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‘Human Rights Defender, Artist, Political Prisoner’: Exhibition Honors Jailed Russian Activist Orlov

Oleg Orlov, 71, is serving a two-and-a-half-year prison term for criticizing the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

‘I Have Nothing to Fear’: The Anti-War Leningrad Siege Survivor Running for St. Petersburg Governor

Lyudmila Vasilyeva, 83, has been protesting for decades. She is now challenging pro-Kremlin incumbent Alexander Beglov.

‘One Name, One Life, One Plaque’: Russian Project Installs Reminders of Soviet Repressions

“By studying the past, we see that some stories nowadays unfold in the same patterns,” one of the project’s organizers told The Moscow Times.

Taliban, BRICS and Family Values: Russia’s Isolation on Show at Economic Forum

Despite SPIEF’s diminished global status, it remains an important platform for business today — just mainly at the domestic level, experts say.

‘The Kremlin Wants Us to Forget His Name’: Supporters Pay Tribute to Navalny on His 48th Birthday

Supporters of the late Kremlin foe said they aim to keep his memory alive no matter what.

Western Stars, Anti-War Rappers and Political Parodies: Russian Web Project Revisits ‘The Television We Lost’

“I want people to watch these videos and reflect on why this happened and how we lost it,” A Chto Po TV's creator told The Moscow Times.

‘If We Talk About It, These People Might Survive’: Exhibition of Kremlin’s Political Prisoners Opens in Amsterdam

“Faces of Russian Resistance” displays 16 stories of politicians, activists, artists and public figures designated as political prisoners by human...

Russia’s Proposal to Redraw Baltic Sea Borders Sparks Concern From Neighbors

Experts said the drafted changes could be used to put pressure on NATO-member countries like Estonia, Finland and Sweden.

‘Welcome to the Russian World’: Defying Protests, Georgian Lawmakers Approve ‘Foreign Influence’ Bill

The legislation has plunged the South Caucasus country into a political crisis, with thousands of anti-government protesters taking to the streets.

‘We Are With You’: Thousands of Russians Gather for Navalny’s Funeral

Defying a heavy police presence and the threat of detention, thousands of Russians turned up to honor the late opposition figure's memory.

‘I Believe in a Better Future’: Rights Veteran Oleg Orlov on His 2.5-Year Sentence for Opposing Ukraine War

The co-chair of Memorial was fined in October for “discrediting” the army. But prosecutors requested his fine be converted to real jail time.

Despite Kremlin's Calls for National Unity, War Is Dividing Russians

For most Russians, their country’s two-year war with Ukraine has long faded into the background of everyday life.

Devoted Wife, ‘First Lady of the Opposition’ and Now Emerging Politician: Who Is Yulia Navalnaya?

Navalnaya's decision to enter politics has sparked hope for her late husband's supporters. Yet she faces a challenging road ahead.

Alexei Navalny Is Declared Dead. What Happens Next?

What we know about his death, where his body is currently located, and where he will be buried.

‘We Have Been Robbed of Hope’: Russians Lay Flowers at Monuments, Embassies for Navalny

Hundreds of Russians across the country and abroad are laying flowers and photos of the late opposition leader at makeshift memorials.

Russian Election Authority Rejects Pro-Peace Hopeful Nadezhdin’s Presidential Bid

The Kremlin gave the order to reject his candidacy, two Russian officials involved in organizing the presidential election told The Moscow Times.

IK-3: What We Know About Navalny's New Prison Facility in the Arctic

Accounts from current and former IK-3 prisoners describe a particularly harsh and isolated environment.

Russian Publisher Raided for Selling Books By Renowned Writer on 'Extremists and Terrorists' List

Prominent Russian-Georgian writer Boris Akunin was added to the country’s “extremists and terrorists” registry this week.

Russian Military Detains Deserter in Armenia – NGO

The NGO argued that Russian authorities violated Armenia’s sovereign power to restrict a person’s liberty on its territory.

‘I Wanted to Be With Ukraine’: Prominent Russian Journalist, Photographer Speaks on Her Life in Kyiv

Victoria Ivleva has been documenting the impacts of the war in Ukraine on the country’s people since moving from Moscow to Kyiv.

‘I Just Wanted to Stop the War’: Russian Artist Sentenced to 7 Years for Price Tag Protest

Alexandra Skochilenko swapped supermarket price tags with tags displaying anti-war statements and facts about the invasion of Ukraine.

Russia's Jewish Community Calls on Authorities to 'Punish' Anti-Israel Rioters

“What happened should attract attention — why weren’t they stopped? Why were they allowed on the runway?” a Moscow rabbi said.

Maxim Katz Wants to Unite Russia’s Splintered Opposition. That May Be Easier Said Than Done.

With Putin expected to run for a fifth term virtually unchallenged next March, opposition activists are now grappling with how best to convey their message...

1.5 Years Into War, Clubs, Festivals and Nightlife Offer an Escape for Russians

MOSCOW — Loud music, people dancing and faces covered with glitter — today, parties in Russia’s capital look like parties anywhere...

Russian-Israeli Families Mourn Victims Of Hamas Attack

At least 19 people with Russian passports have been confirmed killed in the devastating attack.

‘I Will Be Rehabilitated’: Jailed Navalny Ally Chanysheva Challenges Prison Sentence

In a letter sent from prison, Lilia Chanysheva said she “finds solace in my awareness of my innocence.”

Russian Volunteers in Armenia Help Refugees Displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh

A number of recent Russian emigres in Armenia are assisting in raising humanitarian aid for those who fled from Azerbaijan's takeover of Nagorno-Karabakh...

As Nagorno-Karabakh Fighting Flares, Moscow’s Role as Security Guarantor Questioned

Azerbaijan launched a military operation in the disputed region as relations between Yerevan and Moscow appeared to have become more tense in recent weeks...

EU's Russian Car Ban Set to Hinder Fleeing Russian Dissidents, Ukrainian Refugees

Critics of the measure say it is likelier to affect ordinary people than the officials and elites responsible for the war.

Kremlin Seeks to ‘Legitimize’ Authority With Elections in Occupied Ukraine

The four regions will vote to choose local parliaments despite Moscow failing to fully control any of them and active combat in several areas.

'Advocating for War is Wrong': Russian Teachers Resign Over Refusal to Allow Ukraine Veterans in Class

The incident reflects the dilemma facing Russian teachers who wish to keep politics out of the classroom.

Russia’s Ruling Party Downplays War in Sweeping Regional Election Push

As the country remains mired in its war on Ukraine, the United Russia party is seeking to convince voters that life is going on as normal.

In Death, Prigozhin Stands to Leave a Lasting Mark on Russia

The late mercenary leader's symbolic image in the public consciousness will likely prove difficult to erase, but experts say this is unlikely to translate...

Navalny Allies Stage Global Anti-Putin Protests on Poisoning Anniversary

Inside Russia, where protest activity is tightly controlled, single-person demonstrations were seen in several cities.

Murders, Drugs and Brawls: Russia’s Pardoned Ex-Convicts Return Home After Fighting in Ukraine

A growing number of incidents has sparked debate over whether convicts should be pardoned for their military service and highlights the challenges of integrating...

After 1.5 Years of War, Ukrainian Refugees in Russia Grapple With Assimilation Question

While some Ukrainians plan to stay in Russia, many others hope to move elsewhere as soon as possible.

‘Very Alarming’: Muscovites Shaken By Fresh Drone Attack on Capital

Ukrainian drones were shot down over Moscow early Monday, with some of the wreckage falling near the Defense Ministry headquarters in the city center.

‘It’s Hell’: Russia’s Transgender Community Rushes to Undergo Gender Reassignment as Legal Ban Looms

A bill going through parliament seeks to ban transgender Russians from accessing gender-affirming services.

Russia’s First Transgender Politician Says Won't Seek Election as Country Votes on Sex Change Ban

“[Municipal deputies] told me: ’How can we publicly support a transgender person if the State Duma prohibits transgender people in Russia?” Yulia...

Anxiety, Frustration and Hope for Change: Muscovites React to Wagner Mutiny

Despite officials' efforts to portray a return to normalcy after the rebellion, some Moscow residents expressed continued fears for their safety.

‘Another Day Off’: Little Patriotic Fervor as Moscow Puts on Russia Day Festivities

Widespread state-organized celebrations for Russia Day appeared to have little impact on the public mood in Moscow.

Russia’s Massive Army Recruitment Drive Appears to Deliver Few Soldiers

Experts believe the campaign is a Kremlin attempt to avoid risking a major public backlash by launching another round of mobilization.

Navalny Supporters Rally in Russia, Worldwide on Jailed Kremlin Critic’s Birthday

At least 113 people were detained across Russia for showing their support for Navalny on his third birthday since being imprisoned.

Despair and Uncertainty for Russian Refugees Fleeing Attacked Border Regions

“We lived in a beautiful and flourishing town on the border with Ukraine, but now there’s only pain, death and grief,” said one local resident.

Canceled MAKS Air Show Made Obsolete by War, Sanctions – Experts

The biennial event usually attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors and results in billions of dollars worth of agreements.

‘We F***ed Up’: Shock But No Panic in Belgorod as Border Incursion Brings War Home

Local residents told The Moscow Times that the attack was met with a mixture of shock, anger and indifference.

‘I Had Just Weeks or Even Days’: Lawyer of Jailed Kremlin Critic Kara-Murza Flees Russia

Vadim Prokhorov has defended a string of prominent Kremlin critics over the years, including Vladimir Kara-Murza, Ilya Yashin and Boris Nemtsov.

‘Freedom Сannot Be Shut Down’: Defiance as Russia’s Sakharov Center Holds Last Public Event

The veteran human rights group has been evicted by the local authorities from its iconic headquarters in downtown Moscow.

After 27 Years of Rights Activism, Moscow’s Sakharov Center Prepares to Close its Doors

The center's final exhibition at its headquarters on the banks of the Yauza River was devoted to life of Soviet dissident Yelena Bonner.

Confusion and Indifference but No Panic as Russia Tightens Draft Rules

Experts linked the new law to the failure of the Russian Armed Forces to achieve major territorial gains in Ukraine this year.

‘Again Totalitarian’: Veteran Activist Oleg Orlov Says Soviet-Era Practices Returning in Russia

Despite facing jail time for criticizing the Ukraine War, the co-chair of human rights group Memorial does not intend to leave Russia.

Russia Arrests WSJ Journalist on Spying Allegations

The FSB alleges that Evan Gershkovich, a U.S. citizen, was involved in the collection of “secret information” about a Russian defense company.

‘I Pray to God’: Desperate Relatives of Russian PoWs Decry Lack of Official Help

In some cases, relatives have located their captured loved ones on their own or with the help of Ukrainian social media groups.

Moscow Bars Targeted in Police Raids Defy Intimidation

Underdog visitors were filmed being forced to sing patriotic songs during a police raid. Days later, the bar is busier than ever.

Muscovites Shrug as Russia Marks One Year of Ukraine War

Apart from scattered billboards and shuttered Western brand stores, the capital offers few obvious signs of the war raging just 500 kilometers away.

As Russia’s Losses in Ukraine Spike, Those Tracking the Deaths Are Overwhelmed

An independent media outlet tallying the number of Russian military fatalities in Ukraine advertised this week for volunteers because — for the first...

‘I Couldn’t Stay Silent’: Anti-War ‘Flower Protests’ Spread to 60 Cities Across Russia

Russians continue to memorialize the dozens of Ukrainians killed in last month’s Russian missile strike on the city of Dnipro — one of the...

‘Not Forgotten’: Pen Pals Offer Solace to Russia’s Political Prisoners

YEREVAN, Armenia — At a recent event in Armenia’s capital, Olga Yelsakova was composing a letter to a longtime correspondent. That correspondent...

'Final Nail in the Coffin': Activists Lament Moscow Helsinki Group Closure

Russian and international human rights activists on Thursday condemned the dissolution of the Moscow Helsinki Group (MHG), Russia's oldest independent...

Fear and Frustration in Moscow as Air Defense Systems Deployed

The installation of air defense systems in the center of the Russian capital in recent weeks has been met with fear and anger by locals — as well...

Russian Emigres Rally Worldwide in Support of Jailed Navalny

Thousands of Russian emigres in more than 60 cities, from Seoul and London to Yerevan, Vilnius and Belgrade, took part in solidarity rallies Saturday in...

Glory Hunters or Gold Diggers? The Shadowy World of Russia’s ‘Volunteers’ Fighting in Ukraine

Alexander was quickly deployed to the frontlines in Ukraine after he joined a Russian unit for volunteer soldiers in October because he wanted to &ldquo...

As Russia Claims Win, Analysts Say Capture of Soledar Is ‘Pyrrhic Victory’

Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed that its forces had won a significant victory on Friday with the capture of the eastern Ukrainian town of Soledar...

In Russia’s Samara Region, A Steady Trickle of Funerals for Soldiers Killed in Makiivka

Russian families from the Volga region of Samara continue to bury loved ones who died in one of the most deadly single incidents of the Ukraine war as...

‘Where Are We Heading?’: Wartime New Year Prompts Russian Soul-Searching

As Russians prepare to mark their first New Year’s Eve since the start of the war in Ukraine that has claimed tens of thousands of lives and created...

E-Scooter Firm Whoosh Seeks Russia’s First Ukraine War IPO

Russian E-scooter firm Whoosh’s plans for an initial public offering (IPO) this week — the first since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine &mdash...

Latvian Decision to Revoke Russian TV Station’s License Sparks Fear, Disbelief

Latvia’s decision Tuesday to withdraw the broadcast license of independent Russian television channel Dozhd caused disbelief and anger among the...

Scarred by War, Returning Russian Soldiers Struggle to Adapt to Civilian Life

After six months of combat with Russia’s 64th Motorized Rifle Brigade in Ukraine, Alexei Astashov quietly rejoiced when he was discharged from the...

Putin Met With Street Protests on Visit to Armenia

YEREVAN, Armenia — Russian President Vladimir Putin was greeted with street demonstrations in the capital of this landlocked South Caucasus nation...

Russian Zookeeper Accused of Stealing Animals From Ukraine’s Kherson Claims Relocation ‘Temporary’

A Russian zookeeper accused of stealing animals from a zoo in Ukraine’s Kherson amid Russian forces’ retreat from the city told The Moscow...

‘The Military Betrayed Us’: Desperate Relatives of Russian Draftees Seek Answers

Relatives of Russian draftees on the frontline in Ukraine have been protesting the treatment of their loved ones and accusing local officials of &ldquo...

Deputy Head of Russian-Occupied Kherson Region Dies in Car Crash

Updates with reaction and details. Kirill Stremousov, the vocal deputy head of the Moscow-installed administration in the occupied Kherson region...

‘Propaganda Show’: Russia Struggles to Integrate Annexed Ukrainian Regions

Russia has made little progress in absorbing four partially occupied areas of eastern and southern Ukraine that it annexed with great fanfare in September...

‘I Don’t Trust What They Say’: Russian Draft Dodgers Stay in Hiding Even as Putin Announces Mobilization’s End

Nikita moved to his family’s summer cottage outside the Russian capital to lie low after President Vladimir Putin announced a “partial&rdquo...

Grief and Fear in Russia as Military Planes Crash Into Civilian Residences

On the night of Oct. 17, the Ischenko family reportedly sat down for dinner in their apartment on the seventh floor of an apartment block in the southern...

Russia Sees Wedding Boom as Draftees Rush to Tie the Knot

Anastasia and Oleg decided to get married the moment Oleg received his draft papers in Russia’s “partial” mobilization announced last...

Anger Mounts as Russian Draftees Thrown Into Battle Without Training, Equipment

Ten days after being mobilized into the Russian army, Igor Puchkov was killed fighting in southern Ukraine’s Kherson region. The 27-year-old...

Russian Cities Scrap New Year Festivities as War Encroaches on Everyday Life

Dozens of Russian cities have canceled or scaled back planned New Year’s Eve celebrations as the war strains local budgets and calls grow for money...

Lines, Delays But Little Panic in Crimea After Bridge Blast

A giant explosion that damaged the Crimean Bridge — a key route between mainland Russia and annexed Crimea — over the weekend has jammed traffic...

Muted Festivities for Putin’s 70th Birthday Amid War, International Isolation

Russian President Vladimir Putin will mark his 70th birthday Friday with little fanfare as the war in Ukraine, which has killed tens of thousands and plunged...

Putin Declares Russia's Annexation of Occupied Ukraine, Lashes Out at West

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed off on the annexation of four partially occupied Ukrainian regions Friday in a major escalation of Moscow&rsquo...

Pro-Russia ‘Victory’ in Staged Ukraine Referendums Clears Path to Annexation

Moscow-installed election officials in occupied Ukraine claimed overwhelming support Wednesday for unification with Russia in a series of hasty referendums...

‘Total Chaos’: Russian Mobilization Exodus Accelerates Amid Border Closure Rumors

Muscovite Rodion decided to flee to the South Caucasus nation of Georgia to avoid being conscripted into the Russian army a few hours after mobilization...

‘We Just Started Crying’: Call-Up Gains Steam as Russians Receive Draft Papers

Thousands of men across Russia were handed draft papers and NGOs helping conscripts were flooded with requests for help Thursday amid the military mobilization...

‘I Don’t Want to Be Cannon Fodder’: Panic and Fear as Russia Begins Mobilization

Thousands of conscription-age Russian men appeared to be attempting to flee the country Wednesday as others planned how to avoid being sent to the front...

‘We Don’t Want To Serve Occupiers’: Backlash in Georgia Against Russian Emigres

Some Georgian businesses require Russian customers to state they don’t support the invasion of Ukraine.

‘Uneasy Allies’: Putin and Xi Set to Meet for First Time Since Ukraine War

“It’s important for Putin to show Russia is not isolated from the rest of the world,” said one expert.

'Difficult Moment for Russia’ as Fighting Flares Between Armenia and Azerbaijan

“We were hearing the sound of rockets. It was very scary,” said an Armenian living near the border with Azerbaijan.

‘Coast Defense Flotilla’: Russia’s Black Sea Fleet Mauled in 200 Days of Ukraine War

In addition to at least 10 naval vessels, the Black Sea Fleet has also suffered manpower losses and seen a large part of its air wing destroyed.

Rising Numbers of Russians Barred From Georgia, Activists Say

“I would not advise other activists to move to Georgia," said one Russian recently not allowed into the South Caucasus country.

Russia Jails Journalist Safronov for 22 Years on Treason Charges

Ivan Safronov denies the accusations of working with Western intelligence and says his prosecution is “directly related to his journalism.”

Assassinations Of Russia-Installed Officials On the Rise in Occupied Ukraine

At least nine shootings, car bombings and poisoning attempts have been reported in the last month.

One Month After 50 Ukrainian PoWs Died, Ex-Inmates Detail Abuse at Olenivka Prison

While the site has been visited by Russian officials and U.S. actor Steven Seagal, no independent investigators have been allowed inside.

'She Died for Russia': Hundreds Mourn Pro-Kremlin Ideologue’s Slain Daughter

Speakers painted Daria Dugina as a martyr who had died for her country amid its war in Ukraine.

‘A Signal to All of Us’: Moscow Blames Kyiv for Killing of Ideologue’s Daughter

"Pro-Kremlin speakers will understand the war is not an abstraction and it threatens them personally,” said one analyst.

Russians Scramble for Visas as EU Mulls Travel Restrictions

"What if the borders are closed and my mother will not be able to visit me?” said one Russian citizen living in Europe.

Explainer: What’s the Risk of Disaster at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant?

Increasing military activity in the area poses dangers not only for critical infrastructure, but also nuclear waste stored at the site.

‘We Need to Get Out of Here’: Fear Grips Annexed Crimea After Airbase Attack

"Many vacationers were trying to find shelter — some people were hiding behind the trees, children were crying," said one eyewitness.

What We Know About the Olenivka Attack That Killed 50 Ukrainian PoWs

While Kyiv says Russia murdered the prisoners, Moscow claims Ukraine targeted its own men.

Fleeing War and Discrimination, LGBT Russians Find Refuge in South Caucasus

Armenia and Georgia are socially conservative societies and LGBT people face legal and social obstacles as well as occasional violence.