https://www.themoscowtimes.com/meanwhile The Moscow Times offers everything you need to know about Russia: Breaking news, top stories, business, analysis, opinion, multimedia en-us Tue, 21 Apr 2026 20:01:34 +0300 600 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/06/the-moscow-zoos-manul-is-a-social-media-star-he-still-cant-find-a-mate-a92431 At least seven countries have declined to provide a mate for Timofei the manul, Russian media reported. Mon, 06 Apr 2026 17:23:13 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/06/the-moscow-zoos-manul-is-a-social-media-star-he-still-cant-find-a-mate-a92431 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/01/30/inside-the-dark-humor-of-russias-wartime-memes-a91814 In Russia, where criticism of the war in Ukraine is effectively outlawed, memes have become a coded way to comment on the full-scale invasion. Fri, 30 Jan 2026 18:44:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/01/30/inside-the-dark-humor-of-russias-wartime-memes-a91814 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/11/18/is-cheburashka-a-soviet-jew-budget-hearing-re-ignites-debate-over-cartoons-origins-a91160 A State Duma lawmaker postulated that Cheburashka, who first appeared in a crate of oranges, was an Israeli Jew. The debate quickly went viral. Tue, 18 Nov 2025 20:14:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/11/18/is-cheburashka-a-soviet-jew-budget-hearing-re-ignites-debate-over-cartoons-origins-a91160 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/10/14/russians-were-asked-to-vote-on-the-new-500-ruble-bill-design-it-became-a-political-lightning-rod-a90793 The vote ended in a spat between Chechen officials and pro-war bloggers, accusations of rupturing national unity and even claims of foreign meddling. Tue, 14 Oct 2025 11:10:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/10/14/russians-were-asked-to-vote-on-the-new-500-ruble-bill-design-it-became-a-political-lightning-rod-a90793 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/08/08/belgorod-cafe-sparks-controversy-over-bomb-shelter-cake-a90133 The square sponge cake, iced with the word “shelter” on one side, was introduced earlier this week as part of Cafe Byuro’s limited City Day menu. Fri, 08 Aug 2025 13:44:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/08/08/belgorod-cafe-sparks-controversy-over-bomb-shelter-cake-a90133 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/05/30/russian-orthodox-priest-praises-the-simpsons-for-promoting-traditional-values-a89281 “Russia, which is dying out, has not created anything similar,” said Father Yevgeny, head of the Yekaterinburg diocese. Fri, 30 May 2025 15:28:04 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/05/30/russian-orthodox-priest-praises-the-simpsons-for-promoting-traditional-values-a89281 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/05/29/st-petersburg-pianist-plays-60-hours-nonstop-in-solo-marathon-a89270 Ruslan Ishdavletov began playing at midnight on Tuesday and finished at noon on Thursday. Thu, 29 May 2025 16:05:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/05/29/st-petersburg-pianist-plays-60-hours-nonstop-in-solo-marathon-a89270 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/03/27/russia-watching-internet-runs-wild-with-openais-studio-ghibli-image-generator-a88509 OpenAI’s new image generator allows internet users to turn famous images of Russia into Studio Ghibli-style pictures. Thu, 27 Mar 2025 17:40:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/03/27/russia-watching-internet-runs-wild-with-openais-studio-ghibli-image-generator-a88509 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/03/05/pipe-burst-creates-towering-ice-formation-in-southern-russia-attracting-tourists-a88257 Media reported that nearby villages were unaffected because the pipeline supplies water only to areas of occupied Ukraine. Wed, 05 Mar 2025 15:02:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/03/05/pipe-burst-creates-towering-ice-formation-in-southern-russia-attracting-tourists-a88257 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/01/29/russian-pop-song-sigma-boy-becomes-a-viral-hit-while-sparking-controversy-a87772 The earworm-filled track, which has 66 million views on YouTube, has drawn criticism in both Russia and Europe. Wed, 29 Jan 2025 17:03:09 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/01/29/russian-pop-song-sigma-boy-becomes-a-viral-hit-while-sparking-controversy-a87772 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/01/21/a-special-gesture-operation-russian-internet-reacts-to-trumps-inauguration-a87682 The Russian internet finds dark humor in Trump’s inauguration. Tue, 21 Jan 2025 17:21:23 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/01/21/a-special-gesture-operation-russian-internet-reacts-to-trumps-inauguration-a87682 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/12/27/pro-kremlin-media-share-video-showing-russian-missile-shooting-down-santas-sleigh-a87472 The video’s release comes just days after an Azerbaijani passenger plane was believed to have been shot down by Russian air defense systems. Fri, 27 Dec 2024 16:31:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/12/27/pro-kremlin-media-share-video-showing-russian-missile-shooting-down-santas-sleigh-a87472 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/12/11/notorious-russian-activist-demands-santa-claus-be-labeled-a-foreign-agent-a87302 Vitaly Borodin claimed that Santa’s rising popularity in Russia jeopardizes Ded Moroz (Father Frost), the cultural figure central to Russia’s New Year celebrations. Wed, 11 Dec 2024 16:45:34 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/12/11/notorious-russian-activist-demands-santa-claus-be-labeled-a-foreign-agent-a87302 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/11/13/russia-to-launch-trump-vodka-a87002 The patent application for Trumpovka brand vodka includes a distinctive label featuring Trump’s silhouette holding an accordion. Wed, 13 Nov 2024 13:38:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/11/13/russia-to-launch-trump-vodka-a87002 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/11/08/my-culture-is-not-your-costume-russian-internet-reacts-to-donald-trumps-re-election-a86928 For those who need a dose of humor in dark times. Fri, 08 Nov 2024 16:15:30 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/11/08/my-culture-is-not-your-costume-russian-internet-reacts-to-donald-trumps-re-election-a86928 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/10/22/elderly-russian-man-banned-from-keeping-pet-goats-after-they-run-amok-in-moscow-a86776 Valery Anikeev has kept 16 goats at his home in southern Moscow’s Zyuzino for at least three decades. Tue, 22 Oct 2024 18:04:12 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/10/22/elderly-russian-man-banned-from-keeping-pet-goats-after-they-run-amok-in-moscow-a86776 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/09/13/what-is-quadrobics-russias-viral-but-divisive-youth-subculture-a86370 Quadrobics centers around impersonating animals by running on all fours. Not everyone is a fan. Fri, 13 Sep 2024 17:45:46 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/09/13/what-is-quadrobics-russias-viral-but-divisive-youth-subculture-a86370 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/09/03/russian-priests-bless-bryansk-region-against-ukrainian-attack-a86240 The local diocese claimed that a “miracle-working” icon helped residents of Bryansk ward off Napoleon's troops in 1812. Tue, 03 Sep 2024 15:46:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/09/03/russian-priests-bless-bryansk-region-against-ukrainian-attack-a86240 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/08/21/brat-summer-the-meme-of-the-season-comes-to-russia-a86096 Russians are putting a Brat spin on everything from the dacha to Leonid Brezhnev to the cult film "Брат." Wed, 21 Aug 2024 15:58:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/08/21/brat-summer-the-meme-of-the-season-comes-to-russia-a86096 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/07/15/russian-region-deploys-cats-to-ward-off-rats-on-the-frontlines-in-ukraine-a85717 “Cats saved the Hermitage during the Great Patriotic War [World War II], so I thought why not send them cats?” said a volunteer in Tatarstan. Mon, 15 Jul 2024 17:54:43 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/07/15/russian-region-deploys-cats-to-ward-off-rats-on-the-frontlines-in-ukraine-a85717 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/07/01/kanye-wests-moscow-visit-inspires-flood-of-russian-memes-a85574 As news emerged that Kanye West was in Moscow on Sunday, the Russian-speaking internet erupted with memes.  Mon, 01 Jul 2024 17:26:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/07/01/kanye-wests-moscow-visit-inspires-flood-of-russian-memes-a85574 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/04/15/tiktok-users-turn-russian-pro-war-song-into-lgbt-anthem-a84847 The trend appears aimed at ironically juxtaposing “extremist” LGBTQ+ lifestyles with the songs’s militaristic overtones. Mon, 15 Apr 2024 18:22:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/04/15/tiktok-users-turn-russian-pro-war-song-into-lgbt-anthem-a84847 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/03/04/in-photos-russias-first-ever-games-of-the-future-a84330 Sports, video games and robots: this event had everything. Mon, 04 Mar 2024 18:01:31 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/03/04/in-photos-russias-first-ever-games-of-the-future-a84330 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/02/14/russians-deride-western-excess-declare-love-for-putin-on-valentines-day-a84078 While much of the world is celebrating Valentine’s Day with cards, chocolates and flowers, some in Russia have seized on current geopolitical tensions to undermine it. Wed, 14 Feb 2024 17:36:25 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/02/14/russians-deride-western-excess-declare-love-for-putin-on-valentines-day-a84078 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/02/09/tucker-carlsons-putin-interview-fuels-meme-frenzy-a84027 For those lacking the time or patience to sit through one of Putin's long-winded "history lessons," there are always plenty of memes. Fri, 09 Feb 2024 19:35:42 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/02/09/tucker-carlsons-putin-interview-fuels-meme-frenzy-a84027 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/01/29/moscow-library-fires-resident-cat-after-visitor-denunciation-a83896 More than 150 library visitors have already signed a petition calling for the animal’s return, reports said. Mon, 29 Jan 2024 20:14:26 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/01/29/moscow-library-fires-resident-cat-after-visitor-denunciation-a83896 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/12/26/deer-take-over-siberias-omsk-amid-abnormal-winter-weather-a83571 Omsk residents have regularly encountered roe deer in recent weeks, sharing videos and photos online of the animals running through snow-covered city streets.  Tue, 26 Dec 2023 16:26:45 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/12/26/deer-take-over-siberias-omsk-amid-abnormal-winter-weather-a83571 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/12/22/pro-war-officials-activists-denounce-star-studded-naked-party-a83524 The party at a popular Moscow nightclub was attended by pop stars Filipp Kirkorov, Lolita and Dima Bilan, as well as media personality Ksenia Sobchak. Fri, 22 Dec 2023 12:33:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/12/22/pro-war-officials-activists-denounce-star-studded-naked-party-a83524 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/12/15/in-photos-fsb-veterans-group-releases-hyper-militarized-pro-war-2024-calendar-a83416 The calendar's content offers a glimpse into the pro-war imagery that has shaped many Russians' outlooks. Fri, 15 Dec 2023 16:39:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/12/15/in-photos-fsb-veterans-group-releases-hyper-militarized-pro-war-2024-calendar-a83416 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/11/24/orthodox-icons-and-soviet-nostalgia-go-on-display-at-49th-russian-antique-salon-a83210 Modern and antique art, jewelry, furnishings, cars, and more went on display in Moscow's Gostiny Dvor. Fri, 24 Nov 2023 19:14:23 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/11/24/orthodox-icons-and-soviet-nostalgia-go-on-display-at-49th-russian-antique-salon-a83210 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/11/22/cow-belle-of-the-ball-bovine-beauty-contest-held-in-russias-far-east-a83161 Who's the fairest of them all? Wed, 22 Nov 2023 18:29:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/11/22/cow-belle-of-the-ball-bovine-beauty-contest-held-in-russias-far-east-a83161 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/11/22/russian-pop-song-from-2004-goes-viral-on-tiktok-a83187 Commenting on the trend, singer Katya Lel said that “life is unpredictable and full of surprises.” Wed, 22 Nov 2023 18:18:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/11/22/russian-pop-song-from-2004-goes-viral-on-tiktok-a83187 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/11/22/do-russians-believe-the-theory-that-putin-uses-body-doubles-a83164 A longstanding conspiracy theory claims that Putin uses body doubles for some of his public appearances. We asked Russians what they think. Wed, 22 Nov 2023 14:23:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/11/22/do-russians-believe-the-theory-that-putin-uses-body-doubles-a83164 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/11/10/dont-send-nude-photos-dagestan-police-official-warns-women-a83066 "Sometimes a prince on a white horse turns out to be a goat on an emaciated donkey," the region's police spokeswoman said. Fri, 10 Nov 2023 16:56:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/11/10/dont-send-nude-photos-dagestan-police-official-warns-women-a83066 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/10/16/new-video-shows-russian-drone-bakery-a82780 A state media segment showed the drones side-by-side with freshly baked bread on an assembly line at Tambov Bakery south of Moscow. Mon, 16 Oct 2023 16:24:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/10/16/new-video-shows-russian-drone-bakery-a82780 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/06/30/russians-mourn-tinder-in-beachfront-funeral-a81705 The dating app said it is exiting the Russian market on June 30, citing its commitment "to protecting human rights.” Fri, 30 Jun 2023 15:37:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/06/30/russians-mourn-tinder-in-beachfront-funeral-a81705 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/06/26/russians-react-to-prigozhins-rebellion-through-memes-a81649 In times like these, sometimes all you can do is make some memes. Mon, 26 Jun 2023 20:15:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/06/26/russians-react-to-prigozhins-rebellion-through-memes-a81649 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/02/01/american-animal-rights-activist-jailed-for-walking-cow-on-red-square-a80109 Wed, 01 Feb 2023 14:13:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/02/01/american-animal-rights-activist-jailed-for-walking-cow-on-red-square-a80109 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/12/12/russian-military-calls-for-accordion-balalaika-donations-a79669 Mon, 12 Dec 2022 11:29:42 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/12/12/russian-military-calls-for-accordion-balalaika-donations-a79669 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/11/18/belarus-autocrat-on-mcdonalds-departure-thank-god-a79436 Fri, 18 Nov 2022 14:53:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/11/18/belarus-autocrat-on-mcdonalds-departure-thank-god-a79436 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/10/21/russian-start-up-stages-fake-funerals-for-stress-therapy-a79157 Fri, 21 Oct 2022 12:28:31 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/10/21/russian-start-up-stages-fake-funerals-for-stress-therapy-a79157 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/09/15/belarus-strongman-chops-wood-for-europeans-freezing-to-death-a78798 European leaders are struggling to source alternative energy sources with supplies from Russia. Thu, 15 Sep 2022 10:14:48 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/09/15/belarus-strongman-chops-wood-for-europeans-freezing-to-death-a78798 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/08/16/russian-rpg-armed-robot-dog-revealed-to-be-chinese-home-bot-a78584 The robot dog's Russian developer hasn't commented on the apparent similarity with the Chinese-developed companion bot. Tue, 16 Aug 2022 16:59:36 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/08/16/russian-rpg-armed-robot-dog-revealed-to-be-chinese-home-bot-a78584 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/05/20/siberian-students-uncover-soviet-peers-wish-for-peace-in-50-year-old-time-capsule-a77745 The time capsule was opened during celebrations for the 100th anniversary of the Young Pioneers, the Soviet youth organization. Fri, 20 May 2022 15:40:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/05/20/siberian-students-uncover-soviet-peers-wish-for-peace-in-50-year-old-time-capsule-a77745 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/05/16/russia-unveils-domestic-rivals-to-coca-cola-fanta-and-sprite-a77694 Russian soda lovers will soon be able to pick up their own refreshing bottle of CoolCola, Fancy or Street. Mon, 16 May 2022 17:20:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/05/16/russia-unveils-domestic-rivals-to-coca-cola-fanta-and-sprite-a77694 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/04/28/russian-priests-fly-holy-fire-aboard-military-helicopter-near-ukraine-a77521 Two priests flew over the town of Stary Oskol holding a lantern and a religious icon. Thu, 28 Apr 2022 13:00:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/04/28/russian-priests-fly-holy-fire-aboard-military-helicopter-near-ukraine-a77521 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/04/15/celebrating-sergey-elkin-russias-leading-political-cartoonist-now-in-exile-a77347 Over the years, Elkin has lampooned politicians in media outlets across the world — including The Moscow Times. Fri, 15 Apr 2022 16:19:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/04/15/celebrating-sergey-elkin-russias-leading-political-cartoonist-now-in-exile-a77347 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/04/08/putin-kim-lookalikes-help-zelensky-impersonator-flee-ukraine-a77281 The real Zelensky remains in Ukraine. Fri, 08 Apr 2022 18:02:04 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/04/08/putin-kim-lookalikes-help-zelensky-impersonator-flee-ukraine-a77281 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/03/18/russians-stage-funeral-for-sanctioned-western-goods-a76953 The Siberian funeral company described the ceremony as a farewell to Western values. Fri, 18 Mar 2022 09:54:55 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/03/18/russians-stage-funeral-for-sanctioned-western-goods-a76953 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/03/03/russian-cats-banned-from-international-shows-over-russias-actions-in-ukraine-a76739 The International Cat Federation promised to allocate some funds to cat fanciers and breeders in Ukraine. Thu, 03 Mar 2022 14:31:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/03/03/russian-cats-banned-from-international-shows-over-russias-actions-in-ukraine-a76739