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Articles by Nikolaus von Twickel

opinion Nikolaus von Twickel

The World Missed the Warning of 2014 Ukraine Invasion

Ten years on, the Battle of the Donbas shows that the West should never have assumed they could work with Russia like business as usual.
5 Min read
opinion Nikolaus von Twickel

Russia’s Rushed Referendums

Moscow’s decision to hold “referendums” in the occupied Ukrainian regions about joining Russia was both expected and unexpected. Expected...
opinion Nikolaus von Twickel

Can Ukraine and Russia Make Things Work This Time?

The next steps towards reconciliation are going to be extremely difficult and painful for a number of reasons.
opinion Nikolaus von Twickel

MH17: A Tragedy That Did Not Change the War

The MH17-effect turned out to have less of an effect on the course of the conflict than originally thought.
opinion Nikolaus von Twickel

The State of Play in the Donbass

The European public has become comfortably numb about the war in the Donbass.

Classic MT: Space Race Started With a Cosmic Blunder

On Oct. 5, 1957, the main headline on Pravda's front page said the country should prepare for winter. The real news of the day, however, was somewhat clumsily...

Camera-Wielding Fleet Wages War on Bad Parking

When it comes to parking, Moscow has long been gripped by anarchy. Anybody who has walked the city will confirm that drivers habitually park their cars...

Ingush Ski Slope Opens Without Snow

After months of delays, Ingushetia's first ski slope has finally opened.

EU Commission Meeting to Be 'Largest Ever'

Moscow will see an unprecedented influx of EU officials this Thursday when European Commission head Jose Manuel Barroso and 16 commissioners arrive...

Missile Defense Is a Nice Problem to Have

Washington's decision to scrap the last phase of the planned NATO missile shield for Europe elicited expectations that U.S.-Russian relations might...

Corruption Fight Progressing, Watchdog Says

Europe's top intergovernmental corruption watchdog has found that Russia has made modest progress in fighting graft between 2010 and 2012.

Stephen Fry Interviews Milonov for Gay Documentary

British actor and celebrity Stephen Fry sat down on Thursday for an interview with Vitaly Milonov, the author of St. Petersburg's controversial gay...

Navalny Targets Senator Malkin

Federation Council Senator Vitaly Malkin has become the latest lawmaker to be targeted by anti-corruption blogger Alexei Navalny for unethical behavior...

Navalny Targets Senator Malkin

Federation Council Senator Vitaly Malkin has become the latest lawmaker to be targeted by anti-corruption blogger Alexei Navalny for unethical behavior...

Kickbacks Still 'Dwarf' Top Officials' Salaries, Despite Raises

The salaries of top state employees have doubled since December, but such remunerations remain minute compared with unlawful kickbacks to the echelons...

Lugovoi Ends Cooperation With London Over Litvinenko

State Duma Deputy Andrei Lugovoi announced Tuesday that he would no longer cooperate with British authorities over the case of Alexander Litvinenko,...

EU Visa Deal Looks Likely, But Catches Remain

A much-touted agreement with the European Union making travel easier for businesspeople, students, NGO workers and other professionals might go into force...

Hollande and Putin Warm Relations

President Vladimir Putin on Thursday hosted his French counterpart Francois Hollande for four-hour-long talks in the Kremlin, which diplomats said were...

Internet Sleuths a Real Threat to Lawmakers

The ouster of Vladimir Pekhtin from the State Duma is considered a milestone victory for opposition-minded online sleuths like blogger Doctor Z, so much...

Hollande Coming to Moscow to Meet With Putin

Just days after French film star turned Russian citizen Gerard Depardieu provoked mockery and disgust by dining and dancing with Chechen strongman Ramzan...

No Visas for Accredited Olympic Members

Athletes, coaches, journalists and support staff will not need to obtain Russian visas to attend the Winter Games. But regular fans will.

Ulyanovsk Hub Not Getting Much Use by NATO

NATO and Russia pride themselves on cooperation over Afghanistan and the fight against terrorists and pirates, but a planned logistics hub to transport...

Moscow Gives Up Hopes for Visa-Free Olympics

An easing of visa requirements for Europeans is unlikely even for next year's Winter Olympics in Sochi, as officials from both Moscow and the EU...

EasyJet Still Has No Permit for Flights

Exactly one month before the launch of flights between Moscow and London, British no-frills carrier EasyJet has confirmed that it has yet to receive...

Mafia War Brewing After Killing of Usoyan

Less than a month after the violent death of legendary crime boss Aslan Usoyan, better known as Grandpa Khasan, there is growing evidence that a bloody...

Sochi Is a Hard Nut to Crack for PR Gurus

One year before the Winter Olympics are to kick off, it looks like Sochi 2014 is getting mired in controversy.

Foreign Agent Law Complaint Sent to Strasbourg

Eleven prominent rights groups have sent a complaint against Russia’s so-called foreign agent law, which targets NGOs engaged in political activities...

Bilalov to Lose 'All Positions'

If President Vladimir Putin’s word is the law, then Akhmed Bilalov will have to give up at least three jobs: deputy president of the Russian Olympic...

Former Lithuanian Foreign Minister Named EU Envoy

The European Union has picked former Lithuanian Foreign Minister Vygaudas Usackas to head its delegation to Russia.

Georgian Wine Could Be Allowed by Spring, Onishchenko Says

Georgian wine and mineral water could return to Russian store shelves as early as this spring, Russia’s chief sanitary official said Monday.

Sochi Olympics Most Expensive in History

One year before they kick off, the Sochi Winter Olympics have already bagged a world record. They will go down as the most expensive games in history...

Winter Time Decision Near, Kozak Says

The government will make a decision in the coming days regarding whether to turn back the country's clocks one hour because of the Olympic Games...

Last Year's Repression 'Worst' in Decades

A leading rights group lashed out at President Vladimir Putin on Thursday by saying he had “unleashed the worst political crackdown” in the country’s...

Kerry Seen as Best Choice for Putin

Moscow pundits gave a warm welcome to John Kerry on Tuesday, as U.S. senators were expected to confirm their veteran colleague as secretary of state...

Ingushetia Unveils Plan to Lure Skiers

Skiers, mountain hikers and sports enthusiasts can add another unconventional destination to their travel schedule: Ingushetia is to open its first...

In Protest, U.S. Quits Working Group

Washington has effectively ended a key working group with Moscow for discussing human rights and democracy, arguing that the panel had become meaningless...

Georgia-Russia Relations Warming

A cocktail-party chat that lasted only minutes has triggered hopes that the country's troubled relations with Georgia might be headed for substantial...

U.S. Quits Key Bilateral Working Group

The United States has quit a key bilateral platform for discussing human rights and democracy with Russian officials because of "new restrictions...

Suicide Sheds Light on Asylum Challenges

The suicide of activist Alexander Dolmatov in a Dutch extradition center has highlighted the challenges for Russian opposition members to get political...

Olympic Committee Requests Turning Clocks Back for 2014 Winter Games

The International Olympic Committee, or IOC, has asked the government to turn clocks back one hour so that European television viewers can enjoy the 2014...

Russia Needs Immigrants, FMS Chief Says

Russia urgently needs to attract immigrants over the coming years to avoid labor shortages, the country’s top migration officer said Monday.

Holland Accused in Opposition Activist's Suicide

Friends and lawyers over the weekend accused the Netherlands of complicity in the suicide of opposition activist Alexander Dolmatov in a Dutch extradition...

Germany Tries Couple on Spy Charges

Germany put a married couple thought to be in their mid-40s on trial this week on suspicion that they spied for Russia for more than two decades...

Reputed Mob Boss Usoyan Shot Dead

One of the country's purportedly most influential crime bosses was killed by a sniper in broad daylight Wednesday, police said, prompting fears of a...

Kadyrov Faces Sanctions Under Magnitsky Act

One month after U.S. President Barack Obama signed the Magnitsky Act, it is clear that Russo-American relations have entered a difficult period.

Depardieu Weighs In on Russian Politics

Actor and newly minted Russian citizen Gerard Depardieu belittled the country's opposition as disoriented and attacked foreign critics of the prosecution...

EU-Russian Visa Regime Hot Topic at Summit

The European Union insists that Russia agree to its terms for a visa facilitation agreement before any progress can be made toward a visa-free travel...

Putin Shows He's Back in Business

President Vladimir Putin on Thursday signaled a return to the classic days of his presidency by presiding over a 4 1/2-hour news conference, which...

Tough Talks Expected At EU-Russia Summit

President Vladimir Putin will meet with European Union leaders in Brussels on Friday for a pre-Christmas summit, but the mood will hardly be festive...

Deputies Threaten Harsh Measures Against U.S.-Linked NGOs

As the State Duma considers a bill countering the U.S. Magnitsky Act, a group of lawmakers is threatening to add a provision that would massively...

Medvedev Upholds Strict Gun Laws

The prime minister calls a U.S. school shooting a "horrifying tragedy" and says he opposes public ownership of firearms.

NATO General Says Russian Air Hub Being Tested

A planned air cargo route for NATO countries' military equipment from Afghanistan via Ulyanovsk is being testing and should be operating soon, a top...

General: NATO Air Hub Being Tested

A planned air cargo route for NATO countries' military equipment from Afghanistan via Ulyanovsk is being tested and should be operating soon, a top...

Russia Implicated in Litvinenko Death

The dramatic affair about the death of Alexander Litvinenko resurfaced with force Thursday, when a lawyer told a London judicial hearing that an initial...

Putin Offers Little Political Reform

The government will continue to bolster the country's economic and military prowess as well as dole out benefits to citizens, but political change...

NATO's Volga Airport Hits Snarl

Five months after Moscow finalized an agreement with NATO to use Ulyanovsk's airport for transporting military equipment from Afghanistan, not a single...

TV Channels Passing Blame Over Leaked Medvedev Comments

Television channels were passing the blame Monday after unofficial footage from an interview with Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev was leaked Friday.

EU Under Pressure to Draft Magnitsky List

European lawmakers say support from EU member countries for a black list of suspected human rights violators is growing.

Clinton and Lavrov Bicker Over OSCE

Open disagreement between Moscow and Washington over human rights and democracy as well as intra-organization infighting overshadowed high-level talks...

NATO Commitment to Georgia Still 'Solid'

Two months after an opposition party swept elections in Georgia, NATO on Tuesday reconfirmed its 2008 decision to treat the nation as a future member...

Lavrov's Injuries Are Subject of Speculation

Speculation regarding the health of Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov lingered Wednesday, as news reports and the Foreign Ministry gave contradictory explanations...

Lavrov Yields to NATO Missile Plan in Turkey

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov signaled on Tuesday that Moscow was ready to improve cooperation with NATO by offering a slightly softened stance on Syria...

Pussy Riot Clip Classified as Extremist

A city court has declared Pussy Riot's “punk prayer” video extremist, meaning that media outlets can face closure for publishing the all-female band's...

Japanese Premier Postpones Visit Due to Putin's Health, Reports Say

Talk about Vladimir Putin's health resurfaced Friday after Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda reportedly said he had postponed a visit to Moscow...

Better Business Climate Gets New Impetus

Business executives are urgently calling on the government to improve conditions for entrepreneurship, which they say remains massively underdeveloped...

Russia Threatens EU With 'Retaliation' if No Visa Deal by 2014

The Foreign Ministry on Tuesday threatened the European Union with "retaliation" if visa-free travel is not introduced in time for the Sochi Olympics...

Putin to Travel After 2 Months at Home

President Vladimir Putin is visiting Turkey and Turkmenistan next week, signaling that he is fit for travel again after a two-month hiatus that raised...

Court Ruling Ramps Up Pressure on Internet Providers to Block Content

A recent Supreme Court decision increases pressure on Internet providers to block websites without direct state interference, lawyers said Friday.

Kashin Fired From Kommersant

Kommersant has fired opposition-minded journalist Oleg Kashin for writing too much for other media and too little for his employer, the leading daily's...

Senior Lawmaker Suggests Lengthening Military Service

A senior lawmaker called for the service time for conscripts to be lengthened from one year to 18 months, but the Kremlin on Thursday quickly denied that...

Investigators Refuse to Open Case Into Razvozzhayev 'Torture'

The Investigative Committee won't open a criminal case into claims by detained opposition activist Leonid Razvozzhayev that he was kidnapped and tortured...

NGOs Face 'Foreign Agent' Harassment

On the day that a much-criticized "foreign agent" law came into force, at least four nongovernmental organizations that spearheaded the opposition...

Activists Scoff at NGO Law

Although much-debated amendments for nongovernmental organizations go into force this Wednesday, do not expect foreign-funded NGOs to rush to re-register...

Putin and Merkel Trade Barbs in Kremlin Talks

President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Angela Merkel traded barbs over Pussy Riot, human rights and democracy during Kremlin talks Friday that...

Putin and Merkel Spar Over Human Rights and Pussy Riot

President Vladimir Putin sparred with German Chancellor Angela Merkel over Pussy Riot, human rights and mutual criticism Friday, in what marked a new...

Peskov Plays Down Criticism Ahead of German Talks

On the eve of crucial talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, President Vladimir Putin's spokesman blamed "hotheads" and the start of the election...

Merkel Faces Balancing Act in Kremlin

Angela Merkel faces a seemingly impossible task in Moscow this Friday.

Internet Censorship Faces Obstacles

As the number of websites banned or blocked under the new Internet law grows, the country’s media watchdog backpedaled Tuesday by acknowledging that...

Duma Lawmaker Slams U.S. Vote as 'Unfair'

A prominent State Duma lawmaker who observed the United States presidential election lambasted the vote as “systemically unfair” and riddled with organizational...

U.S.-Russian Reset Likely to Lose Momentum

U.S. President Barack Obama’s re-election was widely praised in Moscow, although opposition leaders and analysts cautioned that the much-touted “reset”...

Putin's Crane Flight Hurt His Back, Report Says

Fresh speculation that President Vladimir Putin has health problems was swirling Thursday, when a media report said the 60-year-old was suffering from...

Navy and Courts' Migration North Draws Criticism

When the Navy's blue-and-white St. Andrews flag goes up on Wednesday above its new headquarters in St. Petersburg, the landmark Admirality building...

'Frost' Delays Putin Call-In Show

President Vladimir Putin has postponed his annual call-in show on state television to the summertime, so that participants’ “ears and feet” won’t...

Airlines Face Visa Woes

Just two days before a Moscow-imposed ultimatum, some European airlines do not have Russian visas for their crews, while those who obtained them complained...

Despite Abduction, Russians Still Seeking Freedom in Ukraine

Despite the harrowing kidnapping of opposition activist Leonid Razvozzhayev by Russian agents, other dissenters are pressing ahead in their bids for political...

No Time Change This Fall

When Europe turns its clocks back an hour Sunday, two nations are going to have it their own way: Russia and Belarus will move out of step with much...

Razvozzhayev Tells Harrowing Tale

Opposition leaders and human rights groups on Wednesday lambasted the apparent kidnapping and torture of Left Front activist Leonid Razvozzhayev as a return...

Russian Lawmakers to Observe U.S. Elections

When Olga Alimova flies to Washington next month, it will be the first time the Communist State Duma deputy visits the United States.

Yevkurov Denies Persecuting Opposition Leader

Ingush leader Yunus-Bek Yevkurov on Tuesday dismissed allegations that his administration is persecuting a local opposition leader.

Germany's Publicizing of Spy Case Causes Head-Scratching

The German government offered the Kremlin a spy swap involving the exchange of a couple arrested in Germany on charges of being Russian sleeper...

Radio Liberty Hiring New Team, Executive Says

Radio Liberty is hiring dozens of staff to rebuild its operations in a modern multimedia format, a senior executive of the station's parent company...

Radio Liberty's Fate Unclear

Soviet listeners tuned in to Radio Liberty, Voice of America and the British Broadcasting Corp.'s Russian service to get objective information.

EU Airlines Face Visa Ultimatum

The crews of some European airlines will need visas to enter Russia as of Nov. 1 if the European Union does not scrap its visa policy for Russian...

Rights Activists Frustrated by Nobel Peace Prize Choice

Russian human rights activists expressed dismay at the news that the EU will be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

Sobyanin Speaks Out Against Building Many Mosques

Mayor Sergei Sobyanin spoke out against construction of a large number of mosques for the city's booming Muslim population because many worshippers...

Nuclear Disarmament Program's End Draws Near

News that Moscow wants to end a multibillion-dollar program with Washington to dismantle nuclear and chemical weapons triggered fears Thursday that...

German NGOs Need Work Permits

German nongovernmental organizations operating in Russia are facing bureaucratic troubles because their foreign staff is now required to obtain work...

Medvedev Praises Win by Georgian Opposition

Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev praised the results of Georgia's parliamentary elections, in which the main opposition coalition defeated the party...

Moscow Silent Ahead of Key Georgian Vote

When Georgia elects a new parliament Monday, the small South Caucasus nation is likely to get the most global attention it's received since its 2008...

Medvedev Seen Hanging in the Balance

When Dmitry Medvedev announced on Sept. 24, 2011, that he would step aside to let Vladimir Putin return as president, he disappointed critics and supporters...

Billionaire Lebedev Charged With Hooliganism

Kremlin critic and billionaire Alexander Lebedev has been charged with hooliganism over a fistfight on a television show last year.

Public TV Will Be Available Only on Cable, Satellite

Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has formally established a national public television station, but observers expressed skepticism that the broadcaster...

Mosque Construction Halted After Protest

City Hall has shelved plans to build a mosque in the Mitino area, one day after a massive unsanctioned protest by inhabitants of the northwestern neighborhood...

Foreign Ministry Accuses USAID of Meddling in Politics

Moscow’s abrupt decision to kick out the U.S. Agency for International Development raised new worries Wednesday about a widening crackdown on pro-democracy...

Kadyrov Laughs Off Allegations That He Made Hit List

Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov has once again denied being involved in killings of his critics, complaining that he is the victim of a campaign to tarnish...

Duma Shakeup Feared After Gudkov's Ouster

Following the expulsion of opposition Deputy Gennady Gudkov from the State Duma for unlawful entrepreneurship, parliament will investigate other reports...

'White Stream' Auto Rally Ends in Trickle

The plan sounded grand: Toward the end of summer, opposition activists would lead an auto rally through the country, shoring up support for this...

Prominent Opposition Figures to Skip 'March of Millions'

One day before the first major anti-government protest since June, opposition heavyweights distanced themselves from the "March of Millions" planned...

U.S. Allows Russians 3-Year Visa

Television star Tina Kandelaki became the first Russian to pick up a three-year U.S. visa on Monday, one day after the much-touted visa facilitation...

Under New Visas, Mind the Fine Print

Those who believe in the U.S.-Russian "reset" may want to celebrate on Sunday when a landmark visa agreement comes into force. But before you put...

Kadyrov Steps Up Battle Over Ingush Border

A public spat between Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov and his Ingush neighbor Yunus-Bek Yevkurov over their regions’ borders simmered Wednesday, leaving...

No Fireworks Expected at First Gubernatorial Elections

The country's first popular gubernatorial elections are due next month, but it is clear already that none of the five regions holding them will see political...

News Sites Start Age Rating Their Content

The country's new law on child protection caused a new round of major headaches for media outlets Monday when it became clear that it obliges online...

Orthodox Youth Group Formed as Surkov Becomes Religion Envoy

Orthodox Church officials have announced plans to set up a nationwide youth movement, just days after Deputy Prime Minister Vladislav Surkov, formerly...

'Black Widow' Bomber Was Actress, Dancer

The female suicide bomber that killed prominent Dagestani cleric Said Atsayev earlier this week had been a theater actress and member of a breakdance...

Sidelined by TV, Sobchak Takes Helm at Glossy Magazine

TV host and opposition activist Ksenia Sobchak is taking a crack at print journalism by editing SNC magazine, a glossy lifestyle publication published...

Putin's Taste for Luxury Compels Him to Stay in Power, Group Says

President Vladimir Putin's expensive taste is one of his "most serious reasons for holding on to power," says a report released by opposition group...

Chechnya Lays Claim to Ingush Land

A standoff between Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov and his Ingush counterpart, Yunus-Bek Yevkurov, heated up Monday when Chechnya declared the creation...

Luzhkov's Honey Fair Pushed to City Outskirts

Mayor Sergei Sobyanin has discontinued city support for what had become a trademark event under his predecessor: the biannual Moscow honey fair.

Imagine Kadyrov in Charge of the North Caucasus

Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov commands considerable respect — or, according to his critics, fear — in and outside the borders of his North Caucasus...

Son of Chechen Warlord Dies Fighting Assad

The son of a prominent Chechen warlord was killed in Syria while battling President Bashar Assad's troops, according to reports on three Russian-language...

Extradition Delayed for Putin Plot Suspect

A Chechen detained in Ukraine and accused of plotting to assassinate President Vladimir Putin has managed to have his extradition to Russia postponed...

Opposition Fears Split Over Pussy Riot Case

While the two-year prison sentences given to members of punk band Pussy Riot on Friday continue to mobilize unseen levels of outrage at the Kremlin...

Ramadan Ends Amid Bickering Over Mosques

Almost 200,000 Muslims prayed on city streets and public places Sunday to mark the end of Ramadan, while their spiritual leaders bickered over how...

St. Pete Activists Sue Madonna for Supporting Gays

A group of right-wing activists in St. Petersburg has filed a $10 million lawsuit against Madonna, claiming that the pop star's Aug. 9 concert promoted...

U.S. Denies That Russian Sub Operated Near Its Coast

Observers on Thursday cast doubt on a news report that a Russian nuclear submarine traveled undetected for up to a month in the Gulf of Mexico, while the...

German Arrested for Spying for Russia

A civilian NATO employee arrested in Germany last week on spying charges was working for Russian intelligence.

Police Raid Regnum.ru After Latvia Blacklists Founder

Police raided the newsroom of one of Russia's biggest online news publications on Friday, after Latvia accused the website's founder and one of its...

Medvedev Defends Role in Georgia War

Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev on Thursday defended his role as commander in chief during the August 2008 war with Georgia over criticism that analysts...

Putin Contradicts Medvedev on Georgia War

Russia’s war with Georgia sparked a sensation Wednesday when President Vladimir Putin said he twice called Dmitry Medvedev on the eve of the conflict...

Fake Twitter Account Pumps Up Oil Prices

Twitter might be a great tool for newsmakers and journalists, but the popular microblogging platform can also wreak havoc by spreading disinformation.

Puppy Diplomacy: Putin Gets Pets Wrapped With a Bow

Former U.S. Secretary of State James Baker once recalled that Kyrgyz President Askar Akayev gave him a horse when he visited the newly independent nation...

Duma Deputy Seeks Media Ban to Reduce Ethnic Tensions

A United Russia lawmaker has announced a bill that would ban the media from disclosing the ethnic backgrounds of suspects, victims and others when...

Saakashvili Accused of Terror Attacks in Russia

A former representative of the Chechen separatists in Tbilisi has accused Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili of being responsible for terrorist...

Senator Calls for Relaxed Gun Laws

Days after a gunman killed 12 people in a U.S. movie theater, a Federation Council senator has announced a push to ease Russia's strict firearms rules...

Media Landscape Shifts With Putin's Return

If prime-time television is any indicator, the country's media landscape is undergoing a major shakeup.

In a First, Muslim Leaders Attacked in Tatarstan

In the first major attack against religious leaders outside the North Caucasus, Tatarstan's top Muslim leader miraculously survived three bomb blasts that...

Activist Abandons Plan to Seek Asylum

Opposition activist Anastasia Rybachenko has dropped her plans to request political asylum in Germany and said she will return to Russia in September.

Deputy Says NGO Bill Has Strict Limits

A much-debated bill that labels certain foreign-funded nongovernmental groups as “foreign agents” will only affect organizations that strive for regime...

NGO Bill to Impact Business Groups

As a disputed bill branding foreign-funded nongovernmental organizations "foreign agents" awaits approval by the Federation Council, confusion reigned...

As Putin Cracks Down, 2 Opposition Activists Seek Asylum

Two opposition activists have fled the country and say they want to receive political asylum in Europe because of fear of imprisonment after being...

Twitter and Flood Unite Warring Political Sides

Opposition and pro-Kremlin activists and officials have joined forces in recent days to muster aid for victims of the flooding disaster in Krasnodar region...

United Russia Stands By NGO Bill

Despite a barrage of criticism, senior United Russia officials are adamant that a bill labeling NGOs that receive funding from abroad as "foreign agents"...

NATO Transit Through Ulyanovsk to Begin in August

NATO member countries can expect to start using Ulyanovsk airport in August for bringing equipment out of Afghanistan.

Putin Tells Diplomats to Improve Russia's Image

President Vladimir Putin has called on diplomats to use more soft-power tactics to improve Russia's "distorted" image abroad.

Tortuous Path Led to Visa Agreement With U.S.

Russia and the United States are now closing in on a visa agreement that is making other Western countries envious.

Chechen Leader Begins Sharing Thoughts on Twitter

Ramzan Kadyrov has launched a Twitter account, in a sign that the controversial Chechen leader is carefully adapting his public relations strategy.

Putin, Obama Meet Ahead of G20

Presidents Vladimir Putin and Barack Obama finally had their first meeting since Putin’s third term began last month, but after two hours of talks both...

Year of Germany Will Commence Without Putin

This week's opening ceremony for the Year of Germany in Russia will have music by Bach and Shostakovich and a gigantic puzzle — but not its two...

Visa Rules Set to Be Eased in Central Asia

 Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan are planning to liberalize their visa rules this summer, marking what looks like a trend among former Soviet...

Poland and Russia Insist Hooligans Won't Hurt Ties

Moscow and Warsaw tried to assuage fears Wednesday that bloody clashes between football hooligans in the Polish capital will negatively affect Russo-Polish...

Passport Fuss Delays EU Visa Accord

A dispute over passports issued to Russian bureaucrats is holding up an agreement with the EU that would considerably reduce visa hassles for business...

U.S. Freezes Mob Cash

Washington has levied sanctions against five leading criminal figures it identified as members of a "coordinating body" of organized crime.

McFaul Says Magnitsky Bill Unneeded

The so-called Magnitsky bill is unnecessary because U.S. President Barack Obama's administration has already dealt with demands to punish Russian officials...

Protest Bill Headed to Putin's Desk

The controversial bill levying hefty fines on protesters sailed through the Federation Council on Wednesday, bringing it close to President Vladimir...

Punk Band's Legal Team Reveals Full Performance

Members of punk rock band Pussy Riot made no insulting remarks during their controversial performance in Christ the Savior Cathedral.

Putin Vows to Stand by Europe's Side

President Vladimir Putin on Monday offered European Union leaders help in their fight against a deepening debt crisis, on the same day that the ruble slid...

Putin Welcomes EU Leaders in St. Pete

European Union leaders sit down for the first time with President Vladimir Putin since his return to the Kremlin this Monday for a summit that is expected...

Putin's Foreign Policy Goes on the Road

In a symbolic gesture, President Vladimir Putin on Thursday arrived in Minsk to pay his first foreign visit as head of state to controversial Belarussian...

McFaul and State Department Respond to Attack

The U.S. ambassador and the U.S. State Department said they were surprised by blistering criticism from the Foreign Ministry regarding comments McFaul...

McFaul Faces Kremlin Scorn Once Again

The Foreign Ministry assailed U.S. Ambassador Michael McFaul for comments the ministry said went "far beyond the bounds of diplomatic etiquette."

Hague, Lavrov Smooth Over Syria

British Foreign Secretary William Hague on Monday became the first senior Western official to hold talks with the new Russian government, in what...

Red Square Flyboy Regrets Air Stunt

When Mathias Rust landed his white Cessna on Red Square on May 28, 1987, he had placed all his hopes for world peace in Mikhail Gorbachev.

Putin's Cabinet Cronies Follow Him to Kremlin

A day after the formation of Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev’s government, seven ministers who did not make the cut have resurfaced as senior staff in...

Foreign Investors Applaud Stability

Foreign investors praised the new Cabinet on Monday as a sign of economic stability, but said it reflects that Vladimir Putin is firmly in charge and no...

Medvedev's Promise Largely Falls Short

“Empower Medvedev” was the headline of The Moscow Times editorial the day after the new president took office on May 8, 2008. Four years later, there...

NATO Hopeful as Missile Shield Tension Builds

Moscow’s criticism of NATO’s missile defense plans is overblown and based on false assumptions, but both sides can still clinch a deal on cooperation...

Lavrov Says Russia Won't Retaliate After U.S. Visa Denial for Kobzon

Moscow is deeply unhappy with Washington's decision to deny a visa to singer and lawmaker Iosif Kobzon, but won't retaliate by barring U.S. artists...

Muslim Lawyer Flees Amid Sharia Law Threats

A Muslim lawyer has gone into hiding amid threats and a barrage of criticism after he publicly demanded the creation of Sharia courts in the country...

Medvedev Boasts and Admits Flaws of Reign

Freedom and democracy are on the way up, corrupt governors are headed out and the country's political culture has improved, outgoing President Dmitry...

Putin's People's Front Will Live On

Vladimir Putin's All-Russia People's Front won't go away soon and its State Duma members are not going to join United Russia en masse, a senior lawmaker...

Putin Quits United Russia and Urges Medvedev to Take Control

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and President Dmitry Medvedev seemingly completed their job swap Tuesday when Putin announced that he would hand over control...

NATO Bigwig Headed to Moscow for Missile Defense Talks

NATO Deputy Secretary General Alexander Vershbow will attend a high-level conference on missile defense in Moscow next week.

Moscow May Skip NATO Summit

NATO and Russia are facing new dissonances because the Western alliance's upcoming Chicago summit is likely to be held without Moscow's participation...

Lavrov Assails NATO on Eve of Key Talks

On the eve of crucial talks with NATO in Brussels, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov attacked the alliance by accusing it of spreading instability in Libya...

Rights Watchers Take Stock of Future

The future of the presidential human rights council is cloudy because members have no indication of how the body will fare after Vladimir Putin takes...

Party Split Evident in Expulsion

A Just Russia has expelled the leader of its faction in the Moscow region legislature, highlighting lingering disparity in a party that started out...

More Headaches for U.S.-Russia Visa Deal

A much-delayed visa facilitation agreement with the United States has not even made it from the government to the State Duma for ratification.

Iran War Threat Rattles Nerves in Caucasus

When the world's major powers gather in Istanbul on Saturday for crucial talks with Tehran on its nuclear program, Moscow's negotiators will have...

NATO Flight Plan Awakens Russians' Ire

A NATO plan to turn an airport in Ulyanovsk into a hub for transporting cargo from Afghanistan has put the Kremlin in the unusual position of trying...

Astrakhan Electrifies the Opposition

Astrakhan became a new rallying cry for the country's fledgling protest movement Monday when key opposition figures called for support of a 25-day...

Clues Help ID Assassination Lynchpin

A former bodyguard and European envoy of Chechen President Aslan Maskhadov has been identified as the purported plotter against opposition figures...

McFaul Speaks Up for Relaxed Visa Regime

U.S. Ambassador Michael McFaul is giving renewed attention to a visa facilitation agreement with Russia that has been held up in parliament since the start...

Lukashenko Rejects Execution Outrage

Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko rejected Western outrage at his country’s decision to execute two young men for a deadly bombing in the Minsk...

Visa Pact With U.S. Stuck in Holding Pattern

A major visa facilitation agreement with the United States is likely to be held up in the State Duma until early next year.

Top Leftist Says A Just Russia Should Embrace Protests

A Just Russia should adjust its party platform by including anti-government protesters' demands for more democracy and human rights.

Belarus Unmoved Despite Criticism

The Kremlin on Monday hosted controversial Belarussian leader Alexander Lukashenko for talks about deeper economic integration amid growing calls for tougher...

Duma Fast-Tracks Bill on Party Registration

Opposition leaders are bracing themselves for a new law that many expect will lead to a mushrooming of political parties in the country.

Media Thaw's Staying Power Hotly Debated

National television viewers have been exposed to some disquieting coverage recently.

Business Leader Champions Reform

The outgoing president of one the country's biggest foreign business associations has advocated democratic reforms as the only way to improve the economy...

Countries Variable in Greeting Putin Presidential Win

President-elect Vladimir Putin on Tuesday received numerous phone calls and communiques from foreign leaders on the occasion of his electoral victory...

Western Observers Call Vote Flawed

International observers criticized Sunday's presidential election as seriously flawed Monday but avoided statements about the vote's legitimacy.

Webcams Ready for Electoral Debut

When the country elects a new president on Sunday, the world will be watching. But for the first time round, the world will be able to watch it live on...

Suspicions Cloud Purported Plot to Kill Putin

Doubts about a plot to kill Prime Minister Vladimir Putin lingered Tuesday as the lawyer for one of the suspects said the case was fabricated and human...

Putin Bristles at West In Foreign Policy Text

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin offered a blueprint of his foreign policy priorities in a 6,060-word article published Monday, but analysts said it contained...

Prokhorov Party Sign-Up Begins

Billionaire-turned-presidential candidate Mikhail Prokhorov invited supporters to join his own political party over the weekend, which he has promised...

Attackers Ambush Abkhaz President

Officers from the Federal Security Service are in Abkhazia to investigate an assassination attempt on the leader of the Georgian breakaway region...

Garden Ring Hosts Opposing Rallies

Two weeks before the March 4 presidential election, supporters and critics of Prime Minister Vladimir Putin came out on foot, in cars and even on ice...

Ekho Editor in Labor Inquiry, Host Hacked

Speculation of an orchestrated attack on the country's most high-profile radio station grew stronger Wednesday after Ekho Moskvy editor Alexei Venediktov...

Ekho Shake-Up Stirs Censorship Fears

The announcement on Tuesday of a boardroom shake-up in the country's most prominent opposition radio station and a decision to nix a critical television...