Jay Fraser, a man in his twenties from a small town in Scotland, comes from a middle-class family and has a decent job. This episode serves as a digression from the main story presented in the previous episode, “Rogue Brits: Fighting for Putin”, which examined the phenomenon of young Brits’ joining the Russian war effort. Emphasising male pride, the power of tradition, and a Christian conservatism that appeals to young men such as Mr Fraser, many are drawn towards the Orthodox Church and beyond. Ultimately, Mr Fraser finds himself ensnared in Putin’s web, partly through his initiation into the Church. This story unfolds in “Liar, Bigamist, Brute: How Isaac Singer liberated women”, an episode of Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford.

Source: The Times March 20, 2026 12:28 UTC