Global Voices Season 5 Episode 7 Putin's Kiss

Global Voices season 5 episode 7, titled "Putin's Kiss," follows a young Russian woman named Masha Drokova who became a member of a pro-Putin youth movement and then shifted her political views as she matured and became more involved in social activism.

The episode begins with footage of Masha several years prior, as a member of the pro-Putin youth movement Nashi. We see her leading rallies in support of Putin and hear her express fervent support for the President. However, after meeting and befriending several liberal activists, Masha begins to question her pro-Putin views.

Throughout the episode, we see Masha grapple with her changing political beliefs and navigate the complexities of modern Russian politics. She forms a close friendship with one of the liberal activists, Oleg Kashin, who is brutally beaten by unknown assailants for his outspoken criticism of the government. This attack further motivates Masha to speak out against Putin's regime.

The episode also features interviews with other activists and politicians, who discuss the growing tensions between the pro-Putin movement and the growing opposition movement. They describe the challenges facing those who voice dissent in Putin's Russia, including censorship, harassment, and violence.

Overall, "Putin's Kiss" is a thought-provoking exploration of the complex political landscape of modern Russia, and the ways in which young people are navigating these challenges. The episode raises important questions about free speech, democracy, and the limits of political power, and is sure to provoke meaningful discussions among viewers.