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Articles by Andrei Pertsev

opinion Andrei Pertsev

How the War in Ukraine Became a Magnet for Russia's Career Politicians

For those in Russia’s ruling elite set on reaching the top, the war in Ukraine is an unexpected new career elevator. Ever sensitive to the whims...
opinion Andrei Pertsev

Lord of the Masses: How Russia’s Fringe Elements Went Mainstream

Russian President Vladimir Putin has one message that he likes to convey in his public speeches: that he is very much a man of the people, with the blood...
opinion Andrei Pertsev

Kremlin Must Placate Its Supporters Amid Outrage Over Kharkiv Retreat

The ultra-patriots are openly hinting that they are disappointed with Putin’s apparent lack of resolution. 
opinion Andrei Pertsev

War in Ukraine Has Sparked a New Race to Succeed Putin

Possible candidates are either making big bellicose statements or totally silent on the war.
opinion Andrei Pertsev

Why the Kremlin Isn’t Celebrating the Duma Election Results

The president did what he could to boost United Russia’s campaign, but the elections were still marred with controversy.
opinion Andrei Pertsev

In Declaring Navalny Extremist, Russia Has Crossed a New Rubicon

The Russian power system is becoming incontrovertibly monolithic, and any voices not in tune with the chorus are automatically declared to be enemy.
opinion Andrei Pertsev

Putin the Unstable

Consistency and predictability in Russian politics have all but died.
opinion Andrei Pertsev

The Slow Death of Russia's Human Rights Council

The replacement of Russia’s Human Rights Council head Mikhail Fedotov with United Russia party member Valery Fadeyev, determines the council’s status...
opinion Andrei Pertsev

Russians Are No Longer Scared to Protest

Russians, once cowed by the potential consequences of taking to the streets, are increasingly willing to protest over issues that matter to them.
opinion Andrei Pertsev

Kremlin Scapegoat: Russia’s In-System Opposition Is Under Attack

In-system politicians are now discovering that playing by the rules no longer protects them.
opinion Andrei Pertsev

Why Russians Are Going to Prison for Memes (Op-ed)

Eventually people will start asking why they are going to prison for memes while corrupt officials receive suspended sentences.
opinion Andrei Pertsev

The Telegram Ban Is Forcing Ordinary Russians to Break the Law (Op-ed)

No doubt the authorities were counting on the usual support.
opinion Andrei Pertsev

Russia’s Regions Strike Back: Provincial Leaders Want More From Moscow (Op-ed)

The Kremlin is learning an important lesson — that Russia is a federation
opinion Andrei Pertsev

It’s the End of the World as the Russian Elites Know it

Those who control resources are becoming feudal lords who are establishing new laws for their domains.