The Moscow Times

Support The Moscow Times!

Contribute today

'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.

'Principle of Reciprocity'

Russia Expels 3 Slovak Diplomats in Tit-For-Tat Move

Slovakia announced on August 10 that it was removing three Russian embassy staff over what it said was "serious crime."

Maintaining Control

Belarus Leader Proposes Vote on Constitution Reforms

Lukashenko has twice before held such referendums, pushing through changes that strengthened the role of the president.

Germany Urges More From Moscow to Probe Navalny Poisoning

Germany on Monday urged Moscow to step up its efforts to investigate the apparent poisoning of opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

France Detains Senior Military Officer Suspected of Spying for Russia

A senior French military officer stationed at a NATO base has been indicted and jailed on suspicion of spying for Russia

STREET PROTESTS

Tens of Thousands March in Belarus Capital Despite Massive Police Presence

Protests are now into a third week since August 9 disputed elections in which Lukashenko claimed victory

Belarus Pulls Several Foreign Media Reporters' Accreditation

Officials said the decision was taken on the recommendation of the country's counter-terrorism unit.

Russia Fires Outspoken Head of Embattled Anti-Doping Body

Yury Ganus sharply criticized the actions of Russia's sports leadership during his tenure.

Russia Expels Norwegian Diplomat in Spy Affair

Russia accused Norway of taking a "destructive course" that would "inevitably negatively affect the atmosphere of bilateral relations."

Russia Blames U.S. for Syria Confrontation

Video shows Russian troops attempting to box in U.S. soldiers with helicopters and military vehicles.

separated from family

30 Babies Born to Surrogates Stranded in Russia

Most foreign parents are unable to pick up the babies in St. Petersburg due to border closures.

opposition crackdown

Nobel Laureate Alexievich Refuses to Answer Belarus Investigators

Svetlana Alexievich was summoned as a witness in a criminal probe into the opposition.

salt in the wound

Kremlin-Linked Businessman Prigozhin Vows to Ruin Navalny

Prigozhin said he would enforce a court order for Navalny and his associates to pay him $1.2 million in damages over a video report.

Belarus' 'Peaceful Revolution' Is Neither Pro-Russian Nor Anti-Russian, Opposition Leader Says

Tikhanovskaya described the Belarus protests as "a peaceful striving of the people for self-determination and basic dignity."

UKRAINE PEACE TALKS

Germany Hails 'Significant Progress' in Ukraine Peace Efforts

The German foreign minister seemed hopeful, noting the long ongoing ceasefire and progress on prisoner exchanges.

'Unconstitutional'

Belarus Opens Criminal Case Into Opposition Bids to 'Seize Power'

Svetlana Tikhanovskaya's Coordination Council met for the first time this week and called for new elections.

Espionage expulsion

Norway Expels Russian Diplomat After Spying Arrest

The diplomat, who works in the embassy's trade section, has until the end of the week to leave the country.

Beleaguered Strongman

Belarus Leader Accuses Opposition of Trying to 'Seize Power'

Lukashenko warned of "adequate measures" against opposition figures who participated in creation of a Coordination Council.

'Work Is Still Needed'

Council of Europe Urges Russia to Up Anti-Corruption Efforts

Since the Council of Europe's anti-corruption council's last report in 2017, Russia has complied with nine of out of 22 recommendations.

Russian General Killed by 'Explosive Device' in Syria: Agencies

An improvised explosive device went off near a Russian convoy in eastern Syria on Tuesday.

'Social Hostility'

Protesters Rally at Jail Holding Belarus Vote Challenger's Husband

Dozens gathered to mark the 42nd birthday of Sergei Tikhanovsky, who was imprisoned alongside other rivals of Lukashenko.

Norway Arrests Man Suspected of Spying for Russia

Norway's intelligence service said Monday its agents had arrested a Norwegian man suspected of passing sensitive information to Russia.

Mexican President Says Will Get Russian Vaccine if Effective

"In this important matter, there should be no ideologies... health comes first," he said.

diplomatic protest

Russia Summons Netherlands Diplomat Over Spying Accusations

Russia said "spy equipment" had been discovered in the official car of the Russian military attache in the Netherlands.

Belarus: a Week of Post-Electoral Turmoil

A recap of the dramatic events in the ex-Soviet country since its Aug. 9 election.

leading from exile

Belarus Vote Challenger Tikhanovskaya Says Ready to Be 'National Leader'

She has demanded Lukashenko step down, but it was previously unclear if she was willing to take on the post of president.

STRONGMAN SPEAKS

Lukashenko Urges Supporters to Defend Belarus Independence

The Belarusian president is facing the greatest challenge to his leadership from a growing protest movement fanned by a brutal police crackdown.

Belarus Strongman Says Putin Ready to 'Help Ensure Security'

President Lukashenko said Saturday that his Russian counterpart Putin has offered full assistance to ensure security in Belarus.

Kremlin Predicts Swift Resolution of Belarus Unrest

The Kremlin said Putin and Lukashenko agreed in a phone call that the "problems" in Belarus would be swiftly resolved.

Russia Produces First Batch of Virus Vaccine: Ministry

Russia said Saturday that it has produced the first batch of its coronavirus vaccine.

Belarus Hands 32 Detained 'Mercenaries' Over to Russia

Russia on Friday announced the safe return of 32 of its citizens after Belarus detained them saying they were mercenaries.

EU Approves Belarus Sanctions

The EU will draw up a list of targets in Belarus for a new round of sanctions in response to the country's post-election crackdown.