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opinion Sergey Radchenko

Putin’s Regime and Its Soviet Predecessor Are Dark Comedies

Both regimes justify their existence and legitimacy with reference to freedom because none can afford to rely on brute force alone.

Andrei Kolesnikov

Grassroots Repression — Russian-style

First, the authorities persecuted activists. Then they went after journalists. And now, they’ve trained their sights on lawyers.

The Great Turn in Putin’s Post-Post-Modern Authoritarianism

A regime that for twenty years sought to be an exemplar of a kind of “hybrid authoritarianism,” seems to be seeking to get back to basics.

Michele A. Berdy

Russian Bravery and Bravado

What's the difference between true courage and reckless swagger? Lots! Read on.

Damelya Aitkhozina

For Russia's Last Remaining Independent Media, April Was the Cruelest Month

The grip keeps tightening on independent journalists and free expression in Russia

Konstantin Simonov

A Newer, Greener Putin?

Given the current political reality, Russia’s future green policy will likely turn into a corrupt struggle for government funds at the environment's...

Don’t Underestimate Importance of Joe Biden’s First Sanctions Move

The U.S. has paved the way for much tougher measures in the future, should Russia not change its behavior.

Tatyana Stanovaya

Putin Has Nothing to Say to Russians

Consequently, the communication channels between the president and society are shrinking further and further.

Alexander Titov

Where Now for Team Navalny?

Kudos to their bravery and the determination to keep fighting against the odds, but the opposition's prospects don't look very encouraging.

How to Speak With Moscow When There's Nothing to Talk About

Putin now has to deal with an American administration that expects little from Moscow, wants even less, and to add insult to injury, is unperturbed.

Andrei Soldatov

What Has Become of the GRU, Russia’s Military Intelligence Agency?

To understand the Czech arms depot explosion, you have to delve into the history books.

Maxim Samorukov

Events in Czechia and Belarus Cement Eastern Europe’s New Divide

With the weekend’s developments in the Czech Republic and Belarus, the new border between Russia and the West is solidifying.

Maximilian Hess

The Biden Administration Has Reset U.S. Sanctions Policy on Russia

The key difference between the Trump and Biden administrations’ sanctioning acts has been the messaging used to deliver them.

A Seven-Year Fuse Blows Up Czech-Russian Relations

It is hard to know what is most surprising about the fatal depot story: the timing, the scale of the Czech response, or the operation itself.

Turkey’s Tightrope Between Russia and the United States

Turkey has been sitting on two chairs, doing geopolitical business with Russia and calling on the United States on a case-by-case basis.

France Is Complicit as Magomed Gadaev at Risk of Torture in Chechnya

The French Interior Ministry’s decision to expel Gadaev put him at immediate risk of torture.

Alexei Levinson

Why Russians Aren't Sold on Donbass as Another Crimea

Our Levada surveys consistently show Russians are split on the future of the Donbass and don't expect a quick solution anytime soon.

Crimea Endures, Neither Hellhole Nor Paragon

Crimea seems to be neither a shining beacon nor a slough of despond, disappointing both Moscow and its critics.

Michele A. Berdy

Cleaning House the Russian Way

All you need are four verbs to satisfy all your cleaning, washing, polishing and murderous needs.

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