2.31 The Empire bleeds, part 2

2.31 The Empire bleeds, part 2

From The Eastern Border by Kristaps Andrejsons

May 27, 2026 · 56 min · Season 2 · Episode 31

About this episode

The episode explores the crumbling state of the Russian military and economy amidst the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

The illusion of the Russian war machine is shattering. In Part 2 of our deep dive into the May 2026 reality, we strip away the Ministry of Defense's daily copium to expose an empire that is actively cannibalizing itself. From Roskomnadzor accidentally unplugging their own Z-patriot audience to the "Afghan Highway" where Ukrainian Hornet drones are systematically liquidating Russian logistics, the frontlines are paralyzed. The grand strategic victories of the "Second Army of the World"? They are burning entire brigades to capture a literal, empty pig farm in Donetsk. But the real collapse is happening inside the bunker. We break down the catastrophic 11-trillion-ruble budget deficit, the 1992 hyperinflation flashbacks hitting the State Duma, and the absolute absurdity of the Oreshnik missile hitting a garage cooperative (while propagandists generate fake AI craters to hide the embarrassment). We also do the brutal math on "Debt Meat." Why is the Kremlin paying 15 million rubles to send bankrupt alcoholics and escaped serial killers to the trenches, while veteran firefighters putting out burning oil refineries earn just $460 a month? Because Russia isn't a nation-state; it’s a…

People in this episode

Host: Kristaps Andrejsons

Topics covered

  • Russian military
  • budget deficit
  • Ukrainian conflict
  • propaganda
  • Neo-Feudalism
  • economic collapse

Keywords

  • Russian war machine
  • budget deficit
  • Ukrainian Hornet drones
  • propaganda
  • Neo-Feudal cartel

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Roskomnadzor

Products: Oreshnik missile

Places: Donetsk, Russia, Ukraine

More episodes of The Eastern Border

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The Eastern Border podcast page.