Belarus Resistance Through Music | Sasha from Volny Chor

In this Talk Eastern Europe Deep Dive, Adam Reichardt and Nina Panikova speak with renowned Russia analyst Mark Galeotti about what is happening inside Russia today and what it means for Ukraine, Europe, and the wider global order.The conversation explores the Kremlin’s tightening control over the internet, disruptions to platforms like Telegram and WhatsApp, and the political struggle behind Russia’s so-called “sovereign internet.” Galeotti explains how these measures are not only about security, but also about power inside the Russian system — and why they may be alienating new parts of Russian society.The discussion also looks at the state of the Russian economy, the impact of Western sanctions, Russia’s evolving relationships with Iran and North Korea, and how Vladimir Putin is trying to position Russia in an increasingly fragmented world. Galeotti also reflects on Donald Trump, Europe’s internal divisions, Hungary after Viktor Orbán, and the risks posed by future elections in France and elsewhere.Finally, the episode turns to Russia’s May 9th Victory Day narrative and what it reveals about Putin’s weakened social contract with Russian citizens.Topics covered in this episode:00:00 Introduction03:00 Russia’s internet restrictions and “sovereign internet”08:45 Public discontent and protest potential inside Russia16:15 Is the Russian economy really faltering?20:00 Western sanctions and their real impact22:30 Russia, Iran, North Korea and the global order27:00 Trump, Putin and the future of US-Russia relations29:00 Hungary, Europe and Russia’s influence in the EU34:30 Victory Day, propaganda and Putin’s wartime narrativeGuest:Mark Galeotti is a historian, Russia analyst, director of Mayak Intelligence, honorary professor at UCL School of Slavonic and East European Studies, and host of In Moscow’s Shadows.—Talk Eastern Europe is the podcast from the New Eastern Europe magazine - your trusted source for in-depth analysis and expert perspectives on Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, and the post-Soviet space.ABOUT THIS PODCASTWe publish twice weekly:Every Tuesday: Expert Interviews featuring deep dives with leading analysts, journalists, and scholars Every Friday: Weekly News Roundup with essential updates and commentary on the latest developmentsAvailable on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. Support on PatreonJoin our community for bonus content, early access, behind-the-scenes insights, and access to our exclusive WhatsApp group where we discuss the news in real-time. → Join the Talk Eastern Europe community: https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneuropeNew Eastern Europe Magazine Bimonthly publication with exclusive long-form analysis.→ Become a member: https://neweasterneurope.eu/become-a-member-of-new-eastern-europe/Brief Eastern Europe NewsletterWeekly briefing sent out every Monday with news updates, expert commentary, and our editorial picks - free to your inbox.→ Subscribe: https://briefeasterneurope.eu/subscribe FOLLOW USInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/neweasterneuropemag/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewEasternEurope/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-eastern-europe/

This week’s Talk Eastern Europe new roundup covers a major Belarus prisoner exchange, growing political instability in Romania, and a landmark corruption verdict in Moldova – plus developments in Bulgaria and rising tensions in Kosovo.Adam Reichardt and Alexandra Karppi break down the biggest stories shaping the region and explain why they matter.In this episode:– Belarus releases journalist Andrzej Poczobut in ahigh-profile prisoner swap– What the deal signals for Belarus and its relations withthe West– Romania heads toward a possible political crisis asmainstream parties cooperate with the far right– The rise of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR)– Vladimir Plahotniuc sentenced in Moldova’s “theft of thecentury” case– Post-election fallout and judicial changes in Bulgaria– A spy scandal and new convictions linked to tensionsbetween Kosovo and SerbiaSupport us on PatreonJoin our community for bonus content, early access, behind-the-scenes insights, and access to our exclusive WhatsApp group where we discuss the news in real-time.→ Join the Talk Eastern Europe community: https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope Check out the New Eastern Europe Magazine Bimonthly publication with exclusive long-form analysis.→ Become a member: https://neweasterneurope.eu/become-a-member-of-new-eastern-europe/ Free ArticlesRead our latest analysis at neweasterneurope.eu Sign up for the Brief Eastern Europe NewsletterWeekly briefing sent out every Monday with news updates, expert commentary, and our editorial picks - free to your inbox. → Subscribe: https://briefeasterneurope.eu/subscribeFOLLOW USInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/neweasterneuropemag/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewEasternEurope/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-eastern-europe/Twitter/X: https://x.com/NewEastEurope

How did a choir become one of the symbols of the 2020 Belarus protests? In this Talk Eastern Europe Deep Dive interview, Nina Panikova speaks with Sasha from Volny Chor, the Belarusian choir that emerged after the stolen election and mass demonstrations against Alyaksandr Lukashenka.Volny Chor became famous for surprise public performances of Belarusian freedom songs in Minsk, singing in shopping centers, courtyards, and public squares while avoiding arrest. Since then, members have faced repression, imprisonment, and exile – yet they continue to perform across Europe to preserve the Belarusian identity, language, and culture.This episode explores protest music, authoritarian repression in Belarus, the meaning of Belarusian national symbols, and how culture can become resistance.Some examples of their music:Volny Chor, Mahutny Boža (Almighty God): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZKpd900L-EVolny Chor, Pahonia (Coat of arms of Belarus):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c49ZmYZhGaASupport our podcast – join us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneuropeSubscribe for more interviews on Eastern Europe, democracy,Ukraine, Belarus, Russia, and regional politics.

Help us reach our goal of 75 patrons – sign up here: https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneuropeThis week on Talk Eastern Europe, we look at major politicaldevelopments across the region. Bulgaria’s latest snap election may mark the end of years of instability, but what does Rumen Radev’s victory mean for domestic reform, relations with the EU, and support for Ukraine?We also discuss French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Poland, where strategic cooperation was in focus but internal political tensions were impossible to ignore. In Slovakia, Robert Fico faces criticism over plans to limit voting from abroad while continuing his controversial push to attend Moscow’s May 9th celebrations.Finally, we turn to Slovenia, where failed coalition talks could pave the way for Janez Janša’s return, and to Brussels, where the EU has moved forward with major new financial support for Ukraine.Read more on Slovenia: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2026/04/14/the-future-of-slovenias-new-government-coalition-remains/Check out the latest issue of New Eastern Europe:https://neweasterneurope.eu/2026/04/21/issue-3-2026-when-human-rights-end/Join us for our weekly roundup of the key stories shaping Central and Eastern Europe.

Hungary has entered a new political era. After 16 years ofViktor Orbán’s rule, Péter Magyar and the TISZA party have secured a sweeping election victory, reportedly with a two-thirds majority. What happens next?In this Deep Dive episode of Talk Eastern Europe, host Alexandra Karppi speaks with Zsuzsanna Vegh, an expert on Central Europe and democratic resilience from the German Marshall Fund. They discuss the dramatic election result and what it could mean for Hungary, the European Union, and the wider region. In the interview, Zsuzsanna discusses:How Péter Magyar could begin dismantling Orbán’s politicalsystemAnti-corruption reforms, media changes, and constitutionaloverhaulFrozen EU funds and whether Hungary’s economy couldrebound quicklyWhat this means for Viktor Orbán and the future of FideszThe impact on Robert Fico, Aleksandar Vučić, and illiberalalliances in Central EuropeHungary’s future relationship with European Union, NATO,Ukraine, and the Western BalkansRussian influence, intelligence scandals, and regionalsecurity risksIs this the end of the Orbán era or just the beginning of anew political struggle? Subscribe to Talk Eastern Europe for more expert analysis onCentral, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe.Support our podcast – become a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope

Help us reach our goal of 75 Patrons. Join us here: https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneuropeThis week on Talk Eastern Europe, Alexandra and Nina unpack the regional ripple effects following Hungary’s elections and what they could mean for politics across Central and Eastern Europe.They also discuss a high-profile visit by Donald Trump Jr. in the Balkans as well as the latest from Moldova, including the country taking another step away from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Finally, the two look at the latest pressure on Memorial in Russia. Plus, protests in Bratislava raise fresh questions about democratic rules ahead of future elections.Check out our weekly newsletter: www.briefeasterneurope.eu/subscribe

Support our work! Join our patron community: https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneuropeWhat is the story behind Slovakia’s most famous musicfestival? In this episode, Nina speaks with Michal Kaščák, founder of Pohoda Festival, about 30 years of music, freedom, and politics in Slovakia.The conversation explores how Pohoda began in the 1990s during the Mečiar era, why the festival became a symbol of democracy and free expression, and how it grew into one of Europe’s most respected music and arts festivals. The two also discuss culture in today’s Slovakia, political pressure, civil society, and why festivals like Pohoda matter far beyond music.In the bonus section, for our patrons only - Michal takes us back to the 1980s as frontman of Bez ladu a skladu, sharing what it was like to play underground music under communism. From censorship and banned concerts to the fall of the regime in 1989, this is a powerful story about music, resistance, and freedom—and how those experiences shaped the creation of Pohoda Festival. Sign up to our patreon page here: https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneuropeAs Pohoda celebrates its 30th edition, this is a conversation about art, community, and the fight to keep culture free.Check out the Pohoda Festival website: https://www.pohodafestival.sk/en

Hungarian voters have delivered a political earthquake. After 16 years in power, Viktor Orbán has been defeated, marking a historic turning point not just for Hungary, but for all of Central and Eastern Europe.In this special quick take episode of Talk Eastern Europe, we break down the key takeaways from the election results, including how Péter Magyar secured a constitutional majority and why voters turned out in record numbers. We also explore what this result reveals about the state of democracy in Hungary, how everyday issues like the economy and corruption shaped the vote, and why this election may become a case study for defeating entrenched power.Beyond Hungary, we look at the broader geopolitical implications, from relations with the European Union and NATO to future support for Ukraine and the shifting dynamics within Central Europe. With a peaceful concession already underway, the big question now is what comes next - forHungary, for Europe, and for Orbán himself.Is this a turning point for democracy in Europe, or just the beginning of a new political struggle? Tune in for our quick, sharp reaction and stay with us for a deeper analysis coming soon.And Subscribe for more insights on Eastern Europeanpolitics, democracy, and geopolitics.If you like our content please support us by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope

Support the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneuropeSign up for the Brief Eastern Europe Weekly Newsletter! https://briefeasterneurope.eu/subscribeIn this week’s Talk Eastern Europe news roundup, Adam Reichardt, Alexandra Karppi and Nina Panikova break down the latest stories shaping Central and Eastern Europe.We discuss the rising stakes ahead of Bulgaria’s snap parliamentary elections, including concerns over Russian interference, disinformation, and the political role of Rumen Radev. The conversation then turns to Hungary, where the team dissects the dramatic final stretch before the election, from the alleged pipeline sabotage plot and Viktor Orbán’s campaign tactics to high-profile backing from theUnited States, including J.D. Vance’s visit.The episode also highlights this week’s deep-dive interviewon Poland, covering polarization, security, relations with the US and EU, and the growing influence of the far right. For the Deep Dive on Poland – watch it here: https://youtu.be/1mDT4EJep2k?si=Xg8Qlt__fOJMiUntTo close, the hosts reflect on a striking contrast in theregion: violent developments in Serbia alongside football euphoria in Bosnia and Herzegovina after a major World Cup qualifier upset.Subscribe to Talk Eastern Europe and join the conversation in the comments.Check out our previous episode on Romania and foreigninterference: https://talkeasterneurope.eu/episodes/episode-208-foreign-interference-in-europe-and-the-case-of-romaniaRead even more on Orban’s Ukraine narrative: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2026/04/07/orbans-ukraine-narrative/

Help us grow! Support us: https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope More than halfway through Donald Tusk’s term, Poland is entering a crucial political moment. The governing coalition is under pressure to deliver on its promises while navigating institutional gridlock, deep political polarization, and a rapidly changing international security environment.In this week’s Talk Eastern Europe interview, Adam Reichardt speaks with journalist, writer, and sociologist Mateusz Mazzini about where Polish politics stand today and what may come next.They discuss the Tusk government’s record so far, why security and foreign policy now dominate domestic politics, President Karol Nawrocki’s veto of the EU SAFE defence financing mechanism, Poland’s evolving relationship with the United States under Donald Trump, and the rise of the right and far right ahead of the 2027 parliamentary elections. This is a wide-ranging conversation on power, sovereignty, defence, and the political choices that may shape Poland’s future.Guest: Mateusz Mazzini is a Polish journalist, writer, and sociologist. He writes for Gazeta Wyborcza and Polityka, and has published in The Washington Post, Foreign Affairs, Foreign Policy, and New Eastern Europe.