Putin is weak and getting weaker. In this special live taping of Gaslit Nation, Russian mafia expert Olga Lautman, who has a long history of investigating and exposing the Russian mafia state\u2019s active measures in the U.S. and Europe, joins Andrea to discuss where things are headed in Russia\u2019s escalating power struggle, what it means for Ukraine, and how the world needs to start preparing for a post-Putin Russia.\u00a0<\/p>
\u201cPutin is finished,\u201d Olga warns in this urgent discussion. Putin may be forced into retirement in a dacha on the outskirts of Russia or \u201cdie in his sleep,\u201d with Shoigu or another tool of the Russian security forces becoming the new strongman. Prighozin\u2019s attempted military coup was the inevitable escalation of growing tensions between warring factions, but as Olga points out, the siloviki\u2013the ruthless, imperialistic, genocidal security forces\u2013are in charge, and always have been, even during the collapse of the Soviet Union. They are the kingmakers, and it\u2019s clear that they want Putin gone. Prigozhin served a purpose of striking Putin with a fatal blow, and the months ahead will continue to weaken him as Russia continues to lose an unwinnable war in Ukraine.\u00a0<\/p>
Our bonus episode this week includes our extended audience Q&A at our live taping, with a focus on Russia\u2019s influence campaigns in U.S. elections. As mentioned in this week\u2019s show, there\u2019s going to be a special live taping of Gaslit Nation held in New York City at the Lower East Side venue Caveat, hosted by Kevin Allison of the popular and provocative storytelling podcast RISK! on Saturday August 5th at 4pm EST. The discussion will include the making of the brand new Gaslit Nation graphic novel Dictatorship: It\u2019s Easier Than You Think!, and include an opportunity to order signed copies. For tickets to join the event in person or wherever you are by watching the livestream, get your tickets here!<\/a>\u00a0<\/p> <\/p>\n