https://www.themoscowtimes.com/news The Moscow Times offers everything you need to know about Russia: Breaking news, top stories, business, analysis, opinion, multimedia en-us Mon, 18 May 2026 04:29:32 +0300 600 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/17/mass-ukraine-drone-barrage-kills-3-in-moscow-region-a92772 Russian air defenses shot down 556 drones in more than a dozen regions in one of the largest Ukrainian barrages of the ongoing conflict so far. Sun, 17 May 2026 11:07:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/17/mass-ukraine-drone-barrage-kills-3-in-moscow-region-a92772 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/16/ukraine-drone-attack-kills-1-in-belgorod-region-a92771 Sat, 16 May 2026 13:11:49 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/16/ukraine-drone-attack-kills-1-in-belgorod-region-a92771 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/16/kyiv-says-russia-returned-528-bodies-to-ukraine-a92770 Sat, 16 May 2026 12:57:23 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/16/kyiv-says-russia-returned-528-bodies-to-ukraine-a92770 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/16/russian-court-orders-euroclear-to-pay-around-250bln-over-frozen-assets-a92769 It was not clear how Russia intended to recover the funds, and Euroclear said it did not recognize the Russian court’s jurisdiction. Sat, 16 May 2026 11:42:31 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/16/russian-court-orders-euroclear-to-pay-around-250bln-over-frozen-assets-a92769 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/15/dozens-of-countries-pledge-support-for-special-tribunal-to-prosecute-russian-leaders-for-ukraine-invasion-a92766 The special tribunal is tasked with prosecuting Russia’s leadership for the “crime of aggression” against Ukraine. Fri, 15 May 2026 18:21:09 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/15/dozens-of-countries-pledge-support-for-special-tribunal-to-prosecute-russian-leaders-for-ukraine-invasion-a92766 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/15/putin-hails-positive-economic-growth-in-march-despite-sharp-downgrade-in-annual-forecast-a92765 The president’s remarks come just days after the government released a significant downward revision to its 2026 economic outlook. Fri, 15 May 2026 17:51:57 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/15/putin-hails-positive-economic-growth-in-march-despite-sharp-downgrade-in-annual-forecast-a92765 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/15/poland-arrests-alleged-russian-criminal-authority-near-warsaw-a92764 Polish authorities described the man as a “thief-in-law,” a prestigious and powerful status within the elite hierarchy of the Russian-speaking criminal world.  Fri, 15 May 2026 16:35:05 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/15/poland-arrests-alleged-russian-criminal-authority-near-warsaw-a92764 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/15/putin-expected-to-visit-china-next-week-reports-say-a92763 The Kremlin confirmed that preparations are underway for Putin’s trip to China, telling reporters that a date would be announced “very, very soon.” Fri, 15 May 2026 14:33:19 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/15/putin-expected-to-visit-china-next-week-reports-say-a92763 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/15/russian-dissident-nina-litvinova-dies-by-suicide-at-80-a92762 In a suicide note that her cousin shared on Facebook, Litvinova wrote that life had become “unbearable” since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Fri, 15 May 2026 13:48:11 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/15/russian-dissident-nina-litvinova-dies-by-suicide-at-80-a92762 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/15/russia-and-ukraine-begin-first-phase-of-large-pow-exchange-a92761 Volodymyr Zelensky said both sides released 205 prisoners each on Friday, with more swaps expected in the near future. Fri, 15 May 2026 11:57:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/15/russia-and-ukraine-begin-first-phase-of-large-pow-exchange-a92761 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/15/ukrainian-drones-kill-4-and-set-ryazan-oil-refinery-ablaze-a92760 Black smoke engulfed the sky above the city of Ryazan after the air attack on Friday morning, with residents reporting dark, oily rain droplets. Fri, 15 May 2026 11:35:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/15/ukrainian-drones-kill-4-and-set-ryazan-oil-refinery-ablaze-a92760 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/14/governor-reshuffle-in-border-regions-shows-how-kremlin-is-militarizing-russias-elites-experts-say-a92752 Putin has named a highly decorated army general and a former official in occupied Ukraine to lead the Belgorod and Bryansk regions. Thu, 14 May 2026 18:49:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/14/governor-reshuffle-in-border-regions-shows-how-kremlin-is-militarizing-russias-elites-experts-say-a92752 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/14/kremlin-rejects-eu-mediation-in-ukraine-peace-talks-a92758 Top spokesman Dmitry Peskov accused Brussels of being a “direct participant” in the war due to its continued support of Ukraine. Thu, 14 May 2026 17:51:20 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/14/kremlin-rejects-eu-mediation-in-ukraine-peace-talks-a92758 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/14/sanctioned-state-duma-lawmaker-appointed-as-russias-next-human-rights-chief-a92757 Yana Lantratova is accused of playing a key role in the alleged systematic transfer of children from occupied Ukrainian territories to Russia. Thu, 14 May 2026 16:10:17 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/14/sanctioned-state-duma-lawmaker-appointed-as-russias-next-human-rights-chief-a92757 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/14/italian-visa-centers-ban-third-party-submissions-russian-tour-lobby-says-a92755 The change was reportedly enacted after the arrest of Italy’s former ambassador in Uzbekistan over an alleged scheme involving illicit Schengen visa approvals. Thu, 14 May 2026 14:30:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/14/italian-visa-centers-ban-third-party-submissions-russian-tour-lobby-says-a92755 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/14/russia-is-building-pragmatic-partnership-with-taliban-government-shoigu-says-a92754 Russia was the first country to recognize the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan last July after removing the Taliban from its list of terrorist organizations and accepting its ambassador to Moscow.  Thu, 14 May 2026 13:05:14 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/14/russia-is-building-pragmatic-partnership-with-taliban-government-shoigu-says-a92754 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/14/hungary-summons-russian-ambassador-after-drone-attacks-on-western-ukraine-a92751 Authorities in Ukraine’s Zakarpattia region described the attacks as the most intense Russian aerial assault since the 2022 invasion. Thu, 14 May 2026 11:36:32 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/14/hungary-summons-russian-ambassador-after-drone-attacks-on-western-ukraine-a92751 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/13/putin-replaces-governors-of-war-ravaged-belgorod-and-bryansk-regions-a92750 The president appointed a military general and a former senior official in occupied Ukraine to lead the two border regions. Wed, 13 May 2026 19:59:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/13/putin-replaces-governors-of-war-ravaged-belgorod-and-bryansk-regions-a92750 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/13/has-the-iran-war-sealed-the-fate-of-power-of-siberia-2-a92672 The pipeline remains stalled months after Gazprom signed a “legally binding” memorandum with China, even despite the global energy crisis. Wed, 13 May 2026 19:10:16 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/13/has-the-iran-war-sealed-the-fate-of-power-of-siberia-2-a92672 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/13/britains-former-defense-secretary-is-now-a-wanted-man-in-russia-a92749 The warrant, which police have not confirmed, is reportedly connected to comments Ben Wallace made at the Warsaw Security Forum last year. Wed, 13 May 2026 18:20:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/13/britains-former-defense-secretary-is-now-a-wanted-man-in-russia-a92749 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/13/at-least-3-killed-in-russian-drone-attacks-across-ukraine-a92747 The rare daytime attacks largely targeted regions in the western part of the country. Wed, 13 May 2026 17:25:10 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/13/at-least-3-killed-in-russian-drone-attacks-across-ukraine-a92747 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/13/eu-imports-of-russian-lng-surge-to-highest-level-since-ukraine-invasion-a92748 Several EU countries, including Belgium, France and Spain, have continued to purchase Russian LNG transported by sea tankers since 2022. Wed, 13 May 2026 17:05:57 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/13/eu-imports-of-russian-lng-surge-to-highest-level-since-ukraine-invasion-a92748 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/13/russias-oil-export-revenue-saw-continued-growth-in-april-iea-says-a92745 Revenue from crude and petroleum shipments rose to $19.18 billion, a modest increase of $180 million from the $19 billion recorded in March. Wed, 13 May 2026 14:09:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/13/russias-oil-export-revenue-saw-continued-growth-in-april-iea-says-a92745 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/13/russian-police-issue-arrest-warrant-for-ex-deputy-minister-who-reportedly-fled-country-a92743 Denis Butsayev stepped down as deputy minister at the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry in late April, with some reports suggesting that he may have fled to the United States amid a fraud investigation of people close to him. Wed, 13 May 2026 12:41:51 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/13/russian-police-issue-arrest-warrant-for-ex-deputy-minister-who-reportedly-fled-country-a92743 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/13/ukrainian-drone-attack-sparks-fire-at-gas-plant-in-astrakhan-region-a92742 Authorities said drone debris caused a fire at the Astrakhan Gas Processing Plant, a major facility in the Caspian Sea region. Wed, 13 May 2026 11:56:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/13/ukrainian-drone-attack-sparks-fire-at-gas-plant-in-astrakhan-region-a92742 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/12/finland-to-tighten-curbs-on-medical-equipment-exports-to-russia-a92741 “We have now become aware that medical and pharmaceutical products may end up being used in Russia for military purposes,” the head of sanctions at Finland’s Foreign Ministry said. Tue, 12 May 2026 18:59:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/12/finland-to-tighten-curbs-on-medical-equipment-exports-to-russia-a92741 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/12/russian-regions-move-schools-online-amid-drone-attack-fears-a92740 Officials in at least four regions announced temporary closures or online classes on Monday and Tuesday, citing security concerns linked to the threat of drones. Tue, 12 May 2026 18:48:57 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/12/russian-regions-move-schools-online-amid-drone-attack-fears-a92740 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/12/russia-slates-sarmat-icbm-deployment-for-late-2026-a92739 The announcement comes after the military said it carried out a successful test launch of the missile on Tuesday morning. Tue, 12 May 2026 18:17:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/12/russia-slates-sarmat-icbm-deployment-for-late-2026-a92739 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/12/foreign-ministry-accuses-west-of-seeking-anti-russian-staging-ground-in-central-asia-a92738 A senior diplomat warned that the U.S. and its allies seek to take control of the region’s strategic resources and transportation corridors. Tue, 12 May 2026 17:58:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/12/foreign-ministry-accuses-west-of-seeking-anti-russian-staging-ground-in-central-asia-a92738 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/12/teen-arrested-after-krasnodar-region-school-shooting-leaves-2-children-injured-a92736 The 16-year-old ninth-grader is accused of firing multiple non-lethal shots at students at School No. 1 in the town of Gulkevichi. Tue, 12 May 2026 15:25:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/12/teen-arrested-after-krasnodar-region-school-shooting-leaves-2-children-injured-a92736 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/12/yulia-navalnaya-rejects-claims-of-fictitious-employees-as-fbk-infighting-goes-public-a92735 Ivan Zhdanov, who served as FBK’s CEO from July 2022 until his removal in September, called for an internal audit of the organization after claiming in a recent interview that former chairman Leonid Volkov had hired “fictitious employees.” Tue, 12 May 2026 13:31:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/12/yulia-navalnaya-rejects-claims-of-fictitious-employees-as-fbk-infighting-goes-public-a92735 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/12/tv-rain-editor-in-chief-jailed-8-years-in-absentia-over-war-fakes-a92732 Tikhon Dzyadko, who serves as editor-in-chief at TV Rain, was accused of spreading false information about the Russian armed forces. Tue, 12 May 2026 11:25:51 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/12/tv-rain-editor-in-chief-jailed-8-years-in-absentia-over-war-fakes-a92732 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/11/north-korea-has-reaped-13bln-from-military-aid-to-russia-south-korean-intelligence-says-a92731 In exchange for weapons and manpower, Pyongyang is believed to have received hard currency, energy supplies and critical military technologies, helping the regime bypass international sanctions. Mon, 11 May 2026 17:33:42 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/11/north-korea-has-reaped-13bln-from-military-aid-to-russia-south-korean-intelligence-says-a92731 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/11/uk-sanctions-russian-disinformation-outfit-over-plot-to-sway-armenian-elections-a92729 The new measures target 49 employees of the Social Design Agency, a group already under Western sanctions for alleged election interference. Mon, 11 May 2026 13:41:09 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/11/uk-sanctions-russian-disinformation-outfit-over-plot-to-sway-armenian-elections-a92729 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/11/eu-ministers-to-discuss-possibility-of-direct-talks-with-russia-a92728 Vladimir Putin has proposed German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as a possible negotiator in talks with the European Union. Mon, 11 May 2026 11:39:07 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/11/eu-ministers-to-discuss-possibility-of-direct-talks-with-russia-a92728 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/10/ukraine-reports-multiple-casualties-on-second-day-of-russia-truce-a92727 Ukrainian air force data showed a decrease in long-range Russian drone strikes compared to before the truce, but officials reported casualties nonetheless. Sun, 10 May 2026 17:40:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/10/ukraine-reports-multiple-casualties-on-second-day-of-russia-truce-a92727 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/10/a-quieter-victory-day-in-st-petersburg-hints-at-the-strains-of-russias-long-war-a92726 Yet despite a scaled-down military parade, thousands marched in the Immortal Regiment. Sun, 10 May 2026 13:31:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/10/a-quieter-victory-day-in-st-petersburg-hints-at-the-strains-of-russias-long-war-a92726 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/09/putin-says-ukraine-war-winding-down-blasts-west-for-backing-kyiv-a92723 "I firmly believe that our cause is just," he said as Russia marked the 81st anniversary of the Soviet victory in World War II. Sat, 09 May 2026 21:59:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/09/putin-says-ukraine-war-winding-down-blasts-west-for-backing-kyiv-a92723 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/09/russian-widows-mothers-of-soldiers-killed-in-ukraine-join-victory-day-march-in-chita-a92725 Local media described the march as a first for the annual celebrations marking the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. Sat, 09 May 2026 19:08:48 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/09/russian-widows-mothers-of-soldiers-killed-in-ukraine-join-victory-day-march-in-chita-a92725 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/09/poland-and-russia-cant-stop-arguing-over-history-does-it-matter-a92724 More than 80 years after they occurred, the events of World War II are still hotly debated in Russia and Poland. Sat, 09 May 2026 16:45:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/09/poland-and-russia-cant-stop-arguing-over-history-does-it-matter-a92724 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/08/russia-and-ukraine-agree-to-us-brokered-ceasefire-this-weekend-a92721 The deal, which Trump first announced on Truth Social, will pause fighting from May 9 through May 11 and include a prisoner swap. Fri, 08 May 2026 21:41:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/08/russia-and-ukraine-agree-to-us-brokered-ceasefire-this-weekend-a92721 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/08/director-alexander-sokurov-expresses-sympathy-for-exiled-artists-after-venice-event-canceled-a92720 Sokurov had been slated to speak at a pre-opening event at the Venice Biennale titled “Dissent and Peace” this week, but organizers scrapped his appearance, citing “last-minute unavailability.” Fri, 08 May 2026 18:17:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/08/director-alexander-sokurov-expresses-sympathy-for-exiled-artists-after-venice-event-canceled-a92720 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/08/second-japanese-refiner-buys-russian-oil-amid-global-supply-crunch-a92719 Idemitsu Kosan told TASS that the purchase was made at the request of Japan’s Agency for Natural Resources and Energy to “ensure a stable supply of petroleum products.” Fri, 08 May 2026 16:18:11 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/08/second-japanese-refiner-buys-russian-oil-amid-global-supply-crunch-a92719 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/08/slovak-pm-may-deliver-message-from-ukraines-zelensky-to-putin-a92718 Ukraine has not commented on whether Volodymyr Zelensky asked Robert Fico to deliver a message to the Russian leader. Fri, 08 May 2026 14:31:11 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/08/slovak-pm-may-deliver-message-from-ukraines-zelensky-to-putin-a92718 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/08/latvia-summons-russian-diplomat-over-drone-incident-a92717 Latvia’s defense minister had said two drones that crashed in the country on Thursday were likely Ukrainian and traveling toward Russian targets. Fri, 08 May 2026 13:12:15 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/08/latvia-summons-russian-diplomat-over-drone-incident-a92717 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/08/russia-readies-for-dialed-down-victory-day-spectacle-as-drones-fly-and-millions-go-offline-a92710 While 12 regions do plan to hold full-scale military parades, as many as 11 have called off their celebrations entirely. Fri, 08 May 2026 12:15:26 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/08/russia-readies-for-dialed-down-victory-day-spectacle-as-drones-fly-and-millions-go-offline-a92710 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/08/airports-in-southern-russia-paralyzed-after-ukrainian-drone-hits-air-traffic-control-center-a92716 The early morning drone attacks come hours after a ceasefire that Russia unilaterally announced for May 8-10 came into effect. Fri, 08 May 2026 11:36:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/08/airports-in-southern-russia-paralyzed-after-ukrainian-drone-hits-air-traffic-control-center-a92716 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/07/russia-scolds-ally-armenia-for-hosting-zelensky-a92714 Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova also warned Yerevan against pursuing closer ties with the European Union. Thu, 07 May 2026 18:55:14 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/07/russia-scolds-ally-armenia-for-hosting-zelensky-a92714 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/07/russian-economy-shrinks-in-the-first-quarter-a92713 The 0.5% contraction in GDP significantly missed the Central Bank’s earlier projection of 1.6% annualized growth for the period. Thu, 07 May 2026 18:37:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/07/russian-economy-shrinks-in-the-first-quarter-a92713 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/07/yekaterinburg-police-arrest-soviet-repression-researcher-on-terrorism-charges-a92712 Oleg Novoselov studies Stalin’s Great Terror of the 1930s in the Urals and had previously volunteered at the local chapter of the human rights group Memorial. Thu, 07 May 2026 17:39:05 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/07/yekaterinburg-police-arrest-soviet-repression-researcher-on-terrorism-charges-a92712