Opinion - The Moscow Times

Support The Moscow Times!

Contribute today

Sasha Skolichenko

Children Are Political Prisoners in Putin's Russia

The Kremlin refuses to release child political prisoners because they know it would cause ordinary people to question the regime.

What Does Regime Change in Syria Mean for Russian-Turkish Relations?

With the fall of Syria’s Moscow-supported regime, a large chunk of Russia’s leverage over Turkey is gone.

The IAEA Must Do More To Stand Up to Russia's Attacks on Nuclear Power Plants

The International Atomic Energy Agency relies on the support of UN member states, including Russia.

Russia’s New Year Holiday Turns Into a Countdown to Economic Crisis

Russians are scrambling to secure ingredients for classic holiday dishes as basic foodstuffs undergo double-digit price increases.

Russia’s Local Government Reform Will Destroy a Rare Channel for Letting Off Steam

Imminent changes will mean less interaction between officials and local residents, less money for small-town Russia and accelerated depopulation.

America’s Oligarchs Could Be Even More Powerful Than Russia’s

Though they came to power in different ways, the U.S.'s politically-connected elites are able to shape government like in the Russian 90s.

From Assad's Backer to His Sanctuary, Russia Has Been Humiliated

Despite failing to keep the brutal Syrian dictator in office, Russia still wants to show it is a loyal ally to authoritarian regimes across the globe.

Why Is Slovakia's Prime Minister Cozying Up to Putin?

There are signs that Robert Fico's affinity with Russia goes beyond rhetoric into policy.

Inna Bondarenko

Why Benedict Cumberbatch Narrating Navalny's Memoirs Matters

Showing support for Russia's democratic opposition can be unfashionable. But spreading Navalny's story is a reminder of what we fight for.

Alexander Shulga

Putin's Nuclear Threats Scare Russians Too

Just like with mobilization, Russians are uneasy when the war has the potential to affect them personally.

Timofei Martynenko

Why Russia's Opposition Must Not Abandon the Russian Flag

Anti-Kremlin activists have to show Russians that they stand for their dignity. Abandoning a familiar and unifying symbol undermines that.

Kazakhstan Must Break Free From its Economic Alliance With Russia

The Eurasian Economic Union means Kazakhstan suffers from the sanctions on Russia and even inadvertently funds the war. It's time to leave.

Alexei Gorinov’s Last Word in Court: ‘Let’s Stop This Bloody, Needless Massacre’

"Isn't it time to leave our neighbors alone and deal with our own snowballing domestic problems?"

Ireland Is Playing into the Kremlin's Hands With Its Pretense of Neutrality

In the eyes of Moscow, Ireland is already lending support to the Untied States and NATO. It should step off the sidelines and join the alliance.

How Should the West Respond to Russia’s Missile Threats?

It would be a mistake to believe that Russia's hostility would reduce or disappear if the West limited or withdrew its support to Ukraine.

Anton Zemlianyi

NGO Indifference to Ukrainian POWs Is as Deadly as Russian Weapons

The International Committee of the Red Cross has repeatedly failed to do its duty of protecting Ukrainian prisoners in Russian jails.

How Can the West Stop India Turning To Moscow? Use a Carrot, Not a Stick

India sees itself as aligned equally with Russia and the West. The U.S. and its allies should offer profitable alternatives to partnering with Moscow.

Russia’s Economy Is Spoiling as Putin Struggles to Balance Guns and Butter

With skyrocketing prices for basic goods and record high inflation, Russia is feeling the strain of its over-cooked war economy.

Nigel Gould-Davies

The Global Threat of Russia's International Partnerships

There are no clear limits on how far Moscow can push. But nor is there any sign that the West has the leadership to respond.

View more articles