Systems of Terror: An Inside Look at Life Under Russian Occupation
Release Date: 11/18/2025
Systems of Terror: An Inside Look at Life Under Russian Occupation
The Transatlantic
In the years since it launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia has subjected thousands of Ukrainian civilians to tortuous treatment in prison camps across the occupied territories. In this season premiere of the U.S. Helsinki Commission’s podcast “The Transatlantic” Russian human rights activist Evgenia Chirikova discusses her experience searching for answers about what happens to those Ukrainians trapped in this system of terror and outlines the type of accountability she believes is necessary to bring the perpetrators of this abuse to justice. Watch Evgenia’s two-part...
info_outline
Welcome to the Transatlantic!
The Transatlantic
The Helsinki Commission’s podcast is back! We are excited to be launching The Transaltantic, a podcast bringing you human stories across oceans, political divides, and intellectual traditions. Join our host Bakhti Nishanov as he talks to people behind the debates and developments shaping the struggle for freedom and security in the United States, Europe, Central Asia, and around the world.
info_outline
Russia Hates the Truth
The Transatlantic
Transgender journalist Sarah Ashton-Cirillo, a U.S. citizen, joins host Alex Tiersky to describe her journey, first to Ukraine as a war correspondent, then her decision to enlist in the Ukrainian Armed Forces as a combat medic on the front lines, as well as becoming a high-value target for Russian propaganda, and the importance of pursuing the truth against a regime that thrives on lies.
info_outline
On the Precipice
The Transatlantic
The OSCE has been central to diplomatic efforts around Russia’s war against Ukraine. In this episode, Ambassador Michael Carpenter, U.S. Permanent Representative to the OSCE, discusses the ultimately unsuccessful diplomatic efforts to forestall Russia’s full-scale invasion; the role of the OSCE in ensuring accountability for war crimes and atrocities; and the need to ensure Ukraine’s victory and Russia’s defeat.
info_outline
Brothers in Arms
The Transatlantic
Since February 2022, thousands of non-Ukrainians have signed up to help defend Ukraine from Russian aggression. In this episode, two former members of the U.S. military—former U.S. Army Staff Sergeant James Vasquez and retired U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Rip Rawlings—discuss their own efforts, one fighting on the ground, and the other mobilizing and coordinating support to the Ukrainian armed forces through his foundation.
info_outline
Russia's Arsenal of Aggression
The Transatlantic
One particularly insidious tool in Russia’s arsenal of aggression is the Kremlin’s use of mercenaries, in particular against Ukraine. In this episode, experts Candace Rondeaux and Col. Chris Mayer (Ret.) discuss how Russia draws on mercenary networks such the Wagner Group, which has been linked to human rights and other atrocities including the horrific massacre at Bucha.
info_outline
Nobody Cheers for Goliath: How Ukraine Is Winning the Information War Against Russia
The Transatlantic
The physical battle of tanks and bombs or territory gained and lost is only one terrible part of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin’s war against the people of Ukraine. The unprovoked war is also taking place in the media, on computer keyboards, and in the hearts and mind of people in Ukraine, in Russia, and worldwide. Just as Ukraine has won important battlefield successes in the face of what appeared to be an overwhelming Russian force, Ukraine has also waged a highly sophisticated public diplomacy campaign to counter what many thought was a Russian strength. Dr. Nicholas J. Cull, a...
info_outline
Conflict Is Not Gender Neutral
The Transatlantic
When UNSCR 1325 was adopted in 2000, it marked the first time that the UN Security Council acknowledged the vital role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts. Two decades later, meaningful progress has been made in advancing the full involvement of women in peace and security-related efforts, but substantial challenges remain.
info_outline
Contending with China
The Transatlantic
The Chinese Communist Party poses major challenges to the transatlantic community’s ideals of governance and human rights.
info_outline
Russian Intention, Russian Aggression
The Transatlantic
From September 10 – 16, ZAPAD 2021—a major Russian military exercise that includes thousands of troops—will take place in and around Belarus. The exercise follows months of reports that the Russian military has been involved in actions that potentially could spark a major and violent confrontation between Russia and other countries.
info_outlineIn the years since it launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia has subjected thousands of Ukrainian civilians to tortuous treatment in prison camps across the occupied territories. In this season premiere of the U.S. Helsinki Commission’s podcast “The Transatlantic” Russian human rights activist Evgenia Chirikova discusses her experience searching for answers about what happens to those Ukrainians trapped in this system of terror and outlines the type of accountability she believes is necessary to bring the perpetrators of this abuse to justice.
Watch Evgenia’s two-part documentary investigation here:
Prisoners. Part 1: Fates (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHldWCVigHM)
Prisoners. Part 2: The System of Terror (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_K9Vy2AWGAg&t=2166s)
Evgeniya Chirikova is a Russian environmental activist who rose to prominence leading a movement opposing the building of a motorway through Khimki forest near Moscow. She also played a prominent role in the 2011–2012 Russian protests following disputed parliamentary elections in Russia. She is currently based in Estonia.
Evgeniya is the co-founder of the organization Support Net, which supports civil activism in Russia, helps Russian activists who face repression, and supports Ukrainian war refugees. Since 2024, she has investigated Russia’s systems of terror in the occupied territory of Ukraine and cases of Ukrainian civilian prisoners. On July 1, 2025, she premiered her film, “System of Terror” in the European Parliament.
For her active support of Ukraine in resisting the Russian occupation, she has faced five criminal cases in Russia on charges of “terrorism,” has been arrested in absentia in Russia twice, was included on Russia’s list of “terrorists and extremists,” and was recognized by the Russian Federation as a “foreign agent.”
She has also served as a project coordinator, investigator, and journalist at the Open Estonia Foundation, and written articles for the Washington Post, La Tribune, de Volkskrant, the Atlantic Council, Postimees, and Activatica. Among other awards, she is a recipient of the James Lawson Award, Goldman Environmental Prize, and the Woman of Courage Award, presented to her by then-Vice President Joe Biden. She is a graduate of the Russian Academy of Economy and State Service and Moscow State Aeronautical University.
This podcast is hosted by Bakhti Nishanov and produced by Alanna Novetsky, in conjunction with the Senate Recording Studio.