

James Kilner
Russia analyst who provides expert commentary on Russian politics, internet outages, society and economic conditions during the episode's analysis segment.
Top 10 podcasts with James Kilner
Ranked by the Snipd community

38 snips
Jan 14, 2026 • 48min
France pushes to block Ukraine from buying US weapons & Moscow’s ‘glee’ at Trump’s Greenland gambit
Dominic Nicholls, Associate Editor of Defence at The Telegraph, and Russia analyst James Kilner delve into pressing issues surrounding Ukraine. They discuss France's controversial push to block Ukraine from acquiring US weapons and how this move could impact EU security dynamics. Nicholls also highlights recent alarming Russian attacks in Ukraine and a devastating missile strike in Rostov. Kilner examines Russian media's gleeful response to US political friction, particularly regarding Trump's comments on Greenland, illuminating Kremlin propaganda strategies.

30 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 41min
Calls for conscription age to be lowered as manpower shortage leaves Ukrainian city ‘on the brink’ & special forces launch 'fire attack' on major Russian petrochemical plant
In this discussion, James Kilner, a former Telegraph correspondent with expertise in Russia and the Caucasus, delves into pressing military and geopolitical issues. He highlights Kyiv Mayor Klitschko's call to lower the conscription age amid a manpower crisis. Kilner also explores Kazakhstan's recent alignment with the US through the Abraham Accords, signaling possible shifts in regional dynamics. Additionally, he assesses the potential fallout of Sergei Lavrov's declining influence within the Kremlin and Russia's response to labor shortages.

30 snips
Oct 21, 2025 • 48min
Trapped Russian troops 'blown apart' fleeing by boat & Trump's summit with Putin in Hungary threatened as Europe pulls rank
Dominic Nicholls, Associate Editor for Defence at The Telegraph, provides sharp insights into the struggle of Russian troops on the front lines, revealing disturbing morale issues and reports of abandoned soldiers. Verity Bowman shares harrowing eyewitness accounts of the dire conditions in the Dnipro Delta. Meanwhile, James Kilner analyzes the Kremlin's tactics in shaping narratives around the Trump-Putin summit and the economy's weakening grip. The conversation concludes with a debate on the implications of frozen Russian assets for Ukraine.

26 snips
Oct 30, 2025 • 39min
Pentagon to 'immediately' test nuclear weapons & Russia fires 705 missiles and drones at Ukraine in 'vile attack'
James Kilner, a former Telegraph Russia correspondent, delivers sharp insights into the ongoing chaos in Russia and Ukraine. He discusses the Kremlin's militarization efforts, including the troubling normalization of drone use among youth. Kilner also analyzes protests within Russia prompted by economic pain and repression. He highlights how the government is tightening control ahead of potential unrest amid sanctions and public dissatisfaction. Plus, he shares intriguing news about the cultural shifts in Russian identity under Putin's regime.

25 snips
Mar 24, 2026 • 48min
‘Staggering’ Russian losses as ‘tens of thousands of troops’ stall in Putin’s spring offensive & interviewing Ukrainians who fought for Russia
Jen Stout, freelance journalist who interviews Ukrainians who fought for Russia. James Kilner, Russia analyst on politics, society and internet controls. They discuss Russia’s costly spring offensive and soaring casualties. They unpack Moscow’s internet outages, censorship and social strain. They explore why some Ukrainians fought for Russia and how researchers document these cases.

24 snips
Nov 26, 2025 • 49min
Trump: Putin is ‘making concessions’ in peace talks & US envoy Witkoff coaches Kremlin negotiator in leaked call
Dominic Nicholls, Associate Editor (Defence), and James Kilner, foreign correspondent and Russia expert, delve into the recent leak revealing U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff coaching a Kremlin negotiator on appealing to Trump. They discuss the implications of this guidance on U.S.-Russia relations and Europe's political landscape. With insights on Putin's clever framing as a peacemaker amid ongoing conflicts, they also address Russia's economic challenges and recruitment issues. Expect sharp analysis and intriguing commentary on the shifting dynamics of the peace talks.

23 snips
Feb 5, 2026 • 48min
Putin spends 50% of state budget on military, says intelligence service & Russia tests turning pigeons into drones
James Kilner, Russia analyst for The Telegraph, explains Kremlin media framing and strains on the economy. Antonia Langford, Kyiv-based reporter, shares frontline life, blackouts and the strange pigeon biodrone story. They discuss peace talks in Abu Dhabi, prisoner swaps, military spending and novel Russian drone experiments.

23 snips
Dec 3, 2025 • 53min
Putin launches huge drone attack after rejecting Trump’s peace deal
James Kilner, a foreign correspondent and Russia expert, offers insights into Kremlin strategies and the implications of Russia's recent drone attacks. Latika Bourke, a writer-at-large, highlights Australia and New Zealand's increasing support for Ukraine and shares a compelling interview with former Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba, discussing aid fatigue and political aspirations. The conversation delves into NATO's challenges, EU moves to cut dependence on Russian gas, and Russia's declining influence in Africa amidst military setbacks.

19 snips
Feb 11, 2026 • 48min
Zelensky ‘planning election and peace deal referendum’ & Winter Olympics threatens to disqualify Ukrainian athlete over 'remembrance helmet'
James Kilner, Russia analyst and regular Russia watcher, examines Kremlin messaging, military logistics and regional diplomacy. He discusses confusion over Zelensky’s planned election or referendum. He breaks down Russia’s telecom clampdown, the Starlink controversy and the Olympic ‘Helmet of Memory’ row. He also touches on economic strains and shifting trade ties in Moscow.

18 snips
Mar 17, 2026 • 45min
Mobile internet blackouts sweep Moscow & quizzing ‘Trump whisperer’ Finnish President Alexander Stubb
James Kilner, Russia analyst who decodes Kremlin media and censorship, joins to unpack Moscow’s latest mobile internet blackouts and Kremlin media framing of regional conflicts. He also explores how mobilisation is emptying rural villages and straining recruitment. Conversations touch on energy-driven daily life in Ukraine and shifting European policy debates led by Alexander Stubb’s Chatham House remarks.


