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Mikhail Gorbachev, Last Soviet Leader and Architect of Perestroika, Dies at 91

Admired in the West for his role in ending the Cold War, Gorbachev was a divisive figure at home.

A Flurry of Prosecutions for Racy Photos Reflects Russia’s Intensifying Embrace of ‘Traditional Values’

Several cases have been launched in recent weeks for posting provocative content near Russia's most famous religious landmarks.

Russia’s Cremation Business Sees Investment Boost as Covid Mortality Surges

Russians are increasingly choosing to cremate their loved ones rather than bury them, industry leaders told The Moscow Times.

Russians Flock to Travel Ahead of Nationwide Virus Restrictions

Bookings for tour packages to places like Turkey and Egypt have soared since the non-working period was announced.

Moscow Restaurateurs Prepare for Lockdown Losses

Rising numbers of Covid-19 deaths and cases have pushed city authorities to close restaurants for all but deliveries for 10 days.

Putin Approves Non-Working Week to Stem Virus Spread

The announcement comes after record levels of deaths and infections.

Russian Police Detain, Return Dagestani Women Fleeing Abuse

Rights groups say two women are in danger after authorities took them from a women’s refuge center and returned them to their families.

5 Million Russian Citizens Left Russia Under Putin

This outflow comes when Russia is using incentives to raise birth rates.

Russian ‘Drag Race’ Adaptation Ignores LGBT Issues, Activists Say

Activists accuse the show, hosted by blogger Nastya Ivleeva, of glossing over the challenging reality in which Russia’s LGBT community lives.

Russian Female Politicians Push to Encourage Women to Run for Office

Former Duma candidates Marina Litvinovich, Alyona Popova and Oksana Pushkina are launching a project to help women get elected to positions of power.

Migrant Rights Defender Flees to Armenia Following Russia Entry Ban

Valentina Chupik had expressed fears she could be jailed, tortured or killed if she were repatriated to Uzbekistan.

Russian Activist Crusades Against Domestic Violence in Duma Campaign

Alyona Popova’s parliamentary election campaign focuses on anti-abuse legislation in a country where victims have little or no protection.

‘You Can Do More From Abroad’: Belarusian Activists Face Exile in Protest Aftermath

With the Lukashenko regime still in power after a year of opposition protests, many are grappling with a difficult choice.

The Teenager Under Official Curfew for a Minor Act of Vandalism

“I am going to continue my political, human rights and public activism with increased zeal for as long as it takes.”

Sentenced to ‘Restricted Freedom,’ Opposition Activist Lyubov Sobol Vows to Keep Working

The ally of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny has been handed a court-ordered curfew and forced to end her bid for parliament.

Moscow Restaurants Struggle to Stay Afloat Under New Virus Restrictions

All the city's eateries now require diners to present QR codes showing vaccination, negative PCR tests or proof of recovery from Covid-19.

Muscovites Flock to Vaccination Centers Amid Mandatory Jab Push

The capital’s mayor decreed last week that most service workers must be fully vaccinated by Aug. 15.

A Russian Jehovah’s Witness Vows to Keep Worshipping Despite Crackdown

“We have never interfered in government affairs, either as revolutionaries or as rebels.”

Russian Congress Seeking Inspiration From Medieval History Is Quashed by Authorities

The crackdown is being seen as a sign that the Kremlin is playing closer attention to local power structures ahead of fall elections.

Pavel Durov Revealed – Almost – in New Documentary

How to make a film when your main character is a recluse.

Raided Investigative Journalist Says Russian Independent Media Is Under Threat

Roman Anin spoke to The Moscow Times after being questioned and having his home searched by the authorities.

Landmark Imperial-Era Moscow Grocery Store to Close After 120 Years

The Yeliseyevsky Food Emporium fell victim to the coronavirus pandemic and other economic pressures.

Russia to Deepen Ties With Myanmar Military Junta, Top Defense Official Says in First Visit After Coup

Experts told The Moscow Times that the visit showed that Russia is eager to cooperate with the military junta.

A Decade After Pussy Riot’s ‘Punk Prayer,’ Maria Alyokhina Still Has Plenty to Protest About

The activist may serve prison time for an Instagram post demanding the release of political prisoners following Alexei Navalny’s jailing.

‘We Need Our Government’: Surging Food Prices Put Kremlin on Edge

Food prices are rising fast in Russia and the government has rolled out temporary price caps, but discontent is simmering.

Branded Foreign Agents, Russia’s Domestic Violence Groups Fear for the Future

Activists say the crackdown is intensifying even as reports of abuse doubled with the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.

Explainer: What Is Russia’s Role in Recent Armenian Unrest?

Armenia has faced days of political crisis after its prime minister made controversial remarks on a Russian missile system.

Russian Pranksters Trick Amnesty Heads in Navalny 'Prisoner of Conscience' Call

"We may have done more harm than good," an Amnesty International official says on the call.

Authenticity Dispute Over Hermitage Fabergé Exhibit

The Hermitage is accused of displaying fake works by Fabergé at their major exhibition.

In Russia's Regions, Navalny Has Ignited Long-Simmering Discontent

Protests are spreading to regions that have historically stayed on the sidelines of the opposition movement.

Pro-Putin Corporate Culture Behind Viral ‘Flashmob’ Videos

Amid unprecedented protests criticizing Putin, thousands of Sima Land employees were filmed patriotic songs and chanting pro-Putin slogans.

Protests for Jailed Kremlin Critic Navalny Sweep Russia

Police clash with demonstrators in major cities and detain thousands.

Russia Detains Poisoned Kremlin Critic Navalny on Return to Home Soil

The opposition leader has spent months in Germany recovering from an attack with a poison Western experts concluded was Novichok.

Russian Women to Watch in 2021

The Moscow Times has compiled a list of Russian women likely to make a difference this year.

With Lake Baikal’s Key Protections Set to Expire, Russian Eco-Activists Sound the Alarm

Environmental experts and activists say upcoming deregulation could do significant harm to the lake's unique ecosystem.

Who’s Afraid of Jennifer Psaki?

With the Obama-era spokeswoman set to return in the Biden administration, Russian state television gets ready to revisit its old obsession.

Blame Climate Change for Historically Warm Fall in Russia’s Biggest Cities, Experts Say

Russia's two biggest cities will see warmer seasons over the next 10 years compared with the prior decade.