Rephonic
Artwork for Russian Roulette
Russia
Ukraine
Global South
Arms Sales
Middle East
CSIS
Alexei Navalny
United States
Iran
Israel
Azerbaijan
Armenia
Africa
Wagner Group
Saudi Arabia
Havana Syndrome
Kremlin
GRU (main Intelligence Directorate Of the Russian Armed Forces)
Colonialism
BRICS

Hosted by Max Bergmann and Dr. Maria Snegovaya of the Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program at CSIS, Russian Roulette explores the politics, history, and complex societies of Russia and Eurasia. Tune in for fascinating interviews and discussions on some of the biggest questions facing the broader post-Soviet space. Produced by Tina Dolbaia and Nick Fenton.

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes153Founded10 years ago
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NewsPolitics

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Artwork for Russian Roulette

Latest Episodes

Eric Ciaramella of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace returned to the show to discuss his recent article with Sophia Besch on the ways that European states can support Ukraine militarily without the involvement of the U.S. Max and Maria a... more

YouTube

Max and Maria spoke with Hanna Notte, JP Gresh, and Michael Kimmage at a live CSIS event marking the four-year anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

This conversation was recorded on February 23, 2026. For the video recording of th... more

YouTube

Max and Maria were joined by Andrian Prokip and Tim McDonnell to discuss the relentless Russian bombardment of Ukraine's energy infrastructure, and what this means for average Ukrainians trying to survive the winter months.

Be sure to explore Tim Mc... more

YouTube

Max and Maria spoke with Jade McGlynn about her latest report on Ukrainian resistance in the Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine.

"Thresholds of Survival: The Resistance in Occupied Ukraine" by Jade McGlynn (January 2026, CSIS.org)

YouTube

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Recent Guests

Eric Ciaramella
Senior Fellow in the Russia and Eurasia Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace; former Deputy National Intelligence Officer for Russia and Eurasia at the National Intelligence Council; former Ukraine Director on the National Security Council Staff
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Episode: Eric Ciaramella on How Europe Can Arm Ukraine
JP Gresh
Retired US Army Colonel and foreign area officer; former defense attaché in Moscow
CSIS Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program
Episode: Four Years of the War in Ukraine (Live Event)
Andrian Prokip
Head of the energy program at the Ukrainian Institute for the Future
Ukrainian Institute for the Future
Episode: Ukraine's Ongoing Energy Crisis
Tim McDonnell
Climate and energy editor at Semafor
Semafor
Episode: Ukraine's Ongoing Energy Crisis
Jade McGlynn
Research Fellow in the War Studies Department at King's College, London and author of 'Russia's War' and 'Memory Makers'
King's College London, non-resident senior associate at CSIS
Episode: Thresholds of Survival: The Latest Report on Ukrainian Resistance to Russian Occupation by Jade McGlynn
Adam Entous
A legendary reporter who has written extensively on U.S.-Ukraine relations and covered the Trump Administration's engagement with Ukraine.
The New York Times
Episode: Adam Entous on U.S.-Ukraine Relations in 2025
Nikolay Petrov
Expert in Russian domestic politics, Senior Research Fellow at the New Eurasian Strategy Center
New Eurasian Strategy Center
Episode: The Increased Level of Repressions Within the Russian Elite
Mikhail Troitskiy
Visiting Professor at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University
Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy
Episode: The Increased Level of Repressions Within the Russian Elite
Kateryna Bondar
Fellow at CSIS with the Wadwani AI Center, focused on integrating artificial intelligence into Ukraine's defense sector
CSIS
Episode: Russian and Ukrainian Battlefield Adaptations with Dara Massicot and Kateryna Bondar

Hosts

Max Bergmann
Director of the Stuart Center and Europe-Russia Eurasia Program at CSIS.
Dr. Maria Snegovaya
Senior Fellow for Russia and Eurasia at CSIS.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 294 ratings
  • September 2025

    My favorite part of the show is the theme music!

    I imagine Maria dancing to the music, Go-Go Style, in a 1960s mini-skirt!

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    Geoplanter
    United States6 months ago
  • Great analysis

    Good to hear the full background and insights that these analyst bring.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    >>l
    United Kingdom9 months ago
  • Anti putin anti trump

    Pro DC pro EU pro war

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    very funny and clever pod
    United Kingdoma year ago
  • Great wisdom

    The informed and professional people on this show bring a high level of thoughtful discussion.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    QE Infinity
    United Statesa year ago
  • Well-informed insightful analysis

    Excellent analysis, stellar panel of speakers with balanced and engaging hosts. One suggestion: in most analysis I miss the European Union as an agent on its own right. I understand that CSIS is an US based think-tank, but missing the EU’s views leaves the picture incomplete. Of course I am biased, working for one of the EU institutions… but still :-)

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Kihoyo
    Belgium2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

There are concerns about the audio quality at times, which can detract from the listening experience.
Listeners appreciate the high-quality analysis and expert insights provided by knowledgeable guests and hosts.
Listeners find the discussions on current geopolitical issues timely and relevant, often highlighting the depth of exploration into topics regarding Russia and Ukraine.
Overall, the podcast is viewed as a vital resource for those interested in understanding the complexities of Eurasian politics.
Some feedback indicates that the hosts could improve their conversational dynamics to enhance flow and engagement.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#126
Poland/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#132
Netherlands/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#203
Ukraine/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#212
Finland/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#242
Denmark/News/Politics

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Ukraine's Ongoing Energy Crisis
Q: What steps are being taken right now to make this grid, make Ukraine more energy resilient?
There is a focus on modernizing the energy sector and deploying small-scale energy solutions like solar panels and batteries.
Ukraine's Ongoing Energy Crisis
Q: What is the scale of the Russian assault on the Ukrainian energy system and how is it impacting daily life?
It is severe, with widespread blackouts and lack of heating, leading to a potential humanitarian crisis.
Thresholds of Survival: The Latest Report on Ukrainian Resistance to Russian Occupation by Jade McGlynn
Q: What is your sense of the current mood of the country?
People are exhausted and frustrated, feeling a lack of support from international actors while facing the harsh realities of occupation.
Thresholds of Survival: The Latest Report on Ukrainian Resistance to Russian Occupation by Jade McGlynn
Q: How has the resistance efforts evolved?
The resistance has shifted from public forms to more private and less demonstrative efforts due to increased risks.
Adam Entous on U.S.-Ukraine Relations in 2025
Q: Can you talk about the political maneuvering and the pressures from the Trump administration regarding U.S. military support to Ukraine?
Trump's administration was divided; some officials wanted to withhold aid due to a perceived lack of military capabilities in Ukraine, while others understood the need for continued support to counter Russian aggression.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Russian Roulette

What is Russian Roulette about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Focused on the intricate politics, history, and societal dynamics of Russia and Eurasia, the content features engaging discussions and thought-provoking interviews with experts on significant issues impacting the post-Soviet landscape. Episodes tackle various themes, such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, U.S.-Russia relations, energy crises, and the implications of global geopolitical strategies, providing listeners with nuanced insights that resonate with current events. The hosts' expertise is complemented by a diverse range of guests, enhancing the overall analysis with multiple viewpoints and rich perspectives.

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Which podcasts are similar to Russian Roulette?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Russian Roulette:

1. The Foreign Affairs Interview
2. The Eurofile
3. Battleground
4. The Economics Show
5. Pekingology

How many episodes of Russian Roulette are there?

Russian Roulette launched 10 years ago and published 153 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Russian Roulette?

Recent guests on Russian Roulette include:

1. Eric Ciaramella
2. JP Gresh
3. Andrian Prokip
4. Tim McDonnell
5. Jade McGlynn
6. Adam Entous
7. Nikolay Petrov
8. Mikhail Troitskiy

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