The Moscow Times

Support The Moscow Times!

Contribute today

free speech debate

Russia Says Trump Ban a 'Nuclear Blast in Cyber Space'

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova called the social media ban "a blow against democratic values proclaimed by the West."

rights violations

Kiev Case vs. Moscow on Crimea 'Partly Admissible' – Europe Court

The European Court of Human Rights added that it was not ruling on whether the annexation of Crimea itself was illegal.

new year's address

Putin Urges Unity in 2021 as Second Wave Batters Russia

In his 17th New Year's address, Putin said he was convinced that together Russians could "overcome everything" and "restore normal life."

billed upon return

Putin Business Ally Vows to Pursue Libel Claim Against Navalny

Yevgeny Prigozhin's catering company is seeking $900,000 in damages after Navalny's foundation accused it of supplying sub-standard food to schools.

Opposition Leader

Russia Opens 'Fraud' Probe Against Navalny

Russian investigators on Tuesday opened a criminal probe into Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.

Moscow Expands List of German Officials Banned From Russia

The Russian Foreign Ministry said the expansion is a response to "destructive" EU sanctions imposed in October.

persona non grata

Russia Expels Bulgarian Diplomat in Tit-for-Tat Response

Bulgaria earlier this month expelled the Russian military attache after prosecutors opened a probe against him for spying on U.S. troops based in the country...

Russia Tops 3 Million Covid-19 Infections

Since winter began, each week has brought new records for new cases and deaths.

British Cold War Double Agent George Blake Dies in Moscow

During his time as a double agent, Blake passed some of the most coveted British secrets to the Soviets.

pre-election tensions

Russian Role in C.Africa Grows Ahead of Weekend Vote

Russia has sent arms and is an open supporter of incumbent President Faustin Archange Touadera who is on course to win a second term on Sunday.

seeking stability

Russia Sent '300 Military Instructors' to C.Africa – Ministry

Russia "promptly responded" to a request from CAR's government after an alleged attempted coup ahead of upcoming elections.

Russia Announces Travel Bans Against EU Officials Over Navalny

The EU previously sanctioned several Russian officials over the opposition figure's poisoning by Novichok.

Navalny Call With Suspected Agent a 'Provocation': FSB

Navalny said he tricked one of the FSB officers linked to his poisoning into outlining the details of the operation in a phone call.

Russia Says 'Not Sending Troops' to C.Africa

The CAR government said earlier Monday that Russia, along with Rwanda, had sent in hundreds of troops to the country.

historic breach

Russia Denies Role in U.S. Cyber Attacks

Russia has been widely blamed for the hack that reportedly affected U.S. government agencies including the Treasury.

political unrest

Kremlin Voices 'Serious Concern' Over C.Africa Crisis

Reports earlier Monday said that Russia had dispatched "hundreds" of troops to the impoverished country.

2 Russian Men Get Jail Sentences for Euro 2016 Attack

The men were given jail terms of three years and 10 years over the beating that left an English football fan with a brain injury.

breached defenses

U.S. Government Confirms Cyberattack After Reports of Russia-Linked Hacking

U.S. media reports said the FBI was investigating a group working for the Russian foreign intelligence service, SVR.

espionage accusation

Dutch Expel 2 Russian Diplomats for Spying – Intelligence Service

The Dutch intelligence service said the two Russians were part of a spy network targeting hi-tech industries.

clampdown on dissent

Russia's Expanded Foreign Agents Bill Passes First Reading

Any individual could be deemed a foreign agent if they receive material or monetary support from abroad under the changes.

St. Petersburg Eyes Virus Lockdown Amid Record Deaths

One of Russia's most popular tourist destinations, St. Petersburg is now struggling with a major health crisis.

Russia Says Venezuela Election 'Transparent'

President Nicolas Maduro won total control of the country in polls boycotted by the opposition and widely criticized by other international powers.

ongoing opposition

Belarus Opposition Rallies in Scattered Protests

More than 100 people have reportedly been detained so far.

international inoculations

Kazakhstan to Launch Production of Russian Vaccine

Ex-Soviet Kazakhstan backs Russia's Sputnik V vaccine.

Key Belarus Opposition Figure Charged With Graft and Fraud

Viktor Babaryko was considered President Alexander Lukashenko's strongest election rival until his June arrest.

cause for concern

Putin 'Alarmed' by Russia's Spike in Virus Deaths

"It is completely unacceptable to pretend that all is fine," he said.

Russia Sees Record Daily Virus Deaths as Regions Struggle

Excess death figures suggest that the actual number of fatalities could be much higher.

outside perspective

U.S. Election System Archaic, Says Russia

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the U.S. electoral system "significantly distorts the will of the population."

keeping the peace

Main Points of Nagorno-Karabakh Peace Deal

The Russian-brokered deal ends weeks of heavy fighting between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh.

isolated diplomat

Russia Foreign Minister Self-Isolates After Covid Contact

Sergei Lavrov, 70, "feels well" but his planned visits and meetings will be postponed to a later date.

collapsed truce

Azerbaijan Accuses Armenia of Deadly Missile Strike on Civilians

A U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreed at the weekend had unraveled within minutes on Monday.

'people's ultimatum'

Belarus Opposition Leader Says Nationwide Strike Underway

More than 170 people were reportedly detained in Minsk and other cities on Monday.

kamchatka disaster

Death of Sea Life Off Russia Peninsula 'Caused By Algae'

Environmentalists said they were conducting their own inquiries and were not yet able to confirm the official probe's findings.

Russia Offers U.S. One-Year Freeze on Nuclear Warhead Numbers

The White House had described Russia's previous proposal as a "non-starter" unless accompanied by the freeze.

technical difficulties

Crew in No Danger After ISS Issues Resolved – Russia

The crew aboard the ISS had reported issues with the oxygen production system, a toilet and the oven for preparing food.

high-profile arrest

Belarus Moves Detained U.S. Analyst to House Arrest — Lawyer

Vitali Shkliarov was allegedly subjected to "extreme psychological pressure and physical abuse" in jail.

sustained opposition

Tens of Thousands March in Belarus Despite Police Threat to Open Fire

Police claimed that the protests were becoming more radicalized and warned that they would use lethal force "if necessary."

Putin Proposes One-Year Extension of New START Treaty

Tensions have raged for months over the fate of New START, which caps the number of nuclear warheads held by Washington and Moscow.

Oxygen Supply Fails on Russian Segment of ISS, Crew Not in Danger

Veteran Russian cosmonaut Gennady Padalka said that the Russian equipment aboard the ISS was well past its use-by date.

EU Agrees Russia Sanctions Over Navalny Poisoning

The sanctions will target six people — likely to be Russian officials — as well as one entity "involved in the Novichok program."

U.S. Says 'Agreement in Principle' With Russia on Extending Key Nuclear Pact

With U.S. elections three weeks away, the Trump administration signaled it was willing to keep the treaty largely as is for now.

Norway Says Russia Behind Cyber Attack on Parliament

"This is a very serious incident, affecting our most important democratic institution," Norway's foreign minister said.

two weeks' notice

Belarus Opposition Leader Gives Lukashenko Ultimatum to Resign

Svetlana Tikhanovskaya warned Lukashenko that he will face a crippling general strike if he doesn't resign by Oct. 25.

political standoff

Kyrgyz President Asks Parliament to Vote Again on PM Amid Crisis

The request came shortly after a senior aide to Russian President Putin visited for talks aimed at resolving the political crisis.

escalating rhetoric

Belarus Police Threaten to Use Firearms on Protesters

Monday's statement was the first time authorities explicitly threatened to use firearms against opposition demonstrators.

Russia Expels 2 Bulgarian Diplomats in Tit-for-Tat Move

Moscow's expulsion comes in response to Bulgaria expelling two Russians on accusations of spying on the military.

rare concession

Belarus Businessmen Granted House Arrest After Lukashenko Prison Visit

One of the freed entrepreneurs said the visit was meant to "build dialogue" and find a way out of the current stalemate.

spontaneous combustion

Russia Evacuates Thousands as Munitions Explode in Fire

The fire was sparked by a wildfire in dry grass nearby, causing munitions to explode continuously.

targeted sanctions

Navalny Urges EU Entry Bans on Putin's 'Close Circles'

Navalny, who is being treated in Germany, blames Putin for his near-fatal poisoning by Novichok.

independent analysis

Watchdog Says Novichok-Type Nerve Agent Found in Navalny Samples

OPCW chief Fernando Arias "considered that these results constitute a matter of grave concern."

regional clashes

Armenia Says Facing 'Decisive Moment' as Karabakh Fighting Intensifies

The number of fatalities on both sides has risen above 240 after nearly a week of fighting.

ongoing clashes

Karabakh Main City Struck as Armenia Says 'Ready' for Mediation

Fighting raged for a sixth day despite calls from Russia, the U.S. and France for a ceasefire.

Putin Tells Trump His 'Vitality' Will Help Fight Off Virus

Putin is one of several world leaders to have wished the U.S. president a speedy recovery after he tested positive for Covid-19.

Kremlin Says Navalny Charges Against Putin 'Unacceptable'

Putin's spokesman also claimed that the CIA was "currently working" with Navalny.

caught in the crossfire

Two French Journalists Hurt in Nagorno-Karabakh Fighting

A reporter from Russian broadcaster TV Rain was also among the shelled journalists but was not injured.

international pressure

Putin, Macron Call for 'Complete' Halt to Karabakh Fighting – Kremlin

The two leaders said they were ready to intensify diplomatic efforts to help solve the conflict.

Kremlin Urges Turkey to Work for Ceasefire in Karabakh

Moscow's appeal came after Turkey's Erdogan demanded Armenia end its "occupation" of Nagorno-Karabakh.

view from moscow

Putin Says Belarus Facing 'Unprecedented External Pressure'

The Kremlin's ex-Soviet ally is currently facing a deep political crisis over a disputed election.

Nobel Winner Alexievich Leaves Belarus for Treatment – Friend

The author plans to return to Belarus even as most of the country's prominent opposition members have been forced out.

New Virus Cases in Moscow Climb to June Levels

On Thursday, the capital recorded 1,050 new cases, the highest figure since June 23.

Moscow Expands List of European Officials Banned From Russia

The Foreign Ministry pointed to "hostile steps" against Russia and its citizens.

trail of evidence

Navalny Says Novichok Found 'In and On' His Body

He demanded that Moscow return his clothes that were removed before he was flown to Berlin, saying they were important evidence.

Former Athletics Chief Guilty of Russian Doping Corruption

Individual Russian athletes paid 3.2 million euros for the International Athletics Association to cover-up their drug-taking.

foreign influence allegations

Belarus Opposition Leader Is U.S. Protege – Russia Spy Chief

"The U.S. is playing a crucial role in the current events in Belarus," Foreign Intelligence Service head Sergei Naryshkin said.

Russia Has 'Questions' for Germany Over Navalny

The head of Russia's foreign intelligence service said Tuesday opposition leader Alexei Navalny showed no signs of poisoning before he was flown to Berlin...

Macron Urges Putin To Shed Light on 'Attempted Murder' of Navalny – Presidency

Macron also told Putin that France's own analysis confirmed Germany's conclusion that Navalny was poisoned by Novichok.

'clarification' needed

Russian Police Seek To Question Navalny in Germany

Russia requests for its officers and an expert to work alongside German investigators.

Microsoft Thwarts Russian, Chinese Hackers Targeting U.S. Presidential Campaigns

The hackers had been targeting staff members of both President Trump's and Democratic nominee Biden's campaigns.

intensifying election

U.S. Sanctions 'Russian Agent' for Trying to Damage Biden

The Ukrainian politician has close ties to Russian intelligence and actively aided in efforts to implicate Joe Biden in corruption.

Italy Probes Russian Glamour Model's Death Near NATO Base

Galina Fedorova drowned close to one of Italy's largest military bases on the Teulada coastline.

opposition assault

Campaigner for Kremlin Critic Navalny Beaten Up

Regional campaigners for Navalny have reported numerous threats and acts of intimidation in the lead-up to Sunday's elections.

'LOOK THE OTHER WAY'

Whistleblower: White House Stifled Reporting on Russian Election Interference

A top US intelligence official was told to stop reporting on Russian election interference as it made President Trump "look bad."

Serbia Drops Out of War Games With Russia in Belarus

The Balkan country was set to take part in the upcoming 'Slavic Brotherhood 2020' exercise with Russian and Belarusian troops.

fraud allegations

Russian Deputy Energy Minister Arrested for Alleged Corruption

Anatoly Tikhonov is accused of misusing public funds worth around $7.9 million.

silenced dissenters

Belarus Opposition Lawyer Detained by 'Masked Men'

Maxim Znak is the latest opposition figure to be detained or forced to leave Belarus in an intensifying crackdown.

All Options Open on Sanctions Against Russia Over Navalny: German Minister

On Monday, Merkel's spokesman underlined that she would not rule out consequences on the multi-billion-euro Nord Stream 2 pipeline project.

Putin, Saudi King Discuss Joint Vaccine Production – Kremlin

Saudi Arabia has previously been identified as one of the countries interested in Russia's vaccine.

middle east ally

Russian FM Meets Syria's Assad on Rare Visit

Lavrov discussed economic cooperation with Syria's President Bashar al-Assad.

PLAUSIBLE EXPLANATION

UK Says Russian State Link Likely in Navalny Poisoning

"A very serious set of questions to answer."

Trump: U.S. Has seen 'No Proof Yet' of Navalny Poisoning

U.S. President Donald Trump said Friday that he had not yet seen proof that Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny had been poisoned as stated by Germany...

BELARUS BLACKLIST

Belarus Opposition Leader Urges Sanctions in UN Address

Svetlana Tikhanovskaya spoke to the UN Security Council on Friday by video link.

Russia Vaccine Passes Early Trial Test – The Lancet

Patients involved in early tests of a Russian coronavirus vaccine developed antibodies with "no serious adverse events."

Russian Doctor Blames Diet, Stress for Navalny Coma

A Russian toxicologist said Friday that opposition leader Alexei Navalny's health could have deteriorated due to dieting.

Navalny Ally Says Poisoning 'New Chapter' in Kremlin Crackdown

Top Navalny ally Ivan Zhdanov called the alleged assassination attempt a 'new low' for the Kremlin.

Belarus Leader Replaces Security Chiefs as Russian Prime Minister Visits

The security reshuffle was announced as Russian PM Mikhail Mishushtin visited the increasingly unstable country.

Chemical Arms Watchdog Voices 'Grave Concern' Over Navalny Case

The head of the world chemical arms watchdog expressed "grave concern" on Thursday.

Russian Economy Under Pressure After Navalny Novichok Poisoning

Investors fear sanctions, sending ruble and stock markets into the red.

Almost All Arctic Wildfires Producing Record CO2 Emissions Are in Russia – EU

This year's wildfires have already surpassed the record set in 2019 for carbon dioxide emissions, and they're still burning.

Dangerous Newbie

Novichok, Feared Soviet-Designed Poison

The newest class of nerve agent, the Novichok family of toxins was developed by the Soviet government towards the end of the Cold War.

Novichok Use Shows 'Only State' Could Have Poisoned Navalny – Aide

Germany's finding that Navalny was poisoned with Novichok shows that only the Russian state could be responsible, an aid to Navalny said.

Belarus Strongman Thanks RT for 'Support'

Critics say the election was rigged but the 66-year-old has refused to give in to protesters' demands to quit.

Unexpected Visit

Russian PM to Visit Minsk Thursday

Vladimir Putin has backed Alexander Lukashenko and raised the possibility of sending military support if Belarus "starts to get out of control."

SQUASHED EFFORTS

Facebook Nabs Russia-linked Campaign to Fuel U.S. Chaos

13 Facebook accounts and 2 pages posing as journalists were linked to the Internet Research Agency in Russia.

Belarus Detains Students Marking New Term With Protests

Hundreds of university students gathered in the streets of Minsk to protest Tuesday.

'AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR'

Denmark Summons Russian Envoy Over Airspace Violation

A Russian jet fighter had violated Denmark's airspace during a NATO exercise last week.

'Stop Torturing Protesters,' UN Experts Tell Belarus

Reports of torture and ill-treatment have followed the disputed re-election of President Alexander Lukashenko.

'Delivering Verdicts'

Russia Says Belarus Sanctions 'Unacceptable'

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused Lukashenko's election rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya of using "not quite democratic" political methods.

White House Calls on Russia to 'Respect Belarus' Sovereignty, Democracy

The Kremlin announced Monday it was ruling out sending a Russian reserve unit into Belarus for now.

Russian Baliffs Seize $460,000 From Navalny Ally

Bailiffs on Monday seized $460,000 from bank accounts belonging to Russian opposition activist Lyubov Sobol.

Russia’s Gazprom Reports Massive Profit Slump in First Half

Net profit fell 25-fold as the coronavirus pandemic hit global energy prices.