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Articles by Pyotr Kozlov

exclusive

Hours Before Declaring Mutiny, Prigozhin Secretly Planned Duma Speech to Win Back Putin’s Favor

The speech, called off at the last minute, would have been the late mercenary leader's last-ditch attempt to garner the president's approval.
5 Min read
exclusive

Kremlin Sacks TASS Chief for Wagner Mutiny Coverage

Sergei Mikhailov’s dismissal is the first known punishment of a senior civilian functionary in connection with the rebellion. 
5 Min read
In depth

‘National Emergency’: Russian Officials Slam Failure to Prevent Anti-Israeli Riot in Dagestan

Just months after the Wagner mercenary rebellion, Russian officials have been blindsided by a new security failure.
5 Min read
In depth

As Putin Leaves China Empty-Handed, Russian Propaganda Hails ‘Triumph Over the West’

Putin brought more than two dozen journalists from television, radio, agencies and online media to China in an effort to show that he is still in the spotlight...
6 Min read
deepening dependence

Putin Arrives in Beijing Seeking Diplomatic, Economic Support from ‘Dear Friend’ Xi

The Kremlin hopes to secure commodity contracts, agreements to share cutting-edge technologies and a declaration of Beijing’s backing of Moscow.
4 Min read
News Analysis

Kremlin’s Passive Stance On Israel-Hamas War Risks Damaging Its Relationship With Israel

Israel views Russia’s attempt at neutrality as a firm expression of both a pro-Palestinian and pro-Hamas position, analysts and experts said.
5 Min read
In depth

Anti-Drone Protection, Internet Disruptions in Bishkek as Putin Seeks to Restore Influence Among Allies

Planning for Putin's first foreign visit since being indicted by the ICC lasted more than a month, with anti-terrorist security a key focus.
5 Min read
behind the curtain

Kremlin Readying Putin's 2024 Campaign Reveal at Economic Expo – Reports

Putin may use a showcase of Russia's economic successes amid international sanctions to announce his candidacy next month.
3 Min read
In depth

As Putin’s Re-Election Looms, Kremlin Pushes to Indoctrinate a New Generation of Voters

In a sweeping campaign, officials aim to convince young Russians that their country's elections are free and fair and Putin's regime is legitimate.
4 Min read
In depth

Longtime Moscow Mayor, Putin Ally Expected to Soundly Win Re-Election

With no real competitors in this weekend's vote, Sergei Sobyanin has a clear path toward re-election despite regular drone attacks on the capital.
4 Min read
In depth

Kremlin Seeks to ‘Legitimize’ Authority With Elections in Occupied Ukraine

The four regions will vote to choose local parliaments despite Moscow failing to fully control any of them and active combat in several areas.
4 Min read
In depth

Russia’s Ruling Party Downplays War in Sweeping Regional Election Push

As the country remains mired in its war on Ukraine, the United Russia party is seeking to convince voters that life is going on as normal.
4 Min read
In depth

Putin and Erdogan to Meet in Attempt to Avoid Food Crisis, Black Sea Confrontation

A source close to the Russian Foreign Ministry told The Moscow Times that he hoped the leaders could reach an agreement, but admitted it would not be easy...
5 Min read
In depth

‘We Don’t Need Heroes Who Marched on Moscow’: How the Kremlin Silenced Prigozhin’s Funeral

Kremlin and security officials arranged for the funeral to take place with a minimal likelihood of public outcry or protest.
4 Min read
In depth

In Prigozhin’s Apparent Demise, Putin Re-Asserts Total Control — But Threats to Reign Linger

While Prigozhin appears to be gone, he leaves behind a reminder that there are alternatives to Putin’s regime.
5 Min read
In depth

‘They’re Gossiping Without Us’: Saudi-Hosted Peace Summit Underscores Kremlin’s Diplomatic Dilemma

Moscow is grappling with how to address Ukraine's efforts to engage its Western allies and the countries of the Global South without Russia.
3 Min read
In depth

Kremlin Brings ‘Party of War’ to Heel Ahead of Key Regional, Presidential Elections

The Kremlin seeks to deploy the same tactics it used to crush the opposition against prominent far-right “patriots,” Russian officials told The Moscow...
4 Min read
In depth

Russia Seeks to Capitalize on Ukraine Grain Deal’s Collapse

Drone attacks on Ukraine's ports on the Danube and in the Black Sea make Russia the beneficiary of soaring grain prices — but increase the risk of confrontation...
5 Min read
In depth

For Russia’s Elites, Kremlin's Failure to Protect Crimean Bridge No Longer Shocks

As two people were killed and a key artery to the annexed peninsula was damaged, many in Moscow shrugged.
4 Min read
In depth

Activist’s Ordeal at Belgrade Airport Signals Trouble for Anti-War Russians in Serbia

Peter Nikitin, a vocal critic of the war in Ukraine, was barred from entering Serbia for over 24 hours at the orders of Serbian intelligence.
4 Min read
In depth

Prigozhin Mutiny, ICC Warrant Create Dilemma for Putin Ahead of BRICS Summit

Weakened at home and wanted abroad, Putin has still not made a final decision on attending the summit in South Africa, officials told The Moscow Times...
3 Min read
In depth

Shaken By Mutiny, Kremlin Goes Into PR Crisis Control

With eight months to go until the 2024 presidential election, the Kremlin is seeking to convince the nation that nothing significant happened.
5 Min read
boiling point

Prigozhin Charged With 'Inciting Armed Revolt' After Vowing to Stop 'Evil' Military Leadership

The Wagner mercenary group leader now faces 12 to 20 years in prison.
4 Min read
In depth

Why a Soviet-American Thinker Moderated Putin’s SPIEF Panel

Russia once lured Western media stars to its flagship economic event. This year, not even Tucker Carlson accepted the invite, an organizer said.
4 Min read
In depth

War and SPIEF: Russia's Flagship Economic Forum Flatlines

SPIEF organizers and senior businesspeople described a diminished event that lacks purpose and fails to draw the high-profile guests it once did.
4 Min read
News Analysis

Downed Drones Near Putin’s Residence Rattle Russia’s Elite

The sound of air defense missiles and crashing drones likely interrupted the sleep of some of Russia's wealthiest and most powerful people.
3 Min read
News Analysis

Lifting of Russia Flight, Visa Restrictions Deepens Georgia’s Geopolitical Dilemma

Analysts say Russia may be seeking to further drive a wedge between Georgia and the West — putting Tbilisi’s delicate balancing act to the test.
5 Min read
In depth

Russia Set for Muted Victory Day as Ukrainian Counteroffensive Looms

This year’s events will be marked by cancellations, enhanced security and little interest in attending from foreign leaders. 
5 Min read
News Analysis

Kremlin Drone Strike: Ukrainian Attack or False Flag?

Two main theories have emerged about the drone strike on the Kremlin carried out in the early hours of Wednesday.
5 Min read
'very clumsily done'

Peskov Son’s Alleged Wagner Deployment Risks Backfiring for Kremlin

Efforts to present the children of Russia’s elite as equal participants in the war against Ukraine have sparked more questions than answers.
5 Min read
In depth

ICC Arrest Warrant for Putin Sparks Nervousness in Russian Elite

A special meeting was even convened in the Kremlin to discuss Russia’s domestic and international response a few days after the ICC announcement.
4 Min read
News Analysis

Putin’s Occupied Ukraine Visit Seen as ‘PR Exercise’ to Counter Zelensky

Putin’s visit comes as Russian forces brace for what is expected to be a major Ukrainian counter-offensive. 
4 Min read
News Analysis

‘As Quietly as Possible’: Premium on Secrecy as Russia Rams Through Military Draft Rules Bill

One source told The Moscow Times that there was such a rush to pass the legislation that procedural rules were broken. 
4 Min read
News Analysis

Hostage, Signal or Revenge? Spotlight on Russia’s Reasons for Arresting WSJ Reporter

The detention looks set to be a milestone in the deterioration of already abysmal relations between Moscow and Washington. 
4 Min read
media crackdown

Russia Arrests WSJ Journalist on Spying Allegations

The FSB alleges that Evan Gershkovich, a U.S. citizen, was involved in the collection of “secret information” about a Russian defense company.
3 Min read
In depth

Russia Imposes Stringent Controls on Officials’ Foreign Travel

The wartime restrictions on leaving the country were detailed to The Moscow Times by 10 former and current officials.
6 Min read
muted event

Kremlin Opts for Low-Key Festivities on Crimea Annexation Anniversary

Analysts say the anniversary's ideological value for the Kremlin has been lost in the year since the invasion of Ukraine.
4 Min read
anniversary eve

Putin Vows to Fight On in Wartime State-of-the-Nation Address

The Russian president relied on familiar talking points as he pledged no let up in Russia's assault on Ukraine.
4 Min read
In depth

‘Everyone's Tired’: Acceptance and Exasperation in Russian Elite as Invasion Anniversary Looms

The Moscow Times spoke with more than a dozen top officials to gauge the mood as the country appears increasingly bogged down in Ukraine.
4 Min read
In depth

Battles in Vuhledar, Bakhmut Signal Imminent Russian Offensive, Analysts Say

The intensifying fighting looks to herald a new, bloody stage in the war as it enters its second year.
5 Min read
In depth

Amid Ukraine War, Kremlin Orders Nationwide Bomb Shelter Overhaul

Bomb shelters across Russia are undergoing systematic inspections and repairs following a Kremlin order to upgrade the country’s crumbling Soviet-era...
5 Min read
In depth

Seven Months On, Russia's Only Diplomat to Publicly Quit Over the Ukraine War Has Time on His Hands

Boris Bondarev, a former member of Russia's delegation to the United Nations in Geneva, now lives modestly in Switzerland with his wife and their kitten...
In depth

Ukraine War and Popularity Worries: Why Putin is Skipping His Annual Press Conference

The cancellation of Russian President Vladimir Putin's annual press conference earlier this week was a last minute decision taken due to growing fears...
In depth

Putin Looks to Shore Up Russia’s Regional Influence on Kyrgyzstan Visit

Russian President Vladimir Putin will attempt to shore up Russia’s regional authority on a visit Friday to the Central Asian state of Kyrgyzstan...
In depth

Latvian Decision to Revoke Russian TV Station’s License Sparks Fear, Disbelief

Latvia’s decision Tuesday to withdraw the broadcast license of independent Russian television channel Dozhd caused disbelief and anger among the...
In depth

Explainer: Why Did the Kremlin Organize a Staged Meeting with Soldiers’ Mothers for Putin?

Russian President Vladimir Putin last week met with the mothers of Russian soldiers serving in Ukraine in an event that was timed to coincide with Mother&rsquo...
In depth

‘The Happiest Day’: Joy in Kherson as Ukrainian Troops Re-Enter City

Russian troops withdrew from the right bank of the Dnipro River on Friday in a major military defeat for the Kremlin that led to scenes of jubilation in...