Calum MacKenzie
@calummackenzie.bsky.social
Korrespondent für Russland, Kaukasus, Zentralasien, Belarus bei Schweizer Radio SRF. Tbilissi/Moskau. Aberdeen FC
Pinned
«Ich bin kein Scheissheld» – Kriegsveteranen in Russland
Der russische Krieg in der Ukraine dauert an, und so wächst auch die Zahl jener, die aus dem Krieg heimkehren: verwundet und traumatisiert. Ihre Rückkehr ins zivile Leben ist oft wenig heldenhaft, son...
www.srf.ch
Putin nennt seine Soldaten, die gegen die Ukraine kämpfen, “Helden”. Aber zurück von der Front werden sie mit ihren Wunden und ihrem Trauma oft im Stich gelassen. Mein International aus Russland auf den Spuren dieser Männer, die für den Kreml zum Problem werden können. www.srf.ch/audio/intern...
Reposted by Calum MacKenzie
Kommersant newspaper channels #Russia's feelings about
JD Vance's visit to #Armenia:
"There's disappointment, frustration and a sense of helplessness... Because it's precisely in this region that Russia's position has eroded noticeably in recent years."
kommersant.ru/doc/8420282
JD Vance's visit to #Armenia:
"There's disappointment, frustration and a sense of helplessness... Because it's precisely in this region that Russia's position has eroded noticeably in recent years."
kommersant.ru/doc/8420282
«Американский бросок на Кавказ»
Максим Юсин — о визите вице-президента США в Армению и Азербайджан
kommersant.ru
February 10, 2026 at 10:00 AM
Kommersant newspaper channels #Russia's feelings about
JD Vance's visit to #Armenia:
"There's disappointment, frustration and a sense of helplessness... Because it's precisely in this region that Russia's position has eroded noticeably in recent years."
kommersant.ru/doc/8420282
JD Vance's visit to #Armenia:
"There's disappointment, frustration and a sense of helplessness... Because it's precisely in this region that Russia's position has eroded noticeably in recent years."
kommersant.ru/doc/8420282
Reposted by Calum MacKenzie
Bereits jetzt kehren hunderttausende versehrte und traumatisierte russische Soldaten zurück. Viele sind desillusioniert.
https://www.srf.ch/news/international/ukraine/russische-ukraine-kaempfer-ich-bin-kein-scheissheld
https://www.srf.ch/news/international/ukraine/russische-ukraine-kaempfer-ich-bin-kein-scheissheld
Russische Kriegsveteranen über ihr Leben an der Front im Ukraine-Krieg
Bereits jetzt kehren hunderttausende versehrte und traumatisierte russische Soldaten zurück. Viele sind desillusioniert.
www.srf.ch
February 9, 2026 at 6:08 PM
Bereits jetzt kehren hunderttausende versehrte und traumatisierte russische Soldaten zurück. Viele sind desillusioniert.
https://www.srf.ch/news/international/ukraine/russische-ukraine-kaempfer-ich-bin-kein-scheissheld
https://www.srf.ch/news/international/ukraine/russische-ukraine-kaempfer-ich-bin-kein-scheissheld
Reposted by Calum MacKenzie
Readers hate this kind of journalism. Chasing clicks and engagement devalues trusted brands, which in the age of slop is the only thing setting serious outlets apart.
"the data tells us what is valuable and where to focus" is killing half of the journalism industry
Jeff Bezos' statement, his first since last week's layoffs: "The Post has an essential journalistic mission and an extraordinary opportunity. Each and every day our readers give us a roadmap to success. The data tells us what is valuable and where to focus."
February 8, 2026 at 4:30 AM
Readers hate this kind of journalism. Chasing clicks and engagement devalues trusted brands, which in the age of slop is the only thing setting serious outlets apart.
Reposted by Calum MacKenzie
Artemy Ostanin was arrested after a group known for publicly denouncing Russians accused him of mocking veterans who lost limbs fighting in the war against Ukraine.
Moscow Court Jails Stand-Up Comedian Nearly 6 Years for Jokes
- The Moscow Times
A Moscow court on Wednesday sentenced stand-up comedian Artemy Ostanin to five years and 9 months in prison after he was found guilty of “inciting hatred” and “insulting the religious feelings of beli...
www.themoscowtimes.com
February 4, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Artemy Ostanin was arrested after a group known for publicly denouncing Russians accused him of mocking veterans who lost limbs fighting in the war against Ukraine.
Reposted by Calum MacKenzie
Russia's largest real estate developer by volume of housing it's constructing SAMOLET has asked the Russian government for a 50 billion preferential loan in a letter sent to Prime Minister Mishustin.
www.kommersant.ru/doc/8400578
www.kommersant.ru/doc/8400578
«Самолет» попросил у правительства льготный кредит на 50 млрд рублей
Подробнее на сайте
www.kommersant.ru
February 4, 2026 at 4:48 PM
Russia's largest real estate developer by volume of housing it's constructing SAMOLET has asked the Russian government for a 50 billion preferential loan in a letter sent to Prime Minister Mishustin.
www.kommersant.ru/doc/8400578
www.kommersant.ru/doc/8400578
Reposted by Calum MacKenzie
Just 393.3 billion rubles in oil and gas revenue for Russia's budget in January. That is the lowest figure since the 2020 Covid oil price crash - in nominal terms, not considering inflation etc.
February 4, 2026 at 11:45 AM
Just 393.3 billion rubles in oil and gas revenue for Russia's budget in January. That is the lowest figure since the 2020 Covid oil price crash - in nominal terms, not considering inflation etc.
Reposted by Calum MacKenzie
No hint of compromise from Moscow ahead of Abu Dhabi talks. Russian gov'nt paper: “We’ll continue strikes till Kyiv signs peace deal on our terms.” Other papers on the economy: “India cuts Russian oil imports 3 ½ times,” “systemic banking crisis”, “car sales down.” #ReadingRussia
What are the Russian papers saying about peace talks on Ukraine?
YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg
youtu.be
February 4, 2026 at 10:24 AM
No hint of compromise from Moscow ahead of Abu Dhabi talks. Russian gov'nt paper: “We’ll continue strikes till Kyiv signs peace deal on our terms.” Other papers on the economy: “India cuts Russian oil imports 3 ½ times,” “systemic banking crisis”, “car sales down.” #ReadingRussia
Reposted by Calum MacKenzie
"You have to put a lot of effort into not going mad." - @rolandoliphant.bsky.social relaying a message from his friend in Kyiv
January 31, 2026 at 8:33 PM
"You have to put a lot of effort into not going mad." - @rolandoliphant.bsky.social relaying a message from his friend in Kyiv
Reposted by Calum MacKenzie
The expansion of the scope of the Georgian “foreign grants” law is a liability for every foreigner apending money in Georgia and every Georgian citizen.
civil.ge/archives/719...
civil.ge/archives/719...
GD Announces New Restrictions on Receiving Grants, Party Membership, ‘External Lobbying’ - Civil Georgia
The ruling Georgian Dream party has announced a series of legislative amendments that would impose f
civil.ge
January 30, 2026 at 5:41 PM
The expansion of the scope of the Georgian “foreign grants” law is a liability for every foreigner apending money in Georgia and every Georgian citizen.
civil.ge/archives/719...
civil.ge/archives/719...
Reposted by Calum MacKenzie
Jede Waffenruhe ist besser als keine Waffenruhe. Dieser Energie-Waffenstillstand ist aber an Lächerlichkeit kaum zu überbieten. Für Moskau endet er genau zum Zeitpunkt, an dem es in der Ukraine wieder richtig kalt wird. Macht für Russland also nix aus, zumal man sowieso für Angriffe Pausen braucht.
January 30, 2026 at 11:47 AM
Jede Waffenruhe ist besser als keine Waffenruhe. Dieser Energie-Waffenstillstand ist aber an Lächerlichkeit kaum zu überbieten. Für Moskau endet er genau zum Zeitpunkt, an dem es in der Ukraine wieder richtig kalt wird. Macht für Russland also nix aus, zumal man sowieso für Angriffe Pausen braucht.
"Both the federal and regional budgets in Russia are facing enormous difficulties. Authorities are running out of money needed to attract men into the army. (...) This means that recruitment tactics based on coercion and deception will be used more frequently."
With no peace deal in sight, regional officials are buckling up for yet another year of trying to fulfill the Kremlin-imposed military recruitment quotas — an increasingly difficult task.
Russia Needs Men to Fight in Ukraine in 2026. Where Will They Come From? - The Moscow Times
Russia’s regions and ethnic republics have borne a disproportionate share of the burden in supplying manpower for the front lines in Ukraine since the onset of Moscow’s full-scale invasion. With no p...
www.themoscowtimes.com
January 29, 2026 at 12:33 PM
"Both the federal and regional budgets in Russia are facing enormous difficulties. Authorities are running out of money needed to attract men into the army. (...) This means that recruitment tactics based on coercion and deception will be used more frequently."
Reposted by Calum MacKenzie
Putin nennt seine Soldaten, die gegen die Ukraine kämpfen, “Helden”. Aber zurück von der Front werden sie mit ihren Wunden und ihrem Trauma oft im Stich gelassen. Mein International aus Russland auf den Spuren dieser Männer, die für den Kreml zum Problem werden können. www.srf.ch/audio/intern...
«Ich bin kein Scheissheld» – Kriegsveteranen in Russland
Der russische Krieg in der Ukraine dauert an, und so wächst auch die Zahl jener, die aus dem Krieg heimkehren: verwundet und traumatisiert. Ihre Rückkehr ins zivile Leben ist oft wenig heldenhaft, son...
www.srf.ch
January 28, 2026 at 6:44 AM
Putin nennt seine Soldaten, die gegen die Ukraine kämpfen, “Helden”. Aber zurück von der Front werden sie mit ihren Wunden und ihrem Trauma oft im Stich gelassen. Mein International aus Russland auf den Spuren dieser Männer, die für den Kreml zum Problem werden können. www.srf.ch/audio/intern...
Reposted by Calum MacKenzie
In Kyjiw ist nun eine Holocaustüberlebende erfroren, wie die @novayagazeta.bsky.social berichtet. Sie lebte zurückgezogen in Podil. Ihren Namen hatte sie im Waisenhaus erhalten, wo man sie abgegeben hatte, als ihre Eltern in Babyn Jar erschossen worden waren: Bezfamilnaja („Ohne Nachnamen“). Sie
1/2
1/2
January 28, 2026 at 3:58 PM
In Kyjiw ist nun eine Holocaustüberlebende erfroren, wie die @novayagazeta.bsky.social berichtet. Sie lebte zurückgezogen in Podil. Ihren Namen hatte sie im Waisenhaus erhalten, wo man sie abgegeben hatte, als ihre Eltern in Babyn Jar erschossen worden waren: Bezfamilnaja („Ohne Nachnamen“). Sie
1/2
1/2
Putin nennt seine Soldaten, die gegen die Ukraine kämpfen, “Helden”. Aber zurück von der Front werden sie mit ihren Wunden und ihrem Trauma oft im Stich gelassen. Mein International aus Russland auf den Spuren dieser Männer, die für den Kreml zum Problem werden können. www.srf.ch/audio/intern...
«Ich bin kein Scheissheld» – Kriegsveteranen in Russland
Der russische Krieg in der Ukraine dauert an, und so wächst auch die Zahl jener, die aus dem Krieg heimkehren: verwundet und traumatisiert. Ihre Rückkehr ins zivile Leben ist oft wenig heldenhaft, son...
www.srf.ch
January 28, 2026 at 6:44 AM
Putin nennt seine Soldaten, die gegen die Ukraine kämpfen, “Helden”. Aber zurück von der Front werden sie mit ihren Wunden und ihrem Trauma oft im Stich gelassen. Mein International aus Russland auf den Spuren dieser Männer, die für den Kreml zum Problem werden können. www.srf.ch/audio/intern...
Reposted by Calum MacKenzie
Striking the Gray Zone: Why Sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil Could Prove Decisive ridl.io/striking-the... On the Cumulative Impact of Sanctions and the Shrinking Space for Russia’s Oil Rent.
Striking the Gray Zone: Why Sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil Could Prove Decisive – Riddle Russia
Vakhtang Partsvania On the Cumulative Impact of Sanctions and the Shrinking Space for Russia
ridl.io
January 26, 2026 at 12:30 PM
Striking the Gray Zone: Why Sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil Could Prove Decisive ridl.io/striking-the... On the Cumulative Impact of Sanctions and the Shrinking Space for Russia’s Oil Rent.
Reposted by Calum MacKenzie
After Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, a friend in Moscow was going to protests and getting detained at them. He typically got released with a court date and then fined. One evening an FSB guy visited him at his home to tell him he should stop going to protests. Police-state shit.
ICE is changing tactics in Maine: "Now, the volunteers in Maine say federal agents have started showing up at their homes and intimidating them or threatening arrest. Some of them, masked and wearing tactical gear, have issued stark warnings not to follow them." www.pressherald.com/2026/01/23/i...
ICE watchers in Maine say they were threatened by federal agents
Community members have been monitoring the activity of immigration agents in Greater Portland.
www.pressherald.com
January 27, 2026 at 3:36 AM
After Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, a friend in Moscow was going to protests and getting detained at them. He typically got released with a court date and then fined. One evening an FSB guy visited him at his home to tell him he should stop going to protests. Police-state shit.
Reposted by Calum MacKenzie
Жители Омска перекрыли улицу Орджоникидзе из-за отсутствия тепла. Протест вызван аварией, которую «Тепловая компания» не устраняет уже месяц. В квартирах температура падает до +5 °C. Мэрия заявила о начале работ по устранению проблемы. Следственный комитет возбудил уголовное дело против компании.
January 26, 2026 at 1:35 PM
Жители Омска перекрыли улицу Орджоникидзе из-за отсутствия тепла. Протест вызван аварией, которую «Тепловая компания» не устраняет уже месяц. В квартирах температура падает до +5 °C. Мэрия заявила о начале работ по устранению проблемы. Следственный комитет возбудил уголовное дело против компании.
Reposted by Calum MacKenzie
Meanwhile in the 9th largest economy of the world... "region without power for the fourth consecutive day" www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Power Blackout Hits Russian Arctic Region After Aging Grid Fails
Russia’s Arctic cities of Murmansk and Severomorsk, along with surrounding areas, are without power for a fourth day after aging infrastructure failed amid freezing temperatures.
www.bloomberg.com
January 26, 2026 at 1:30 PM
Meanwhile in the 9th largest economy of the world... "region without power for the fourth consecutive day" www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Reposted by Calum MacKenzie
Just seeing this from last month: Almost 33% of designated "foreign agents" in Russia have faced felony prosecution. The Kremlin doesn't really bother comparing its system to FARA in the U.S. anymore, and you can see why. verstka.media/kazhdyj-tret...
January 20, 2026 at 11:55 PM
Just seeing this from last month: Almost 33% of designated "foreign agents" in Russia have faced felony prosecution. The Kremlin doesn't really bother comparing its system to FARA in the U.S. anymore, and you can see why. verstka.media/kazhdyj-tret...
Reposted by Calum MacKenzie
The Kutaisi City Court has sentenced four protesters from the mining town of Chiatura to multiple years in jail on violence-related charges. The prosecution has accused all four of attacking the director of a local mine in April 2025.
Chiatura protest leaders receive long prison sentences on violence charges
The four leaders of the miners’ city protest were arrested in April 2025.
oc-media.org
January 20, 2026 at 12:47 PM
The Kutaisi City Court has sentenced four protesters from the mining town of Chiatura to multiple years in jail on violence-related charges. The prosecution has accused all four of attacking the director of a local mine in April 2025.
Reposted by Calum MacKenzie
A Russian court is trying Dozhd editor Valeria Kichigina in absentia over her social media post, where she stated that “20% of Georgia is occupied by Russia.”
Dozhd Editor Tried in Absentia Over Post Saying ‘20% of Georgia Is Occupied by Russia’ - Civil Georgia
Moscow’s Tagansky District Court has begun a hearing into a criminal case against Valeria Kichigina,
civil.ge
January 19, 2026 at 2:18 PM
A Russian court is trying Dozhd editor Valeria Kichigina in absentia over her social media post, where she stated that “20% of Georgia is occupied by Russia.”
Reposted by Calum MacKenzie
Today’s Russian papers on Trump/Greenland: “Europe’s at a total loss. It’s a pleasure to watch.” Government paper: “Europe doesn’t need the American greatness Trump is promoting…the Old World's keen to keep Greenland for itself, even at the risk of Nato’s collapse.” #ReadingRussia
“Europe’s at a loss. It’s a pleasure to watch,” writes Russian newspaper on Trump & Greenland.
YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg
youtu.be
January 19, 2026 at 7:44 AM
Today’s Russian papers on Trump/Greenland: “Europe’s at a total loss. It’s a pleasure to watch.” Government paper: “Europe doesn’t need the American greatness Trump is promoting…the Old World's keen to keep Greenland for itself, even at the risk of Nato’s collapse.” #ReadingRussia
Politkowskajas Gedenktafel jüngst in Moskau zu sehen, fühlte sich an wie ein Riss in der Raumzeit (“hier wurde Anna Politkowskaja hinterhältig ermordet”). Tja, der Eindruck hat wohl gestimmt, dass sowas eigentlich nicht mehr geduldet werde.
January 18, 2026 at 8:07 PM
Politkowskajas Gedenktafel jüngst in Moskau zu sehen, fühlte sich an wie ein Riss in der Raumzeit (“hier wurde Anna Politkowskaja hinterhältig ermordet”). Tja, der Eindruck hat wohl gestimmt, dass sowas eigentlich nicht mehr geduldet werde.