Today in History, Aug. 13

By The Moscow Times
Emperor Alexander I
191 years ago today, on Aug. 13, 1822, Emperor Alexander I signed an edict that banned secret societies and masonic lodges from operating in Russia. Despite the ban, the freemasons continued to meet  and counted a number of well-known personalities among their number, including Alexander Pushkin.

Read more

Extended detention

Russia's FSB Wants Alleged U.S. Spy Whelan to Be Held for 3 More Months – Interfax

Paul Whelan's arrest has heightened already-tense relations between the U.S. and Russia.
Open letter

200 Russian Journalists Protest 'Clampdown on Free Speech' After Kommersant Firings

The scandal was sparked Monday when two veteran journalists were fired over an article about a political reshuffle.
First steps

Ukraine’s Zelenskiy Asks U.S. for Stronger Anti-Russia Sanctions on First Day in Office

The new Ukrainian president's meeting with a U.S. delegation was one of his first foreign policy actions.
Opposition figure

Russian Police Detain Navalny Aide Over Nationwide Pension Protests

Leonid Volkov said he has been charged for his role in protesting Russia's contentious pension reform legislation.