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Articles by Pyotr Kozlov

News Analysis

Trump’s Embrace of the Kremlin Throws Russian Elites and Propagandists Into Disarray

While some elites are dusting off their Visa cards and celebrating, others are wary of a potential U.S. deep-state trap.
3 Min read

Kremlin Eyes Grand Bargain as Trump Pushes for Rushed Ukraine Peace Deal

Russian officials hope to take advantage of President Donald Trump’s eagerness to end the war in Ukraine to secure a favorable deal for itself.
4 Min read

U.K. Defense Chief to Moscow: ‘You Are in a Position of Weakness, Not Strength’

"Talks about Ukraine cannot happen without Ukraine," British Defense Secretary John Healey also said.
2 Min read

‘Why Are We Handing Russia What It Wants?’: EU’s Chief Diplomat Blasts U.S. Over Ukraine

Kaja Kallas condemned what she described as a reckless diplomatic maneuver that rewards Russian aggression before negotiations even begin.
2 Min read

Trump’s Ceasefire Push Not a ‘Betrayal’ of Ukraine, Hegseth Says

The U.S. defense secretary said Washington was now focused on ending the war through diplomacy as it directly engages with Putin.
2 Min read

Ukraine's Peace Goals 'Unrealistic,' U.S. Defense Secretary Hegseth Says

He also ruled out sending U.S. peacekeepers to Ukraine and urged European NATO members to end their dependency on Washington for security.
2 Min read

Critical Week for NATO as Trump, Ukraine War Test Alliance

NATO members will seek answers on U.S. commitment to Ukraine and European security at its defense ministerial and the Munich Security Conference.
5 Min read

Kremlin Gloats as Trump Sanctions International Criminal Court

Nearly two years after the ICC put out a warrant for Putin's arrest on war crimes charges, Russia's elites feel Western attempts to isolate them slipping...
2 Min read
News Analysis

In Russia, Yura Borisov’s Historic Oscar Nomination Leaves the Regime Lost for Words

Reactions in Borisov’s home country ranged from muted praise to theories that the U.S. was attempting to turn him into an opposition figure.
3 Min read

Kremlin Courts Trump Behind the Scenes as His Foreign Policy Rhetoric Rattles U.S. Allies

The previously unreported contact between the Kremlin and Trump's team raises questions about U.S. national security and its loyalty to its allies.
4 Min read
News Analysis

How a Turbulent 2024 Tested Putin’s Regime

The war in Ukraine is depleting the Kremlin’s resources at an accelerating pace.
5 Min read
Feature

Exclusive: Russia, Reeling from Syrian Regime’s Collapse, Bets on Chaos to Preserve Its Foothold

While diplomats said Moscow is unlikely to keep its Syrian bases, the Kremlin sees opportunities in potential conflicts among the Syrian rebels.
5 Min read

Exclusive: Kremlin Stages Oreshnik Propaganda Blitz as Nuclear Threats Lose Their Potency

Officials said the strike and its ensuing media coverage were carefully crafted by officials, the military, intelligence agencies and Kremlin PR experts...
4 Min read

Kremlin and FSB Order Gulag Museum’s Closure in Latest Crackdown on Historical Memory

A Moscow official said the museum’s future now “remains unclear.”
2 Min read

Kremlin Officials Hope Trump Will Hand Putin an Advantage in Ukraine – and Europe

Senior officials in the Kremlin, the Russian government and the Foreign Ministry are expressing cautious optimism about Trump’s victory in private.
5 Min read

Shoigu Grows Increasingly Vulnerable as Putin’s Favor Wanes

Five months after his dismissal as defense minister, Shoigu’s position is increasingly precarious, sources in the Russian government said.
4 Min read
News Analysis

With Presidential Internships, Kremlin Seeks to Paint Ukraine Veterans as Russia's 'New Elites'

Despite Putin's proclamations, experts say that hardly any veterans of the war will actually be allowed to advance into top official positions.
4 Min read

Kremlin Revives Soviet-Style Youth Indoctrination as It Eyes ‘Forever War’ With Ukraine and the West

According to a source close to the Kremlin, the presidential administration is dusting off old Soviet practices and studying them closely.
3 Min read

The Biggest Surprises and Non-Surprises of Russia’s Regional and Municipal Elections

The ruling, pro-Kremlin United Russia party solidified its control in over 4,000 races nationwide, including in occupied Ukrainian territories.
3 Min read

In the ‘Urals Switzerland,’ a Village Boycotts Vote for Pro-Kremlin Governor Over Neglected Road

Residents of the village of Tyulyuk say they have been cut off from the outside world by authorities’ negligence.
3 Min read

By Pressing Onward With Elections in Battlefield Kursk Region, Kremlin Seeks to Show Everything Is Business as Usual

A federal state of emergency and ongoing fighting are not enough to change the Kremlin's intent to elect Putin's gubernatorial appointee.
4 Min read
opinion Pyotr Kozlov

How the Kremlin Is Shorting Evan Gershkovich’s Position and Cashing Out

The U.S. reporter’s swift trial and conviction shows that the Kremlin is ready to capitalize on its hostage-taking strategy.
3 Min read
opinion Pyotr Kozlov

Putin Is Watching the West’s Indecision With Derision

The Kremlin is actively capitalizing on Washington and Brussels' reluctance to go all out in support of Ukraine or push for negotiations.
3 Min read

Kremlin Officials Wishing for a Trump Victory — While Claiming Otherwise

With his surprise support for Biden in February, Putin was actually trying to harm the Democratic candidate, Russian officials told The Moscow Times.
5 Min read
News Analysis

Putin Makes Overtures to North Korea, Vietnam in Bid to Intimidate Ukraine’s Allies

"This is a signal to the U.S. and other countries that we can create partnerships in other regions that are unpleasant," a government official told MT...
5 Min read

Russia Reckons With Loss of Regional Influence as Armenia Eyes Exit from Moscow-Led Military Bloc

Officials privately admit that Russia's chances of preventing an Armenian exit from the CSTO alliance are slim, sources told MT.
4 Min read

Bulletproof Vests on Red Square: Kremlin Secretly Beefs Up Putin’s Personal Security

The special services control practically every aspect of Putin’s life, down to testing his meals for poison, a source close to the Kremlin said.
5 Min read

Outrage in Amsterdam as Russian TV Celebrities Take the Stage

Vladimir Pozner and Ivan Urgant's live show in Amsterdam took place amid a vocal protest against the platforming of Russian "propagandists."
4 Min read

FSB Launches Sweeping Purge of Military Elites With Kremlin’s Approval

The purge is the result of infighting between the FSB and the military over the failure to capture Kyiv and competition for defense funds.
4 Min read

As Fifth Term Begins, Putin Promotes Favorites and Rumored Successors to Kremlin

The new appointments appear to signal Putin's intention to maintain the status quo at home and continue a war of attrition in Ukraine.
4 Min read

Russian Officials Voice Bewilderment After Defense Minister's Surprise Ouster

“We could have Putin's Labrador appointed as defense minister,” one current government official told MT.
3 Min read

With Georgia Gripped By Political Turmoil, Officials in Moscow Take Hands-Off Approach

While government sources denied Russian involvement in the controversial “foreign influence” bill, they said it would still be welcomed by Moscow.
5 Min read

Armenia’s Envoy to the EU: ‘It Hurts to See How Moscow-Led Security Bloc Has Screwed Us’

Armenia, unhappy with Russia's waning role as a security guarantor, is seeking to strengthen its partnerships with the EU and the U.S.
7 Min read

Defense Official’s Bribery Arrest Signals Shoigu’s Waning Influence in the Kremlin

The high-profile arrest reflects the struggle for resources and influence within Russia's elite as Putin’s new term begins.
3 Min read

Russian Military Boosts Call-Ups for Annual Reservist Training Exercises

Military commissariats in the Moscow region have sent a flurry of demands to companies to provide lists of employees eligible for reserve duty.
4 Min read

Nearly a Month After Putin’s Re-Election, EU Parliament Split on How To Reject Its Legitimacy

Debates have been taking place among the parliament’s parties and a decision could come on Wednesday, The Moscow Times has learned.
3 Min read

Ukraine Justified in Striking Targets Inside Russia – Finnish FM

NATO members have been divided on Kyiv’s attacks on targets on Russian soil.
4 Min read

By Visiting Loyal Small-Town Russians, Putin Seeks to Ease Concert Hall Attack Blunder

Amid the fallout from the attack, the Kremlin is turning to a tried-and-true damage control tactic.
3 Min read
Feature

The Kremlin Has Clinched Six More Years of Putin’s Rule. What's Next?

Putin has predictably claimed a record victory. The main question now is what Russians and the world should expect from him next.
5 Min read
Feature

‘Make the Young Fall in Love With Putin’: Young Russians Pressured to Vote as Kremlin Demands Record Turnout

The goal is "to make the West understand that our young people are for Putin, not for runaway oppositionists and certainly not for Navalny."
4 Min read
Feature

‘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.
5 Min read
Feature

Kremlin Pushes to Extinguish Grieving for Navalny as Election Nears

Officials are weighing whether to postpone the funeral and delay the release of Navalny's body until after the vote.
5 Min read
Feature

Russia’s Opposition in Exile Calls on EU Not to Recognize Putin’s Election

“The issue of the election’s recognition of legitimacy is an extremely important and sensitive one for the Putin regime.”
5 Min read
Feature

‘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.
4 Min read

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.
4 Min read
Feature

Kremlin Woos Ex-Fox News Star Tucker Carlson to Spite Biden, Boost Putin’s Campaign

"Even without an interview, Carlson's arrival is already a major benefit for the boss [Putin],” a source close to the Kremlin told The Moscow Times.
4 Min read
Feature

Russian Election Authorities Pick Pro-War Symbol, Putin’s Favorite Slogan for Presidential Campaign Promo

The design was chosen to show that the vote’s main purpose is “to re-elect the boss [Putin],” two government officials told The Moscow Times.
4 Min read
Feature

Putin, Unofficially Campaigning Through Work Events, Flouts Russian Election Law

In the five weeks since Putin said he will run for a fifth presidential term, independent observers have noted a significant number of violations.
4 Min read

Kremlin Pins Russians’ Anger, War Fatigue on ‘Nearly Naked’ Stars

The sweeping response to the "nearly naked" party can only have happened as the result of a command from the highest level, Russian officials said.
5 Min read

BBC Russian Journalists ‘Stunned’ By Grenade Attack in Riga Bar

While police claimed the attacker had a “personal” conflict with the bar’s owners, many have speculated that it was a targeted intimidation effort...
2 Min read

Kremlin Showcases Russia’s Parallel Realities in Putin Press Conference

“They decided to make it a mandatory program: no less than four hours of Putin in good news mode,” a source close to the Kremlin said.
4 Min read
News Analysis

Putin to Bet on Ultra-Conservatism, Economy and Victory in Ukraine in 2024 Election Campaign

With challenges to his rule all but removed, Putin's next six years in office promise to keep Russia on its current trajectory.
6 Min read

Hours Before Declaring Mutiny, Prigozhin Secretly Planned Duma Speech to Win Back Putin’s Favor

The speech, called off at the last minute, would have been the late mercenary leader's last-ditch attempt to garner the president's approval.
5 Min read

Kremlin Sacks TASS Chief for Wagner Mutiny Coverage

Sergei Mikhailov’s dismissal is the first known punishment of a senior civilian functionary in connection with the rebellion. 
5 Min read
Feature

‘National Emergency’: Russian Officials Slam Failure to Prevent Anti-Israeli Riot in Dagestan

Just months after the Wagner mercenary rebellion, Russian officials have been blindsided by a new security failure.
5 Min read
Feature

As Putin Leaves China Empty-Handed, Russian Propaganda Hails ‘Triumph Over the West’

Putin brought more than two dozen journalists from television, radio, agencies and online media to China in an effort to show that he is still in the spotlight...
6 Min read

Putin Arrives in Beijing Seeking Diplomatic, Economic Support from ‘Dear Friend’ Xi

The Kremlin hopes to secure commodity contracts, agreements to share cutting-edge technologies and a declaration of Beijing’s backing of Moscow.
4 Min read
News Analysis

Kremlin’s Passive Stance On Israel-Hamas War Risks Damaging Its Relationship With Israel

Israel views Russia’s attempt at neutrality as a firm expression of both a pro-Palestinian and pro-Hamas position, analysts and experts said.
5 Min read
Feature

Anti-Drone Protection, Internet Disruptions in Bishkek as Putin Seeks to Restore Influence Among Allies

Planning for Putin's first foreign visit since being indicted by the ICC lasted more than a month, with anti-terrorist security a key focus.
5 Min read

Kremlin Readying Putin's 2024 Campaign Reveal at Economic Expo – Reports

Putin may use a showcase of Russia's economic successes amid international sanctions to announce his candidacy next month.
3 Min read
Feature

As Putin’s Re-Election Looms, Kremlin Pushes to Indoctrinate a New Generation of Voters

In a sweeping campaign, officials aim to convince young Russians that their country's elections are free and fair and Putin's regime is legitimate.
4 Min read
Feature

Longtime Moscow Mayor, Putin Ally Expected to Soundly Win Re-Election

With no real competitors in this weekend's vote, Sergei Sobyanin has a clear path toward re-election despite regular drone attacks on the capital.
4 Min read
Feature

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.
4 Min read
Feature

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.
4 Min read
Feature

Putin and Erdogan to Meet in Attempt to Avoid Food Crisis, Black Sea Confrontation

A source close to the Russian Foreign Ministry told The Moscow Times that he hoped the leaders could reach an agreement, but admitted it would not be easy...
5 Min read
Feature

‘We Don’t Need Heroes Who Marched on Moscow’: How the Kremlin Silenced Prigozhin’s Funeral

Kremlin and security officials arranged for the funeral to take place with a minimal likelihood of public outcry or protest.
4 Min read
Feature

In Prigozhin’s Apparent Demise, Putin Re-Asserts Total Control — But Threats to Reign Linger

While Prigozhin appears to be gone, he leaves behind a reminder that there are alternatives to Putin’s regime.
5 Min read
Feature

‘They’re Gossiping Without Us’: Saudi-Hosted Peace Summit Underscores Kremlin’s Diplomatic Dilemma

Moscow is grappling with how to address Ukraine's efforts to engage its Western allies and the countries of the Global South without Russia.
3 Min read
Feature

Kremlin Brings ‘Party of War’ to Heel Ahead of Key Regional, Presidential Elections

The Kremlin seeks to deploy the same tactics it used to crush the opposition against prominent far-right “patriots,” Russian officials told The Moscow...
4 Min read
Feature

Russia Seeks to Capitalize on Ukraine Grain Deal’s Collapse

Drone attacks on Ukraine's ports on the Danube and in the Black Sea make Russia the beneficiary of soaring grain prices — but increase the risk of confrontation...
5 Min read
Feature

For Russia’s Elites, Kremlin's Failure to Protect Crimean Bridge No Longer Shocks

As two people were killed and a key artery to the annexed peninsula was damaged, many in Moscow shrugged.
4 Min read
Feature

Activist’s Ordeal at Belgrade Airport Signals Trouble for Anti-War Russians in Serbia

Peter Nikitin, a vocal critic of the war in Ukraine, was barred from entering Serbia for over 24 hours at the orders of Serbian intelligence.
4 Min read
Feature

Prigozhin Mutiny, ICC Warrant Create Dilemma for Putin Ahead of BRICS Summit

Weakened at home and wanted abroad, Putin has still not made a final decision on attending the summit in South Africa, officials told The Moscow Times...
3 Min read
Feature

Shaken By Mutiny, Kremlin Goes Into PR Crisis Control

With eight months to go until the 2024 presidential election, the Kremlin is seeking to convince the nation that nothing significant happened.
5 Min read

Prigozhin Charged With 'Inciting Armed Revolt' After Vowing to Stop 'Evil' Military Leadership

The Wagner mercenary group leader now faces 12 to 20 years in prison.
4 Min read
Feature

Why a Soviet-American Thinker Moderated Putin’s SPIEF Panel

Russia once lured Western media stars to its flagship economic event. This year, not even Tucker Carlson accepted the invite, an organizer said.
4 Min read
Feature

War and SPIEF: Russia's Flagship Economic Forum Flatlines

SPIEF organizers and senior businesspeople described a diminished event that lacks purpose and fails to draw the high-profile guests it once did.
4 Min read
News Analysis

Downed Drones Near Putin’s Residence Rattle Russia’s Elite

The sound of air defense missiles and crashing drones likely interrupted the sleep of some of Russia's wealthiest and most powerful people.
3 Min read
News Analysis

Lifting of Russia Flight, Visa Restrictions Deepens Georgia’s Geopolitical Dilemma

Analysts say Russia may be seeking to further drive a wedge between Georgia and the West — putting Tbilisi’s delicate balancing act to the test.
5 Min read
Feature

Russia Set for Muted Victory Day as Ukrainian Counteroffensive Looms

This year’s events will be marked by cancellations, enhanced security and little interest in attending from foreign leaders. 
5 Min read
News Analysis

Kremlin Drone Strike: Ukrainian Attack or False Flag?

Two main theories have emerged about the drone strike on the Kremlin carried out in the early hours of Wednesday.
5 Min read

Peskov Son’s Alleged Wagner Deployment Risks Backfiring for Kremlin

Efforts to present the children of Russia’s elite as equal participants in the war against Ukraine have sparked more questions than answers.
5 Min read
Feature

ICC Arrest Warrant for Putin Sparks Nervousness in Russian Elite

A special meeting was even convened in the Kremlin to discuss Russia’s domestic and international response a few days after the ICC announcement.
4 Min read
News Analysis

Putin’s Occupied Ukraine Visit Seen as ‘PR Exercise’ to Counter Zelensky

Putin’s visit comes as Russian forces brace for what is expected to be a major Ukrainian counter-offensive. 
4 Min read
News Analysis

‘As Quietly as Possible’: Premium on Secrecy as Russia Rams Through Military Draft Rules Bill

One source told The Moscow Times that there was such a rush to pass the legislation that procedural rules were broken. 
4 Min read
News Analysis

Hostage, Signal or Revenge? Spotlight on Russia’s Reasons for Arresting WSJ Reporter

The detention looks set to be a milestone in the deterioration of already abysmal relations between Moscow and Washington. 
4 Min read

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.
3 Min read
Feature

Russia Imposes Stringent Controls on Officials’ Foreign Travel

The wartime restrictions on leaving the country were detailed to The Moscow Times by 10 former and current officials.
6 Min read

Kremlin Opts for Low-Key Festivities on Crimea Annexation Anniversary

Analysts say the anniversary's ideological value for the Kremlin has been lost in the year since the invasion of Ukraine.
4 Min read

Putin Vows to Fight On in Wartime State-of-the-Nation Address

The Russian president relied on familiar talking points as he pledged no let up in Russia's assault on Ukraine.
4 Min read
Feature

‘Everyone's Tired’: Acceptance and Exasperation in Russian Elite as Invasion Anniversary Looms

The Moscow Times spoke with more than a dozen top officials to gauge the mood as the country appears increasingly bogged down in Ukraine.
4 Min read
Feature

Battles in Vuhledar, Bakhmut Signal Imminent Russian Offensive, Analysts Say

The intensifying fighting looks to herald a new, bloody stage in the war as it enters its second year.
5 Min read
Feature

Amid Ukraine War, Kremlin Orders Nationwide Bomb Shelter Overhaul

Bomb shelters across Russia are undergoing systematic inspections and repairs following a Kremlin order to upgrade the country’s crumbling Soviet-era...
5 Min read
Feature

Seven Months On, Russia's Only Diplomat to Publicly Quit Over the Ukraine War Has Time on His Hands

Boris Bondarev, a former member of Russia's delegation to the United Nations in Geneva, now lives modestly in Switzerland with his wife and their kitten...
Feature

Ukraine War and Popularity Worries: Why Putin is Skipping His Annual Press Conference

The cancellation of Russian President Vladimir Putin's annual press conference earlier this week was a last minute decision taken due to growing fears...
Feature

Putin Looks to Shore Up Russia’s Regional Influence on Kyrgyzstan Visit

Russian President Vladimir Putin will attempt to shore up Russia’s regional authority on a visit Friday to the Central Asian state of Kyrgyzstan...
Feature

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...
Feature

Explainer: Why Did the Kremlin Organize a Staged Meeting with Soldiers’ Mothers for Putin?

Russian President Vladimir Putin last week met with the mothers of Russian soldiers serving in Ukraine in an event that was timed to coincide with Mother&rsquo...
Feature

‘The Happiest Day’: Joy in Kherson as Ukrainian Troops Re-Enter City

Russian troops withdrew from the right bank of the Dnipro River on Friday in a major military defeat for the Kremlin that led to scenes of jubilation in...