what the fuck is happening in Russia?

I'm sort of in two minds when it comes to this stuff. I found the long-form video interviews with the Z patriot medic from Bakhmut and his Wagner mate upthread really interesting. It was good to be able to hear from them directly, by someone that didn't interrupt and gave them the floor.

But if they had controlled the podcast instead of being interviewees, I'd have been less inclined to listen - even though the interviewer barely challenged them at all (which is good! I don't really want interviewers to challenge guests, just ask good, probing, interesting questions, and give them space). But I think there is a need to hear 'wrong answers' too

Not that there is a "wrong answer" to "why did you volunteer to fight in Bakhmut?", so there's kind of nothing to challenge on other than understanding the perspective (as well as the experience)

bump

Popov dubiously arrested for stealing 100m roubles worth of metal after criticising the meat grinder tactics. He seems like someone on borrowed time. He was apparently popular with the rank and file, Putin doesn't like that kind of shit.

has he by any chance a broad yorkshire accent

he could probably do a better Yorkshire accent than Jason Issacs!

Timur Ivanov and Vadim Shamarin also arrested, along with a couple of others, not sure of significance of timing.

These feel separate to the Shoigu move. Shoigu must be delighted with his move

wars with a smile on his face but the lad needs trophies