RFE/RL senior correspondent Mike Eckel provides clarity on a complex story that appears to tie together a deadly blast at a Czech munitions site in 2014, poisonings in England and Bulgaria, two well-travelled Russian military intelligence agents, and more. Meanwhile, Aleksei Navalny's condition is dire and his supporters plan protests hours after President Vladimir Putin delivers an annual address on April 21.

Podcast: The Week Ahead In Russia - Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty

Spies, Sanctions, And A Hunger-Striking Kremlin Opponent - April 19, 2021

Kremlin opponent Aleksei Navalny is on a hunger strike in prison, his condition said to be worsening. Tensions rise as the motives behind Russia's military moves in Crimea and close to the Ukrainian border near the Donbas remain murky. Plus, will the Hermitage have to put all its artworks depicting nudes in an adults-only area? Irina Lagunina, director of special projects at RFE/RL's Russian Service, joins host Steve Gutterman to discuss.

High Tension, Murky Intentions - April 12, 2021

Imprisoned Kremlin foe Aleksei Navalny says he is being tortured with sleep deprivation and accuses his jailers of a deliberate effort to undermine his health. Also, the plight of an award-winning forest ranger whose penchant for catching suspected poachers may have made him some powerful enemies. RFER/RL Senior Correspondent Robert Coalson joins host Steve Gutterman to discuss.

Pain In Prison And The Plight Of A Forest Ranger - March 29, 2021

The Russian police, FSB, and other law enforcement agencies are inextricably entwined in the massive theft of oil from pipelines and at other stages of transport within the country, an RFE/RL investigation has found. Enterprise Editor Carl Schreck joins host Steve Gutterman to discuss the revealing report by Russian Service correspondent Sergei Khazov-Cassia.

Oil Thieves And Law Enforcement: Partners In Crime - March 22, 2021

Aleksei Navalny's whereabouts are unknown -- again -- as the state appears to use the Kremlin foe's long journey to prison to make a point. Meanwhile, back in Moscow, police raid a forum of independent lawmakers and arrest everyone in the room. RFE/RL senior correspondent Robert Coalson joins host Steve Gutterman to discuss.

The Moscow Arrests And Navalny's Long Road To Prison - March 15, 2021

Aleksei Navalny was moved out of a Moscow jail almost two weeks ago -- and still may not have arrived at the prison where is to serve his sentence in a case he calls absurd. RFE/RL Moscow correspondent Matthew Luxmoore discusses the situation surrounding the opposition politician, as well as the Kremlin’s efforts to rein in the Internet, with host Steve Gutterman.

Restrictive Measures - March 08, 2021

Aleksei Navalny has been sent to prison -- apparently to a facility in the Vladimir region that former inmates describe in chilling terms. Back in Moscow, a vote on whether to return Soviet secret-police founder Feliks Dzerzhinsky's statue to Lubyanka Square or put up a monument to medieval prince Aleksandr Nevsky was abruptly canceled. Irina Lagunina, director of special projects at RFE/RL's Russian Service, joins host Steve Gutterman to discuss.

Iron Bars And 'Iron Feliks' - March 01, 2021

As expected, Aleksei Navalny lost two court cases on February 20: Judges rejected his appeal against a prison sentence on a parole-violation claim he calls absurd and found him guilty of defaming a World War II veteran in a case he said was a Kremlin propaganda stunt. What's behind the decisions and what's next? RFE/RL senior correspondent Robert Coalson joins host Steve Gutterman to discuss.

Navalny’s Long Day In Court - February 22, 2021

After big street protests over Aleksei Navalny's jailing were met with a violent crackdown, the Kremlin opponent and his allies called for a different kind of demonstration on February 14, with Russians stepping out of their homes and shining mobile-phone flashlights into the sky. Meanwhile, the court cases targeting Navalny continue. Irina Lagunina, director of special projects for RFE/RL's Russian Service, joins host Steve Gutterman to discuss.

Court Fights And Courtyard Lights - February 15, 2021

Protests in Russian streets. Opposition leader Aleksei Navalny ordered to prison. Riot cops bashing protesters. A venerable Russian liberal bashing Navalny. Last week was a momentous week in Russian politics, and in Vladimir Putin's presidency. What comes next? RFE/RL Russian Service correspondent Mark Krutov joins guest host Mike Eckel to unpack the week's events and offer some predictions going forward.

Navalny's Crime And Punishment - February 08, 2021

Tens of thousands of Russians turned out for protests for the second straight weekend, lambasting President Vladimir Putin and calling for the release of jailed opposition politician Aleksei Navalny two days before a court hearing that could put him in prison for years. RFE/RL senior correspondent Robert Coalson joins host Steve Gutterman to discuss.

High Stakes On The Streets And In Court - February 01, 2021

Tens of thousands of people protested in cities across Russia on January 23, denouncing the government and demanding the release of jailed Kremlin opponent Aleksei Navalny. Thousands were detained in a harsh police crackdown that drew condemnation from Washington. RFE/RL senior correspondent Mike Eckel joins host Steve Gutterman to discuss.

Protests And Portents - January 25, 2021

Kremlin foe Aleksei Navalny returned to Russia after five months recuperating in Germany from a poisoning he blames on President Vladimir Putin. He was quickly detained and could soon face several years in prison. Irina Lagunina, director of special projects at RFE/RL's Russian Service, joins host Steve Gutterman to discuss.

Navalny's Return - January 18, 2021

Thirty years ago this week, Lithuania's drive for independence after half a century under the Soviet yoke ran up against Moscow's desire to keep the Baltic states in the Soviet Union – with momentous consequences. RFE/RL senior correspondent Tony Wesolowsky joins host Steve Gutterman to discuss.

Podcast: The 'January Events' In Lithuania – A Key Moment In Soviet Collapse - January 11, 2021

One of the biggest developments of 2020 in Russia was on paper, the other involved flesh and blood. Irina Lagunina, director of special projects at RFE/RL’s Russian Service, joins host Steve Gutterman to discuss the constitutional amendments, Aleksei Navalny’s poisoning, and how they may affect Russia in 2021 and beyond.

Podcast: The Constitution Is Changed, A Kremlin Foe Is Poisoned - December 28, 2020

The Week Ahead In Russia podcast dissects significant developments and upcoming events in Moscow and beyond. It&#39;s hosted each Monday by Steve Gutterman, author of RFE/RL&#39;s The Week In Russia newsletter, and features a rotating panel of guests.

Podcast: The Week Ahead In Russia - Radio Free Europe / Radi...