One opposition candidate for Russia's presidency hits the campaign trail -- in Washington.
Another talks about taking a job as a Kremlin adviser -- after the election.
Yet another travels to London where he says he negotiated a deal to bring exiled Russian businessmen -- and their money -- back home.
And one noncandidate who is very much a presence in the campaign releases a salacious video featuring an oligarch, a top official, a yacht -- and an "escort worker" who calls herself "Nastya Rybka.".
Welcome to the odd and peculiar world of Russia's so-called presidential election, which officially kicked off this week.
On this week's Power Vertical Podcast, we take a look at some of the weird scenes on the campaign trail, and what they signify.
Joining me is veteran journalist and Kremlin-watcher Kiryl Sukhotski, executive editor for Current Time TV, the Russian-language network run by RFE/RL in cooperation with VOA.
Enjoy....
Listen to or download the podcast above or subscribe to The Power Vertical Podcast on iTunes.