Officials in the city of Arkhangelsk are rolling out the figurative red carpet for Vladimir Putin, ahead of the president’s upcoming visit, planned for March 30. Literally, it’s not a red carpet but a hardwood walkway, temporarily erected over the city’s muddy, snowy sidewalks.
Yekaterina Zhukova, a local woman, shared photos of the new walkways online, writing, “Arkhangelsk is getting ready to host some high-level guests.”
According to the local news agency Ekho Severa, the wooden pathway begins at the city’s main train station and ends at the entrance to Lomonosov Northern (Arctic) Federal University, where Putin will participate in the 4th International Arctic Forum.
City officials told the tabloid Life that the walkway will lead to an exhibition organized as part of the forum. “People will come [to Arkhangels], and we’re giving it some local color: they’ll cross over a hardwood walkway,” an official told Life, noting that new asphalt is planned for the city’s sidewalks this summer.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
