The Moscow Times

Support The Moscow Times!

Contribute today

Russia Says Putin, Erdogan Discussed Deadly Strike: Syria Update

What’s taken place since Thursday’s clashes.

EU Considers Sanctions Against Chinese, Russian Groups Over Hacking

The move would be the first application of the EU’s so-called cyber sanctions regime.

Russia Relishes Macron Ally Sex Video Scandal Even Amid Detente

The episode comes as Macron is trying to improve Europe’s relations with Russia.

Putin Keeps Stalin’s Crimes Under Wraps in WWII Battle With West

His defense of Stalin and the Soviet record threatens to undermine Russian efforts to ease tensions with the West.

Putin’s Power Play May Hinge on New Premier’s Economic Revival

If Vladimir Putin plans to keep power in Russia beyond 2024, he must solve a more immediate problem.

U.S. Weighs Sanctions on Rosneft But Is Wary of Oil Market Chaos

The U.S. is weighing whether to sanction Russia’s biggest oil producer, Rosneft PJSC, for maintaining ties with Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro.

Italian Assets Linked to Putin Ally Frozen in U.S. Investor Feud

Michael Calvey and his Baring Vostok Capital Partners were forced to cede control of Vostochny Bank to Avetisyan last year.

Russia Strong-Arms UN to Bolster Assad and Putin’s Mideast Clout

A veto-wielding member of the UN Security Council, Russia increasingly has used its influence to counter efforts to undermine its Syria campaign.

Russian Bitcoin Suspect Extradited, Charged in France

His lawyers say he's a genius who is considered a threat to the international banking system.

Putin Outlines Sweeping Powers for State Council in Shakeup

Leading a strengthened State Council might allow Putin to continue to dominate Russian politics even after the end of his current term.

Putin’s Cabinet Revamp Clouds Path for Russian Rate Cuts

The Bank of Russia may halt monetary easing after five consecutive interest-rate cuts due to uncertainty following a government shake-up.

Russia’s $40 Billion Gold Buying Binge Is Slowing Down

The key question is whether Russia’s decision to tap the brakes will hurt gold demand and prices, or buyers will come in from elsewhere.

How Putin Was Thrown Off Course by a Furious Libyan General

Nothing is playing out as planned, or is what it seems.

Khodorkovsky Was Denied Right to Fair Russian Trial, Court Says

He was arrested in 2003 as part of Putin’s crackdown on businessmen who took control of Russia’s resources after the Soviet Union collapsed.

Russia’s Oil Output Hits Post-Soviet High Despite OPEC+ Deal

Russia’s crude oil and condensate output hit a post-Soviet high last year even as it curbed production under an agreement with OPEC

Ukraine and Russia Can Deal When They Must But Peace Isn’t Close

Quickfire agreements on energy and the Kremlin-backed war show Ukraine and Russia can increasingly look past their differences to strike deals.

Five Years After Meltdown, Ruble Is Reborn as Trade-War Refuge

Analysts call it a “beacon of light” in emerging Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Russia's Central Bank Cuts Key Rate to 6.25%

Governor Elvira Nabiullina hinted that a pause might be on the cards after five straight rate cuts.

Giuliani Ally Parnas Got $1M From Russia, U.S. Says

The payment raises provocative new questions about the nature of the work Parnas and his associate Igor Fruman were doing.

U.S. Sanctions Russian Cybercrime Outfit 'Evil Corp'

The U.S. government is offering a $5 million reward for information about Evil Corp leader.

Russian Apps Could Be ‘Counterintelligence Threat,’ FBI Says

The U.S.’s top law enforcement agency said the FBI is treating any mobile app that comes out of Russia as a "potential counterintelligence threat."

A Murdered Central Banker’s Warning Changed Everything for SEB

Swedish media claim that about $50 million that moved through SEB can be linked to Russian tax fraud.

Truckers Cheering New Road Shows Scale of Putin’s Problems

Road construction is too low on the Kremlin’s priority list for the project to be implemented properly, expert says.

Turkey Begins Testing Russian Missile Radars at Heart of Row With U.S.

The decision comes after President Erdogan told President Trump that Turkey wouldn’t give up on deployment of the systems.

U.S. Investigating Swedish Bank for Breaching Sanctions Against Russia

Sweden’s public broadcaster says Swedbank transactions with Russian Kalashnikov gun maker could have breached U.S. sanctions.

Russia Could Trigger World War III, U.K. Defense Chief Says

Threats from Russia are escalating, the U.K.’s Chief of the Defense Staff Nick Carter said.

Is China Exporting African Swine Fever to Russia?

While the swine contagion has been present in Russia for 12 years, it’s only been spreading in the country’s Far East for the past few months.

Russia Is Importing Thousands of Cows From Europe

Putin’s plan for dairy dominance hinges on a multi-million euro cow-buying spree.

Yandex Self-Driving Cars Hit One Million Miles

Russian tech giant becomes 5th company to join the million-mile club.

Putin’s Dollar Dump Costs Russia $8Bln

By ditching the greenback, Russia lost out on huge potential returns over the last 12 months.

Telegram May Delay Coin Launch as SEC Halts U.S. Sales

The messaging app, founded by Russian entrepreneur Pavel Durov. is evaluating ways to solve the problem.

Rich Russians Snap up U.S. Treasuries

As the Central Bank moves away from the dollar, Russians with cash are swooping in.

For Trump, Syria Pullout Is a Win. Putin May See It That Way Too

Moscow is likely to be a major beneficiary of Trump's latest move.

Putin’s Big Spending Push Is Stalled, Hurting His Growth Hopes

Less than a third of the money allocated for this year to the $400 billion multi-year National Projects plan had been used by the end of June.

Putin’s Costly Protectionism Experiment is a Lesson for Trump

Russia’s counter-sanctions on food imports show the pitfalls of economic nationalism

Ukraine Peace Talks Get Breakthrough as Kiev Accepts Compromise

The agreement comes as new President Volodymyr Zelenskiy targets better relations with Russia.

Future of Genetically Modified Babies May Lie in Putin's Hands

A Russian biochemist is planning to use controversial gene-editing technology.

Putin-Linked Mercenaries Are Fighting on Libya’s Front Lines

More than 100 mercenaries arrived at a forward base in Libya to support eastern strongman Khalifa Haftar’s assault on the capital Tripoli.

Russia-Ukraine Gas Talks Resume as EU Seeks to Avert Supply Cut

More than a third of Europe’s gas comes from Russia, and most of that goes through Ukraine’s Soviet-era pipelines.

Kremlin Plan to Tap Wealth Fund Fuels Tension With Central Bank

Russia expects to begin spending the money early next year and the battle over where it will go is already heating up.

One of Russia’s Richest Men Has Become a Trip-Hop Music Artist

“Music stimulates intellectual activity that helps me to search and discover new business opportunities,” he said.

Russia’s Largest Social Network Starts Dating App to Rival Tinder

Lovina will be free, with no advertising, and aims to earn on in-app services such as promoting a user’s profile.

Serbs Ignore EU Warning Over Plan to Join Russian-Led Trade Bloc

Serb leaders have said that EU membership is a priority. At the same time, Serbia has historic and religious ties with Russia.

Russia Warns of ‘Pandora’s Box’ in Crimea Atrocities Court Clash

Russia has shown little respect for other international courts where it’s been sued over its annexation of Crimea.

Russia’s Massive Gold Stash Is Now Worth More Than $100Bln

Russia’s central bank has been the largest buyer of gold in the past few years as President Putin seeks to break reliance on the U.S. dollar.

Putin's ‘Chef’ Preps Soldiers for Final Assault on Syrian Rebels

Hundreds of freelance fighters who answer to the businessman are amassing for a full-scale assault that’s expected to start within weeks.

Novatek Greenlights $21 Billion Russian Arctic LNG 2 Plant

The company is seeking to tap booming demand for LNG, especially in China, India and across developing countries.

Putin Reaps Political Gains From OPEC+ But Economic Boost Wanes

For a third year, Russian oil companies are curbing output and scaling back investment in new projects.

City Where Chernobyl Was Filmed Fears Real-Life Nuclear Disaster

"We’re not going to guess whether an accident could happen, we're getting ready for one,” the head of Civil Protection Board said.

Oreshkin Goads Bank of Russia on Growth as Inflation Slows

The minister fears a recession if a surge in consumer lending continues unchecked until the bubble bursts on its own.

Trash Discovery Shows Turkey Eyes Putin’s Anti-Sanctions Network

Officials discussed access for Turkey’s banks to the Russian messaging system, as well as extending MIR’s use to more Turkish lenders.

Russian Tycoons Forsake Western Sports Teams as Asians Step Up

Inside Russia, billionaires sometimes support money-losing teams to maintain good standing with the Kremlin.

Macron’s Meeting Putin. Just Don’t Call Him Trump’s Messenger

France isn’t playing the role of go-between with Russia and other world powers

Trump’s Oil Sanctions Leave Russian Exporters $1 Billion Richer

U.S. President Donald Trump’s sanctions against Iran and Venezuela have inadvertently increased demand for a Russian brand of crude oil.

Now It’s Trump’s Fault That Putin’s Economy Just Won’t Grow

The U.S. president’s trade war with China has weighed on the global economy.

Putin’s Pledge to Ditch the Dollar Is Slowly Becoming a Reality

The Russian president wants to lower the economy’s vulnerability to U.S. sanctions.

Russia to Grant Some Visas to U.S.-Embassy Backed Moscow School

Russia last month blocked visas for 30 teachers and administrators at the school, founded in 1949 to educate the children of diplomats.

Hard Man Putin May Be Showing Softer Side to Russia’s Neighbors

Russia has been in conflict with former Soviet satellites seeking greater EU integration.

From Russia, No Love for EU's New Chief and Her Hawkish Stance

"When the European Commission express their position on the long-term development of relations with us, we will of course respond," Lavrov said.

Bank of Russia Says Inflation Drop Doesn’t Mean Bigger Rate Cut

The bank is expected to cut the interest rate on July 26.

First Bout With Putin Puts Ukraine’s New Leader Under Spotlight

Zelenskiy is immersed in his first negotiations with Putin.

Kremlin Opens Door to Changing Constitution as Succession Looms

It could potentially allow him to switch roles to retain power as head of the ruling party and prime minister.

Kremlin’s Growth Hopes Face New Headwinds as Economy Sputters

Government officials have been insisting that the economy will perk up, but economists say that optimism may have been premature.

Trump Says Turkey Won’t Receive F-35s Over Russian Missile System

It was Trump's clearest statement on the issue since President Erdogan’s government began receiving components for the Russian-made S-400.

Putin's Huge Military Buildup Leaves Industry With Debt Hangover

The loan portfolio is more than 2 trillion rubles, costing as much in annual payments as the entire industry earns in profits.

Russia Hints At Swap of Jailed Sailors as Ukraine Nears Key Poll

“It’s being discussed — we’re thinking about it,” Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin said Monday.

Russia Inc. Gets Environment Wake-Up Call From Church of England

This year has seen a substantial increase in investors' environmental concerns.

Putin Seeks to Lock in Parliament Control

The Kremlin is considering changing election rules ahead of potentially vital decisions that could extend his rule.

Russian Oligarchs Win Dismissal of Lawsuit Over Oil Deal

The case concerned the sale of TNK-BP to Rosneft.

Libya Arrests 2 Russians Accused of Trying to Influence Vote

The suspects reportedly work for a company that “specializes in influencing elections held in several African states.”

Russia’s Bid to Win a Firmer Foothold in Ukraine Is Falling Flat

The Moscow-Kiev conflict has left Ukraine focused on Western integration, and Russia still keen to derail it.

Russians Do Without as Government Squirrels Away $100 Billion

A weaker ruble benefits Russia’s export sector but hurts consumers by pushing up the price of imported goods, including food.

Chernobyl Emerges From Oblivion for the Streaming Generation

HBO's hit miniseries has rescued the nuclear disaster from fading into the mist of the Cold War past.

Russia Car Dealer Targeted by Authorities Blames Kremlin

In 2011 Sergei Petrov openly backed the biggest anti-government protests of Putin’s almost two-decade rule.

Britain's May Tells Putin to Hand Over Salisbury Poisoning Suspects

Putin insisted there was no proof Moscow was behind the poisoning.

Kazakh Leader to Wipe Out Debt of the Poor, End Bank Rescues

The new president will write off bad loans held by as much as a sixth of the population.

Newest Entrants Into the World’s Richest Are the Kids of Russian Titans

Ultra-wealthy Russians are transferring fortunes to their heirs at a scale not seen since before the Bolshevik Revolution.

OPEC+ Deal Pot Looks Sweeter for Russia as Gulf Money Flows In

Saudi Arabis and its Gulf neighbours are expected to invest $5 billion in Russia this year.

Gazprom Dismisses Fears of EU Gas Apocalypse This Winter

The Russian behemoth says it is stocking up to ensure deliveries.

Calvey Faces Setback as London Court Rules in Favor of Russian Investors

Besieged U.S. fund manager could lose control of Bank Vostochny.

Ukraine Warns of Gas Crisis as Negotiations With Russia Drag On

“Highly probable” that the two won’t reach an agreement by the time the current contract ends.

U.S. ‘Freedom Gas’ Aims to Loosen Russia's Grip on Europe’s Market

Russia is Europe’s biggest and lowest-cost gas supplier.

OPEC+ Cuts Extension Likely After Russia-Saudi Talks

Oil ministers are pursuing cooperation in the face of a slowing global economy.

Arrested U.S. Investor's Cameo Casts Shadow Over Putin’s Davos

Calvey may get a chance to tell his side of the story after the Kremlin said it wants to see him at the International Economic Forum.

Putin's Own Government Warns His Campaign Promises Can't Be Met

Officials say that the majority of targets will be impossible to achieve before the end of Putin’s term in 2024.

Russia Rejected Iran S-400 Missile Request Amid Gulf Tension, Officials Say

“Any real or imaginary strengthening of Iran can lead to escalation,” one expert said.

Russia Sees Sanctions Insurance in Flood of Foreign Bond Buying

Russia may sell a second Eurobond this year.

Arrested U.S. Investor Calvey Wants to Go to Putin’s Economic Forum

Calvey's enthusiasm for the St. Petersburg event comes even as he is being held under house arrest.

One Year In, Putin’s Grand Economic Plan Is Tainted With Manure

The National Projects spending program is not living up to expectations.

Russia’s Newest Ambition in China Is Selling More Chicken Wings

A virus decimating China's hog herd could help to boost Russian poultry exports.

Russia’s Economy Gives Putin Reasons Not to Extend OPEC+ Deal

The Russian leader is having to weigh up his desire for faster growth against the benefits of his alliance with Saudi Arabia.

Renault Hands Control of the Dashboard to Yandex

Yandex will provide real-time navigation and other services for locally made cars.

Russia Growth Spurt Stalls as Economy Undershoots Forecasts

A hike in value-added-tax has been a drag on growth.

Russia Evades Exclusion From Council of Europe

Losing membership would deprive Russian citizens of the right to appeal to the European Court of Human Rights.

Russian Bill Seeks to Criminalize News That Leads to International Sanctions

The amendments would impose a maximum term of five years in prison and fines of 5 million rubles ($77,500) for publishing such materials.

Russia Dirty Oil Crisis Drags On as Port Loads Tainted Cargo

At least one tainted cargo has been loaded onto a tanker since Monday.

Russia's Plan to Cleanse Tainted Oil Pipe Proves Slow-Going

A contamination crisis has shut down parts of Russia's giant Druzhba pipeline almost a month ago.

Turkey Weighs New U.S. Call to Delay Buying Russian Missiles

The Trump administration last week asked Ankara to postpone receiving the advanced S-400 missile-defense system.

Trump Says Putin Not ‘Involved’ in Venezuela, Despite U.S. Claim

The Kremlin has denied that the Russian government persuaded Maduro to stay in Caracas.

Putin Rides to Xi's Rescue on Battered Silk Road as the West Stews

China’s “project of the century” is a welcome new plank in Russia’s own strategy for ending American hegemony.