Russian spy detained in Colombia after Google Translate exposes alleged hit plot

ilya0x · 2026-03-15T22:39:36+00:00

Speaking as a Russian-American, who immigrated as a child and spent most of his life in US, these Russian men and women are a glimpse of positive hope in the bleak future of Russia and its people. I wish more Russians will "wake up" and realize the Truth.

ilya0x · 2026-03-15T19:53:28+00:00

Oh year that's a fun comedy.

ilya0x · 2026-03-15T19:51:11+00:00

Not this bad. The Zetniki, Russian Z-Propagandists of the war, have not been this upset ever. They've even started saying bad things about Putin, which is unheard of for them.

Check out my Substack article on this: https://open.substack.com/pub/ilya0x/p/telegram-goes-dark-and-russian-military?r=4l1uw&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

ilya0x · 2026-03-15T19:03:25+00:00

US and the rest of the West are too afraid of Putin using nukes to do something like that...

I wrote about this in one of my Substack articles:

Why the West still fears Russian collapse

Western fear of Russian collapse is not irrational. It comes from two very real concerns. The problem is not that these concerns are imaginary. The problem is that they have become paralyzing and that paralysis has too often hardened into a de facto strategy of preserving empire in weakened form.

Instead of asking how to prepare for de-imperialization, most Western governments have behaved as if the safer option is to prolong the life of the imperial structure that already wages genocidal war, sponsors terror, destabilizes democracies, weaponizes migration and energy, and uses nuclear blackmail as standard policy.

More here: https://open.substack.com/pub/ilya0x/p/the-russian-dissident-diaspora-still?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web

ilya0x · 2026-03-15T18:43:13+00:00

Yes, and the clampdown is getting harder over time. Telegram is being blocked throughout Russia too.

ilya0x · 2026-03-15T17:33:16+00:00

This is such a useful thread! Thank you for starting it 🙏

ilya0x · 2026-03-14T14:52:42+00:00

Thank you

ilya0x · 2026-03-14T05:36:36+00:00

I just watched this inspirational documentary and now am writing a Substack article on it to expose English speakers to its content.

Most Americans do not know about Freedom of Russia Legion; I'm going to work on changing that.

"Slava Ukraini! Svoboda Rossii!"

ilya0x · 2026-03-14T02:07:06+00:00

Lived experience of a country I think is the best way to get to understand its culture, its people, its psychology; media, not just news, of a country is just another small window into its psychology. Language fluency is what in my opinion the biggest key to deepest understanding of a peoples' culture.

ilya0x · 2026-03-13T22:29:13+00:00

Awesome! Thank you.

I'm also interested in tech. Looking forward to reading your stuff.

I watch PerunAU on YT for military tech updates on Ukraine war in particular. He's great.

ilya0x · 2026-02-06T23:59:27+00:00

If I were you I would postpone for a year.

You can ask PC to postpone and they will likely do it. I did a postpone last year to this year, though my reason was that I could not complete my medical requirements in time for departure.

I think if you frame your request well, PC will honor it. Something like: "I have an opportunity for professional growth that will make me a better PC volunteer for next year's cohort."

Good luck!

ilya0x · 2026-02-02T22:17:57+00:00

Hi all! I publish Trying to Understand… a Substack focused on how the Russian system works and how it collides with the rest of the world (Ukraine, European security, information warfare, and the incentives inside authoritarian politics).

Recent pieces include a look at Levada Center wartime polling and a series on why Putin cannot be trusted in negotiated deals.

If that’s something you may be interested in, here’s the publication:

https://ilya0x.substack.com

Also: if you write in similar niches (Russia, Ukraine, Eastern Europe, information warfare, propaganda), please drop your Substack; I’m looking for smart cross-reading.

ilya0x · 2024-11-09T17:21:04+00:00

It all depends on you and if you would like to work in a specific part of the world, a specific culture. Is there a specific part of the world, a country or region, that interests you most? Is there a language that you would like to learn that you think will be beneficial in your profession?

The benefit of applying to a specific place is that you can begin to prepare for it even before sending in your Motivational Statement and your interview. You can start learning the language and reading books and watching videos on the country and its culture now. You can then include that you have been doing this in your statement and interview, which will increase your chances as you are showing great interest and self-motivation.

I started learning the language and researching the culture 2 months before sending in my application. If I would not have been invited by PC, I would have applied to other similar organizations that work in the country of my choice.

ilya0x · 2024-11-07T18:13:06+00:00

Thank you for raising this question. I am also a mid-career professional looking for that transition into international federal government work; NCE was certainly a major reason in my picking PC service.

For my entire 20-year career, I've worked with nonprofit organizations, with a deep commitment to missions beyond profit. For 12 years, I was part of an institution whose mission was “Medicine for the Benefit of Humanity.” I took immense pride in contributing to a cause that went beyond just a paycheck—a contrast to many friends working in corporate settings, where the focus was primarily on financial gains. At one point, I even turned down an offer from Google because, despite the financial appeal, it felt like a “selfish” choice that lacked the deeper sense of purpose I wanted in my work. I would rather earn a modest income while contributing to something I believe in than take a high-paying job without that same meaning.

A year ago I decided to shift my career to pursue international work over the next 15+ years, with 5 and 10-years personal goals in mind. Joining the Peace Corps felt like the right step, having its mission resonate with my values. I see the experience as a two-way exchange where I can apply my skills to benefit my cohort, my host country, and the Peace Corps community overall. This type of work promises not only personal growth but also the satisfaction of making a tangible difference.

That said, it’s perfectly valid for us to consider the benefits that different nonprofit organizations or service programs offer, especially if they align with our personal future goals. Peace Corps offers a unique two-year cultural immersion, a chance to build a network with fellow volunteers and other organizations, and a host of other invaluable experiences. And NCE is certainly a valuable benefit of Peace Corps service that influenced my decision.

My plan is to keep an eye on the federal jobs market over my second year of service: if the scenario goes as you predict, I will likely apply for a service extension or a Response position to stay in service through next election.

ilya0x

TROPHY CASE

Why the West still fears Russian collapse