On Thin Ice: Putin v Greenpeace

Synopsis

The story of a daring protest in 2013 on a Russian oil rig that goes terrifyingly wrong as Putin defends his oil at all costs. Shots are fired, and the protesters are thrown into a Russian jail.

First Air Date: 2024-06-09

Last Air Date: 2024-06-11

Number of Seasons: 1

Number of Episodes: 6

Networks: BBC Two

Seasons

Series 1 (2024)

A daring protest in 2013 on a Russian oil rig goes terrifyingly wrong.

Episodes:

Ep. 1: Episode 1 (2024-06-09)

In 2013, Greenpeace sail to the Arctic to peacefully protest against Russian offshore oil drilling, but the harsh response from Putin’s Kremlin and the Russian security forces is far more than they bargained for, as their actions at the oil rig are met with brutal force.
Ep. 2: Episode 2 (2024-06-09)

Two climbers are captured by the Russian coastguard in the 2013 protest. Shots are fired. The FSB captures the ship, but the activists try to keep filming.
Ep. 3: Episode 3 (2024-06-10)

The ship is captured in the 2013 peaceful protest and towed to Murmansk. The activists expect an 48-hour detention but are charged with piracy, which carries a 15-year sentence.
Ep. 4: Episode 4 (2024-06-10)

The 2013 campaign to free the activists gets underway, but a Kremlin smear campaign is initiated. Conditions in prison are brutal, and one of the prisoners is rushed to hospital.
Ep. 5: Episode 5 (2024-06-11)

Footage of the 2013 illegal boarding must be smuggled out of prison in time for an international tribunal. The imprisoned activists pin their hopes on being released on bail.
Ep. 6: Episode 6 (2024-06-11)

A Beatle joins the fight, the protestors finally get bail and then a major amnesty before the 2014 Sochi Olympics free them to return home, but things go rapidly downhill for Russia.