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Articles by Ola Cichowlas for AFP

new political leader?

Yulia Navalnaya: Alexei's Stoic Partner

Standing in a stark contrast to Putin — who keeps his personal life in utter secrecy — Alexei and Yulia's love story inspired Navalny's followers.
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3 Min read
'peace mission'

Orban Pledges Cooperation With Putin in Storm of Ukraine Crisis

Orban traveled to Moscow despite criticism from both EU members and Hungary's opposition.
urgent call

Putin Wants ‘Immediate’ Talks With NATO on Russia’s Security

The West has for weeks accused Russia of planning an invasion of Ukraine and massing tens of thousands of troops near its neighbor's border.
SHOOTER DETAINED

Gunman Kills 2 in Shooting at Moscow Government Building

The incident occurred at a government building providing public services in the south-east of the city.
repeated history

Catherine the Great Smallpox Letter Echoes Russia’s Pandemic Woes

The Empress' letter has gone on display as Russia's current leadership struggles with its own vaccination drive.
red lines

Putin Accuses West of 'Escalating Situation' in Ukraine

Western countries have for days raised alarm over Russian military activity near Ukraine.
a laughing matter

Under Growing Pressure, Russian Stand-Ups Vow to Joke On

As stand-up comedy booms in a country where people are hungry for humor that is not tightly controlled, comics are increasingly targets for the authorities...
170 Rescuers

15 Dead in Fire at Russian Explosives Factory

A fire broke out early Friday morning at an industrial explosives factory southeast of Moscow
'struggling to make sense'

Rare Campus Massacre Shakes Russian City

School shootings are relatively unusual in Russia, but the country has seen an increase in attacks in recent years.
'Important to be together'

Russians Gather to Mourn Victims of Campus Shooting Spree

With a heavy police cordon still around Perm State University, people laid red carnations and lit candles at makeshift memorials.
strict sentence

Belarus Hands Long Prison Term to Protest Leader Kolesnikova

Maria Kolesnikova, the only major leader of last year's unprecedented protests still in Belarus, was sentenced on national security charges.
swan song

Merkel Asks Putin to Free Kremlin Critic Navalny

"I would ask that the judicial decisions of the Russian Federation be treated with respect," Putin said at a joint press conference after talks.
silenced opposition

Navalny Risks More Jail Time After New Charge

Navalny could face an extra three years in prison and could only be released after 2024, the year Russia is set to hold a presidential election. 
deflecting criticism

Belarus Leader Denies Violent Crackdown on Critics

Lukashenko spoke on the one-year anniversary of a contested election that was followed by a harsh crackdown on the opposition.