https://www.themoscowtimes.com/news The Moscow Times offers everything you need to know about Russia: Breaking news, top stories, business, analysis, opinion, multimedia en-us Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:08:43 +0300 600 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/25/regions-calling-as-fuel-crisis-widens-russias-regions-brace-for-the-worst-a93073 Fuel shortages triggered by Ukrainian attacks on oil refineries and supply networks are transforming lives across Russia’s regions. What comes next? Thu, 25 Jun 2026 18:55:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/25/regions-calling-as-fuel-crisis-widens-russias-regions-brace-for-the-worst-a93073 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/25/russia-orders-closure-of-romanian-consulate-in-st-petersburg-a93101 The move comes after Russia’s Consulate General in the Romanian city of Constanta was closed last month following a drone crash in the country. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 18:00:36 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/25/russia-orders-closure-of-romanian-consulate-in-st-petersburg-a93101 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/25/rubio-denies-russian-claims-of-ukraine-peace-agreement-at-alaska-summit-a93100 “There was a proposal in Alaska, but there was no agreement. If there had been an agreement, we would have had an end of the war,” Rubio said. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 17:39:56 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/25/rubio-denies-russian-claims-of-ukraine-peace-agreement-at-alaska-summit-a93100 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/25/venezuela-thanks-putin-for-solidarity-and-support-after-deadly-quakes-a93097 Wednesday night’s 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes were among the strongest to strike Venezuela in more than a century.  Thu, 25 Jun 2026 16:04:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/25/venezuela-thanks-putin-for-solidarity-and-support-after-deadly-quakes-a93097 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/25/france-intercepts-shadow-fleet-tanker-near-sicily-a93096 The vessel, which was flying a Cameroonian flag and sailing from Russia's Baltic port of Primorsk, was boarded by French forces due to doubts over the validity of its registration. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 15:26:44 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/25/france-intercepts-shadow-fleet-tanker-near-sicily-a93096 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/25/vk-accuses-apple-of-removing-apps-from-app-store-a93094 VK warned iPhone users that they will no longer receive push notifications for its suite of apps, which includes the social media platforms VKontakte and Odnoklassniki. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:14:40 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/25/vk-accuses-apple-of-removing-apps-from-app-store-a93094 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/25/israels-el-al-suspends-moscow-flights-as-drone-attacks-disrupt-air-traffic-a93095 A scheduled S7 Airlines flight from Tel Aviv to Moscow, due to depart at the same time as EL AL's Flight LY611 on Thursday morning, was also canceled. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 12:54:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/25/israels-el-al-suspends-moscow-flights-as-drone-attacks-disrupt-air-traffic-a93095 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/25/yabloko-deputy-leader-jailed-7-years-for-war-fakes-a93093 Maxim Kruglov, a former Moscow city councilman, was arrested in October over social media posts from April 2022 discussing civilian deaths following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 12:04:28 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/25/yabloko-deputy-leader-jailed-7-years-for-war-fakes-a93093 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/25/ukrainian-attacks-on-bryansk-region-and-annexed-crimea-kill-at-least-4-a93092 The overnight air barrage was also said to have targeted multiple industrial sites across Russia, including an oil depot and refinery. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 11:34:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/25/ukrainian-attacks-on-bryansk-region-and-annexed-crimea-kill-at-least-4-a93092 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/24/csto-warns-of-rising-border-tensions-following-zelenskys-ultimatum-to-belarus-a93091 Zelensky warned last week that his military would strike ground stations in Belarus if it continues to allow Russia to use them. Wed, 24 Jun 2026 18:21:45 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/24/csto-warns-of-rising-border-tensions-following-zelenskys-ultimatum-to-belarus-a93091 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/24/moscow-oil-refinery-unlikely-to-resume-production-until-2027-reuters-a93088 “It will take at least half a year to repair,” an industry source said of the damage to the refinery, which was attacked twice this month. Wed, 24 Jun 2026 16:44:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/24/moscow-oil-refinery-unlikely-to-resume-production-until-2027-reuters-a93088 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/24/state-duma-passes-bill-delaying-vat-tax-hikes-for-small-businesses-a93087 Under the legislation, small businesses using Russia’s simplified tax system would only have to pay the national value-added tax if their revenue exceeds $260,000. Wed, 24 Jun 2026 14:40:44 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/24/state-duma-passes-bill-delaying-vat-tax-hikes-for-small-businesses-a93087 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/24/russian-government-weighs-total-ban-on-diesel-exports-a93086 Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak described the situation in the domestic fuel market as “challenging but under control.” Wed, 24 Jun 2026 12:40:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/24/russian-government-weighs-total-ban-on-diesel-exports-a93086 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/24/ukrainian-drone-attack-kills-2-in-nizhny-novgorod-region-a93082 Governor Gleb Nikitin said two others were hospitalized with injuries, though he did not specify where or when the attack took place. Wed, 24 Jun 2026 11:07:46 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/24/ukrainian-drone-attack-kills-2-in-nizhny-novgorod-region-a93082 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/23/lavrov-says-us-not-objective-mediator-in-ukraine-a93081 Separately, President Vladimir Putin said Europe was "openly" preparing for war through its massive rearmament program — which is being urged on by Trump. Tue, 23 Jun 2026 18:34:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/23/lavrov-says-us-not-objective-mediator-in-ukraine-a93081 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/23/former-aeroflot-ceo-arrested-in-moscow-reports-say-a93080 Mikhail Poluboyarinov headed Aeroflot from November 2020 to March 2022, stepping down from the airline shortly after the European Union sanctioned him. Tue, 23 Jun 2026 18:02:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/23/former-aeroflot-ceo-arrested-in-moscow-reports-say-a93080 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/23/former-belgorod-governor-gladkov-nominated-as-abkhazia-envoy-a93079 Vyacheslav Gladkov stepped down as governor of the Belgorod region in May. Tue, 23 Jun 2026 17:25:56 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/23/former-belgorod-governor-gladkov-nominated-as-abkhazia-envoy-a93079 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/23/as-wartime-slump-deepens-russias-construction-sector-is-on-shaky-ground-a93049 The slowdown, which has been described as the industry’s "most serious stress test since the 2009 crisis," risks affecting the broader economy. Tue, 23 Jun 2026 16:35:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/23/as-wartime-slump-deepens-russias-construction-sector-is-on-shaky-ground-a93049 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/23/south-ossetian-leader-steps-down-to-become-putin-adviser-a93077 The leadership shuffle comes on the heels of an agreement ratified last month by Putin, which seeks to align South Ossetia’s laws closer to Russia’s. Tue, 23 Jun 2026 15:56:31 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/23/south-ossetian-leader-steps-down-to-become-putin-adviser-a93077 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/23/kremlin-assures-macroeconomic-stability-despite-volatility-in-energy-markets-a93076 Top spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia’s macroeconomic stability is “not a matter of doubt for anyone.” Tue, 23 Jun 2026 13:49:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/23/kremlin-assures-macroeconomic-stability-despite-volatility-in-energy-markets-a93076 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/23/rare-tornado-hits-city-in-russias-ural-mountains-a93075 Dozens of homes were completely leveled and at least 16 people were injured, local officials said. Tue, 23 Jun 2026 11:25:56 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/23/rare-tornado-hits-city-in-russias-ural-mountains-a93075 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/22/inside-the-ukrainian-deep-strike-campaign-that-has-moscow-on-the-back-foot-a93061 MT verified and analyzed four recent attacks deep in the Russian interior, including last week’s record strikes on Moscow. Mon, 22 Jun 2026 18:30:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/22/inside-the-ukrainian-deep-strike-campaign-that-has-moscow-on-the-back-foot-a93061 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/22/russian-stocks-plunge-to-lowest-level-since-march-2023-a93071 The benchmark MOEX index tumbled more over 4% in the afternoon trading session on Monday. Mon, 22 Jun 2026 17:12:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/22/russian-stocks-plunge-to-lowest-level-since-march-2023-a93071 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/22/ukraine-strikes-electronics-plant-in-voronezh-killing-at-least-5-a93069 Ukraine’s military claimed the manufacturing plant in southern Russia produces electronic components for the Russian armed forces. Mon, 22 Jun 2026 16:07:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/22/ukraine-strikes-electronics-plant-in-voronezh-killing-at-least-5-a93069 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/22/russian-antitrust-service-enlists-e-commerce-sites-to-block-speculative-fuel-resales-a93068 Avito has temporarily hidden all fuel-trading ads, while online marketplaces Ozon and Wildberries have banned gasoline sales outright. Mon, 22 Jun 2026 14:07:38 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/22/russian-antitrust-service-enlists-e-commerce-sites-to-block-speculative-fuel-resales-a93068 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/22/crimea-bans-childrens-summer-camps-after-major-ukrainian-attack-a93067 The annexed peninsula is grappling with intensifying Ukrainian air assaults, power outages and acute fuel shortages. Mon, 22 Jun 2026 12:25:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/22/crimea-bans-childrens-summer-camps-after-major-ukrainian-attack-a93067 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/22/moscow-airports-temporarily-suspend-flights-amid-latest-drone-assault-a93066 The overnight strikes come just days after the Russian capital faced its largest air raid since the start of the war. Mon, 22 Jun 2026 10:58:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/22/moscow-airports-temporarily-suspend-flights-amid-latest-drone-assault-a93066 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/21/ukrainian-strikes-on-russian-annexed-crimea-kill-4-pause-fuel-sales-a93065 Ukraine said it targeted military and energy facilities in Crimea in one of the biggest attacks on the peninsula in recent months. Sun, 21 Jun 2026 13:06:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/21/ukrainian-strikes-on-russian-annexed-crimea-kill-4-pause-fuel-sales-a93065 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/21/russian-strikes-kill-three-in-eastern-ukraine-a93064 Russian attacks killed three people in the Dnipropetrovsk and Poltava regions. Sun, 21 Jun 2026 11:22:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/21/russian-strikes-kill-three-in-eastern-ukraine-a93064 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/20/woman-killed-in-stabbing-spree-in-krasnodar-mall-a93063 The 19-year-old suspect has been apprehended and will undergo a psychiatric examination. Sat, 20 Jun 2026 19:21:34 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/20/woman-killed-in-stabbing-spree-in-krasnodar-mall-a93063 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/20/russian-strike-kills-1-wounds-9-in-kharkiv-a93062 The attack came two day after Ukraine launched its largest drone attack of the war against Moscow. Sat, 20 Jun 2026 13:52:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/20/russian-strike-kills-1-wounds-9-in-kharkiv-a93062 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/19/russia-went-from-world-cup-host-to-football-outcast-or-did-it-a93058 As Russia misses another World Cup, its players find new opportunities abroad and officials quietly discuss a return to international football. Fri, 19 Jun 2026 19:21:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/19/russia-went-from-world-cup-host-to-football-outcast-or-did-it-a93058 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/19/chechen-businessman-buys-stake-in-gold-mining-company-at-final-auction-a93060 A construction company owned by Chechen-born billionaire Ruslan Baisarov was declared the winner of a fourth and final government auction to sell the Yuzhuralzoloto Group of Companies. Fri, 19 Jun 2026 17:05:55 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/19/chechen-businessman-buys-stake-in-gold-mining-company-at-final-auction-a93060 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/19/kremlin-praises-performance-of-russian-air-defenses-after-record-drone-attack-on-moscow-a93057 Several reports have suggested that stray air defense missiles may have been partly responsible for the destruction at an oil refinery near Moscow. Fri, 19 Jun 2026 16:23:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/19/kremlin-praises-performance-of-russian-air-defenses-after-record-drone-attack-on-moscow-a93057 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/19/russian-central-bank-slashes-key-rate-to-1425-a93053 The cut signals that policymakers remain cautious in lowering the key rate, as analysts had broadly expected a larger, 50-basis-point cut. Fri, 19 Jun 2026 14:55:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/19/russian-central-bank-slashes-key-rate-to-1425-a93053 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/19/penza-authorities-forcibly-mobilizing-men-into-military-reports-a93055 An NGO that helps Russian men avoid military service said it was contacted by several people in the city of Penza and nearby towns who described men being “rounded up indiscriminately.” Fri, 19 Jun 2026 13:50:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/19/penza-authorities-forcibly-mobilizing-men-into-military-reports-a93055 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/19/antitrust-service-investigating-moscow-gas-stations-for-possible-price-gouging-a93054 Neftmagistral and EuroTrans have until June 26 to submit pricing data to the Federal Anti-Monopoly Service for gasoline and diesel sales. Fri, 19 Jun 2026 11:34:11 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/19/antitrust-service-investigating-moscow-gas-stations-for-possible-price-gouging-a93054 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/18/russian-orthodox-church-to-seek-leniency-for-woman-jailed-over-easter-cake-hookah-a93052 A judge sentenced Ksenia Belousova to three years and 25 days in prison last month after finding her guilty of offending the feelings of religious believers. Thu, 18 Jun 2026 18:26:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/18/russian-orthodox-church-to-seek-leniency-for-woman-jailed-over-easter-cake-hookah-a93052 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/18/american-pastor-faces-deportation-from-russia-after-calling-on-churchgoers-to-pray-for-donald-trump-a93050 A court in Kamchatka ruled to hold Paul Guione in a detention center for foreigners awaiting deportation until Aug. 27. Thu, 18 Jun 2026 17:18:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/18/american-pastor-faces-deportation-from-russia-after-calling-on-churchgoers-to-pray-for-donald-trump-a93050 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/18/belarus-summons-ukrainian-envoy-after-drone-strike-on-belarusian-soccer-team-bus-a93048 Authorities in Minsk demanded that Ukraine carry out an “immediate and objective investigation” into the deadly attack and punish those responsible. Thu, 18 Jun 2026 14:53:41 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/18/belarus-summons-ukrainian-envoy-after-drone-strike-on-belarusian-soccer-team-bus-a93048 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/18/defect-in-oreshniks-soviet-era-guidance-system-causes-serious-accuracy-issues-report-a93045 The nuclear-capable missiles are reliant on 1970s-era technology to remain on course, risking them missing their targets by dozens of kilometers. Thu, 18 Jun 2026 13:39:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/18/defect-in-oreshniks-soviet-era-guidance-system-causes-serious-accuracy-issues-report-a93045 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/18/russia-and-ukraine-exchange-remains-of-over-550-fallen-soldiers-a93047 State Duma lawmaker Shamsail Saraliyev said Ukraine received 522 bodies of its soldiers while 33 were returned to Russia. Thu, 18 Jun 2026 13:19:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/18/russia-and-ukraine-exchange-remains-of-over-550-fallen-soldiers-a93047 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/18/moscow-court-places-businessman-ilya-traber-in-pre-trial-detention-in-contract-murder-case-a93044 Police sources told TASS that Traber potentially faces additional charges, as investigators look into separate allegations of fraud and money laundering. Thu, 18 Jun 2026 12:16:41 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/18/moscow-court-places-businessman-ilya-traber-in-pre-trial-detention-in-contract-murder-case-a93044 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/18/ukraine-sets-major-oil-refinery-ablaze-in-largest-ever-drone-attack-on-moscow-a93043 Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said “several drones” managed to strike the Gazprom Neft-operated refinery located just south of the capital. Thu, 18 Jun 2026 09:45:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/18/ukraine-sets-major-oil-refinery-ablaze-in-largest-ever-drone-attack-on-moscow-a93043 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/17/its-like-winning-at-roulette-war-quotas-squeeze-russian-students-out-of-free-university-spots-a93035 Students say university admissions quotas for soldiers and their families are making state-funded places harder to win on merit alone. Wed, 17 Jun 2026 20:00:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/17/its-like-winning-at-roulette-war-quotas-squeeze-russian-students-out-of-free-university-spots-a93035 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/17/dissident-russian-artists-shooting-in-poland-likely-political-murder-pm-tusk-a93039 "If it was commissioned by Russia, then this is also a very serious matter with an international dimension," Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said. Wed, 17 Jun 2026 18:56:52 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/17/dissident-russian-artists-shooting-in-poland-likely-political-murder-pm-tusk-a93039 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/17/eu-has-made-diplomatic-contacts-with-kremlin-official-says-a93041 Discussions on Europe re-engaging with Moscow have become louder amid deadlocked U.S. efforts to halt the war in Ukraine while Trump's attention has been consumed by Iran. Wed, 17 Jun 2026 18:33:11 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/17/eu-has-made-diplomatic-contacts-with-kremlin-official-says-a93041 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/17/irans-foreign-minister-briefs-russian-fm-lavrov-on-interim-deal-with-us-a93040 Sergei Lavrov expressed support for the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding, which is expected to be signed in Switzerland on Friday. Wed, 17 Jun 2026 18:24:55 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/17/irans-foreign-minister-briefs-russian-fm-lavrov-on-interim-deal-with-us-a93040 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/17/russian-railways-forms-task-force-to-address-fuel-shortages-a93038 The company highlighted growing concern over aviation fuel, noting that keeping Russian airports supplied has become a “zone of special attention” to “eliminate fuel shortages.” Wed, 17 Jun 2026 18:07:54 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/17/russian-railways-forms-task-force-to-address-fuel-shortages-a93038 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/17/white-house-allows-russian-oil-sanctions-waiver-to-expire-for-third-time-a93037 Trump said this week that his administration would “soon” be able to reimpose sanctions on Russian crude “because the oil is now flowing” through the Strait of Hormuz. Wed, 17 Jun 2026 16:44:30 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/17/white-house-allows-russian-oil-sanctions-waiver-to-expire-for-third-time-a93037