The Moscow Times

Support The Moscow Times!

Contribute today

Head of Russia's Orthodox Church Tells Worshippers to Stay Home

Patriarch Kirill told believers Sunday to worship from home to minimize the coronavirus' spread.

STAY HOME OR RISK IT ALL

Moscow Mayor Says Coronavirus Outbreak Has Entered New Phase

Moscow now has over a 1,000 coronavirus cases as authorities continue to urge residents to stay home.

Russia to Close Borders to Curb Coronavirus

The measure will come into force on March 30 at all vehicle, rail and pedestrian checkpoints, and apply to maritime borders.

a friend in need

Russia Thanks 'Real Friend' Jack Ma for Gift of a Million Virus Masks

The co-founder of Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba said he was touched by Moscow's own help to China.

Russia Sends Ship With Military Ambulances Towards Syria After Virus Outbreak

Syria reported its first case of coronavirus on Sunday.

Banknote Danger

Russians Urged to Reject Cash to Slow Coronavirus Spread

Authorities worry banknotes are acting as a vector for the coronavirus outbreak.

MH17 Trial Suspended Until June, Giving Defense More Time to Prepare

Three Russians and one Ukrainian face preliminary charges of murder and of causing an aircraft to crash.

New ways to watch

Russia to Use Cellphones to Track People at Risk of Coronavirus

The Kremlin said the measure was legal and part of measures Russia is taking to try to halt spread of the virus.

Tightening Security

Russia and Turkey Cut Short Joint Patrol in Syria's Idlib

The two nations are trying to uphold a ceasefire agreement in the region.

race against the clock

Russia to Build More Coronavirus Hospital Units on Chinese Model

Russia, which has reported relatively few cases of the disease, is readying its healthcare system for a possible spike.

Keeping it in the family

Putin's Relative Launches Political Party

A relative of Vladimir Putin is heading a conservative political party called People of Business.

alternative medicine

Moscow Bar Mixes 'Coronavirus' Cocktail to Soothe Outbreak Woes

The bar says it should be consumed when one is overtaken by the desire to stock up on toilet paper and buckwheat.

Trump Advisor to Attend Russia's Victory Day Parade

Amid political tensions and public health concerns, National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien will travel to Moscow for the May 9 celebration.

CORONAVIRUS SHUTDOWN

Russian Courts Put Most Work on Pause Over Coronavirus

The decision by the Supreme Court comes as authorities take measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

PROTECTING PUTIN

Putin Is Being Protected From Coronavirus Around the Clock, Says Kremlin

The Kremlin says the president's medical care is of an "exceptionally high level."

Dutch MH17 Trial to Continue Behind Closed Doors Due to Coronavirus

The trial in the Netherlands over the downing of Flight MH17 will continue behind closed doors due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Russia Temporarily Bans Entry of Foreigners Amid Coronavirus Outbreak

The ban will not apply to diplomatic representatives, airplane crew members and some other categories of people.

Russia to Launch $4Bln Fund in Attempt to Shield Economy From Coronavirus Shock

The ruble and Russian stock market have plunged substantially in light of the coronavirus epidemic.

canceled classes

Moscow Makes School Attendance Optional Amid Coronavirus Fears

"Parents will decide whether their child will keep going to school or remain home," Moscow mayor said.

MAYBE NEXT TIME

Trump Has Told Russia He Cannot Visit for Victory Day in May, Kremlin Says

Putin has said that it would be the "right" thing for Trump to attend the commemorative event in Moscow.

Turkish, Russian Forces to Patrol Either Side of New Syrian Corridor

The security corridor in Syria's Idlib province was agreed upon in the Russian-Turkish ceasefire deal last week.

Muscovites Ignoring Coronavirus Self-Isolation Rules Could Face Prison

Moscow authorities said that those disregarding the regulation risked severe punishment including imprisonment of up to five years.

Putin Critic Navalny Takes Russia to European Court Over Money Laundering Case

Navalny lodged a complaint against Russia at the ECHR to contest money laundering case he says authorities opened to thwart his political activities.

CORONAVIRUS COSTS

Coronavirus Hits Russian Tourism for $400M Loss

Tour operators warn of an "unprecedented situation" which could put industry on brink of collapse.

OPEC Backs Biggest Oil Cut Since 2008 Crisis, Awaits Russia

OPEC agreed to cut oil output by an extra 1.5 million barrels per day in the second quarter of 2020.

Russian Court Rules in Favor of Facial Recognition Over Privacy Claims

The ruling is a blow to activists who had hoped to ban the technology's use.

WATCH WHAT YOU SAY

Russia Accuses BBC World News of Violating Broadcasting Requirements

BBC World News is accused of failing to follow an order to protect minors from harmful information.

look but don't kiss

Coronavirus Alert: Russian Cossacks Told Not to Kiss Orthodox Icons

The order was prompted by reports about the health of Pope Francis, who said he had a cold.

START OF HEARINGS

Trial of Austrian Army Officer Accused of Spying for Russia Opens

The 71-year-old defendant is accused of having provided "comprehensive information" on a range of military topics to Moscow.

at your own risk

Russia Says ‘Can’t Guarantee’ Turkish Planes’ Safety Over Syria

Turkey has carried out a sharp increase of its military operations against Russia-backed Syrian forces since last week.

WORKING TOGETHER

Russian, Turkish Foreign Ministers Discuss Improving Working Relations

The Russian and Turkish foreign ministers agreed on the need to create a "favorable atmosphere" in order to improve working relations.

Turkey Destroys Scores of Syrian Army Targets, Says Turkish Defense Minister

Ankara has ramped up its attacks against the Syrian army 33 Turkish soldiers were killed in an airstrike by Damascus.

Kiev Says Russia and Ukraine in Talks for Next Prisoner Swap in March

Kiev said it held talks with the Kremlin for a final swap of all remaining prisoners from the conflict in east Ukraine.

Putin Says Current Oil Prices Acceptable, Hints at OPEC Cooperation

Russia is prepared for any negative effects stemming from the spread of the coronavirus, he said.

OPEC Could Deepen Oil Supply Cuts With or Without Russia

In an effort to stop the falling prices triggered by the spread of the coronavirus, OPEC may agree to deepen oil supply cuts this week regardless of Russia's...

SYRIAN CONFLICT

France's Macron Urges Turkey and Russia to Agree Ceasefire in Syria

The French president urged Putin and Erdogan in separate phone calls to agree to a ceasefire, citing humanitarian concerns.

Putin Inspects Russia's Answer to Disneyland Before Grand Opening

Municipal authorities say it is the largest indoor theme park of its kind in Europe.

Battle for Justice

U.S. Urges Russia to Find Masterminds of Nemtsov Murder

Boris Nemtsov, one of President Vladimir Putin's most vocal critics, was killed on this day in 2015 as he crossed a bridge near the Kremlin's walls.

Russia's Batman

Russia's Million-Dollar Batmobile Gets Towed

You can't always live your fantasy.

'malicious motive'

Trump Campaign Is Suing New York Times Over Russia Opinion Piece

The libel suit accuses the paper of publishing a false piece that suggested Russia and the Trump campaign had a deal in the 2016 U.S. election.

Putin Agrees to Hold Nationwide Vote on Constitutional Changes on April 22 – Interfax

The proposed constitutional changes could give Putin scope to extend his grip on power after leaving the presidency.

Europeans, Britain, China, Russia to Meet Iran in Vienna on Feb. 26

Britain, France and Germany accused Iran of violating the terms of the 2015 arms control agreement.

Prague Changes Russia's Embassy Address to Boris Nemtsov Square

Nemtsov, one of Russia President Vladimir Putin's most vocal critics, was shot dead in February 2015 as he walked across a bridge near the Kremlin.

Russia Denies Backing Trump's Re-Election as Critics Blast Reported Meddling

The Kremlin on Friday denied it was interfering in the 2020 U.S. presidential campaign to boost Trump's chances.

Norway Rejects Moscow's Claim It Violated Svalbard Treaty

Russia complained that Oslo-imposed rules were restricting Russian organizations' activities in the strategically located islands.

Mediating Conflict

Turkey, Russia Discuss Joint Patrol Option in Syria's Idlib

The agreement could be a means of reaching a deal that will halt fighting in Syria's Idlib region.

Trump Offered to Pardon Assange If He Denied Russia Helped Leak Democrats' Emails, Lawyer Says

U.S. intelligence agencies concluded that Russia interfered in the 2016 election to try to help Trump win.

failed operation

U.S. Arrests Mexican Citizen Allegedly Recruited by Russia

"Fuentes admitted to law enforcement officers that he was directed by a Russian government official," the Justice Department said.

private material

Russian Artist Under Investigation Over French Sexting Row

Pavlensky published an online sexual chat that caused one of President Macron's closest lieutenants to pull out of the Paris mayor race.

Cut from the team

Putin Sacks Prominent Kremlin Ideologue, Ukraine Hardliner

Vladislav Surkov's sacking, which coincided with a flare-up in fighting in eastern Ukraine, had been rumored for weeks.

U.S. Sanctions Russia's Rosneft Over Venezuela Support

New U.S. sanctions against Rosneft subsidiary increase pressure on both Moscow and Caracas.

Russia to Consider Making Ex-Presidents Immune from Prosecution

Russian presidents could be made immune from criminal prosecution once they leave office under proposed constitutional reforms.

MYSTERY ASSASSIN

Russian Spy Agency Played Role in Berlin Murder of Georgian Man – Bellingcat

The killing triggered diplomatic expulsions from Germany and Moscow.

contentious act

Russian Artist Who Published Paris Mayor Candidate Kompromat Arrested

Under French law, so-called "revenge porn" can be punished by up to two years in prison and a 60,000 euro fine.

Turkey Says It Met Responsibilities over Syria's Idlib in Russia Deal

Turkey fulfilled its responsibilities in Idlib in line with its de-escalation agreements with Russia and Iran.

delayed justice

Russia Asks Canada to Hand Over Files on Ex-Nazi Death Squad Member

He has said he was forced to join one of the Nazis' mobile killing squads at the age of 17 and did not take part in any atrocities.

'There Will Be Dad and Mum': Putin Rules out Russia Legalizing Gay Marriage

During his two decades in power, Putin has sought to distance Russia from liberal Western values.

Russia Fines Twitter and Facebook $63,000 Each Over Data Law

The companies were fined for their refusal to put their server holding data about Russian citizens on Russian territory.

strained relations

Russia Accuses Turkey of Breaking Syria Deals, Rejects Erdogan Claim

Russia accused Turkey of flouting agreements it had made with Moscow on Syria and of aggravating the situation in Idlib.

Dutch Refused Moscow's Request to Try Russian MH17 Suspects There, Minister Says

Allowing Russia to prosecute the three Russian suspects in the downing of MH17 "will not be considered."

Russia Puts Jailed Baring Vostok Executives Under House Arrest

The three men were taken into custody last year in an embezzlement case against the Baring Vostok private equity group.

stuck in harbor

Dubai Court Rules Against Superyacht Freeze Order in Divorce Battle

The $436 million superyacht which belongs to a Russian billionaire is at the center of one of the world's costliest divorce battles.

Facebook Says It Dismantles Russian Intelligence Operation Targeting Ukraine

Facebook said the latest Russian operation used more than 100 accounts on Facebook and its Instagram photo-sharing platform to create fake personas.

mounting tensions

Kremlin Accuses Turkey of Flouting Agreements Made on Syria

The Kremlin said that militant attacks on Syrian and Russian forces were continuing in the Syrian province of Idlib.

Russia's FSB Tells Internet Firms to Hand Over User Data – The Bell

Companies that fail to comply can be blocked.

BUY FROM LOCALS

Russia to Tap 'Rainy Day Fund' to Buy Central Bank's Stake in Sberbank

Russia will tap its National Wealth Fund to buy the central bank’s stake in Sberbank.

lifetime appointment

Russia Eyes Making Former Presidents Senators for Life

Lawmakers say the proposal would allow Russia to tap into the "colossal experience and knowledge" of former presidents.

Window of opportunity

Senior Appointments in Moscow and Kiev Point to Tentative Thaw

Simultaneous appointments in the two capitals were seen in both countries as signs of a new approach.

syrian struggle

Kremlin to Turkey: Help Stop Attacks on Syrian and Russian Forces in Idlib

The Kremlin's comments underscore rising tensions over Syria between Russia and Turkey.

Siberia's Mild Winter Wakes Badger Cubs From Hibernation

The badgers usually remain fast asleep until the end of February.

control over the internet

Russia Proposes Banning Foreign IT for Critical Infrastructure

Russia's government has sought greater control over digital areas of the economy in recent years.

stay-at-home investor

Russia Extends House Arrest of U.S. Investor Calvey Until May 13

Calvey faces charges of embezzlement that he says are being used to pressure him in a business dispute.

better safe than sorry

Russia Quarantines Chinese Diplomat as Coronavirus Precaution

Consul General Cui Shaochun arrived in the Urals city of Yekaterinburg on Thursday to take up his new post but was told to stay at home for two weeks.

emergency situation

Boeing Plane Makes Hard Landing in Northwest Russia, All 94 on Board Safe

Russia's civil aviation authority said the hard landing was due to a problem with the chassis.

'pretext for military intervention'

Russia's Lavrov Hits Out at U.S. 'Provocations' in Venezuela

Lavrov said the United States was "threatening that all options are on the table" and was involved in "provocations" in Venezuela.

Syrian conflict

U.S. Steps Up Warnings to Russia Over Syria's Idlib, Military De-Confliction

"This is a dangerous conflict. It needs to be brought to an end. Russia needs to change its policies," James Jeffrey said.

SOUND THE ALARM

Russia Says Alarmed by U.S. Deployment of Low-Yield Nuclear Missiles

Russia said the U.S. Navy's decision to deploy nuclear missiles on submarines has heightened the risk of a limited nuclear war.

Virus Fallout Hits Lake Baikal as Chinese Tourists Stay Away

Winter is high season for tourism around Lake Baikal, but the coronavirus outbreak has curtailed its main source of income.

sharing is caring

Russia Accuses Norway of Restricting Its Activities on Arctic Islands

"We do not intend to curtail our presence there," the Foreign Ministry said of the strategically located archipelago.

Turkey Says Russia Must Restrain Syrian Forces in Idlib

Turkey urged Russia to rein in Syrian government forces in the northwestern province of Idlib.

Spheres of influence

Russia Sends Lavrov to Venezuela to 'Counteract' U.S. Sanctions

His trip follows a tour by U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo of four former Soviet states.

Russia Postpones Annual Investment Forum Over Coronavirus Concerns

The government order did not say when the forum, which is attended by a string of high-ranking officials and foreign investors, will be held instead.

Russia to Start Evacuating Citizens from Wuhan, Stops Passenger Trains to China

Moscow has already restricted direct flights to China and the Russian Railways suspended passenger trains to the country from midnight.

CORONAVIRUS EPICENTER

Russian Armed Forces Aircraft to Evacuate Citizens From China – Agencies

The evacuation will take place in regions that have been most affected by the coronavirus outbreak.

Polish Miners Block Coal Trains in Protest Against Russian Imports

Polish miners blocked trains carrying coal to a power plant in the southern town of Laziska Gorne on Friday in protest against coal imports from Russia...

First infections

Russia Reports First Coronavirus Cases

The two infected people are Chinese citizens, Russia's deputy prime minister said.

ignoring warnings

Hundreds of Fishermen Rescued From Sakhalin Region Ice Floe

15 emergency service workers, three boats and one hovercraft took part in the rescue operation.

U.S. Issues Fresh Sanctions Over Russian-Annexed Crimea

The sanctions follow action taken on Tuesday by the European Union, which blacklisted seven of the same people.

PRESIDENTIAL PARDON

Russia Frees U.S.-Israeli Woman From Jail After Putin Pardon

Naama Issachar was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years for drug offenses in October.

losing patience

Turkey's Erdogan Says Russia Not Abiding by Syria Agreements

Turkey and Russia agreed to work towards creating a demilitarized zone under agreements in 2017 and 2018.

Russia Blocks Encrypted Swiss Email Service ProtonMail

Russian communications watchdog Roskomnadzor said ProtonMail had been used to send fake, anonymous bomb threats.

sanctions blacklist

EU Blacklists 7 More People in Russian-Annexed Crimea

Tuesday's move raises the number of individuals on the blacklist to 177, along with 44 firms or other entities.

Israeli Woman Jailed in Russia Asks for Pardon

Issachar was sentenced by Russia to 7.5 years in jail for drug offenses in October.

Russia in Talks With China to Help its Citizens Leave Wuhan

Russian citizens may potentially be evacuated from the center of the outbreak, as the World Health Organization declared the new coronavirus an emergency...

MOSCOW PROTESTS

Putin Orders Prosecutor General to Review Moscow Protester's Conviction

Putin has ordered an investigation into whether the sentencing of Konstantin Kotov was lawful.

PERSONA NON-GRATA

Bulgaria Set to Expel Two Russian Diplomats Over Espionage

Prosecutors had said earlier that the Russians were engaged in espionage but could not be charged due to diplomatic immunity.

NEW ALTERNATIVES

Belarus Touts U.S. as Possible Alternative to Russian Oil

Belarus is looking for alternatives to Russian oil and is in talks with the U.S., Saudi Arabia and the UAE about supplies.

Flights to Moscow from China's Wuhan Suspended Over Coronavirus Fears

Russia’s deputy health minister called the disease a biological threat to the country earlier this week.

'objective difficulties'

Russia Says It Missed UN Deadline to Repatriate North Korean Workers

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said that Moscow had missed the UN deadline and that around 1,000 North Korean workers were still in Russia.

GOVERNMENT RESHUFFLE

Putin Appoints Former Economy Minister Maxim Oreshkin as Adviser

The move follows last week's resignation of the government.