A farewell to arms
The story of a Russian deserter
Ilya Andreyev has had three lives since the war in Ukraine broke out. First, as a journalist within Russia’s propaganda machine; then, as cannon fodder on the frontlines; and now, as a deserter, living in exile.
Our Russia editor, Arkady Ostrovsky, has spent many hours talking to him. In the midst of a grimly attritional conflict, it’s a story that can help us to understand the forces drawing people into Russia’s army - and the limits of Vladimir Putin’s power over them.
Discover more
Drum Tower
En route to America, Chinese migrants are targeted by criminals
Our weekly podcast on China. This week, in the second episode of a four-part series, we follow the journey of the migrants as they encounter smugglers and cartels in Mexico
Next Year in Moscow
Next Year in Moscow 10: A farewell to arms
In a bonus episode of our series, we bring you a Russian deserter’s story
The Intelligence
Sir Keir Starmer talks to The Economist about his plan to get Britain growing
Also on the daily podcast: why mapping fruit flies’ brains matters for human ones and chatbots take on conspiracists
Editor’s Picks
How likely is a serious oil shock?
A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist
The Intelligence
A flawless SpaceX launch marks the start of a new economics of space
Also on the daily podcast: the power Brazil’s ex-president still wields and the deep, anxious history of self-help books
Checks and Balance
How much has Donald Trump changed both parties’ agendas?
Our weekly podcast on democracy in America. This week, we analyse how the candidates have converged on policy