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Arts & Life

In Photos: The New Year’s Traditions of Russia’s Indigenous Peoples

Indigenous and minority communities have made an effort to revive their ancestral traditions of greeting the new year since the Soviet collapse.

Animated Putin Appears in Children’s Cartoon ‘Prostokvashino’

The animated Putin is voiced by actor Dmitry Grachev, known for his parody of the Russian leader on the show Comedy Club.
1 Min read

‘Moscow Does Not Believe in Tears’ Star Vera Alentova Dies at 83

Alentova rose to international fame for her portrayal of Katerina Tikhonova in the 1979 film, which won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film...
2 Min read

Russian Streaming Platforms Censor Pro-Kremlin Director’s Oscar-Winning Film

At least two online cinemas have cut scenes from Nikita Mikhalkov’s Oscar-winning 1994 drama “Burnt by the Sun.”
1 Min read
Feature

‘Dogs of War Go to Heaven’: The Russian Rappers Celebrating the Military

Rap Platoon is one of a handful of musical acts that have been producing patriotic, pro-war music. Experts say they're unlikely to make it big.
4 Min read

Russian Spy Chief Unveils Monument to Iconic Soviet TV Series

First aired in 1973, “Seventeen Moments of Spring” follows the exploits of the fictional Soviet spy Stirlitz, a mole operating inside Nazi Germany’s...
1 Min read

3 Russia-Themed, Anti-War Films Shortlisted for Oscars

Film critics said the shortlisting of the three films sent a clear anti-war, anti-authoritarian message.
3 Min read

Julia Ioffe’s Debut ‘Motherland’ Tells the Story of Russia Through its Women

Ioffe discusses the Soviet feminist experiment, the differences between Western and Russian feminism, the lessons we can learn from the women in “Motherland”...
9 Min read

Is Cheburashka a Soviet Jew? Budget Hearing Re-Ignites Debate Over Cartoon’s Origins

A State Duma lawmaker postulated that Cheburashka, who first appeared in a crate of oranges, was an Israeli Jew. The debate quickly went viral.
2 Min read

In Photos: The Works of Conceptual Artist Erik Bulatov

Bulatov was a leading figure of the Soviet pop art scene, bending figurative imagery with slogans and text to challenge state propaganda.
1 Min read

Russian Artist Erik Bulatov Dies at 92

Bulatov emerged in the 1970s as a leading figure of the Soviet pop art scene, bending figurative imagery with slogans and text to challenge state propaganda...
1 Min read

In Photos: Muscovites Celebrate Halloween in Defiance of Officials

Although officials and the Russian Orthodox Church discourage it, many Muscovites celebrated the holiday anyway.
1 Min read

St. Petersburg Street Musician Jailed Again Over Viral Anti-Putin Performance

Members of the group Stoptime were arrested shortly after being released from their first sentences.
2 Min read
Feature

Sensing War Fatigue, Kremlin Exploits Music Festivals to Subtly Cultivate Patriotism

Nearly four years into the war, officials are using cultural roots and entertainment to foster patriotism instead of overtly militaristic propaganda.
5 Min read

Singing These Songs in Russia Could Land You in Jail

Stoptime rose to viral fame this fall with its performances of popular anti-Putin and anti-war anthems in St. Petersburg. Its members are now in jail.
3 Min read

Soviet Legend Vysotsky’s Death Mask Cast to Be Sold at Auction

The bronze mask is part of a sale featuring more than 200 works of Russian and Eastern European art dating to the 19th century.
1 Min read

Prominent Russian Culinary Historian Hit With Criminal Charges for ‘Army Fakes’

Pavel Syutkin has published several books on the history of Russian and Soviet cuisine and hosted television and radio programs devoted to the history...
2 Min read
opinion Yan Levchenko

Russia's Eurovision Rip-Off Exposes Kremlin's Delusions of Cultural Grandeur

Russia was overshadowed at its own party — and ended up with a winner that many pro-war patriots think should be behind bars.
6 Min read

Catherine Merridale Digs Into Stalin-Era History With Detective Novel ‘Moscow Underground’

The author and historian discusses the power of fiction to explore the Stalinist period, creating complex characters and navigating contested historical...
8 Min read
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