https://www.themoscowtimes.com/opinion The Moscow Times offers everything you need to know about Russia: Breaking news, top stories, business, analysis, opinion, multimedia en-us Fri, 21 Aug 2026 20:51:52 +0300 600 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/21/theres-a-better-way-to-measure-how-much-russians-support-putin-a93558 Most polls just measure the ability of Russians to pick the safest answer. But when questions are more open-ended, they are more skeptical. Fri, 21 Aug 2026 19:16:54 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/21/theres-a-better-way-to-measure-how-much-russians-support-putin-a93558 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/20/tear-down-the-wall-of-silence-around-negotiations-to-end-russia-ukraine-war-a93533 Confidentiality often helps diplomacy. But it also protects the parties from accountability rather than the talks from disruption. Thu, 20 Aug 2026 14:01:59 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/20/tear-down-the-wall-of-silence-around-negotiations-to-end-russia-ukraine-war-a93533 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/17/putin-revealed-his-true-intentions-with-japan-by-visiting-disputed-islands-a93511 The Russian president's visit to the Kuril Islands is a strategic blunder in Moscow's rarely straightforward relationship with Tokyo. Mon, 17 Aug 2026 16:55:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/17/putin-revealed-his-true-intentions-with-japan-by-visiting-disputed-islands-a93511 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/14/what-did-russias-opposition-do-when-yabloko-was-thrown-off-the-ballot-keep-fighting-itself-a93478 The exclusion of the anti-war Yabloko party from State Duma elections has become yet another catalyst for infighting among Russia's opposition. Fri, 14 Aug 2026 19:57:03 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/14/what-did-russias-opposition-do-when-yabloko-was-thrown-off-the-ballot-keep-fighting-itself-a93478 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/13/how-russias-obsession-with-economic-stability-made-it-weaker-a93482 For decades, Western observers thought Russia's economy was going from strength to strength. But it was creating its own weaknesses. Thu, 13 Aug 2026 18:02:12 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/13/how-russias-obsession-with-economic-stability-made-it-weaker-a93482 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/11/soviet-dissidents-understood-what-russias-exiled-opposition-has-forgotten-a93458 Russia's opposition appear uncomfortable with what defeating Russia and supporting Ukraine would mean. Their Soviet predecessors were more clear-eyed. Tue, 11 Aug 2026 18:08:12 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/11/soviet-dissidents-understood-what-russias-exiled-opposition-has-forgotten-a93458 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/10/russias-state-duma-elections-are-for-show-but-theyre-still-worth-paying-attention-to-a93448 It's tempting to dismiss the need to pay attention to the elections this September. But if they weren't important, the Kremlin wouldn't hold them. Mon, 10 Aug 2026 18:41:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/10/russias-state-duma-elections-are-for-show-but-theyre-still-worth-paying-attention-to-a93448 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/07/russias-exiled-opposition-wants-whats-best-for-europe-its-a-better-future-for-russia-too-a93435 If Europe wants to remain secure when Putin is gone, it needs to think about the very Russians it is building walls to keep out. Fri, 07 Aug 2026 17:11:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/07/russias-exiled-opposition-wants-whats-best-for-europe-its-a-better-future-for-russia-too-a93435 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/06/ukraine-cant-bomb-russians-into-opposing-putin-a93432 History shows that countries under attack are more likely to be galvanized than demoralized. That appears to be happening in Russia today. Thu, 06 Aug 2026 18:44:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/06/ukraine-cant-bomb-russians-into-opposing-putin-a93432 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/05/tokayevs-warning-to-putin-was-about-more-than-ukraine-a93420 Kazakhstan tries to balance relations with Russia and other major powers. But the economic risk of the war meant the president had to speak out. Wed, 05 Aug 2026 17:44:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/05/tokayevs-warning-to-putin-was-about-more-than-ukraine-a93420 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/04/spider-man-shows-the-folly-of-ukraines-cultural-boycott-a93408 Art is supposed to unite people. But even three seconds of music from a famously anti-war Russian singer was too much for Ukraine. Tue, 04 Aug 2026 16:49:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/04/spider-man-shows-the-folly-of-ukraines-cultural-boycott-a93408 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/03/putin-can-learn-3-big-lessons-from-world-war-one-a93402 The war in Ukraine is often compared to the trenches and desolate landscapes of World War I. But there are political parallels, as well. Mon, 03 Aug 2026 18:32:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/03/putin-can-learn-3-big-lessons-from-world-war-one-a93402 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/31/when-corporate-culture-works-in-memory-of-derk-sauer-a93384 The Moscow Times' survival is primarily thanks to the professionalism and corporate culture that Derk fostered, publisher Alexander Gubsky writes. Fri, 31 Jul 2026 12:53:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/31/when-corporate-culture-works-in-memory-of-derk-sauer-a93384 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/30/when-us-russia-cooperation-worked-and-why-its-collapse-still-matters-a93377 Russian and American law enforcement regularly worked together to solve serious crimes. Without cooperation, instability will continue. Thu, 30 Jul 2026 18:38:55 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/30/when-us-russia-cooperation-worked-and-why-its-collapse-still-matters-a93377 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/29/where-can-russia-find-more-money-for-war-a93371 Economists in Russia said on condition of anonymity that banks can only keep up their staring contest with the Finance Ministry for so long. Wed, 29 Jul 2026 18:04:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/29/where-can-russia-find-more-money-for-war-a93371 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/28/russian-propaganda-is-getting-worse-as-the-war-drags-on-a93358 Propagandists are out of ideas for how to convince Russians to fight for victory when their skies are filled with smoke from drone strikes. Tue, 28 Jul 2026 18:07:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/28/russian-propaganda-is-getting-worse-as-the-war-drags-on-a93358 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/24/washingtons-war-on-the-international-criminal-court-is-a-gift-to-the-kremlin-a93310 I watched Moscow dismiss international courts as politicized institutions interfering with national sovereignty. America learned the wrong lesson. Fri, 24 Jul 2026 18:00:21 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/24/washingtons-war-on-the-international-criminal-court-is-a-gift-to-the-kremlin-a93310 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/23/moscow-shows-little-faith-in-the-potential-of-russian-children-a93326 From the Kremlin's perspective, every ruble spent educating a teenager who ends up unemployed — or an art historian — is a ruble not spent on the war. Thu, 23 Jul 2026 17:42:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/23/moscow-shows-little-faith-in-the-potential-of-russian-children-a93326 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/21/is-clavicular-russias-next-useful-idiot-a93298 Like with the women of Paris and Tel Aviv, Clavicular will find that ordinary Russian women have no time for him. But Moscow may see an opportunity. Tue, 21 Jul 2026 18:20:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/21/is-clavicular-russias-next-useful-idiot-a93298 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/20/i-am-wanted-by-russia-the-consequences-follow-me-everywhere-a93289 Being convicted in absentia brings the most frightening part of your life into ordinary situations that should have nothing to do with politics. Mon, 20 Jul 2026 15:50:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/20/i-am-wanted-by-russia-the-consequences-follow-me-everywhere-a93289 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/16/even-if-ukraine-doesnt-recapture-crimea-kyiv-has-damaged-russias-credibility-a93270 The annexation of Crimea was integral to the myth of strength Putin created. But recent months show how fragile that propaganda was. Thu, 16 Jul 2026 17:47:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/16/even-if-ukraine-doesnt-recapture-crimea-kyiv-has-damaged-russias-credibility-a93270 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/15/russias-gas-industry-is-dying-a-slow-but-occasionally-explosive-death-a93257 Sanctions lost Russia its biggest market for gas and threaten the industry's sustainability. That was a problem before the drone attacks started. Wed, 15 Jul 2026 18:46:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/15/russias-gas-industry-is-dying-a-slow-but-occasionally-explosive-death-a93257 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/14/russias-billionaires-face-a-dilemma-putin-threatens-and-protects-their-wealth-a93243 A controversial interview with Andrey Melnichenko in The Ecnonomist unwittingly illustrates why Russia's super-rich won't abandon Putin. Tue, 14 Jul 2026 17:29:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/14/russias-billionaires-face-a-dilemma-putin-threatens-and-protects-their-wealth-a93243 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/10/the-unbearable-triviality-of-canceling-a-russian-cartoon-a93218 The disproportionate outrage over an annoying Russian-made show for preschoolers makes a mockery of a serious war. Fri, 10 Jul 2026 18:21:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/10/the-unbearable-triviality-of-canceling-a-russian-cartoon-a93218 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/08/with-abkhazia-and-south-ossetia-russia-holds-a-poisoned-chalice-a93194 More than one Kremlin envoy overseeing the territories has lost their job after failing to deliver results. Will Sergei Kiriyenko be any different? Wed, 08 Jul 2026 16:01:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/08/with-abkhazia-and-south-ossetia-russia-holds-a-poisoned-chalice-a93194 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/06/how-did-the-soviet-security-state-outlive-the-ussr-look-to-dzerzhinsky-for-clues-a93126 The ideas of the Cheka's founder still shape how many post-Soviet states wield power. Mon, 06 Jul 2026 18:56:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/06/how-did-the-soviet-security-state-outlive-the-ussr-look-to-dzerzhinsky-for-clues-a93126 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/01/russias-stock-market-is-the-best-measure-of-russias-problems-the-signs-arent-good-a93139 Unlike a traditional poll, the stock market shows the real-time confidence of thousands of investors who aren't convinced by Putin's bluster. Wed, 01 Jul 2026 18:02:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/01/russias-stock-market-is-the-best-measure-of-russias-problems-the-signs-arent-good-a93139 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/30/how-russias-neighbors-learned-to-stop-worrying-and-love-the-bomb-a93134 Nuclear weapons don't make the world a better place. But in our region, their absence may make war more likely. Tue, 30 Jun 2026 18:00:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/30/how-russias-neighbors-learned-to-stop-worrying-and-love-the-bomb-a93134 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/29/the-world-shouldnt-be-confused-when-russians-shrug-off-a-crisis-a93120 Too many Russia-watchers have their judgment colored by wishful thinking, leaving them surprised when Russians don't panic at the latest crisis. Mon, 29 Jun 2026 15:31:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/29/the-world-shouldnt-be-confused-when-russians-shrug-off-a-crisis-a93120 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/26/russia-helps-the-western-far-right-feel-at-home-a93112 It's easy to overlook how powerful it is when Russia welcomes in the Western far-right and makes them feel that they are not alone. Fri, 26 Jun 2026 21:57:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/26/russia-helps-the-western-far-right-feel-at-home-a93112 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/25/how-viktor-tsois-songs-became-anthems-of-protest-and-propaganda-in-putins-russia-a93098 Supporters and opponents of the Kremlin only agree on a few things — and the iconic status and emotional resonance of Kino’s music is one of them. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 17:00:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/25/how-viktor-tsois-songs-became-anthems-of-protest-and-propaganda-in-putins-russia-a93098 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/24/why-does-putin-fiddle-while-russia-burns-thats-how-the-system-works-a93083 Prioritizing the security services over civilians and deflecting accountability are the product of a system built to protect those at the top. Wed, 24 Jun 2026 17:54:33 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/24/why-does-putin-fiddle-while-russia-burns-thats-how-the-system-works-a93083 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/23/did-the-international-criminal-court-just-ease-restrictions-on-putin-a93078 It sounds like a capitulation, but allowing Putin to travel to hypothetical peace talks in Switzerland is necessary pragmatism for peace. Tue, 23 Jun 2026 17:59:02 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/23/did-the-international-criminal-court-just-ease-restrictions-on-putin-a93078 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/22/europe-should-beat-russia-at-its-own-nationalization-game-a93072 In Ireland and Finland, businesses linked to Russian elites have slipped through the net of sanctions. Nationalizing them could be the solution. Mon, 22 Jun 2026 17:20:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/22/europe-should-beat-russia-at-its-own-nationalization-game-a93072 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/19/you-attacked-the-home-of-a-very-high-ranking-individual-in-britain-what-the-starmer-fires-reveal-about-russias-international-sabotage-campaign-a93056 The trial of two Ukrainian-born men recruited for "gig economy sabotage" gave valuable insights into how Russian handlers are refining their tactics. Fri, 19 Jun 2026 19:32:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/19/you-attacked-the-home-of-a-very-high-ranking-individual-in-britain-what-the-starmer-fires-reveal-about-russias-international-sabotage-campaign-a93056 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/18/russias-fuel-shortages-are-manageable-but-the-kremlins-options-are-shrinking-a93046 Ukrainian drone strikes haven't caused a nationwide fuel crisis yet. But pressure on supply is accumulating rapidly. Thu, 18 Jun 2026 16:14:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/18/russias-fuel-shortages-are-manageable-but-the-kremlins-options-are-shrinking-a93046 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/17/roman-abramovich-can-talk-to-moscow-and-kyiv-but-he-cant-change-putins-mind-a93013 The sanctioned billionaire is an unlikely backchannel between Russia and Ukraine, having brokered prisoner swaps and grain export deals. Wed, 17 Jun 2026 17:35:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/17/roman-abramovich-can-talk-to-moscow-and-kyiv-but-he-cant-change-putins-mind-a93013 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/17/a-decades-old-split-in-russian-islam-risks-resurrecting-soviet-style-religious-control-a93028 The wartime crackdown on clerics linked to Ravil Gainutdin suggests that even loyal religious autonomy is becoming intolerable. Wed, 17 Jun 2026 13:22:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/17/a-decades-old-split-in-russian-islam-risks-resurrecting-soviet-style-religious-control-a93028 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/15/when-russia-puts-on-a-show-some-in-the-west-buy-it-a93019 Organizers at the 2026 "Russian Davos" pulled out all the stops to convince visitors it's business as usual in Russia. In some cases, it worked. Mon, 15 Jun 2026 18:21:42 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/15/when-russia-puts-on-a-show-some-in-the-west-buy-it-a93019 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/12/some-georgians-think-russia-just-annexed-part-of-their-country-a93004 A new law allowing Russian officials to hold office in South Ossetia is sparking fears that Moscow is expanding control over the region. Fri, 12 Jun 2026 18:54:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/12/some-georgians-think-russia-just-annexed-part-of-their-country-a93004 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/10/spief-2026-was-a-tragicomic-encapsulation-of-russias-economic-quagmire-a92972 You couldn't ignore the thick black smoke that hung over proceedings — though people tried — rather like Russia's weakened economy. Wed, 10 Jun 2026 15:49:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/10/spief-2026-was-a-tragicomic-encapsulation-of-russias-economic-quagmire-a92972 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/09/how-a-few-thousand-votes-could-have-stopped-putins-rise-to-power-a92962 Putin may have stayed in St. Petersburg if the 1996 electoral defeat of his political mentor hadn't propelled him to pursue a career in Moscow. Tue, 09 Jun 2026 17:52:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/09/how-a-few-thousand-votes-could-have-stopped-putins-rise-to-power-a92962 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/08/why-is-the-russian-orthodox-church-encouraging-people-to-volunteer-in-occupied-ukraine-a92956 Disguising contract military service as volunteering or paid work opportunities is not unheard of. Mon, 08 Jun 2026 18:21:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/08/why-is-the-russian-orthodox-church-encouraging-people-to-volunteer-in-occupied-ukraine-a92956 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/05/japan-must-stop-its-embarrassing-embrace-of-kremlin-cultural-projects-a92923 Tokyo may have condemned the invasion of Ukraine, but it remains naive about the political ramifications of the Festival of Russian Culture in Japan. Fri, 05 Jun 2026 18:33:08 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/05/japan-must-stop-its-embarrassing-embrace-of-kremlin-cultural-projects-a92923 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/04/putin-dishes-out-economic-warfare-but-cant-take-it-a92928 Ahead of Armenia's crucial election this weekend, Russia has banned a growing list of imports on spurious grounds. It's a familiar playbook. Thu, 04 Jun 2026 17:00:38 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/04/putin-dishes-out-economic-warfare-but-cant-take-it-a92928 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/03/normalizing-relations-with-belarus-would-be-a-mistake-a92891 Some exiled critics of the Belarusian government have started to suggest that the West could use Lukashenko to change the system. They're wrong. Wed, 03 Jun 2026 17:27:01 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/03/normalizing-relations-with-belarus-would-be-a-mistake-a92891 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/02/reports-of-russias-collapse-are-greatly-exaggerated-a92903 A cottage industry of articles and even books predicting Russia's collapse has sprung from a lack of imagination and expertise. Tue, 02 Jun 2026 17:43:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/02/reports-of-russias-collapse-are-greatly-exaggerated-a92903 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/29/the-kremlin-fears-academics-because-theyre-antithetical-to-autocracy-a92874 Science cannot uncover the truth when constrained by ideology. It's a problem afflicting academics in Russia, but also the United States. Fri, 29 May 2026 19:27:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/29/the-kremlin-fears-academics-because-theyre-antithetical-to-autocracy-a92874 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/27/as-the-world-speculates-heres-what-russians-are-actually-talking-about-a92862 While headlines fixate on Putin's popularity and support for the war, many Russians spend more time talking about travel and online shopping. Wed, 27 May 2026 17:43:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/27/as-the-world-speculates-heres-what-russians-are-actually-talking-about-a92862 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/26/central-asia-is-done-with-letting-moscow-write-its-history-a92847 Russia likes to believe that its colonization of Central Asia civilized and modernized the region. But local scholars no longer accept that narrative. Tue, 26 May 2026 17:46:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/26/central-asia-is-done-with-letting-moscow-write-its-history-a92847