# 2.31 The Empire bleeds, part 2

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-eastern-border-1102925/2-31-the-empire-bleeds-part-2
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-eastern-border-1102925/2-31-the-empire-bleeds-part-2.md
Podcast: [The Eastern Border](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-eastern-border-1102925)
Published: 2026-05-27T18:26:19+00:00
Episode link: https://shows.acast.com/theeasternborder/episodes/231-the-empire-bleeds-part-2
Audio file: https://sphinx.acast.com/p/acast/s/theeasternborder/e/6a17374b6ee822cbfb7a66b3/media.mp3
Processing state: not_requested
JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-eastern-border-1102925/episodes/2-31-the-empire-bleeds-part-2
Duration seconds: 3382

## Resource

The illusion of the Russian war machine is shattering. In Part 2 of our deep dive into the May 2026 reality, we strip away the Ministry of Defense's daily copium to expose an empire that is actively cannibalizing itself. From Roskomnadzor accidentally unplugging their own Z-patriot audience to the "Afghan Highway" where Ukrainian Hornet drones are systematically liquidating Russian logistics, the frontlines are paralyzed. The grand strategic victories of the "Second Army of the World"? They are burning entire brigades to capture a literal, empty pig farm in Donetsk. But the real collapse is happening inside the bunker. We break down the catastrophic 11-trillion-ruble budget deficit, the 1992 hyperinflation flashbacks hitting the State Duma, and the absolute absurdity of the Oreshnik missile hitting a garage cooperative (while propagandists generate fake AI craters to hide the embarrassment). We also do the brutal math on "Debt Meat." Why is the Kremlin paying 15 million rubles to send bankrupt alcoholics and escaped serial killers to the trenches, while veteran firefighters putting out burning oil refineries earn just $460 a month? Because Russia isn't a nation-state; it’s a Neo-Feudal cartel fighting over the pirate treasure on a sinking ship. Stay cynical. Keep your eyes on the ledger. Become our patron: https://www.patreon.com/theeasternborder Merch store + another option for memberships: https://theeasternborder-shop.fourthwall.com/ Follow what's going on here in the very border of Eastern Europe: https://bsky.app/profile/theeasternborder.lv Download all episodes for free on our website; pictures accompanying certain episodes can be found there as well! http://theeasternborder.lv/ Fund the Drones: Help the guys doing the actual heavy lifting on the ground. Tell the…

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## Transcript

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