Calum MacKenzie
@calummackenzie.bsky.social
Korrespondent für Russland, Kaukasus, Zentralasien, Belarus bei Schweizer Radio SRF. Tbilissi/Moskau. Aberdeen FC
Reposted by Calum MacKenzie
Жители Омска перекрыли улицу Орджоникидзе из-за отсутствия тепла. Протест вызван аварией, которую «Тепловая компания» не устраняет уже месяц. В квартирах температура падает до +5 °C. Мэрия заявила о начале работ по устранению проблемы. Следственный комитет возбудил уголовное дело против компании.
January 26, 2026 at 1:35 PM
Жители Омска перекрыли улицу Орджоникидзе из-за отсутствия тепла. Протест вызван аварией, которую «Тепловая компания» не устраняет уже месяц. В квартирах температура падает до +5 °C. Мэрия заявила о начале работ по устранению проблемы. Следственный комитет возбудил уголовное дело против компании.
Reposted by Calum MacKenzie
Meanwhile in the 9th largest economy of the world... "region without power for the fourth consecutive day" www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Power Blackout Hits Russian Arctic Region After Aging Grid Fails
Russia’s Arctic cities of Murmansk and Severomorsk, along with surrounding areas, are without power for a fourth day after aging infrastructure failed amid freezing temperatures.
www.bloomberg.com
January 26, 2026 at 1:30 PM
Meanwhile in the 9th largest economy of the world... "region without power for the fourth consecutive day" www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Reposted by Calum MacKenzie
Just seeing this from last month: Almost 33% of designated "foreign agents" in Russia have faced felony prosecution. The Kremlin doesn't really bother comparing its system to FARA in the U.S. anymore, and you can see why. verstka.media/kazhdyj-tret...
January 20, 2026 at 11:55 PM
Just seeing this from last month: Almost 33% of designated "foreign agents" in Russia have faced felony prosecution. The Kremlin doesn't really bother comparing its system to FARA in the U.S. anymore, and you can see why. verstka.media/kazhdyj-tret...
Reposted by Calum MacKenzie
The Kutaisi City Court has sentenced four protesters from the mining town of Chiatura to multiple years in jail on violence-related charges. The prosecution has accused all four of attacking the director of a local mine in April 2025.
Chiatura protest leaders receive long prison sentences on violence charges
The four leaders of the miners’ city protest were arrested in April 2025.
oc-media.org
January 20, 2026 at 12:47 PM
The Kutaisi City Court has sentenced four protesters from the mining town of Chiatura to multiple years in jail on violence-related charges. The prosecution has accused all four of attacking the director of a local mine in April 2025.
Reposted by Calum MacKenzie
A Russian court is trying Dozhd editor Valeria Kichigina in absentia over her social media post, where she stated that “20% of Georgia is occupied by Russia.”
Dozhd Editor Tried in Absentia Over Post Saying ‘20% of Georgia Is Occupied by Russia’ - Civil Georgia
Moscow’s Tagansky District Court has begun a hearing into a criminal case against Valeria Kichigina,
civil.ge
January 19, 2026 at 2:18 PM
A Russian court is trying Dozhd editor Valeria Kichigina in absentia over her social media post, where she stated that “20% of Georgia is occupied by Russia.”
Reposted by Calum MacKenzie
Today’s Russian papers on Trump/Greenland: “Europe’s at a total loss. It’s a pleasure to watch.” Government paper: “Europe doesn’t need the American greatness Trump is promoting…the Old World's keen to keep Greenland for itself, even at the risk of Nato’s collapse.” #ReadingRussia
“Europe’s at a loss. It’s a pleasure to watch,” writes Russian newspaper on Trump & Greenland.
YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg
youtu.be
January 19, 2026 at 7:44 AM
Today’s Russian papers on Trump/Greenland: “Europe’s at a total loss. It’s a pleasure to watch.” Government paper: “Europe doesn’t need the American greatness Trump is promoting…the Old World's keen to keep Greenland for itself, even at the risk of Nato’s collapse.” #ReadingRussia
Politkowskajas Gedenktafel jüngst in Moskau zu sehen, fühlte sich an wie ein Riss in der Raumzeit (“hier wurde Anna Politkowskaja hinterhältig ermordet”). Tja, der Eindruck hat wohl gestimmt, dass sowas eigentlich nicht mehr geduldet werde.
January 18, 2026 at 8:07 PM
Politkowskajas Gedenktafel jüngst in Moskau zu sehen, fühlte sich an wie ein Riss in der Raumzeit (“hier wurde Anna Politkowskaja hinterhältig ermordet”). Tja, der Eindruck hat wohl gestimmt, dass sowas eigentlich nicht mehr geduldet werde.
Reposted by Calum MacKenzie
This does not necessarily mean that Ramzan's death is imminent.
For years, Kadyrov has been placing family members in key political & business roles to both tighten his grip on Chechnya and to shield the family's interests against future eventualities, whenever they may happen.
For years, Kadyrov has been placing family members in key political & business roles to both tighten his grip on Chechnya and to shield the family's interests against future eventualities, whenever they may happen.
The Chechen Parliament has approved the appointment of 20-year-old Akhmat Kadyrov, the eldest son of Chechen Head Ramzan Kadyrov, and Akhmed Dudaev as deputy prime ministers of the republic.
Chechen Parliament approves appointment of Kadyrov’s son as deputy prime minister
He also remains Chechnya’s minister for physical culture and sport.
oc-media.org
January 16, 2026 at 12:33 PM
This does not necessarily mean that Ramzan's death is imminent.
For years, Kadyrov has been placing family members in key political & business roles to both tighten his grip on Chechnya and to shield the family's interests against future eventualities, whenever they may happen.
For years, Kadyrov has been placing family members in key political & business roles to both tighten his grip on Chechnya and to shield the family's interests against future eventualities, whenever they may happen.
Reposted by Calum MacKenzie
More Americans today support the acquisition of Greenland than Russians in 2021 supported the unification of Ukraine and Russia (about 17%). via @kirland.bsky.social www.levada.ru/2021/03/03/r...
Российско-украинские отношения
Результаты совместного мониторинга Левада-Центра и Киевского международного института социологии.
www.levada.ru
January 15, 2026 at 10:18 PM
More Americans today support the acquisition of Greenland than Russians in 2021 supported the unification of Ukraine and Russia (about 17%). via @kirland.bsky.social www.levada.ru/2021/03/03/r...
Reposted by Calum MacKenzie
Ist der Buddhismus die bessere Religion? In der Realität ist es nicht immer ganz so einfach. Sex, Drogen und Buddhismus - Mönche auf Abwegen. Unser #SRFinternational und #SRFinternationalTalk www.srf.ch/audio/intern...
January 15, 2026 at 10:56 AM
Ist der Buddhismus die bessere Religion? In der Realität ist es nicht immer ganz so einfach. Sex, Drogen und Buddhismus - Mönche auf Abwegen. Unser #SRFinternational und #SRFinternationalTalk www.srf.ch/audio/intern...
Reposted by Calum MacKenzie
Former Georgian Dream
prime minister Gharibashvili (2021-2024) accepts a plea bargain in case of corruption charges and embezzling millions.
The sentence is reduced to five years.
www.interpressnews.ge/en/article/1...
prime minister Gharibashvili (2021-2024) accepts a plea bargain in case of corruption charges and embezzling millions.
The sentence is reduced to five years.
www.interpressnews.ge/en/article/1...
Prosecutor's Office signs plea agreement with former Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili
The Prosecutor's Office of Georgia has reached a plea agreement with former Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili - the type and length of his sentence is 5 years in prison. He was also fined 1 million ...
www.interpressnews.ge
January 12, 2026 at 1:17 PM
Former Georgian Dream
prime minister Gharibashvili (2021-2024) accepts a plea bargain in case of corruption charges and embezzling millions.
The sentence is reduced to five years.
www.interpressnews.ge/en/article/1...
prime minister Gharibashvili (2021-2024) accepts a plea bargain in case of corruption charges and embezzling millions.
The sentence is reduced to five years.
www.interpressnews.ge/en/article/1...
Reposted by Calum MacKenzie
For #Russia, the week began with the ouster of #Maduro in #Venezuela.
Now, intensifying protests engulf its partner #Iran.
Another instance in which an impotent Russia must largely watch things play out from the sidelines - and potentially see its global power erode 🧵
Now, intensifying protests engulf its partner #Iran.
Another instance in which an impotent Russia must largely watch things play out from the sidelines - and potentially see its global power erode 🧵
January 9, 2026 at 10:00 AM
For #Russia, the week began with the ouster of #Maduro in #Venezuela.
Now, intensifying protests engulf its partner #Iran.
Another instance in which an impotent Russia must largely watch things play out from the sidelines - and potentially see its global power erode 🧵
Now, intensifying protests engulf its partner #Iran.
Another instance in which an impotent Russia must largely watch things play out from the sidelines - and potentially see its global power erode 🧵
Reposted by Calum MacKenzie
Russia's Defense Ministry confirms today's Oreshnik strike against Lviv, describing it as retaliation for Ukraine's supposed mass drone attack against Putin's Valdai residence — the same drone attack that probably didn't even happen & was claimed to derail recent diplomacy. t.me/mod_russia/6...
Минобороны России
🎖🎖 Сегодня ночью в ответ на террористическую атаку киевского режима по резиденции Президента Российской Федерации в Новгородской области, предпринятую в ночь на 29 декабря 2025 г., Вооруженными Силами...
t.me
January 9, 2026 at 6:13 AM
Russia's Defense Ministry confirms today's Oreshnik strike against Lviv, describing it as retaliation for Ukraine's supposed mass drone attack against Putin's Valdai residence — the same drone attack that probably didn't even happen & was claimed to derail recent diplomacy. t.me/mod_russia/6...
Reposted by Calum MacKenzie
Reposted by Calum MacKenzie
Die härtesten Tage des Winters beginnen in der Ukraine: Ab Freitag gehen die Temperaturen hierzulande dauerhaft unter -10 Grad. Große Herausforderung für Energieinfrastruktur unter russischem Beschuss. Die Lage etwa in Dnipro ist schon kritisch. Selbst Krankenhäuser zu versorgen ist ein Problem.
January 8, 2026 at 10:06 AM
Die härtesten Tage des Winters beginnen in der Ukraine: Ab Freitag gehen die Temperaturen hierzulande dauerhaft unter -10 Grad. Große Herausforderung für Energieinfrastruktur unter russischem Beschuss. Die Lage etwa in Dnipro ist schon kritisch. Selbst Krankenhäuser zu versorgen ist ein Problem.
Reposted by Calum MacKenzie
In order to capitalize in his demanded “Zangezur corridor”, Aliyev says “cargo from China and Central Asian countries will also move through [this] corridor”.
Saying as much that in his view the Middle Corridor will bypass Georgia.
www.bpn.ge/article/1476...
Saying as much that in his view the Middle Corridor will bypass Georgia.
www.bpn.ge/article/1476...
ჩინეთიდან და ცენტრალური აზიის ქვეყნებიდან ტვირთი ზანგეზურის დერეფნით იმოძრავებს - ალიევი
ჩინეთიდან და ცენტრალური აზიის ქვეყნებიდან ტვირთი ზანგეზურის დერეფნითაც იმოძრავებს. ამის შესახებ აზერბაიჯანის პრეზიდენტ ილჰამ ალიევმა ადგილობრივ ტელეარხებთან ...
www.bpn.ge
January 6, 2026 at 9:24 AM
In order to capitalize in his demanded “Zangezur corridor”, Aliyev says “cargo from China and Central Asian countries will also move through [this] corridor”.
Saying as much that in his view the Middle Corridor will bypass Georgia.
www.bpn.ge/article/1476...
Saying as much that in his view the Middle Corridor will bypass Georgia.
www.bpn.ge/article/1476...
Reposted by Calum MacKenzie
International relations theory is rendered meaningless once a state ceases to act on rational strategic reasoning and instead follows the pseudohistorical delusions of an individual leader.
Russia reached this point in 2022. The United States has now done the same.
Russia reached this point in 2022. The United States has now done the same.
January 6, 2026 at 7:14 AM
International relations theory is rendered meaningless once a state ceases to act on rational strategic reasoning and instead follows the pseudohistorical delusions of an individual leader.
Russia reached this point in 2022. The United States has now done the same.
Russia reached this point in 2022. The United States has now done the same.
Reposted by Calum MacKenzie
Mit Maduro verliert Putin einen Verbündeten. Doch Trumps imperiales Gebaren könnte ihm Türen öffnen – auch in Europa.
https://www.srf.ch/news/international/das-recht-des-staerkeren-maduros-sturz-nur-auf-den-ersten-blick-eine-schmach-fuer-putin
https://www.srf.ch/news/international/das-recht-des-staerkeren-maduros-sturz-nur-auf-den-ersten-blick-eine-schmach-fuer-putin
Schmach und Chance: Was Maduros Sturz für Putin bedeutet
Mit Maduro verliert Putin einen Verbündeten. Doch Trumps imperiales Gebaren könnte ihm Türen öffnen – auch in Europa.
www.srf.ch
January 5, 2026 at 6:36 PM
Mit Maduro verliert Putin einen Verbündeten. Doch Trumps imperiales Gebaren könnte ihm Türen öffnen – auch in Europa.
https://www.srf.ch/news/international/das-recht-des-staerkeren-maduros-sturz-nur-auf-den-ersten-blick-eine-schmach-fuer-putin
https://www.srf.ch/news/international/das-recht-des-staerkeren-maduros-sturz-nur-auf-den-ersten-blick-eine-schmach-fuer-putin
Reposted by Calum MacKenzie
russian war bloggers on telegram are very mad right now, but I suspect it's mostly because russia tried to do the exact same thing in the opening phase of the invasion (see Battle of Hostomel Airport) and failed miserably
January 3, 2026 at 1:02 PM
russian war bloggers on telegram are very mad right now, but I suspect it's mostly because russia tried to do the exact same thing in the opening phase of the invasion (see Battle of Hostomel Airport) and failed miserably
Reposted by Calum MacKenzie
The world divided between a few 'great powers' which are neutral to friendly to each other but don't count their other neighbours as equals is 100% Putin's view, and America asserting its own 'area of influence' so brazenly helps him enormously (and gives China a fat excuse re: Taiwan).
Nigel Farage expresses support for Trump's "unorthodox" breach of international law - on grounds that they may "make China and Russia think twice"
But the main impact on Russia and China will be to help them to legitimise aggression in cases like Ukraine and Taiwan, citing Trump/US as analogous.
But the main impact on Russia and China will be to help them to legitimise aggression in cases like Ukraine and Taiwan, citing Trump/US as analogous.
January 3, 2026 at 11:15 AM
The world divided between a few 'great powers' which are neutral to friendly to each other but don't count their other neighbours as equals is 100% Putin's view, and America asserting its own 'area of influence' so brazenly helps him enormously (and gives China a fat excuse re: Taiwan).
Reposted by Calum MacKenzie
Russian Foreign Ministry statement is out and is extremely soft, calls for “prevention of further escalation and to focus on finding a way to advance through dialogue”.
January 3, 2026 at 10:24 AM
Russian Foreign Ministry statement is out and is extremely soft, calls for “prevention of further escalation and to focus on finding a way to advance through dialogue”.
Reposted by Calum MacKenzie
A defining moment for Europe. If it endorses/fails to condemn this flagrant breach of international law, it will have surrendered its core justification for opposing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
JUST IN: Trump says the U.S. has captured Maduro and his wife and flown them out of the country.
January 3, 2026 at 10:17 AM
A defining moment for Europe. If it endorses/fails to condemn this flagrant breach of international law, it will have surrendered its core justification for opposing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
Reposted by Calum MacKenzie
In 2025, Lukashenka Convicted on Political Charges 10 Times More Belarusians than He Released windowoneurasia2.blogspot.com/2026/01/in-2025-lukashenka-convicted-of.html
January 1, 2026 at 11:18 AM
In 2025, Lukashenka Convicted on Political Charges 10 Times More Belarusians than He Released windowoneurasia2.blogspot.com/2026/01/in-2025-lukashenka-convicted-of.html
Reposted by Calum MacKenzie
This year, OC Media tried something new with the launching of a culture and review section. Now we bring you a round-up of what we thought were the top 10 films released this year as reviewed by OC Media.
➡️ Read more: oc-media.org/caucasus-cin...
➡️ Read more: oc-media.org/caucasus-cin...
December 31, 2025 at 1:38 PM
This year, OC Media tried something new with the launching of a culture and review section. Now we bring you a round-up of what we thought were the top 10 films released this year as reviewed by OC Media.
➡️ Read more: oc-media.org/caucasus-cin...
➡️ Read more: oc-media.org/caucasus-cin...