illiberal leaders use corruption, violence, propaganda, and machismo to stay in power, and how resistance to them has unfolded over a century.Ruth's Lucid Substack: https://lucid.substack.com/p/welcome-to-lucid?s=r Ruth's website: https://ruthbenghiat.com/ Get full access to Unmasking Russia at olgalautman.substack.com/subscribe

Olga and Mo discuss Putin’s escalating military and propaganda campaign against Ukraine and the implications for the Western world.  Get full access to Unmasking Russia at olgalautman.substack.com/subscribe

Olga and Mo begin to peel back the Russian layers behind January 6th.Sponsor Link: masterworks.art/kremlinfile  Get full access to Unmasking Russia at olgalautman.substack.com/subscribe

Olga and Mo are joined by H.K. Roy, who was a staff CIA Operations Officer (aka Case Officer) for thirteen years, serving in Latin America and in all regions of the former Yugoslavia. Roy discusses his book, AMERICAN SPY: WRY REFLECTIONS ON MY LIFE IN THE CIA - a candid and darkly witty memoir recounts an exhilarating life and a few close brushes with death - and his work of fiction, KGB FILE ON AGENT ORANGE.Since resigning from CIA, H.K. Roy has continued to support the global national security mission in Iraq, the Balkans, the former Soviet Union, and elsewhere. He has published articles on intelligence operations in World & I Magazine, the Foreign Service Journal, and CIA’s Studies in Intelligence. Roy holds a JD degree from George Washington University and is fluent in multiple languages. He is an active supporter of Spookstock, an annual battle of the bands fundraiser for the CIA Officers Memorial Foundation and the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. Spookstock is a private, invitation-only, and senior executive-only event, with no press or PR. Beneficiaries of Spookstock are the children of fallen warriors. https://twitter.com/HKRoySpyWriter https://hkroy.com/  Get full access to Unmasking Russia at olgalautman.substack.com/subscribe

In a special episode on Ukraine, Olga and Mo cut to the heart of Putin’s escalating threat to Ukraine.  Get full access to Unmasking Russia at olgalautman.substack.com/subscribe

Olga and Mo are joined by Craig Unger, New York Times best selling author of “American Kompromat."Craig Unger is the author of five books on the Republican Party’s assault on democracy, including the New York Times bestsellers American Kompromat; House of Bush, House of Saud; and House of Trump, House of Putin. For fifteen years he was a contributing editor for Vanity Fair, where he covered national security, the Middle East, and other political issues. A frequent analyst on MSNBC and other broadcast outlets, he was a longtime staffer at New York Magazine, has served as editor-in-chief of Boston magazine, and has contributed to Esquire, The New Yorker, The New York Times, and many other publications. He has appeared frequently as analyst on MSNBC, CNN, and other broadcast outlets, as well as Michael Moore’s documentary, Fahrenheit 9/11 and Jack Bryan’s Active Measures. Unger has written about the Trump-Russia scandal for The New Republic, Vanity Fair, and The Washington Post. He is a graduate of Harvard University and lives in Brooklyn, New York.Craig's Twitter: @craigunger Craig's Books: https://www.amazon.com/Craig-Unger/e/B001H6EMQOKremlinFile.comSubscribe: https://pod.link/1575837599Meidas Media + bunker crew  Get full access to Unmasking Russia at olgalautman.substack.com/subscribe

Olga and Mo are joined by New York Times bestselling author and expert on extremism Malcolm Nance, who was one of the first to sound the alarm in 2016 on Russia’s attack on our election. We explore the 2016 election, why Russia chose Trump, the dangers posed to our law enforcement and intelligence agencies under Trump, and the US foreign policy that mirrored the Kremlin’s demands. Malcolm also provides a sneak peek of his upcoming release, "They Want to Kill Americans: The Militias, Terrorists, and Deranged Ideology of the Trump Insurgency” and a new set of warnings.Guest Twitter: @MalcolmNance Pre-order Malcolm Nance's book here: amazon.com/They-Want-Kill-Americans-Terrorists-ebook/dp/B09KQFLKH1Sponsor discount: masterworks.art/kremlinfileKremlinFile.comSubscribe: https://pod.link/1575837599Meidas Media + bunker crew  Get full access to Unmasking Russia at olgalautman.substack.com/subscribe

Anton Shekhovtsov, author of "Tango Noir: Russia and Western Far Right," talks with Olga and Mo about the birth of the far right and extremist parties in Europe from the ashes of the Second World War and how they have evolved to today. Whether it's dealing with Europe or the US, Putin has adopted his strategies to wield influence and power over mainstream and extremist parties, protest and separatist movements to achieve his endgame.Twitter: @A_SHEKH0VTS0V Get full access to Unmasking Russia at olgalautman.substack.com/subscribe

Mo and Olga are joined by Jacopo Iacoboni to explore the effects of Russian operations in Italy and what they can tell us about Putin’s global plans. A country whose former prime minister is one of Putin's closest friends and where Steve Bannon wanted to run a right wing school - Italy acts as a middle ground between east and west.Jacopo Iacoboni is an Italian investigative journalist who has published for various Italian and international publications including the New York Times and the Guardian. He is the author of books on Italian politics, including the 5 Star Movement and his latest book Oligarchi, which was co-authored with Gianluca Paolucci.  Twitter: @jacopo_iacoboni BetterHelp discount: betterhelp.com/kremlinfile Show site: kremlinfile.com/ Get full access to Unmasking Russia at olgalautman.substack.com/subscribe