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 Sun, 26 Apr 2026 07:06:44 +0300 600 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/25/russian-strikes-kill-6-across-ukraine-a92603 Four people were killed and 27 wounded in a single strike on an apartment block in Dnipro. Another strike nearly killed a local official. Sat, 25 Apr 2026 16:22:13 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/25/russian-strikes-kill-6-across-ukraine-a92603 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/25/sverdlovsk-chelyabinsk-regions-report-first-ukrainian-drone-attacks-a92602 A high rise building in the center of Yekaterinburg was damaged and locals in Chelyabinsk reported hearing explosions. Sat, 25 Apr 2026 11:36:09 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/25/sverdlovsk-chelyabinsk-regions-report-first-ukrainian-drone-attacks-a92602 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/24/russian-platforms-label-pushkin-gogol-classics-under-drug-propaganda-law-a92601 Under the legislation that took effect on March 1, literature, films, media and online content deemed to promote narcotics must be sold with a warning label. Fri, 24 Apr 2026 19:04:05 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/24/russian-platforms-label-pushkin-gogol-classics-under-drug-propaganda-law-a92601 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/24/resistance-imprisoned-a-spotlight-on-the-russians-and-ukrainians-held-by-the-kremlin-a92587 A new exhibition in Strasbourg brings together the stories of Russian dissidents, as well as Ukrainian civilians and soldiers imprisoned in Russia. Fri, 24 Apr 2026 18:25:41 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/24/resistance-imprisoned-a-spotlight-on-the-russians-and-ukrainians-held-by-the-kremlin-a92587 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/24/venice-biennale-jury-excludes-russia-and-israel-from-awards-considerations-a92599 Both President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu face active ICC warrants for alleged war crimes. Fri, 24 Apr 2026 16:45:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/24/venice-biennale-jury-excludes-russia-and-israel-from-awards-considerations-a92599 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/24/anti-war-politician-boris-nadezhdin-eyes-run-for-state-duma-a92598 Nadezhdin told Vedomosti that he plans to campaign on a platform of a “return to normal life” in Russia. Fri, 24 Apr 2026 16:02:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/24/anti-war-politician-boris-nadezhdin-eyes-run-for-state-duma-a92598 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/24/russias-central-bank-cuts-key-rate-to-145-a92594 It marks the eighth consecutive cut since borrowing costs were hiked to a two-decade high in 2024 to curb surging inflation. Fri, 24 Apr 2026 15:06:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/24/russias-central-bank-cuts-key-rate-to-145-a92594 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/24/black-rain-toxic-air-and-bird-deaths-russian-black-sea-town-reels-from-refinery-strike-a92581 The scene in Tuapse has turned apocalyptic in recent days after strikes on a local oil refinery sparked major fires and caused an oil spill. Fri, 24 Apr 2026 14:48:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/24/black-rain-toxic-air-and-bird-deaths-russian-black-sea-town-reels-from-refinery-strike-a92581 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/24/russia-and-ukraine-release-nearly-200-pows-each-a92596 United Russia member Shamsail Saraliyev said the swap will take place on Friday, but he did not disclose how many POWs would be involved. Fri, 24 Apr 2026 12:45:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/24/russia-and-ukraine-release-nearly-200-pows-each-a92596 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/24/fsb-shoots-and-kills-man-suspected-of-trying-to-assassinate-roskomnadzor-officials-a92595 Law enforcement authorities claimed the plot was a “terrorist act” orchestrated by Ukraine to “disrupt Russia’s information security measures.” Fri, 24 Apr 2026 12:12:20 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/24/fsb-shoots-and-kills-man-suspected-of-trying-to-assassinate-roskomnadzor-officials-a92595 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/24/russia-develops-anti-aging-vaccine-targeting-cellular-aging-a92597 The project is part of a broader push to expand domestic biotechnology research as Russia faces demographic decline and a rapidly aging population. Fri, 24 Apr 2026 11:59:38 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/24/russia-develops-anti-aging-vaccine-targeting-cellular-aging-a92597 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/24/white-house-to-invite-putin-to-g20-summit-in-miami-though-trump-doubts-hell-attend-a92593 The Kremlin leader last attended a G20 summit in person in 2019, the year before the Covid-19 pandemic. Fri, 24 Apr 2026 10:43:44 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/24/white-house-to-invite-putin-to-g20-summit-in-miami-though-trump-doubts-hell-attend-a92593 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/23/putin-defends-mobile-internet-outages-as-necessary-measure-in-fight-against-terrorism-a92592 The comments mark the first time the Russian president has personally waded into the confusion caused by the internet disruptions. Thu, 23 Apr 2026 18:18:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/23/putin-defends-mobile-internet-outages-as-necessary-measure-in-fight-against-terrorism-a92592 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/23/eu-hits-russia-with-20th-sanctions-package-a92589 Brussels also approved a loan of 90 billion euros to Ukraine after Hungary and Slovakia dropped their vetoes. Thu, 23 Apr 2026 17:54:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/23/eu-hits-russia-with-20th-sanctions-package-a92589 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/23/indonesia-says-it-will-buy-150m-barrels-of-russian-oil-amid-global-shortage-a92588 Around 20-25% of Indonesia's crude imports normally come from the Middle East and pass through the vital Strait of Hormuz. Thu, 23 Apr 2026 16:51:04 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/23/indonesia-says-it-will-buy-150m-barrels-of-russian-oil-amid-global-shortage-a92588 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/23/avtovaz-launches-lada-subscription-service-as-sales-slump-a92585 The 12-month subscription costs around a third of the Lada Vesta’s full retail price. Thu, 23 Apr 2026 16:34:43 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/23/avtovaz-launches-lada-subscription-service-as-sales-slump-a92585 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/23/kadyrovs-son-is-now-selling-energy-drinks-and-nobody-knows-why-a92582 In 2012, Ramzan Kadyrov called for a ban on energy drinks, declaring that “intoxicating drugs are unacceptable in a Muslim society.” Thu, 23 Apr 2026 14:44:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/23/kadyrovs-son-is-now-selling-energy-drinks-and-nobody-knows-why-a92582 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/23/druzhba-oil-flow-to-slovakia-resumed-thursday-officials-say-a92580 Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico said 119,000 metric tons of oil are projected to arrive in the country by the end of April. Thu, 23 Apr 2026 13:49:01 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/23/druzhba-oil-flow-to-slovakia-resumed-thursday-officials-say-a92580 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/23/investigators-search-dagestan-government-offices-over-illegal-permits-linked-to-flood-damage-a92579 The floods, triggered by two weeks of heavy rainfall in late March and early April, killed at least seven people and displaced more than 6,200. Thu, 23 Apr 2026 13:19:57 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/23/investigators-search-dagestan-government-offices-over-illegal-permits-linked-to-flood-damage-a92579 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/23/3-killed-in-ukrainian-drone-strikes-across-russia-a92578 A deadly attack in the Samara region came days after an oil refinery in the area was reportedly forced to halt operations due to previous strikes. Thu, 23 Apr 2026 11:31:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/23/3-killed-in-ukrainian-drone-strikes-across-russia-a92578 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/22/instagram-stars-appeal-to-putin-sets-off-a-war-of-words-from-state-tv-to-the-opposition-a92576 Viktoria Bonya’s viral message to Putin about the plight of ordinary Russians has become a political lightning rod. Wed, 22 Apr 2026 19:49:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/22/instagram-stars-appeal-to-putin-sets-off-a-war-of-words-from-state-tv-to-the-opposition-a92576 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/22/sweden-releases-russian-captain-after-shadow-fleet-ship-detention-a92573 Swedish prosecutors said they could not disprove the captain’s claim that he was unaware the ship’s registration papers were fraudulent. Wed, 22 Apr 2026 17:59:52 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/22/sweden-releases-russian-captain-after-shadow-fleet-ship-detention-a92573 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/22/travel-agency-staff-arrested-after-3-tourists-die-on-siberian-peak-a92571 The tourists died during an expedition on Mount Munku-Sardyk, the highest peak in the Eastern Sayan range along the Russian-Mongolian border. Wed, 22 Apr 2026 16:25:08 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/22/travel-agency-staff-arrested-after-3-tourists-die-on-siberian-peak-a92571 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/22/russia-to-cut-kazakh-oil-transit-to-germany-a92572 The German subsidiary of Russia's state-owned oil company Rosneft told German regulators that the Russian Energy Ministry had ordered the suspension. Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:28:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/22/russia-to-cut-kazakh-oil-transit-to-germany-a92572 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/22/patriot-park-deputy-director-arrested-for-allegedly-accepting-bribe-a92569 Vitaly Melimuk is the latest park official to face criminal prosecution amid a wider shakeup in Russia’s military establishment. Wed, 22 Apr 2026 14:50:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/22/patriot-park-deputy-director-arrested-for-allegedly-accepting-bribe-a92569 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/22/russias-planned-vpn-traffic-charges-hit-by-technical-delays-vedomosti-a92570 While authorities have pushed telecom providers to limit access to VPNs, implementation has proved more complex than anticipated. Wed, 22 Apr 2026 13:18:53 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/22/russias-planned-vpn-traffic-charges-hit-by-technical-delays-vedomosti-a92570 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/22/putin-renames-fsb-academy-after-red-terror-architect-felix-dzerzhinsky-a92567 Known as “Iron Felix,” the Polish-born Dzerzhinsky established the Cheka, the precursor to the KGB. Wed, 22 Apr 2026 13:07:30 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/22/putin-renames-fsb-academy-after-red-terror-architect-felix-dzerzhinsky-a92567 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/22/italy-summons-russian-ambassador-after-solovyov-insults-meloni-a92566 The Russian state TV presenter called Italy's prime minister a "disgrace to the human race," a "wild beast," a "certified idiot" and a "nasty little woman." Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:21:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/22/italy-summons-russian-ambassador-after-solovyov-insults-meloni-a92566 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/22/woman-and-child-killed-in-ukrainian-drone-strike-on-samara-region-a92565 Ukraine previously attacked an oil refinery in the city of Syzran, where a woman and a child were killed early Wednesday. Wed, 22 Apr 2026 11:25:06 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/22/woman-and-child-killed-in-ukrainian-drone-strike-on-samara-region-a92565 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/22/ukraine-repairs-druzhba-pipeline-clearing-way-for-russian-oil-flows-to-europe-a92564 The pipeline, which carries crude to Hungary and Slovakia, has been at the center of a monthslong diplomatic standoff. Wed, 22 Apr 2026 10:49:47 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/22/ukraine-repairs-druzhba-pipeline-clearing-way-for-russian-oil-flows-to-europe-a92564 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/21/russia-says-freed-2-hostages-taken-by-jihadists-in-niger-a92563 The two employees of Russian geology company were freed by a "special operation" carried out by Russia's Africa Corps in Mali, the Defense Ministry said. Tue, 21 Apr 2026 18:51:58 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/21/russia-says-freed-2-hostages-taken-by-jihadists-in-niger-a92563 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/21/russia-removes-2-decades-of-court-statistics-from-public-access-a92561 The court statistics had been used to analyze trends in cases such as treason, the dissemination of “fake news” about the army, “discrediting” the military, sabotage and the justification of terrorism. Tue, 21 Apr 2026 18:27:22 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/21/russia-removes-2-decades-of-court-statistics-from-public-access-a92561 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/21/russia-forced-to-slash-oil-production-after-ukrainian-strikes-reuters-a92560 The reduction, estimated between 300,000 and 400,000 barrels per day, comes as Ukraine ramps up its strike campaign against the energy and export infrastructure that accounts for roughly a quarter of Russia’s state revenue. Tue, 21 Apr 2026 17:56:36 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/21/russia-forced-to-slash-oil-production-after-ukrainian-strikes-reuters-a92560 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/21/ceo-of-russias-largest-book-publisher-detained-in-lgbtq-extremism-probe-a92557 Yevgeny Kapyev, head of the publishing giant Eksmo, was taken in by police following a search of the company’s Moscow office. Tue, 21 Apr 2026 16:05:05 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/21/ceo-of-russias-largest-book-publisher-detained-in-lgbtq-extremism-probe-a92557 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/21/russian-businesses-helping-funnel-military-equipment-to-wagner-successor-group-in-mali-report-a92553 The size and scale of these shipments indicate that Russia could be looking to establish a long-term presence in Mali, the report said. Tue, 21 Apr 2026 15:14:40 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/21/russian-businesses-helping-funnel-military-equipment-to-wagner-successor-group-in-mali-report-a92553 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/21/russia-and-north-korea-celebrate-joining-of-first-road-bridge-a92556 Scheduled to open for traffic this summer, the crossing will be capable of handling up to 300 vehicles and 2,850 people daily. Tue, 21 Apr 2026 14:25:56 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/21/russia-and-north-korea-celebrate-joining-of-first-road-bridge-a92556 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/21/dozens-of-israelis-briefly-detained-questioned-at-moscow-airport-a92555 Russian media reported that security officials questioned some of the Israeli passengers over the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran. Tue, 21 Apr 2026 13:46:11 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/21/dozens-of-israelis-briefly-detained-questioned-at-moscow-airport-a92555 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/21/technical-malfunction-halts-service-on-moscow-metros-red-line-a92554 Transportation officials said the incident on Tuesday was a “technical malfunction” related to the wheels of a train car. Tue, 21 Apr 2026 12:56:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/21/technical-malfunction-halts-service-on-moscow-metros-red-line-a92554 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/21/pro-kremlin-editor-jailed-5-years-for-bribing-police-official-uncle-a92552 Ura.ru editor Denis Allayarov was found guilty of bribing his uncle, a former senior police official, to obtain confidential internal reports. Tue, 21 Apr 2026 11:25:30 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/21/pro-kremlin-editor-jailed-5-years-for-bribing-police-official-uncle-a92552 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/20/russia-says-it-can-take-irans-enriched-uranium-will-that-happen-a92547 While U.S. officials have ruled out sending Iran’s uranium to Russia, some experts say the proposal could still be a “win-win.” Mon, 20 Apr 2026 18:42:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/20/russia-says-it-can-take-irans-enriched-uranium-will-that-happen-a92547 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/20/berlin-summons-russian-envoy-over-threats-a92541 The German Foreign Ministry did not specify the "threats" and would not provide additional details. Mon, 20 Apr 2026 18:32:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/20/berlin-summons-russian-envoy-over-threats-a92541 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/20/estonia-dismisses-zelenskys-claims-of-russian-plans-to-invade-baltics-a92550 Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said all indicators suggest Russia is under great strain, both militarily and economically. Mon, 20 Apr 2026 17:36:37 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/20/estonia-dismisses-zelenskys-claims-of-russian-plans-to-invade-baltics-a92550 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/20/civil-groups-sue-mali-over-wagner-abuses-a92548 The groups say it is the first known legal case brought before the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights seeking to hold a state responsible for hiring and hosting private military contractors. Mon, 20 Apr 2026 17:20:59 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/20/civil-groups-sue-mali-over-wagner-abuses-a92548 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/20/rosaviatsia-lifts-restrictions-on-flights-to-iran-and-uae-ticket-sales-a92549 Russia suspended flights to Israel and Iran in late February following U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iran. Mon, 20 Apr 2026 16:51:27 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/20/rosaviatsia-lifts-restrictions-on-flights-to-iran-and-uae-ticket-sales-a92549 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/20/russian-oil-is-too-big-to-ignore-kremlin-says-a92545 Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that “Russia remains a responsible and very important player in global energy markets.” Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:54:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/20/russian-oil-is-too-big-to-ignore-kremlin-says-a92545 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/20/circus-tiger-jumps-into-crowd-after-safety-barrier-collapses-in-rostov-on-don-a92544 The incident occurred while three tigers and two trainers were inside a performance ring, local media reported. Mon, 20 Apr 2026 14:02:49 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/20/circus-tiger-jumps-into-crowd-after-safety-barrier-collapses-in-rostov-on-don-a92544 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/20/novosibirsk-agriculture-minister-fired-after-mass-cattle-culls-spark-farmer-protests-a92542 The sacked minister became the target of national ridicule last month after a video showed him running away from a farm owner seeking an explanation for the mass culling. Mon, 20 Apr 2026 12:49:01 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/20/novosibirsk-agriculture-minister-fired-after-mass-cattle-culls-spark-farmer-protests-a92542 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/20/ukrainian-drone-attack-on-tuapse-port-kills-1-a92540 The overnight strike is the second to damage the strategic oil export hub in less than a week. Mon, 20 Apr 2026 11:35:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/20/ukrainian-drone-attack-on-tuapse-port-kills-1-a92540 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/19/zelensky-says-oil-sanctions-relief-provides-billions-for-russian-military-a92539 "Every dollar paid for Russian oil is money for the war," Zelensky said. Sun, 19 Apr 2026 10:59:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/19/zelensky-says-oil-sanctions-relief-provides-billions-for-russian-military-a92539 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/18/russia-urges-hiv-testing-for-one-third-of-population-as-cases-rise-a92536 Russia faces one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in Europe, with infections continuing to climb despite record screening levels. Sat, 18 Apr 2026 21:38:01 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/18/russia-urges-hiv-testing-for-one-third-of-population-as-cases-rise-a92536