Support The Moscow Times!

Last Soviet Leader Steps Down. And the Story of an American Teacher Detained for 'Drug Smuggling'

This week on From Russia With News, we discuss the shock resignation of Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev with Joanna Lillis, a journalist in Kazakhstan and author of the acclaimed book on the country: “Dark Shadows: Inside the Secret World of Kazakhstan.”

We'll also talk to journalist Marc Bennetts about the trial of Gaylen Grandstaff, an American who has already spent two years in a Russian pre-detention cell on dubious drug smuggling charges.

From Russia With News is hosted by Jonathan Brown and produced by Pjotr Sauer. The episode was recorded and edited at CM Records Studio in central Moscow. Stay tuned for a new episode every Thursday on our site or here. Also available on iTunes, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other audio platforms.

Go Deeper:

Kazakh Autocrat Shows Putin How to Keep Power

American teacher Gaylen Grandstaff faces 20 years in Russian jail

This week's Meanwhile is: First-Ever ‘Slapping Championship’ Comes to Siberia

… we have a small favor to ask.

As you may have heard, The Moscow Times, an independent news source for over 30 years, has been unjustly branded as a "foreign agent" by the Russian government. This blatant attempt to silence our voice is a direct assault on the integrity of journalism and the values we hold dear.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. Our commitment to providing accurate and unbiased reporting on Russia remains unshaken. But we need your help to continue our critical mission.

Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just 2. It's quick to set up, and you can be confident that you're making a significant impact every month by supporting open, independent journalism. Thank you.

Continue