https://www.themoscowtimes.com/opinion The Moscow Times offers everything you need to know about Russia: Breaking news, top stories, business, analysis, opinion, multimedia en-us Thu, 11 Jun 2026 21:12:45 +0300 600 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/10/spief-2026-was-a-tragicomic-encapsulation-of-russias-economic-quagmire-a92972 You couldn't ignore the thick black smoke that hung over proceedings — though people tried — rather like Russia's weakened economy. Wed, 10 Jun 2026 15:49:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/10/spief-2026-was-a-tragicomic-encapsulation-of-russias-economic-quagmire-a92972 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/09/how-a-few-thousand-votes-could-have-stopped-putins-rise-to-power-a92962 Putin may have stayed in St. Petersburg if the 1996 electoral defeat of his political mentor hadn't propelled him to pursue a career in Moscow. Tue, 09 Jun 2026 17:52:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/09/how-a-few-thousand-votes-could-have-stopped-putins-rise-to-power-a92962 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/08/why-is-the-russian-orthodox-church-encouraging-people-to-volunteer-in-occupied-ukraine-a92956 Disguising contract military service as volunteering or paid work opportunities is not unheard of. Mon, 08 Jun 2026 18:21:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/08/why-is-the-russian-orthodox-church-encouraging-people-to-volunteer-in-occupied-ukraine-a92956 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/05/japan-must-stop-its-embarrassing-embrace-of-kremlin-cultural-projects-a92923 Tokyo may have condemned the invasion of Ukraine, but it remains naive about the political ramifications of the Festival of Russian Culture in Japan. Fri, 05 Jun 2026 18:33:08 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/05/japan-must-stop-its-embarrassing-embrace-of-kremlin-cultural-projects-a92923 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/04/putin-dishes-out-economic-warfare-but-cant-take-it-a92928 Ahead of Armenia's crucial election this weekend, Russia has banned a growing list of imports on spurious grounds. It's a familiar playbook. Thu, 04 Jun 2026 17:00:38 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/04/putin-dishes-out-economic-warfare-but-cant-take-it-a92928 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/03/normalizing-relations-with-belarus-would-be-a-mistake-a92891 Some exiled critics of the Belarusian government have started to suggest that the West could use Lukashenko to change the system. They're wrong. Wed, 03 Jun 2026 17:27:01 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/03/normalizing-relations-with-belarus-would-be-a-mistake-a92891 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/02/reports-of-russias-collapse-are-greatly-exaggerated-a92903 A cottage industry of articles and even books predicting Russia's collapse has sprung from a lack of imagination and expertise. Tue, 02 Jun 2026 17:43:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/02/reports-of-russias-collapse-are-greatly-exaggerated-a92903 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/29/the-kremlin-fears-academics-because-theyre-antithetical-to-autocracy-a92874 Science cannot uncover the truth when constrained by ideology. It's a problem afflicting academics in Russia, but also the United States. Fri, 29 May 2026 19:27:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/29/the-kremlin-fears-academics-because-theyre-antithetical-to-autocracy-a92874 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/27/as-the-world-speculates-heres-what-russians-are-actually-talking-about-a92862 While headlines fixate on Putin's popularity and support for the war, many Russians spend more time talking about travel and online shopping. Wed, 27 May 2026 17:43:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/27/as-the-world-speculates-heres-what-russians-are-actually-talking-about-a92862 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/26/central-asia-is-done-with-letting-moscow-write-its-history-a92847 Russia likes to believe that its colonization of Central Asia civilized and modernized the region. But local scholars no longer accept that narrative. Tue, 26 May 2026 17:46:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/26/central-asia-is-done-with-letting-moscow-write-its-history-a92847 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/25/to-be-truly-democratic-russias-opposition-must-learn-to-accept-scrutiny-a92836 Journalists should not serve political movements. But Russia's opposition treats unflattering reporting as tantamount to Kremlin propaganda. Mon, 25 May 2026 17:36:04 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/25/to-be-truly-democratic-russias-opposition-must-learn-to-accept-scrutiny-a92836 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/21/playing-by-the-rules-wont-protect-russian-business-owners-from-the-kremlins-shakedown-a92810 With tax hikes having failed to make up for Russia's budget deficit, the authorities are targeting small businesses that are acting legitimately. Thu, 21 May 2026 18:02:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/21/playing-by-the-rules-wont-protect-russian-business-owners-from-the-kremlins-shakedown-a92810 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/20/russia-wants-armenia-back-in-the-fold-it-may-be-too-late-a92801 With Armenia going to the polls soon, the country's pro-Russian opposition is divided and behind the times as Yerevan courts the West. Wed, 20 May 2026 17:00:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/20/russia-wants-armenia-back-in-the-fold-it-may-be-too-late-a92801 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/19/russias-extraordinary-route-to-north-korea-shows-the-limits-of-moscows-arctic-shipping-dreams-a92790 You only ship nuclear reactor components across your country via a circuitous route half way around the world if you have no other option. Tue, 19 May 2026 17:41:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/19/russias-extraordinary-route-to-north-korea-shows-the-limits-of-moscows-arctic-shipping-dreams-a92790 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/18/political-repression-is-a-numbers-game-in-russia-a92778 The Kremlin has no need to imprison millions. A steady stream of cases, amplified by the media, is enough to create an atmosphere of fear. Mon, 18 May 2026 18:25:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/18/political-repression-is-a-numbers-game-in-russia-a92778 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/15/regions-calling-dagestans-tourism-boom-is-a-recipe-for-colonialist-exploitation-a92756 Instead of opening new economic opportunities for Dagestan’s residents, the tourism boom is deepening the republic’s dependence on Moscow. Fri, 15 May 2026 17:12:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/15/regions-calling-dagestans-tourism-boom-is-a-recipe-for-colonialist-exploitation-a92756 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/14/kremlin-elites-have-no-way-to-remove-putin-even-if-they-wanted-to-a92759 Russia's elites owe their power and riches to Putin. Unless they see some way to maintain their privileges, none of them will move to unseat him. Thu, 14 May 2026 19:05:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/14/kremlin-elites-have-no-way-to-remove-putin-even-if-they-wanted-to-a92759 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/13/should-the-russian-diaspora-have-their-own-schools-a92744 Russian schools typically outperform their European peers and ensure families share cultural touchstones. But diversity isn't celebrated for Russians. Wed, 13 May 2026 17:34:40 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/13/should-the-russian-diaspora-have-their-own-schools-a92744 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/12/while-the-world-watches-iran-ukraine-is-seizing-the-initiative-a92686 Moscow's oil windfall may have dominated the headlines. But the Iran war has solidified Ukraine's status as a defense powerhouse. Tue, 12 May 2026 18:02:50 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/12/while-the-world-watches-iran-ukraine-is-seizing-the-initiative-a92686 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/11/russias-worship-of-war-comes-with-its-own-idolatry-a92730 The Kremlin's embrace of both militarism and religion generates new rituals that contradict Christian teachings. Mon, 11 May 2026 15:55:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/11/russias-worship-of-war-comes-with-its-own-idolatry-a92730 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/09/as-russia-celebrates-victory-day-security-is-a-facade-for-censorship-a92715 Time and time again, Russians are asked to endure internet outages in the name of safety. Around Victory Day, it's unignorable. Sat, 09 May 2026 19:35:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/09/as-russia-celebrates-victory-day-security-is-a-facade-for-censorship-a92715 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/09/its-not-too-late-to-cure-the-madness-of-putins-victory-day-a92705 When all is said and done, this day is still about a memory of a real, tangible and traumatic event. Sat, 09 May 2026 10:06:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/09/its-not-too-late-to-cure-the-madness-of-putins-victory-day-a92705 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/07/russias-opposition-doesnt-know-how-to-quit-kremlin-style-chauvinism-a92698 The uproar over a Chechen activist’s comments on “honor killings” and LGBTQ+ people has exposed a broader crisis within Russia’s opposition. Thu, 07 May 2026 17:09:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/07/russias-opposition-doesnt-know-how-to-quit-kremlin-style-chauvinism-a92698 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/04/why-an-officials-flight-to-the-west-should-worry-the-kremlin-a92658 A wave of defections is a telltale sign that the regime is unstable. Mon, 04 May 2026 18:33:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/04/why-an-officials-flight-to-the-west-should-worry-the-kremlin-a92658 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/30/the-kremlin-fiddles-while-tuapse-burns-a92646 As oil fires rage and toxic slicks spread in the Black Sea, officials are downplaying what could become one of Russia’s worst environmental crises. Thu, 30 Apr 2026 16:42:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/30/the-kremlin-fiddles-while-tuapse-burns-a92646 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/26/40-years-later-chernobyl-remains-a-lesson-in-the-unthinkable-a92586 We thought we’d seen the worst thing that could happen to a nuclear power plant. No one ever thought one would come under attack. Sun, 26 Apr 2026 10:39:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/26/40-years-later-chernobyl-remains-a-lesson-in-the-unthinkable-a92586 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/24/why-bulgarias-new-leader-may-not-become-putins-new-trojan-horse-a92600 While Rumen Radev has a history of pro-Russia comments, he's unlikely to be a new Viktor Orbán, pursuing Putin's interests in Europe. Fri, 24 Apr 2026 18:35:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/24/why-bulgarias-new-leader-may-not-become-putins-new-trojan-horse-a92600 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/23/the-paradox-of-prosecuting-russian-criminals-a92583 More countries should exercise universal jurisdiction to go after those who committed crimes in Ukraine. But something stands in the way. Thu, 23 Apr 2026 17:51:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/23/the-paradox-of-prosecuting-russian-criminals-a92583 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/22/russias-blasphemy-laws-are-just-kremlin-censorship-in-disguise-a92568 Russia has become a country where torture and kidnapping children are part of a "holy war," but offending religious believers is a crime. Wed, 22 Apr 2026 16:14:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/22/russias-blasphemy-laws-are-just-kremlin-censorship-in-disguise-a92568 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/21/dudayevs-legacy-still-resonates-30-years-after-his-assassination-a92546 Many of the Chechen leader's warnings about Russian nationalism and Moscow's imperialist ambitions have come true. Tue, 21 Apr 2026 17:46:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/21/dudayevs-legacy-still-resonates-30-years-after-his-assassination-a92546 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/20/influencers-versus-putin-what-a-farce-a92532 A Monaco-based influencer isn't the new star of the Russian opposition. But she's right that people can't stay afraid forever. Mon, 20 Apr 2026 18:00:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/20/influencers-versus-putin-what-a-farce-a92532 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/16/russia-and-north-koreas-propaganda-partnership-is-taking-shape-a92502 Russia and North Korea are deepening their partnership by coordinating propaganda to shape how their alliance is seen at home and abroad. Thu, 16 Apr 2026 18:01:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/16/russia-and-north-koreas-propaganda-partnership-is-taking-shape-a92502 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/15/ending-the-ukraine-war-wont-fix-russias-economy-a92512 The war exposed problems that have been accumulating for decades and won't be sorted without intensive reforms for which there's no appetite. Wed, 15 Apr 2026 18:04:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/15/ending-the-ukraine-war-wont-fix-russias-economy-a92512 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/13/the-wests-russian-language-skills-are-in-decline-thats-a-strategic-mistake-a92487 Understanding Russia's armed forces requires a combination of language skills and subject knowledge that technology cannot replace. Mon, 13 Apr 2026 18:17:50 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/13/the-wests-russian-language-skills-are-in-decline-thats-a-strategic-mistake-a92487 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/08/im-in-russia-by-blocking-telegram-the-kremlin-is-shooting-itself-in-the-foot-a92457 Even my grandmother, who has always supported Putin, simply doesn’t understand why the government would do this. Wed, 08 Apr 2026 18:32:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/08/im-in-russia-by-blocking-telegram-the-kremlin-is-shooting-itself-in-the-foot-a92457 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/07/how-the-kremlin-is-considering-cracking-down-on-financial-freedom-a92448 As banks intrude into customers' affairs and a draft bill plans to restrict cryptocurrencies, it's no surprise Russians turn to conspiracies. Tue, 07 Apr 2026 17:51:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/07/how-the-kremlin-is-considering-cracking-down-on-financial-freedom-a92448 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/06/russia-is-redefining-genocide-for-political-purposes-a92434 Moscow is cynically exploiting ignorance about the legal meaning of genocide to expand repressions at home and play the victim abroad. Mon, 06 Apr 2026 17:20:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/06/russia-is-redefining-genocide-for-political-purposes-a92434 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/02/another-russia-linked-nuclear-power-plant-is-at-risk-from-war-this-time-in-iran-a92414 The Bushehr nuclear power plant is a civilian facility. But military strikes have come too close for comfort, risking a radiological incident. Thu, 02 Apr 2026 18:51:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/02/another-russia-linked-nuclear-power-plant-is-at-risk-from-war-this-time-in-iran-a92414 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/01/sanctioned-russian-tycoons-are-still-profiting-from-industries-in-europe-a92400 It is hypocritical for governments to claim they're tough on Russia's super rich when they leave the peripheries of their empires untouched. Wed, 01 Apr 2026 18:15:19 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/01/sanctioned-russian-tycoons-are-still-profiting-from-industries-in-europe-a92400 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/31/the-northern-sea-route-is-risky-and-russia-is-not-prepared-a92388 Pivoting from the Strait of Hormuz to the Arctic risks unique environmental disasters that Russia has shown it cannot handle. Tue, 31 Mar 2026 18:55:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/31/the-northern-sea-route-is-risky-and-russia-is-not-prepared-a92388 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/30/russian-exiles-in-europe-face-a-catch-22-a92372 Russians who fled abroad can't win: their visible existence is seen as an offense, but they’re expected to loudly put their families at risk. Mon, 30 Mar 2026 18:15:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/30/russian-exiles-in-europe-face-a-catch-22-a92372 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/27/negotiations-are-not-ending-the-ukraine-war-they-are-extending-it-a92363 Even before the Iran war drove up oil prices, Washington's strategy of conceding to the Kremlin enabled Russia's continued war on Ukraine. Fri, 27 Mar 2026 21:14:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/27/negotiations-are-not-ending-the-ukraine-war-they-are-extending-it-a92363 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/25/for-russians-in-europe-being-quietly-anti-war-is-no-longer-enough-a92332 The harsh truth is that most Russian emigres are apolitical, at best. If we want to be taken seriously, we have to be more openly against the war. Wed, 25 Mar 2026 19:56:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/25/for-russians-in-europe-being-quietly-anti-war-is-no-longer-enough-a92332 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/24/heres-why-cuba-remains-russias-foothold-on-washingtons-doorstep-a92323 Moscow keeps the isolated island afloat in return for its mineral wealth and convenient location for intelligence gathering. Tue, 24 Mar 2026 20:54:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/24/heres-why-cuba-remains-russias-foothold-on-washingtons-doorstep-a92323 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/23/russias-new-law-redefines-which-languages-can-exist-in-public-space-a92309 When you force a language out of public and into the home, the language risks disappearing as young people stop seeing it as useful. Mon, 23 Mar 2026 19:55:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/23/russias-new-law-redefines-which-languages-can-exist-in-public-space-a92309 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/19/why-high-oil-prices-wont-fix-russias-budget-crisis-a92257 Rising fossil fuel prices may help Moscow avoid a worst-case scenario. But the core problems at the heart of Russia's economy remain. Thu, 19 Mar 2026 17:55:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/19/why-high-oil-prices-wont-fix-russias-budget-crisis-a92257 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/17/russia-is-failing-its-allies-when-it-matters-most-a92234 Actions speak louder than words — and Moscow is even denying reports that it's supporting Iran at all. Tue, 17 Mar 2026 19:10:03 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/17/russia-is-failing-its-allies-when-it-matters-most-a92234 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/16/russias-censorship-laws-are-killing-its-pop-culture-a92220 Sweeping bans on discussing drugs, politics and “non-traditional values” are forcing artists and labels to censor themselves. Mon, 16 Mar 2026 17:35:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/16/russias-censorship-laws-are-killing-its-pop-culture-a92220 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/12/were-entering-a-world-run-by-trump-and-putins-rules-a92213 Washington and Moscow look less like ideological rivals than the joint architects of an international order where might makes right. Thu, 12 Mar 2026 20:45:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/12/were-entering-a-world-run-by-trump-and-putins-rules-a92213 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/10/moscows-lavish-excess-has-become-a-political-problem-a92186 What do you do when you're accused of spending too much when the country's at war? Cut the size of the city's workforce, of course. Tue, 10 Mar 2026 20:15:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/10/moscows-lavish-excess-has-become-a-political-problem-a92186