I've been watching Konstantin's channel for more than a year and I find his views are well-informed from his years of lived experience and worth hearing. His thoughts are always well-explained, put across authentically and with modesty. They come "wrapped" with a perfect combination of compassiion and intellect.
@blaze7726 When we defend a country which is attacked, we don't get paid. Only the attacker is paying to have troIIing supporters. So you learned something today, Bot!
@@bornatona3954 I'm not familar with Ponomarev, but from the list of people you gave that you are against, it seems like anyone you are for will be garbage. So I will NOT bother checking him out. I am very familiar with Ben Hodges, and his analysis is EXCELLENT! So anyone like you, who is against Hodges, has to be pro Russia and pro Putin. Since anyone who takes that stance is DEEPLY EVIL, why the hell would anyone believe them?! Everyone you support, I am against.
Brilliant news about a monthly meeting with Konstantin. His channel is a daily must. He’s really good at telling us what’s happening. He explains things so well. Sometimes I have to remind myself that English is not his first language. His vocabulary is better than many English speakers I know.
@blaze7726 What in particular do you disagree with? I watch some Russian State Media and it's amazing to see how much they have to backflip and do cartwheels to keep up with the official narrative, it reminds me a lot of the Deutsche Wochenschau (German propaganda newsreel from WW2) in the dying months of WW2, watching their news would have you believe that Germany was winning the war! Deep down do you really believe all the BS they are feeding you? If you are doing it as a 'job', well it's nothing to be proud of.
Konstantin is great and he has been one of the voices from inside Russia that has helped us outsiders understand what is going on there. Great interview.
My question for Konstantin "How much were you a part in supporting or promoting this regime in the years leading up to your escaping?" Were you a proud Russian citizen in years past? Or did you try to oppose or speak truth to Russian power?
Thanks Mr Jonathan Fink. It is so obvious that you truly care about this Genocide and are letting people get the concept right in front of their eyes and ears.
Still not understanding why is it a Genocide? It's a heinous, immoral invasion by the Russians with murders, rapes, looting and destruction, shameful missile attacks on civilians too, and every of the tens/hundreds of thousands of lives lost is a crime, but why a Genocide? (Even if they took over all Ukraine - which they won't succeed in, thanks to Ukrainians' bravery - there was never any plan to kill even 1% of the population. This is not Rwanda, E. Congo or 9 million WW2 concentration camp deaths. Or has the word lost its meaning, and simply every war is called Genocide [by the aggressor] now? eg when Iraq fought Iran in the 1980s, was that genocide?
Thanks for having Constantine on your show. I have been following him for a long time from before the Russian Ukrainian war! He really has the pulse on Russia!
I don't know if anyone has asked the following question to Constantine: "What was your part in allowing/promoting the development of this criminal regime in Russia?" I can see you fled from the 'heat', but did you support or vote for this tyrant? Were you a proud Russian before this invasion? An honest answer would enlighten us as to how pervasive was the propaganda and the pressure on Russians to conform and cooperate with this regime.
@@thor9563 There is nothing wrong with loving your family, your friends, your community, your city and your country. For a long time the Russian government allowed its citizens to live their lives as long as they did not involve themselves in political opposition to the authoritarian government in Moscow. At the end of the cold war the Russia was in financial ruin and the Russian people were suffering. Instead of the USA helping Russia rebuild its society like we did for Germany after WW2 we decided not to help them. We sowed the seeds of anger in Russia by not extending the hand and letting Russia wallow in despair which later turned into anger. Same thing happened in Germany after WW1. Obviously we didn't learn from our history lessons. Because of this, like Germany, Russians have never fully experienced a fully free and democratic society. The educated class in Russia prospered under this laissez-faire environment so much so that China adopted it also and took it to a higher level until recently. When I brought my Ukrainian ex-wife to the USA she become so homesick that she wanted to go home. She and her sister and her friends were inseparable. In College I had a Russian Jewish student named Alexander who was my friend and he had left the Soviet Union and he had told me he wanted to go back to Russia because he missed life there. You would thing because of the anti-Semitism that would be the last place he would want to go back to. There is nothing strange about loving the people you grew up with or loving the food and the culture! When I visited Moscow i was very impressed with many of the historical buildings in Moscow like Red Square and the Kremlin. The people were very kind and very friendly. The vast majority of Russians have grown up disassociated from the workings of the government. You cannot change hundred of years of serf mentality overnight. Even thought the serfs in Russia were granted emancipation in 1861. The landowners continued the practice in a different disguise. Kinda like us with Jim Crow! As a society we are still struggling with our own demons from the past.
Thank you sir for your well thought out and kind reply. I guess I would probably have the same mindset given the circumstances with zero alternatives. 'Make the best life with what is in front of you' explains how Russians live in a dictatorship. Again thanks very much!@@TheVideoRaf
Was the invasion by the Putin regime Konstantin's 'wake up call' to Russia's evil? How did he live and thrive in this regime in the decades leading up to his eventual escape from Russia? I honestly would like to understand how the average Russky coped with a criminal regime while they brutalized citizens in Aleppo, Grozny, Georgia etc.
I’m so very happy to see Konstantin on your program, I’m an avid fan of his podcasts, and yours,, he tells it how it is, which we are all grateful for , ,, thank you 🙏
Wot will happen when all the beans r spilled, how Russia been plundered and robbed, and if not 4 Putin cud be much different, think devotion, sentiment wud evaporate, replaced by pissed
As a Brit in Russia I have this problem , it seems almost impossible to have a conversation about what’s going on . I’m asked “ Why do you study what’s going going on ? We can’t change anything , let’s just spend time in the vegetable garden “. It’s Really like this . Great work Jonathan.
You might get called up to the Russian army. The Russians are apparently forced conscripting migrant workers from independent Central Asian countries. Possibly, in the Russian mindset, they still think that they control these countries.
As a Ukrainian/Australian... Konstantin has made it literally impossible for me to hate all Russian people. A really good man and a wise man as well, just hope there are more like him over there. :/
Konstantin should not be the thing that makes that clear to you, though. Of course Russians aren't all horrible. It's not an ideology, or a strict concept (like nazism, fascism), it's a culture. It varies. The opportunism people can show when grouped is often inspired by fear. It's also how the Russian frontline works. In general, not many people chose death when faced with such an objective. The pious might, perhaps Buddhists will (Myanmar doesn't inspire such notions, though). It does make excellent art, rich literature, but the Russian question of rulership has had its ups and downs. For me such things have been hard not to see. My Dutch grandfather's sister married a German who fought nazism. Most Germans went for a life with less fear (or perhaps less hatred/disgust), though. And my mom had a serious right hook (many people think women are feeble)... Thinking people are unified in whatever group is also opportunistic/convenient and not that different to the mechanism that makes Russia what it is. Such narratives are easy. Black and white.
Mr. Fink: Delighted to learn _Silicon Curtain_ is taking Konstantin Samoilov on board. His _Inside Russia_ uploads have been a much appreciated source of informative economic analysis of Russia for a year now, and I do look forward to listening to you both together with great anticipation in the future.
Thank you for an excellent conversation, I feel sure that if Z army had entered Kiev, ordinary Russians would have been out on the streets and filling the squares of Moscow celebrating and cheering with national pride. Until Russians are affected individually they will not care.about this war on Ukraine.
I think you're 100% correct. One would think the significant casualties and the fact many Russians have families in Ukraine would have made people upset. I for one never imagined this war could go on so long because I thought ordinary Russians wouldn't stand for it. I couldn't have been more wrong.
England in 1688, France in 1789, and the USA in 1776 threw out the tyrants and put an end to abuse of the individual honest citizen by greedy monarchs. England, France, and USA added constitutions with bills of rights to protect individuals from government power. Not Russia. Russia had a revolution in 1917 but the Russian revolution did not contain anything like a bill of rights for the people. The tyrannical czar was deposed, but in time was replaced by a Soviet government even more flagrantly violating individual rights than the czar. I.e. the communist party. Time passed, and now Russia is ruled by a greedy, murderous dictator, with no civil rights for the population; like in all repressive dictatorships. From 2000 until now Putin was able to conceal the extreme national rip off due to prosperity provided by oil revenues. And these revenues were brought in by western companies, extracting the oil. The logical explanation of the irrational accepting of victimhood mentality must simply be that the Russian people have lived under exploitation and misery for hundreds of years and it seems normal to them. It’s just that simple. It’s the same wherever government is granted limitless power over the citizens. North Korea. Iran. China. Governments will always grab more and more wealth and power to themselves unless somehow stopped. It can still happen in the USA where we were told we must stay home for two years and meanwhile also not educate our children. Then if you objected you were told you were a damned Trump-lover and were canceled by the “cancel culture”. Is this an exaggeration?
Precisely why the restrictions placed on western weapons delivered to Ukraine are counterproductive. Not only should Ukraine be allowed to destroy military targets in Russia, but that should be part of the deal. All of Russia's artillery and tank depots. Tank, artillery and rocket assembly plants. Every company with military contracts. Sukhoi and Mikoyan. Major aircraft maintenance facilities. All of these things should have been flattened in the early months of the war. The war must be brought to the average Russian. It's the only way they will care about any of it, not to mention this would dramatically decrease the amount of equipment Ukrainians must face on the front. The only thing that should be off limits are oil production and oil export facilities.
Russia is a country full of self centered nut jobs that mirror people like donald trump and ron desantis. Look at trump being unable to stop committing crimes while he is being convicted of past crimes. Look at desantis passing unconstitutional law after unconstitutional law. It will take a lot of pain to make russians give in and stop supporting the slaughter, rape, torture, and kidnapping of ukrainians. I am not even sure nuking a major city in russia would convince russians to stop supporting the war. The russian people who have not fled are pure evil.
Konstantin’s restores my faith in Russians, he is the sort of guy who could play a part in developing Russia into an amazing country once the criminal elements are curtailed.
Really enjoyed this interview with Konstantin...he's really knowledgeable and is trying to make a difference by spreading the word of Putin and Russian propaganda. Have been following him since the invasion. 👍❤🤙
Please can you try to interview one of CEOs from a company taken over in Russia... Like Carslberg, Continental tyres, Unilever - some are still operating, under threats of violence to their families... Big K is always good to watch. Another great interview with him. 👍🏻🇬🇧
its a disese its called sick capatlisim its thriving in 2023 the sort of thinkin of a person tryin to sell you a umbrella in a deseret somehow thay comer across the mortons who il be sucked in and buy a umbrella in the deasert whats neer rain in a 1000 years
No, but you can use it to protect you from the sun's rays,,, or optimistically nuclear fallout,, a good salesmanor politician ,,,,, will always find a few suckers,.
@234... Sick capitalism, is not so sick. The theory (and my experience) is if you do well, are intelligent and resourceful, you will prosper. It has nothing to do with violence, threats and terrorism. In fact capitalism rewards those who improve the lives of many through creative thinking and collaboration with others. It's all about sharing, so we all prosper. Alien concepts to authoritarian regimes... 🤷🏻♀️
Same here regarding being a viewer of Constantine for some time. I'm so elated in seeing him here 🎉 Now what is happening to his Country has hit him literally, his passion is what has my full attention. Education right here. Sit back and listen. I am fortunate in being in the same room of both. 🇨🇦🍁🇺🇦 Thank you Guy's I have posted your program's on a Ukrainian Armed Forces site , that I too am part of, where people support the UAF and speak their minds passionately where many Veterans of War are vocal. Thank you for this we've had a double cocktail today👍🏻🥃of our favourite. Blessings!! Olivia. 🇨🇦🍁🇺🇦
There are lots of dumb ways to die, but taking a family vacation in a country you invaded and in which you committed uncountable, systematic war crimes is one that would even make Floridians think "That's some dumb sh*t".
@@misterdude8034 Yeah. At the beginning of this war, I made the statement that the Russians were Putin's first and most intimate victims. When I hear about callous f*ckwits going on vacation in occupied Crimea and getting butthurt when a few of them accidentally die, I have a hard time defending my original assertion. These folks are not victims. They are at best indifferent to the suffering of others their government kills, rapes, kidnaps, and tortures. And most appear to at least tacitly state that their government deserves their support. Their country as a political entity deserves annihilation and they deserve what ensues.
I'm so glad that Konstantin is back here and will be regularly returning! Hands down my favourite channel at the moment. Such a good, brave and smart man.
Mr. Konstantin is very articulate and forceful in his opposition of the Putin regime. Was this always so? I would honestly like to hear him speak of his views of the regime in the years when he had a career, a home in Russa. Was he a proud supporter or was he a dissident, as he is now?
Thankyou Jonathan & Konstantin.. why are people like you two so few ? Compassion, empathy, intelligence- what Putin done to his Country, his Countrymen for an outdated dream of grandeur- so so so very sad for Russians.. for us all - how long will it take to bring us all back together- thanks guys - God bring Peace to Ukraine and to Russia and indeed the world 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Though he has a great heart, Konstantin is a tiny bit politically naive. However, he lived in the US for a long, long time so he knows exactly how Americans think, their common misconceptions about Russia and is expert at relating information to them. I also enjoy watching his channel because we get good insights from what other Russians are saying, feeling, etc. So, there are valuable insights to be had. He also relates some fascinating stories from the time of the fall of the USSR and the early 90s.
My heart genuinely hurts for Constantin and all like minded Russians. I recall thinking in 1989/90 At last the madness is over, we can all live without the sword of Damocles hanging over us... how naïve I was!
Thanks for the work,Jonathan. Excellent strategic moves by our friends - interdict supply lines, isolate bases, and monitor the opponent's workarounds.
Thank you for this interview! ❤ The Russian chaos czar, has successfully overseen the withering of Russia's economy. According to a report by Market Insider, the Russian Finance Ministry reports a 36% drop in gas and oil revenues compared to a year ago. The ruble is the worst performing currency, down 35% from last year. Before the war, Russia was responsible for 40% of the EU's natural gas imports and a quarter of the EU's crude oil. Those numbers have dropped to almost zero. One of Russia's largest industries, is seeing an almost total collapse of car sales, a representative of broader economic woes. 🇺🇲 🇺🇦
@@lesliereed4047 no, the group "Just stop Oil" is not active in Russia or China. Piers Morgan clashed with the groups leader on why not. The drop in Russia's revenues are because the West isn't supporting Russian oil and gas because of Putin's illegal war in Ukraine.
@@lesliereed4047 you can say what you want, but my response shouldn't have gotten you hot and bothered. I wasn't rude. If you already know everything, good, move on. 🙄
Great to see Konstantin on your channel. He's one of the few Russians who speaks about what really goes on in Russia and how regular Russians think. Also, his many years in the USA (around the Millennium) gives him an insight and comparison that others do not have.
Thank you for putting that into words so well! You are very concise in stating the reasons why everyone should follow Konstantin's channel and his daily updates at INSIDE RUSSIA, here on TH-cam. When anything major happens, like Prigozhin's mutiny, Konstantin is on top of it WAY before anyone else is, doing as many live streams as it takes to bring us the news AS IT HAPPENS. K has many friends in Russia and Ukraine, including the occupied areas, who send him up to the minute news, and he moniters many Telegram channels. All of those channels post news and pictures as things happen, directly from those areas that are being bombed, or whatever. So he had pictures of Prigozhin's convoy on the move, the whole way there, From Rostov to the outskirts of Moscow. So Konstantin is right on top of every development, and his analysis is as good as it gets, because of his intelligence and previous experience. When Prigozhin's mutiny was on, he stayed up all night live streaming the news as it happened, may hours before the MSM even knew about it, with only breaks for tea etc. Only when it seemed there would be a definate lull in the action did he stop for 4 hours to sleep. That was the next morning. He did some more live streams the next day too, but at that point the major action had stopped being a constant thing, so he updated us when he could. At that point the only info was coming from Putin, his office, and Russian State News, which are all just lies straight from Putin. Even when whatsisname, the President of Belarus, made the announcement of a deal with Progozhin, it was still a message straight from Putin. K gave it all to us as it came out, and his analysis. And he kept updating us as the day passed, and the following days. He has continued to give as much info as he can get, and I trust him. In the USSR type of atmosphere that Putin has created, many people inside are reluctant to speak freely. They know that all phones are tapped, as are all internet connections. So the info he receives now is filtered through that. He bravely speaks the truth, while knowing it endangers him. So as he says we don't get any BS from him. It's 100% truth as he sees it, and I believe that bis opinion is as close to the real truth as anyone can get, considerring the secrecy and lies emitted from the Kremlin. People should still watch a number of other channels too. Among the ones I watch are the Ukraine and Polish national news channels. But I forget their names and call signs, so if anyone can list those below that would be great! Also I watch the personal channels of Artur Reil, Joe Blogs, ___ Joe, That Russian Guy, Anna From Ukraine, Zfrnz, Nicki Prozhin, 4:20, The ___ Family, Vasya In The Hay, and more. I will come right back here to fix these spelling mistakes above asap. The first 4 of those just above are mostly about Macro subjects, the war in general, management of the war, and it's effects on the country at large. The rest do include some of that, but are more from a personal perspective. Some are people based in the west, especially the first 4 personal channels I listed. Of the rest, Anna is in Ukraine, Zfrnz and Nicki Prozhin are other Russian men who have left to avoid conscription, and 4:20 is an antiwar activist male in Russia who needs to be very careful. The ___ Family just try to show Russian life. They started before the war, as did Vasya In The Hay, who also shows a different side of life there, and the extreme neglect of the people in the villages. The host of Vasya In The Hay left Russia too, and isn't saying if he has returned or not. His channel us a wonderful one to see! He is trying singlehandedly to uplift the millions of disabled and elderly Russians who are being neglected by the government. I have lost the name of the channel I was watching from a Siberian city. If anyone has 1 or more names of channels from Siberia, or other far distant parts of Russia, I would be VERY grateful if they would tell me those names! I'm sorry I was so lengthy! I have gone to check the correct spellings from the channels I listed above, and I hope nothing distracts me until after I have fixed them.
You have no idea how glad I was to hear you employ the word "normality" rather than "normalcy". Why the latter was invented and seems to be replacing the former baffles me. Thank you. PS - love your channel. Thank you for keeping me informed. I'm just a simple country doctor but am deeply interested in geopolitics.
I've been watching Mr K since day one of this war, because of the chapters of his life he brings a very different perspective, but I know he loves his country and wants peace for everyone !! I find that very admirable and hopefully he can return home again soon.
Thank you for another honest opinion about what’s happening inside the Russian Federation. Let’s hope for a smooth landing and transition from the Putin legacy who for all intents and purposes is a dictator and like all dictators want to rule for life. Unfortunately, so many good people are dying from this unnecessary violence.
Agree. There is another dangerous Dictator. He is part of NATO. Erdogan of TURKEY. He didn't win the election. Only Uneducated believe so. Erdowan has imprisoned more Journalists than any other country. That, is NOT a level playing ground for voting. Additionally, Turkey dances on both sides of the line. He jumps from NATO to Russia when it suits his needs. I believe Erdogan will be instrumental in part, starting WW3. The signs are on the walls. Unfortunately, most people hide and pretend, until it is too late.
Ukrainian Warriors and President Zelensky, you amaze the World with your Courage, Strength and Determination... All it takes for Evil to win is for Good to do nothing. We can achieve anything when we all work together... God Bless Ukraine from the UK
Monthly feature with Konstantin (INSIDERUSSIA) is fantastic! Jonathan has the interesting questions and Konstatin the Russian background. Very much looking forward to this cooperation - thanks to both of you, have a wonderful weekend!
An honest question for Konstantin,"Were you supportive or proud of Russia's activities in Aleppo, Grozny, Georgia etc?" Honestly want to know or understand the state of the Russian mind during those horrible atrocities!
By now the dead soldiers would have come back in bodybags. The horrendous number of wounded would have come home. How can russian families not be aware anymore? Surely the injured will tell their families of what is going on in the special military operation?
There are countless reports of Russian soldiers bodies just left out in the battlefield to rot. If they are considered “missing” by the ministry of defence, they don’t have to pay the family any compensations.
Hi thanks Jonathan and Konstantin you are 2 of my absolute favorites among Vlad Vexler❤. Thanks for a sound and agreeable discussion, I cannot say thanks enough to you Jonathan for how open minded you are and for bringing as many people and their personal perspectives on to your exceptional excellent podcast! With kindness and respect, Grace 🩰
Have followed Konstantin for about a year now, he is continuously keep us in the west appraised the inside story of Russia from a Russian perspective. I salute Konstantin and he's dedication to human rights and justice. I hope Konstantin stays well and finds his place as he has been displaced by the fascism of Putin and the effects of Putinism. I claim that the west basically said to Russia, "Hope you figure it out." My thinking was to conscript civil society leaders to assist Russians in forming the infrastructure necessary to build and maintain a modern society.
The libertarian right wing in the West, and especially the US, was delighted to see Russia implode into an anarchic, Wild West capitalist free-for-all in the early 90s. Western capitalist elites were just salivating to get in on the gold rush, but they were too cautious to plunge in right away-- the chaos was too intense. So Western governments sat back on their heels and waited for the rise of the unregulated oligarchic structure that they were confident would bring some order to the country and create the relative stability that would allow them to get in on the take. This process began to bear fruit in the early 2000s, and they were happy to see the rise of strong-man Putin who seemed to be the guarantor of security for the oligarchic system that would enable international parasitization on the body of Russia. Through the 90s and early 2000s, nothing was ever done by the West to support the growth in Russia of civil society, democratization, or an equitable distribution of the assets of the liquidated Soviet state economy. In the end it didn't turn out the way the Cowboy Capitalists hoped. Putin could have continued indefinitely to whore for Western billionaires and just continued on his trajectory of becoming the world's richest man and the king of oligarchic Russia, but instead, after becoming bored with the rewards of historically unparalleled personal wealth, embarked on the satisfaction of his more exotic urges-- the dark dream of becoming the new Peter the Great, and even more, a man who would be feared and adulated by the entire world. He's a monster, but make no mistake-- our own elites and our own past failures as a democratic society to assert political control in our own societies, take down those elites, and support democracy in Russia, bear a huge responsibility for what has happened. Before we "assist Russians" in forming a civil society we have to take down our own out-of-control oligarchy first.
@@TodoBetisBalompi6 I Jake Broe's segments, and always ending with an upbeat tidbit from the front. But Konstantin does provide a Russian's take and perspective. He grew up in Soviet Union, in Russia, and has both a historic perspective and a lived perspective.
@@donnievance1942 I agree with your sentiment and have had the same observations, I term the global trend in social governance as Neo-kleptocratic-theonomic-fascism. And the ones at the top, oil-igarchs. Oh yeah, and I love what Bush did, trying to install democracy 2.0 through the barrel of a gun, guaranteed to fail.
I love that guy Konstantin. I listen to every one of his broadcasts, sometimes later after they are over but I always listen. He and I see the world pretty much the same way. I think he held out hope for a happy ending for Russia as long as he could but it's starting to fade. Illusions are evaporating. He worried me for a long time by not getting out. I knew as soon as the sanctions started and the large corporations started leaving exactly where it was all going. He did too but it took September 21, 2022 and a poem to bring him to his senses. He got out just in the nick of time and he got his family out too. That's really all that matter. My grandfather, one of the two best people I ever knew (the other was my grandmother) had a saying; money lost, nothing lost. Ambition lost, everything lost. Once Konstantin started to recover from the extreme trauma he went through, his inner strength started asserting itself. It's been a joy to watch what he has done. He has helped so many people and by doing that he has helped himself even more. He never gave up. You don't need a crystal ball to know what is happening and going to happen to Russia. Konstantin knows as well as I do and for him it will be heartbreaking. For me, I'm much older than he is, and I just watch the world almost like I'm an outsider looking in. Konstantin; Russians are from Mars, Americans are from Venus. Mars is cold cold cold, America is hot hot hot. 😅 th-cam.com/video/EhZba-P7R18/w-d-xo.html
It's easy to say "I knew ... exactly where it was all going" earlier than Konstantine, when "knowing" has no negative consequences for your own life. I can almost guarantee you would have held on to hope just as long as Konstantine, if not longer, if it meant not having to move your family, leave your friends, give up your job, etc... Konstantine is a very rare breed. He is educated. He has a mind that can think critically. He thinks for himself. He follows the evidence where it leads him, no matter how uncomfortable the conclusions are, and despite everyone around him thinking otherwise. Most of us think our thoughts are just as independently formed, but that's true for only a very small number of people. The vast majority of opinions are recycled from others.
@@a5cent one thing Konstantin told me that I didn't know was that Russia was entirely dependent on foreign technology for EVERYTHING. On their own they are literally helpless. Anything that breaks down will be unrepairable. This goes for automobiles, planes, production machinery, computer operated HVAC and lighting systems in high rise buildings, elevators, even their advanced weapons that use American technology. They can build the shells of tanks but what about all of the technology that goes into them. Their Central Bank Chief Virus Nebula said they will have to accept to going back to a more primitive level of technology. Will it be the technology of 1991? No, more like 1891 or 1791. That's why she wanted to quit the first day of the invasion. Considering the plight Putin put Russia's economy in, she's done the best job she could to stave off the collapse as long as she could but she knew in the end it would completely fall apart. Over 1200 international companies left. MacDonald's and Starbucks are irrelevant. The ones that really matter are companies like Siemens, GE, Boeing, Air Bus, Exxon, Shell, BP, Haliburton, Schlumberger, IBM, Apple, all of the car companies, and the entire network of people who integrated Russia's economy into the international network of advanced technologies that define the modern world. They are the ones who not only manufacture the products, they maintain them, repair them, and eventually replace the. They have the technical skills to diagnose problems, know what needs to be repaired, where to get the parts, how to install them and where necessary how to calibrate and program them. They also have the ability to transfer money to pay for all of it. Now Russia is cut off. Can China or India fill the gap? No Way Jose'. Russia is screwed. And Konstantin knows it just as I do. He also knows as I do that it can never go back. Even if the sanctions were lifted, once burned, twice warned. These companies lost billions in investments. They aren't going back to risk getting burned again. It's over. Russia is a dead man walking.
Two of my favourite TH-camrs together again. Thank you both for your separate, but perfectly aligned thoughts, ideas and insights. It is only people like you that can help the world see what is happening through a lens not 'doctored' by either Western or Eastern news sources. Aussie Sue
This reminds me of the Nazi' s wochenshau where in early 1945 the nazi news showed the devastation of the allies forces and they were mocking fat Churchill and crippled Rusvelt.
Wherever Konstantin shows up, you know you'll get a good dose of information derived from truth, logic, experience and intellect. I am subscribed to Konstantin's channel; he is one of the best. Another first-rate interview with an excellent interviewer and his guest; thank you for posting.
Love this show and I am a FAITHFUL follower of Mr. K! He has a heart for people, victims, those hurting and scared or those weary that is absolutely beautiful! Him and Natasha have worked so hard to help others while hurting themselves! They are definitely Gods workers and making a difference! Thank you for having Mr. K on!
I hear Putin has fired a whole Battalion of Combat Dolphins. Guardians of the Kerch Bridge.🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬 They were drinking on the job 🇺🇦✌🏻
Nice to see Konstantin on your channel, although I feel I watch too much about this, as I see it, ludicrous and disastrous situation, I feel part of a club, meeting familiar pro Ukrainian commentators, all working together, trying to explain and make sense of what's going on. Trouble is, I still can't get my head around it!!! But thanks for trying. Slava Ukraini
So many takeaways here: one, Russia seems always to have had a long tradition of the military staying out of politics -maybe just one more part of most everyone else staying out of politics, come to think of it. But it does seem that the Russian military has been if anything the single most long-suffering and uncomplaining face of a society shot through with avoidance and resignation. If the military is now grumbling and even publicly threatening politicians, that may not be only a sign that the end is coming for Putin, but maybe also that a new element in Russian politics is emerging - not necessarily one that is better for the future of Russia, BTW. Two, while the present situation may not be quite analogous with the 1930’s, what is forming in Russia now may be something that resembles a perhaps rather obscure novel called Day of the Oprichnik, by Vladimir Sorokin. It is a dystopian novel, written in 2012, that describes a 21st century Russia ruled by a despotic and distant tsar with overtones of Stalin, isolated from most of the world and semi-vassalized by China. Maybe not great literature, but prophetic? Three: the image of Russia today as the Titanic apparently sailing serenely away from the iceberg; hey, nothing to worry about for now. Woosh. I am old enough to remember witnessing the at first gradual and then sudden collapse of the USSR - on television, understand, from the comfort of my peaceful Canadian living room. Lately I feel like I just turned on the TV and suddenly I’m watching . . . the sequel. Four: I discovered Konstantin's channel about April last year, have followed it ever since, then found Vlad Vexler's channel shortly afterwards quite independently, and yours a bit later, again quite independently. Now I find you all talk to each other. Love it!
"Russia seems always to have had a long tradition of the military staying out of politics" ??? Really ?? obviously you missed Russian history for the past 200 years ...
Jonathan, I watch your channel only when I'm really interested in either the topic or your guests. So please allow me 2 critical remarks. 1) Do you realize how often your questioning goes on so long that you basically answered it yourself? In my opinion you are lucky to have such great guests and that most of them are able to say more then "yes, I agree". 2) You didn't really tell your audience who this Russian guy you "interviewed" today is. AFAIAC, he's got a YT channel, he fled Russia and he knows to say the right things. But at least in this episode, he didn't take responsibility for anything Russia is doing. And you didn't even ask him what he is doing for Ukraine. So is he doing anything for Ukraine at all? To everyone here: I'll be happy for every answer here! Thank you! 💙💛
Constantin is invaluable source of information. I've been searching and seeing a lot about what's going in russia, but it's like... here is a little grain of truth, there is... and there is Constantin and big fat steak of truth and insight.
always enjoyed Mr K's streams,been watching before the war. wish his Mods would unban me,still have no idea what I said that set them off. Thanks for sharing !!
Incidentally, telling women to forget anything else, and just stay home and make babies was one of Italian fascism favourite slogans: "dare figli alla patria"
Have you ever seen the video of Hitler giving out medals to women for bearing 10 (sons?) children for the fatherland? I remember watching that in highschool...puke worthy
err..What the fudge? It's Konstantin! Been watching him for over a year. Point being. It's good to get an insider view of the craziness. He could be an insider though. As his family have not been menaced back in the mother country. Look forward to the collaboration!
Jonathan, Mr Samoilov is always a favourite guest, informative and yet so watchable, he has a humor and depth of insight that is so likeable, Bravo Mr Fink 👏👏👏
It is so good to have this credible discussion about Ukraine, especially with all the talk about years of war ahead. We remain puzzled of how Putin has been able to keep going, given his mass of problems, and the huge support the brave motivated, and effective Ukrainians have had from the West. We can feel a little more cheerful...and hopeful. Slava Ukraine! 🏁🇺🇦 🇺🇦
Putin has been able to keep going because of huge money reserves (superavit) and mobilization of a relevant part of society (the so-called Z-patriots, which are around 15% of the population). The point is that superavit is now gone, Russian budget runs with a big and increasing deficit, they're printing money a lot recently which in turn devaluates the ruble and Putin cannot mobilize the entire population of Russia otherwise the social contract is broken and the regime will inevitably collapse. We see what is happening with Wagner and the "Angry Patriots" like Girkin, big critics of the Putin regime, and that's only a minority - imagine what an armed majority would do. Why do you think Russian trolls recently started pushing the idea of "peace talks" and Russians started blackmailing the West by doing a blockade on Odesa and therefore creating the conditions for a famine in the Global South? Of course it's not because they're fine, it's because they're f*cked up.
As in Germany after WW2…. groups of Russian people should be transported to the scenes of the horrific war crimes perpetrated by their fellow countrymen…. made to look at the damage done to Ukranian cities… and also made to listen to personal testimonies of Ukrainian citizens!
Fabulous presentation! Thank you, Jonathan, for hosting this discussion. And thank you, Konstantin, for your explanation of what I agree is highly likely a most dire situation within Russia, and the incipient implosion.
💛💙💜💙💛 so good to see you, Jonathan, and your guest, Konstantin 😊👍 I am a daily viewer of Konstantin's livestreams. Learning so much and changing everything I didn't know about Russia. Crimes Against Humanity aside, it's a human tragedy for everyone 🥺
Please bring on that implosion, I really look forward to your next episode, Konstantin is such a sensible realist, if only there were more. Excellent interview
Although he doesn't want the job, Konstantin should become a political leader- only leaders like him will be able to save Russia from Putin's destruction.
Been listening to a lot of Russia analysts and historians for the past year and half. Feels like the core cultural problems cannot be solved when the people at large simply _don't care_ .
Superb interview. Both interviewer and interviewee were extremely eloquent, concise and succinct. A very refreshing change from the usual opinion driven, soap-box fare. Heartily recommended!
I've been watching Konstantin's channel for more than a year and I find his views are well-informed from his years of lived experience and worth hearing. His thoughts are always well-explained, put across authentically and with modesty. They come "wrapped" with a perfect combination of compassiion and intellect.
Think he regrets leaving the US and returning to Putin-Russia to build power plants for the state?
@@chrisbea49do you regret moving to St. Paul Minnesota
Let us not forget 1420
100%
@@CBirds I haven't fled to avoid getting mobilized.
I'm sooooo glad to know that Mr. Samoilov will be coming to the channel on a monthly basis! He's an absolute favorite of mine. Thanks, Jonathan!
Konstantin shares great insights and wisdom regarding Russia. I too am happy he will be a regular guest though Jonathan always has great guests.
I'm a huge fan of Konstantine too! I watch his show every day at his TH-cam channel INSIDE RUSSIA.
@blaze7726 Putin's trolls are despicable, both in Russia or the US. Give it a break.
💩 🇷🇺 💩 🇷🇺 💩
@@cattymajiv Me too ❤
@blaze7726 When we defend a country which is attacked, we don't get paid.
Only the attacker is paying to have troIIing supporters.
So you learned something today, Bot!
Watch Konstantin almost everyday. Thanks so much for having him on .
Love to hear about this upcoming and reoccurring collaboration between you both.
+1
👍👍👍
Here, here! I'm up for that!
👍🏻 Looking forward to it.
@@bornatona3954 I'm not familar with Ponomarev, but from the list of people you gave that you are against, it seems like anyone you are for will be garbage. So I will NOT bother checking him out.
I am very familiar with Ben Hodges, and his analysis is EXCELLENT!
So anyone like you, who is against Hodges, has to be pro Russia and pro Putin.
Since anyone who takes that stance is DEEPLY EVIL, why the hell would anyone believe them?!
Everyone you support, I am against.
Happy to hear that you Jonathan and Konstantin will be meeting monthly. I watch both of their wonderful channels.
Konstantin is wonderful.
Brilliant news about a monthly meeting with Konstantin. His channel is a daily must. He’s really good at telling us what’s happening. He explains things so well. Sometimes I have to remind myself that English is not his first language. His vocabulary is better than many English speakers I know.
@blaze7726you from troll factory?
@blaze7726 What in particular do you disagree with? I watch some Russian State Media and it's amazing to see how much they have to backflip and do cartwheels to keep up with the official narrative, it reminds me a lot of the Deutsche Wochenschau (German propaganda newsreel from WW2) in the dying months of WW2, watching their news would have you believe that Germany was winning the war!
Deep down do you really believe all the BS they are feeding you? If you are doing it as a 'job', well it's nothing to be proud of.
@blaze7726 Yeah... it must be YOUR reality. I am from that other one.
If he could only discover that English has articles...😉
He also claimed Crimea is Russian, 🙄 what a joke!
Konstantin is great and he has been one of the voices from inside Russia that has helped us outsiders understand what is going on there. Great interview.
My question for Konstantin "How much were you a part in supporting or promoting this regime in the years leading up to your escaping?" Were you a proud Russian citizen in years past? Or did you try to oppose or speak truth to Russian power?
Thanks Mr Jonathan Fink. It is so obvious that you truly care about this Genocide and are letting people get the concept right in front of their eyes and ears.
Still not understanding why is it a Genocide? It's a heinous, immoral invasion by the Russians with murders, rapes, looting and destruction, shameful missile attacks on civilians too, and every of the tens/hundreds of thousands of lives lost is a crime, but why a Genocide? (Even if they took over all Ukraine - which they won't succeed in, thanks to Ukrainians' bravery - there was never any plan to kill even 1% of the population.
This is not Rwanda, E. Congo or 9 million WW2 concentration camp deaths. Or has the word lost its meaning, and simply every war is called Genocide [by the aggressor] now? eg when Iraq fought Iran in the 1980s, was that genocide?
😊😊
@blaze7726stfu, you're a brand new account spamming Russia propaganda. 😂 your opinion means nothing
Zelensky is the agent of gen o cide in Ukraine against his own people.
LOL @ "genocide". Don't you think if it was a genocide cities would've been nuked by now? Gaslight more though, I know you can do it.
Thanks for having Constantine on your show. I have been following him for a long time from before the Russian Ukrainian war! He really has the pulse on Russia!
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I don't know if anyone has asked the following question to Constantine: "What was your part in allowing/promoting the development of this criminal regime in Russia?" I can see you fled from the 'heat', but did you support or vote for this tyrant? Were you a proud Russian before this invasion? An honest answer would enlighten us as to how pervasive was the propaganda and the pressure on Russians to conform and cooperate with this regime.
@@thor9563 There is nothing wrong with loving your family, your friends, your community, your city and your country. For a long time the Russian government allowed its citizens to live their lives as long as they did not involve themselves in political opposition to the authoritarian government in Moscow. At the end of the cold war the Russia was in financial ruin and the Russian people were suffering. Instead of the USA helping Russia rebuild its society like we did for Germany after WW2 we decided not to help them. We sowed the seeds of anger in Russia by not extending the hand and letting Russia wallow in despair which later turned into anger. Same thing happened in Germany after WW1. Obviously we didn't learn from our history lessons. Because of this, like Germany, Russians have never fully experienced a fully free and democratic society. The educated class in Russia prospered under this laissez-faire environment so much so that China adopted it also and took it to a higher level until recently. When I brought my Ukrainian ex-wife to the USA she become so homesick that she wanted to go home. She and her sister and her friends were inseparable. In College I had a Russian Jewish student named Alexander who was my friend and he had left the Soviet Union and he had told me he wanted to go back to Russia because he missed life there. You would thing because of the anti-Semitism that would be the last place he would want to go back to. There is nothing strange about loving the people you grew up with or loving the food and the culture! When I visited Moscow i was very impressed with many of the historical buildings in Moscow like Red Square and the Kremlin. The people were very kind and very friendly. The vast majority of Russians have grown up disassociated from the workings of the government. You cannot change hundred of years of serf mentality overnight. Even thought the serfs in Russia were granted emancipation in 1861. The landowners continued the practice in a different disguise. Kinda like us with Jim Crow! As a society we are still struggling with our own demons from the past.
Thank you sir for your well thought out and kind reply. I guess I would probably have the same mindset given the circumstances with zero alternatives. 'Make the best life with what is in front of you' explains how Russians live in a dictatorship. Again thanks very much!@@TheVideoRaf
Absolutely love your show Jonathan! Kostya is one of my most favorite You Tubers!
Is Kostya Russian for Konstantine?
@@a5cent yes, it’s an abbreviation.
Thank you Jonathan. Good to see Konstantin here again. I watch his streams daily❤
His name has clout in Russia, & he has earned it. And over decades of life experience. Slava Ukraine
I watch Konstantin posts every day.
I just subscribed to your channel. Thanks
👍
Good for you, Konstantin. I'm glad you made it to safety
Was the invasion by the Putin regime Konstantin's 'wake up call' to Russia's evil? How did he live and thrive in this regime in the decades leading up to his eventual escape from Russia? I honestly would like to understand how the average Russky coped with a criminal regime while they brutalized citizens in Aleppo, Grozny, Georgia etc.
I’m so very happy to see Konstantin on your program, I’m an avid fan of his podcasts, and yours,, he tells it how it is, which we are all grateful for , ,, thank you 🙏
Wot will happen when all the beans r spilled, how Russia been plundered and robbed, and if not 4 Putin cud be much different,
think devotion, sentiment wud evaporate, replaced by pissed
Agreed his telling the truth 👍like watching his show Weldon God bless you an family's
Gents, thank you for your insights ❗️ Looking forward to your future presentations 🎉🎉🎉
As a Brit in Russia I have this problem , it seems almost impossible to have a conversation about what’s going on . I’m asked “ Why do you study what’s going going on ? We can’t change anything , let’s just spend time in the vegetable garden “. It’s Really like this . Great work Jonathan.
In your place I would get out before it is no longer possible!
You ain't just a brit. You're a spy.
It's whatever they'll say when they arrest you for being a brit.
For heaven's sake, get out now! It's going to be bad there.
Apathy will be their death
You might get called up to the Russian army. The Russians are apparently forced conscripting migrant workers from independent Central Asian countries. Possibly, in the Russian mindset, they still think that they control these countries.
As a Ukrainian/Australian... Konstantin has made it literally impossible for me to hate all Russian people. A really good man and a wise man as well, just hope there are more like him over there. :/
Watch Russian dude. He is also a good man
@@robinkelly1770also 1420 . The young man interviews russian on the street, makes visits to returned soldiers in the rural villages
A good man not willing to die for democracy is a Russian.
Konstantin should not be the thing that makes that clear to you, though. Of course Russians aren't all horrible. It's not an ideology, or a strict concept (like nazism, fascism), it's a culture. It varies. The opportunism people can show when grouped is often inspired by fear. It's also how the Russian frontline works. In general, not many people chose death when faced with such an objective. The pious might, perhaps Buddhists will (Myanmar doesn't inspire such notions, though). It does make excellent art, rich literature, but the Russian question of rulership has had its ups and downs.
For me such things have been hard not to see. My Dutch grandfather's sister married a German who fought nazism. Most Germans went for a life with less fear (or perhaps less hatred/disgust), though. And my mom had a serious right hook (many people think women are feeble)... Thinking people are unified in whatever group is also opportunistic/convenient and not that different to the mechanism that makes Russia what it is. Such narratives are easy. Black and white.
@@robertfarrow5853And Roman and Zack a lot of other young Russians living in exile.
Mr. Fink: Delighted to learn _Silicon Curtain_ is taking Konstantin Samoilov on board. His _Inside Russia_ uploads have been a much appreciated source of informative economic analysis of Russia for a year now, and I do look forward to listening to you both together with great anticipation in the future.
Thank you for an excellent conversation, I feel sure that if Z army had entered Kiev, ordinary Russians would have been out on the streets and filling the squares of Moscow celebrating and cheering with national pride. Until Russians are affected individually they will not care.about this war on Ukraine.
I think you're 100% correct. One would think the significant casualties and the fact many Russians have families in Ukraine would have made people upset. I for one never imagined this war could go on so long because I thought ordinary Russians wouldn't stand for it. I couldn't have been more wrong.
England in 1688, France in 1789, and the USA in 1776 threw out the tyrants and put an end to abuse of the individual honest citizen by greedy monarchs. England, France, and USA added constitutions with bills of rights to protect individuals from government power. Not Russia. Russia had a revolution in 1917 but the Russian revolution did not contain anything like a bill of rights for the people. The tyrannical czar was deposed, but in time was replaced by a Soviet government even more flagrantly violating individual rights than the czar. I.e. the communist party.
Time passed, and now Russia is ruled by a greedy, murderous dictator, with no civil rights for the population; like in all repressive dictatorships. From 2000 until now Putin was able to conceal the extreme national rip off due to prosperity provided by oil revenues. And these revenues were brought in by western companies, extracting the oil.
The logical explanation of the irrational accepting of victimhood mentality must simply be that the Russian people have lived under exploitation and misery for hundreds of years and it seems normal to them. It’s just that simple. It’s the same wherever government is granted limitless power over the citizens. North Korea. Iran. China. Governments will always grab more and more wealth and power to themselves unless somehow stopped. It can still happen in the USA where we were told we must stay home for two years and meanwhile also not educate our children. Then if you objected you were told you were a damned Trump-lover and were canceled by the “cancel culture”. Is this an exaggeration?
@@rustyshackleford2719 Russians are all still serfs they are bred for the yoke, their capacity for suffering is limitless.
Precisely why the restrictions placed on western weapons delivered to Ukraine are counterproductive.
Not only should Ukraine be allowed to destroy military targets in Russia, but that should be part of the deal. All of Russia's artillery and tank depots. Tank, artillery and rocket assembly plants. Every company with military contracts. Sukhoi and Mikoyan. Major aircraft maintenance facilities. All of these things should have been flattened in the early months of the war.
The war must be brought to the average Russian. It's the only way they will care about any of it, not to mention this would dramatically decrease the amount of equipment Ukrainians must face on the front.
The only thing that should be off limits are oil production and oil export facilities.
Russia is a country full of self centered nut jobs that mirror people like donald trump and ron desantis. Look at trump being unable to stop committing crimes while he is being convicted of past crimes. Look at desantis passing unconstitutional law after unconstitutional law.
It will take a lot of pain to make russians give in and stop supporting the slaughter, rape, torture, and kidnapping of ukrainians. I am not even sure nuking a major city in russia would convince russians to stop supporting the war. The russian people who have not fled are pure evil.
Konstantin’s restores my faith in Russians, he is the sort of guy who could play a part in developing Russia into an amazing country once the criminal elements are curtailed.
faith in russians???? he is just a minority, 1 in a million, so don't get your hopes too high
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Really enjoyed this interview with Konstantin...he's really knowledgeable and is trying to make a difference by spreading the word of Putin and Russian propaganda. Have been following him since the invasion. 👍❤🤙
Great Interview , your style of interviewing is always interesting and Konstantin is always very insightful and has great depth of thought and logic
Thank you! I've been hoping you and Konstatin would have another conversation, they've been enjoyable.
Oh great ! I've watched him since his first podcast, what a treat both of you ! Intelligent, insightful and a terrific communicator.
@ Konstantin, just watched your stream, took a nap, and here you are again. You are inspiring.
Please can you try to interview one of CEOs from a company taken over in Russia... Like Carslberg, Continental tyres, Unilever - some are still operating, under threats of violence to their families...
Big K is always good to watch. Another great interview with him. 👍🏻🇬🇧
its a disese its called sick capatlisim its thriving in 2023 the sort of thinkin of a person tryin to sell you a umbrella in a deseret somehow thay comer across the mortons who il be sucked in and buy a umbrella in the deasert whats neer rain in a 1000 years
No, but you can use it to protect you from the sun's rays,,, or optimistically nuclear fallout,, a good salesmanor politician ,,,,, will always find a few suckers,.
@@234cheech umbrella is good for desert too😀😀strong sun on the brigth side of the road. SLAVA UKRAINE.
@234...
Sick capitalism, is not so sick.
The theory (and my experience) is if you do well, are intelligent and resourceful, you will prosper.
It has nothing to do with violence, threats and terrorism. In fact capitalism rewards those who improve the lives of many through creative thinking and collaboration with others. It's all about sharing, so we all prosper. Alien concepts to authoritarian regimes... 🤷🏻♀️
Same here regarding being a viewer of Constantine for some time. I'm so elated in seeing him here 🎉 Now what is happening to his Country has hit him literally, his passion is what has my full attention. Education right here. Sit back and listen. I am fortunate in being in the same room of both. 🇨🇦🍁🇺🇦 Thank you Guy's I have posted your program's on a Ukrainian Armed Forces site , that I too am part of, where people support the UAF and speak their minds passionately where many Veterans of War are vocal. Thank you for this we've had a double cocktail today👍🏻🥃of our favourite. Blessings!! Olivia.
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There are lots of dumb ways to die, but taking a family vacation in a country you invaded and in which you committed uncountable, systematic war crimes is one that would even make Floridians think "That's some dumb sh*t".
😂
A Floridian with an inner monologue or thought process 😂😂😅
@@misterdude8034 Yeah. At the beginning of this war, I made the statement that the Russians were Putin's first and most intimate victims.
When I hear about callous f*ckwits going on vacation in occupied Crimea and getting butthurt when a few of them accidentally die, I have a hard time defending my original assertion. These folks are not victims. They are at best indifferent to the suffering of others their government kills, rapes, kidnaps, and tortures. And most appear to at least tacitly state that their government deserves their support.
Their country as a political entity deserves annihilation and they deserve what ensues.
Now the eejits will make a mad dash across Melitopol. I hope they like artillery fire as background music.
Darwin Award s, not winners, they left offspring. Probably as indoctrinated dumb brain .
I'm so glad that Konstantin is back here and will be regularly returning! Hands down my favourite channel at the moment. Such a good, brave and smart man.
I'M a huge fan of Konstantine too! I watch his channel every day at INSIDE RUSSIA.
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Mr. Konstantin is very articulate and forceful in his opposition of the Putin regime. Was this always so? I would honestly like to hear him speak of his views of the regime in the years when he had a career, a home in Russa. Was he a proud supporter or was he a dissident, as he is now?
Konstantin told me to go listen to u :)
Exceptional analysis by Konstantin
Thankyou Jonathan & Konstantin.. why are people like you two so few ? Compassion, empathy, intelligence- what Putin done to his Country, his Countrymen for an outdated dream of grandeur- so so so very sad for Russians.. for us all - how long will it take to bring us all back together- thanks guys - God bring Peace to Ukraine and to Russia and indeed the world 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
2 of my favs..
Very insightful.
Ty!
Two great presenters. Delighted to learn this will become a regular feature. Thank you Jonathan and Konstantin. 😎
Though he has a great heart, Konstantin is a tiny bit politically naive. However, he lived in the US for a long, long time so he knows exactly how Americans think, their common misconceptions about Russia and is expert at relating information to them. I also enjoy watching his channel because we get good insights from what other Russians are saying, feeling, etc. So, there are valuable insights to be had. He also relates some fascinating stories from the time of the fall of the USSR and the early 90s.
My heart genuinely hurts for Constantin and all like minded Russians. I recall thinking in 1989/90 At last the madness is over, we can all live without the sword of Damocles hanging over us... how naïve I was!
❤️❤️❤️Konstantin! Listen to this man!!!
Love from Latvia
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Thanks for the work,Jonathan. Excellent strategic moves by our friends - interdict supply lines, isolate bases, and monitor the opponent's workarounds.
May Z Russians, in support of this insane war someday realize how wrong it was and be righteous shamed
Thank you for this interview! ❤
The Russian chaos czar, has successfully overseen the withering of Russia's economy.
According to a report by Market Insider, the Russian Finance Ministry reports a 36% drop in gas and oil revenues compared to a year ago.
The ruble is the worst performing currency, down 35% from last year.
Before the war, Russia was responsible for 40% of the EU's natural gas imports and a quarter of the EU's crude oil. Those numbers have dropped to almost zero.
One of Russia's largest industries, is seeing an almost total collapse of car sales, a representative of broader economic woes.
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"Just Stop OIl" are clearly very active in Russia then?
@@lesliereed4047 no, the group "Just stop Oil" is not active in Russia or China.
Piers Morgan clashed with the groups leader on why not.
The drop in Russia's revenues are because the West isn't supporting Russian oil and gas because of Putin's illegal war in Ukraine.
@@susansmith9263 I knpw all that, are we not allowed to make "tongue in cheek" comments anymore?
@@lesliereed4047 you can say what you want, but my response shouldn't have gotten you hot and bothered. I wasn't rude.
If you already know everything, good, move on. 🙄
@@susansmith9263 If you believe my reply indicated I was "hot and bothered", you need to get out more.
Excellent interview! I can’t wait to hear more now. 😊
Great to see Konstantin on your channel. He's one of the few Russians who speaks about what really goes on in Russia and how regular Russians think. Also, his many years in the USA (around the Millennium) gives him an insight and comparison that others do not have.
Thank you for putting that into words so well! You are very concise in stating the reasons why everyone should follow Konstantin's channel and his daily updates at INSIDE RUSSIA, here on TH-cam.
When anything major happens, like Prigozhin's mutiny, Konstantin is on top of it WAY before anyone else is, doing as many live streams as it takes to bring us the news AS IT HAPPENS.
K has many friends in Russia and Ukraine, including the occupied areas, who send him up to the minute news, and he moniters many Telegram channels. All of those channels post news and pictures as things happen, directly from those areas that are being bombed, or whatever. So he had pictures of Prigozhin's convoy on the move, the whole way there, From Rostov to the outskirts of Moscow.
So Konstantin is right on top of every development, and his analysis is as good as it gets, because of his intelligence and previous experience. When Prigozhin's mutiny was on, he stayed up all night live streaming the news as it happened, may hours before the MSM even knew about it, with only breaks for tea etc. Only when it seemed there would be a definate lull in the action did he stop for 4 hours to sleep. That was the next morning.
He did some more live streams the next day too, but at that point the major action had stopped being a constant thing, so he updated us when he could. At that point the only info was coming from Putin, his office, and Russian State News, which are all just lies straight from Putin. Even when whatsisname, the President of Belarus, made the announcement of a deal with Progozhin, it was still a message straight from Putin. K gave it all to us as it came out, and his analysis. And he kept updating us as the day passed, and the following days. He has continued to give as much info as he can get, and I trust him.
In the USSR type of atmosphere that Putin has created, many people inside are reluctant to speak freely. They know that all phones are tapped, as are all internet connections. So the info he receives now is filtered through that. He bravely speaks the truth, while knowing it endangers him. So as he says we don't get any BS from him. It's 100% truth as he sees it, and I believe that bis opinion is as close to the real truth as anyone can get, considerring the secrecy and lies emitted from the Kremlin.
People should still watch a number of other channels too. Among the ones I watch are the Ukraine and Polish national news channels. But I forget their names and call signs, so if anyone can list those below that would be great!
Also I watch the personal channels of Artur Reil, Joe Blogs, ___ Joe, That Russian Guy, Anna From Ukraine, Zfrnz, Nicki Prozhin, 4:20, The ___ Family, Vasya In The Hay, and more.
I will come right back here to fix these spelling mistakes above asap.
The first 4 of those just above are mostly about Macro subjects, the war in general, management of the war, and it's effects on the country at large. The rest do include some of that, but are more from a personal perspective. Some are people based in the west, especially the first 4 personal channels I listed. Of the rest, Anna is in Ukraine, Zfrnz and Nicki Prozhin are other Russian men who have left to avoid conscription, and 4:20 is an antiwar activist male in Russia who needs to be very careful. The ___ Family just try to show Russian life. They started before the war, as did Vasya In The Hay, who also shows a different side of life there, and the extreme neglect of the people in the villages. The host of Vasya In The Hay left Russia too, and isn't saying if he has returned or not. His channel us a wonderful one to see! He is trying singlehandedly to uplift the millions of disabled and elderly Russians who are being neglected by the government.
I have lost the name of the channel I was watching from a Siberian city. If anyone has 1 or more names of channels from Siberia, or other far distant parts of Russia, I would be VERY grateful if they would tell me those names!
I'm sorry I was so lengthy! I have gone to check the correct spellings from the channels I listed above, and I hope nothing distracts me until after I have fixed them.
You have no idea how glad I was to hear you employ the word "normality" rather than "normalcy". Why the latter was invented and seems to be replacing the former baffles me. Thank you.
PS - love your channel. Thank you for keeping me informed. I'm just a simple country doctor but am deeply interested in geopolitics.
I've been watching Mr K since day one of this war,
because of the chapters of his life he brings a very different perspective, but I know he loves his country and wants peace for everyone !!
I find that very admirable and hopefully he can return home again soon.
Thank you for another honest opinion about what’s happening inside the Russian Federation. Let’s hope for a smooth landing and transition from the Putin legacy who for all intents and purposes is a dictator and like all dictators want to rule for life. Unfortunately, so many good people are dying from this unnecessary violence.
"Rule for life" sums it up perfectly - they usually make so many enemies their lives end with their rule, as much as the other way round.
Putin will continue this war at the very least until November 2024 - when he hopes that Donald Trump will be re-elected as US President.
Agree. There is another dangerous Dictator. He is part of NATO. Erdogan of TURKEY. He didn't win the election. Only Uneducated believe so. Erdowan has imprisoned more Journalists than any other country. That, is NOT a level playing ground for voting. Additionally, Turkey dances on both sides of the line. He jumps from NATO to Russia when it suits his needs. I believe Erdogan will be instrumental in part, starting WW3. The signs are on the walls. Unfortunately, most people hide and pretend, until it is too late.
Ukrainian Warriors and President Zelensky, you amaze the World with your Courage, Strength and Determination... All it takes for Evil to win is for Good to do nothing. We can achieve anything when we all work together... God Bless Ukraine from the UK
Very interesting AND informative, thanks for making this accessible.
Monthly feature with Konstantin (INSIDERUSSIA) is fantastic! Jonathan has the interesting questions and Konstatin the Russian background. Very much looking forward to this cooperation - thanks to both of you, have a wonderful weekend!
An honest question for Konstantin,"Were you supportive or proud of Russia's activities in Aleppo, Grozny, Georgia etc?" Honestly want to know or understand the state of the Russian mind during those horrible atrocities!
Really looking forward to the monthly co-hosting with Konstantin, & it should be popular with the audience I hope!
Interesting collaboration.
Uauuu congrats! Nice to see both working together!!!🎉🎉🎉
By now the dead soldiers would have come back in bodybags. The horrendous number of wounded would have come home. How can russian families not be aware anymore? Surely the injured will tell their families of what is going on in the special military operation?
There are countless reports of Russian soldiers bodies just left out in the battlefield to rot. If they are considered “missing” by the ministry of defence, they don’t have to pay the family any compensations.
Hi thanks Jonathan and Konstantin you are 2 of my absolute favorites among Vlad Vexler❤.
Thanks for a sound and agreeable discussion, I cannot say thanks enough to you Jonathan for how open minded you are and for bringing as many people and their personal perspectives on to your exceptional excellent podcast!
With kindness and respect, Grace 🩰
Yes Vlad Vexler is one of the many other vloggers on TH-cam who is doing a great job!
@@cattymajiv 🌱❣️
Have followed Konstantin for about a year now, he is continuously keep us in the west appraised the inside story of Russia from a Russian perspective. I salute Konstantin and he's dedication to human rights and justice. I hope Konstantin stays well and finds his place as he has been displaced by the fascism of Putin and the effects of Putinism. I claim that the west basically said to Russia, "Hope you figure it out." My thinking was to conscript civil society leaders to assist Russians in forming the infrastructure necessary to build and maintain a modern society.
He’s only “keeping us informed” because it makes him money. Jake Broe is more reliable.
The libertarian right wing in the West, and especially the US, was delighted to see Russia implode into an anarchic, Wild West capitalist free-for-all in the early 90s. Western capitalist elites were just salivating to get in on the gold rush, but they were too cautious to plunge in right away-- the chaos was too intense. So Western governments sat back on their heels and waited for the rise of the unregulated oligarchic structure that they were confident would bring some order to the country and create the relative stability that would allow them to get in on the take. This process began to bear fruit in the early 2000s, and they were happy to see the rise of strong-man Putin who seemed to be the guarantor of security for the oligarchic system that would enable international parasitization on the body of Russia. Through the 90s and early 2000s, nothing was ever done by the West to support the growth in Russia of civil society, democratization, or an equitable distribution of the assets of the liquidated Soviet state economy.
In the end it didn't turn out the way the Cowboy Capitalists hoped. Putin could have continued indefinitely to whore for Western billionaires and just continued on his trajectory of becoming the world's richest man and the king of oligarchic Russia, but instead, after becoming bored with the rewards of historically unparalleled personal wealth, embarked on the satisfaction of his more exotic urges-- the dark dream of becoming the new Peter the Great, and even more, a man who would be feared and adulated by the entire world. He's a monster, but make no mistake-- our own elites and our own past failures as a democratic society to assert political control in our own societies, take down those elites, and support democracy in Russia, bear a huge responsibility for what has happened. Before we "assist Russians" in forming a civil society we have to take down our own out-of-control oligarchy first.
@@TodoBetisBalompi6 I Jake Broe's segments, and always ending with an upbeat tidbit from the front. But Konstantin does provide a Russian's take and perspective. He grew up in Soviet Union, in Russia, and has both a historic perspective and a lived perspective.
@@donnievance1942 I agree with your sentiment and have had the same observations, I term the global trend in social governance as Neo-kleptocratic-theonomic-fascism. And the ones at the top, oil-igarchs. Oh yeah, and I love what Bush did, trying to install democracy 2.0 through the barrel of a gun, guaranteed to fail.
Always enjoy Konstantin's clear insights to what is going on in Russia.
Love your interviews. Keep up the great work & aligning these key guest speakers !
I love that guy Konstantin. I listen to every one of his broadcasts, sometimes later after they are over but I always listen. He and I see the world pretty much the same way. I think he held out hope for a happy ending for Russia as long as he could but it's starting to fade. Illusions are evaporating. He worried me for a long time by not getting out. I knew as soon as the sanctions started and the large corporations started leaving exactly where it was all going. He did too but it took September 21, 2022 and a poem to bring him to his senses. He got out just in the nick of time and he got his family out too. That's really all that matter.
My grandfather, one of the two best people I ever knew (the other was my grandmother) had a saying; money lost, nothing lost. Ambition lost, everything lost. Once Konstantin started to recover from the extreme trauma he went through, his inner strength started asserting itself. It's been a joy to watch what he has done. He has helped so many people and by doing that he has helped himself even more. He never gave up.
You don't need a crystal ball to know what is happening and going to happen to Russia. Konstantin knows as well as I do and for him it will be heartbreaking. For me, I'm much older than he is, and I just watch the world almost like I'm an outsider looking in.
Konstantin; Russians are from Mars, Americans are from Venus. Mars is cold cold cold, America is hot hot hot. 😅
th-cam.com/video/EhZba-P7R18/w-d-xo.html
It's easy to say "I knew ... exactly where it was all going" earlier than Konstantine, when "knowing" has no negative consequences for your own life. I can almost guarantee you would have held on to hope just as long as Konstantine, if not longer, if it meant not having to move your family, leave your friends, give up your job, etc...
Konstantine is a very rare breed. He is educated. He has a mind that can think critically. He thinks for himself. He follows the evidence where it leads him, no matter how uncomfortable the conclusions are, and despite everyone around him thinking otherwise.
Most of us think our thoughts are just as independently formed, but that's true for only a very small number of people. The vast majority of opinions are recycled from others.
@@a5cent one thing Konstantin told me that I didn't know was that Russia was entirely dependent on foreign technology for EVERYTHING. On their own they are literally helpless. Anything that breaks down will be unrepairable. This goes for automobiles, planes, production machinery, computer operated HVAC and lighting systems in high rise buildings, elevators, even their advanced weapons that use American technology. They can build the shells of tanks but what about all of the technology that goes into them. Their Central Bank Chief Virus Nebula said they will have to accept to going back to a more primitive level of technology. Will it be the technology of 1991? No, more like 1891 or 1791. That's why she wanted to quit the first day of the invasion. Considering the plight Putin put Russia's economy in, she's done the best job she could to stave off the collapse as long as she could but she knew in the end it would completely fall apart. Over 1200 international companies left. MacDonald's and Starbucks are irrelevant. The ones that really matter are companies like Siemens, GE, Boeing, Air Bus, Exxon, Shell, BP, Haliburton, Schlumberger, IBM, Apple, all of the car companies, and the entire network of people who integrated Russia's economy into the international network of advanced technologies that define the modern world. They are the ones who not only manufacture the products, they maintain them, repair them, and eventually replace the. They have the technical skills to diagnose problems, know what needs to be repaired, where to get the parts, how to install them and where necessary how to calibrate and program them. They also have the ability to transfer money to pay for all of it. Now Russia is cut off. Can China or India fill the gap? No Way Jose'. Russia is screwed. And Konstantin knows it just as I do. He also knows as I do that it can never go back. Even if the sanctions were lifted, once burned, twice warned. These companies lost billions in investments. They aren't going back to risk getting burned again. It's over. Russia is a dead man walking.
@@markfischer3626 Many have tried taking down Russia. Many have died.
@dag1489 Not the way NATO is doing it. The USSR was taken out by going broke. The same is happening to Russia.
Two of my favourite TH-camrs together again. Thank you both for your separate, but perfectly aligned thoughts, ideas and insights.
It is only people like you that can help the world see what is happening through a lens not 'doctored' by either Western or Eastern news sources. Aussie Sue
I think you should be more worried about seeing news through a lens doctored by murdoch. An evil self serving entity
This reminds me of the Nazi' s wochenshau where in early 1945 the nazi news showed the devastation of the allies forces and they were mocking fat Churchill and crippled Rusvelt.
Konstantin is a magnificent assistance to me in understanding Russian society. I am fascinated by his explanations.
Once again Jonathan, an excellent, insightful and perceptive interview. Thank you. 👍
Awesome guest. Been listening to him religiously. Gréât to hear you guys get together.
Konstantin is a Great guest !
i love to hear from konstantin at any time, on his channel or as a guest on other channels.
Happy to see him here. I never miss a broadcast by Konstantin.
Wherever Konstantin shows up, you know you'll get a good dose of information derived from truth, logic, experience and intellect. I am subscribed to Konstantin's channel; he is one of the best. Another first-rate interview with an excellent interviewer and his guest; thank you for posting.
👍👍👍
A monthly feature with you 2 wonderful gentlemen is the best news of the week! Thank you!!!
Love this show and I am a FAITHFUL follower of Mr. K! He has a heart for people, victims, those hurting and scared or those weary that is absolutely beautiful! Him and Natasha have worked so hard to help others while hurting themselves! They are definitely Gods workers and making a difference! Thank you for having Mr. K on!
I have to say I'm impressed on how you did this interview. Thanks!
I hear Putin has fired a whole Battalion of Combat Dolphins. Guardians of the Kerch Bridge.🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬
They were drinking on the job
🇺🇦✌🏻
Water tho. Delivered fresh in jerrycans.
Jerry cans are German. Explanation found.
WOW! So intresting intervju!! Thanks!! I'm locking forward to the next one!
Konstantin the Great!
🗽🇺🇸 I'm a fan of his, have followed him since the 1st days of this war! He's great.
Nice to see Konstantin on your channel, although I feel I watch too much about this, as I see it, ludicrous and disastrous situation, I feel part of a club, meeting familiar pro Ukrainian commentators, all working together, trying to explain and make sense of what's going on. Trouble is, I still can't get my head around it!!! But thanks for trying. Slava Ukraini
Great to see Konstantin on here!
So many takeaways here: one, Russia seems always to have had a long tradition of the military staying out of politics -maybe just one more part of most everyone else staying out of politics, come to think of it. But it does seem that the Russian military has been if anything the single most long-suffering and uncomplaining face of a society shot through with avoidance and resignation. If the military is now grumbling and even publicly threatening politicians, that may not be only a sign that the end is coming for Putin, but maybe also that a new element in Russian politics is emerging - not necessarily one that is better for the future of Russia, BTW.
Two, while the present situation may not be quite analogous with the 1930’s, what is forming in Russia now may be something that resembles a perhaps rather obscure novel called Day of the Oprichnik, by Vladimir Sorokin. It is a dystopian novel, written in 2012, that describes a 21st century Russia ruled by a despotic and distant tsar with overtones of Stalin, isolated from most of the world and semi-vassalized by China. Maybe not great literature, but prophetic?
Three: the image of Russia today as the Titanic apparently sailing serenely away from the iceberg; hey, nothing to worry about for now. Woosh. I am old enough to remember witnessing the at first gradual and then sudden collapse of the USSR - on television, understand, from the comfort of my peaceful Canadian living room. Lately I feel like I just turned on the TV and suddenly I’m watching . . . the sequel.
Four: I discovered Konstantin's channel about April last year, have followed it ever since, then found Vlad Vexler's channel shortly afterwards quite independently, and yours a bit later, again quite independently. Now I find you all talk to each other. Love it!
"Russia seems always to have had a long tradition of the military staying out of politics" ??? Really ?? obviously you missed Russian history for the past 200 years ...
@@rhuephus Examples?
Jonathan, I watch your channel only when I'm really interested in either the topic or your guests. So please allow me 2 critical remarks.
1) Do you realize how often your questioning goes on so long that you basically answered it yourself? In my opinion you are lucky to have such great guests and that most of them are able to say more then "yes, I agree".
2) You didn't really tell your audience who this Russian guy you "interviewed" today is. AFAIAC, he's got a YT channel, he fled Russia and he knows to say the right things. But at least in this episode, he didn't take responsibility for anything Russia is doing. And you didn't even ask him what he is doing for Ukraine. So is he doing anything for Ukraine at all?
To everyone here: I'll be happy for every answer here! Thank you! 💙💛
Another excellent interview, thank you Дякую
Constantin is invaluable source of information. I've been searching and seeing a lot about what's going in russia, but it's like... here is a little grain of truth, there is... and there is Constantin and big fat steak of truth and insight.
always enjoyed Mr K's streams,been watching before the war.
wish his Mods would unban me,still have no idea what I said that set them off.
Thanks for sharing !!
Very interesting listening to Constantine’s take on this
Incidentally, telling women to forget anything else, and just stay home and make babies was one of Italian fascism favourite slogans: "dare figli alla patria"
Have you ever seen the video of Hitler giving out medals to women for bearing 10 (sons?) children for the fatherland? I remember watching that in highschool...puke worthy
Going backwards in time before women had any rights or power. How can Russian women tolerate this???
Very thoughtful interview and analysis
The first video I saw of Konstantin's was a tour of a Russian supermarket. Then Russia's invasion. I have not missed a video since.
Great discussion!
err..What the fudge? It's Konstantin! Been watching him for over a year. Point being. It's good to get an insider view of the craziness. He could be an insider though. As his family have not been menaced back in the mother country. Look forward to the collaboration!
Jonathan, Mr Samoilov is always a favourite guest, informative and yet so watchable, he has a humor and depth of insight that is so likeable, Bravo Mr Fink 👏👏👏
Konstantin is cool
Putin has turned out 2 be a control freak from hell, with enough conservatives 2 back him, cause the kgb has figured out, can’t
beat them, use them
Konstantin is always spot on! One of the best channels ever! 😊 Thanks for your updates as well! 👍👍👍
A monthly feature with Konstantin is awesome. I love your show. You always have wonderful guests.
Howdy Howdy ❤🇺🇦✌🏻
5x5 haha
++
It is so good to have this credible discussion about Ukraine, especially with all the talk about years of war ahead. We remain puzzled of how Putin has been able to keep going, given his mass of problems, and the huge support the brave motivated, and effective Ukrainians have had from the West.
We can feel a little more cheerful...and hopeful. Slava Ukraine! 🏁🇺🇦 🇺🇦
Putin has been able to keep going because of huge money reserves (superavit) and mobilization of a relevant part of society (the so-called Z-patriots, which are around 15% of the population). The point is that superavit is now gone, Russian budget runs with a big and increasing deficit, they're printing money a lot recently which in turn devaluates the ruble and Putin cannot mobilize the entire population of Russia otherwise the social contract is broken and the regime will inevitably collapse. We see what is happening with Wagner and the "Angry Patriots" like Girkin, big critics of the Putin regime, and that's only a minority - imagine what an armed majority would do.
Why do you think Russian trolls recently started pushing the idea of "peace talks" and Russians started blackmailing the West by doing a blockade on Odesa and therefore creating the conditions for a famine in the Global South? Of course it's not because they're fine, it's because they're f*cked up.
As in Germany after WW2…. groups of Russian people should be transported to the scenes of the horrific war crimes perpetrated by their fellow countrymen…. made to look at the damage done to Ukranian cities… and also made to listen to personal testimonies of Ukrainian citizens!
@carolchapman7857: Agree on Russian visits to areas hit and damaged, killed and maimed Ukrainian's or the Russian populace will never learn👍👍
Fabulous presentation! Thank you, Jonathan, for hosting this discussion. And thank you, Konstantin, for your explanation of what I agree is highly likely a most dire situation within Russia, and the incipient implosion.
💛💙💜💙💛 so good to see you, Jonathan, and your guest, Konstantin 😊👍 I am a daily viewer of Konstantin's livestreams. Learning so much and changing everything I didn't know about Russia. Crimes Against Humanity aside, it's a human tragedy for everyone 🥺
Please bring on that implosion, I really look forward to your next episode, Konstantin is such a sensible realist, if only there were more. Excellent interview
Good on you Konstantin! Hopefully there are many more like you in Russia.
Unfortunately, there are not nearly enough.
@@SiliconCurtainsuch an pitty
Although he doesn't want the job, Konstantin should become a political leader- only leaders like him will be able to save Russia from Putin's destruction.
Been listening to a lot of Russia analysts and historians for the past year and half. Feels like the core cultural problems cannot be solved when the people at large simply _don't care_ .
Superb interview. Both interviewer and interviewee were extremely eloquent, concise and succinct. A very refreshing change from the usual opinion driven, soap-box fare. Heartily recommended!
👍👍👍