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 Thu, 24 Sep 2026 09:26:13 +0300 600 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/23/firms-linked-to-putin-classmate-win-15bln-in-moscow-school-meal-contracts-report-says-a93783 The lucrative school catering business was once held by companies owned by late Wagner mercenary group founder Yevgeny Prigozhin. Wed, 23 Sep 2026 18:13:22 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/23/firms-linked-to-putin-classmate-win-15bln-in-moscow-school-meal-contracts-report-says-a93783 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/23/putin-says-election-turnout-shows-russians-support-military-agenda-a93781 "Such a high, even record, number of people who came out and voted shows that the people of Russia support our efforts aimed at strengthening the country," he said. Wed, 23 Sep 2026 18:00:40 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/23/putin-says-election-turnout-shows-russians-support-military-agenda-a93781 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/23/russian-military-helicopter-briefly-entered-polish-airspace-a93780 The Mi-8 helicopter spent 42 seconds in Polish airspace, the Polish military said. Wed, 23 Sep 2026 17:51:30 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/23/russian-military-helicopter-briefly-entered-polish-airspace-a93780 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/23/russia-brands-exiled-youtuber-yury-dud-terrorist-and-extremist-a93779 The journalist-turned-YouTuber was previously sentenced to nearly two years in prison in absentia for violating Russia’s “foreign agent” laws. Wed, 23 Sep 2026 17:43:38 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/23/russia-brands-exiled-youtuber-yury-dud-terrorist-and-extremist-a93779 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/23/russian-managers-take-control-at-western-companies-seized-by-the-kremlin-a93778 Leading business figures in Russia have said the latest asset seizures should serve as a warning signal to Europe amid ongoing discussions to use frozen Russian assets in the West to help finance Ukraine. Wed, 23 Sep 2026 17:07:38 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/23/russian-managers-take-control-at-western-companies-seized-by-the-kremlin-a93778 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/23/2-climbers-found-dead-on-russias-second-highest-mountain-peak-a93776 The climbers went missing on Sunday while attempting a highly challenging ascent of Mount Dykhtau. Wed, 23 Sep 2026 15:36:29 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/23/2-climbers-found-dead-on-russias-second-highest-mountain-peak-a93776 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/23/fsb-arrests-muscovite-accused-of-planning-to-blow-up-government-motorcade-a93774 Law enforcement authorities accused the man of planning to blow up the motorcade of a high-ranking government official. Wed, 23 Sep 2026 13:43:38 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/23/fsb-arrests-muscovite-accused-of-planning-to-blow-up-government-motorcade-a93774 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/23/russian-regions-slowly-reimpose-fuel-purchase-limits-amid-ongoing-refinery-attacks-a93773 The new restrictions come after Ukraine struck major oil refineries in Moscow, Samara and Ufa over the past three days. Wed, 23 Sep 2026 12:23:34 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/23/russian-regions-slowly-reimpose-fuel-purchase-limits-amid-ongoing-refinery-attacks-a93773 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/22/eu-removes-billionaires-usmanov-and-fridman-from-sanctions-list-a93772 The EU also rolled over the remaining 3,000 individuals and entities on its Russia sanctions list for another three years, diplomats said. Tue, 22 Sep 2026 18:01:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/22/eu-removes-billionaires-usmanov-and-fridman-from-sanctions-list-a93772 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/22/czech-man-jailed-13-days-for-red-square-protest-a93771 Court authorities said the man, Michal Plamenek, held up a sign whose inscription was “aimed at discrediting the Russian Armed Forces.” Tue, 22 Sep 2026 17:35:26 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/22/czech-man-jailed-13-days-for-red-square-protest-a93771 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/22/what-could-the-super-el-nino-bring-to-russia-a93769 The current super El Niño, the effects of which are already being felt across the globe, is on track to become the strongest on record. Tue, 22 Sep 2026 16:37:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/22/what-could-the-super-el-nino-bring-to-russia-a93769 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/22/shopping-center-fire-in-bashkortostan-kills-4-a93770 The Emergency Situations Ministry said the blaze erupted at the Solnechny shopping center at around noon local time on Tuesday. Tue, 22 Sep 2026 16:14:22 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/22/shopping-center-fire-in-bashkortostan-kills-4-a93770 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/22/kremlin-backs-un-security-council-reform-but-says-permanent-members-and-veto-powers-should-remain-a93768 The comments come in response to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s renewed calls to abolish both permanent membership on the Security Council and the veto privilege ahead of the 81st UN General Assembly. Tue, 22 Sep 2026 14:46:42 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/22/kremlin-backs-un-security-council-reform-but-says-permanent-members-and-veto-powers-should-remain-a93768 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/22/wildberries-begins-test-launch-of-ride-hailing-service-in-armenia-a93767 Since mid-2025, WB Taxi has launched in Belarus, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. Tue, 22 Sep 2026 13:34:22 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/22/wildberries-begins-test-launch-of-ride-hailing-service-in-armenia-a93767 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/22/one-killed-as-ukraine-strikes-refineries-in-samara-and-bashkortostan-a93765 The Rosneft-operated Kuibyshev refinery in the southern Samara region has been repeatedly targeted throughout the war. Tue, 22 Sep 2026 11:20:45 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/22/one-killed-as-ukraine-strikes-refineries-in-samara-and-bashkortostan-a93765 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/21/as-fears-of-post-election-mobilization-swirl-russian-activists-prepare-for-the-worst-a93761 Anti-war activists and lawyers say that anxiety is rising, even though helping Russians avoid military service has long been a part of their work. Mon, 21 Sep 2026 19:17:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/21/as-fears-of-post-election-mobilization-swirl-russian-activists-prepare-for-the-worst-a93761 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/21/putin-orders-seizure-of-us-packaging-makers-russian-plant-a93762 Aptar Vladimir was transferred to H&N, which took control of Danone’s Russian operations during a similar asset seizure in 2023. Mon, 21 Sep 2026 17:29:42 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/21/putin-orders-seizure-of-us-packaging-makers-russian-plant-a93762 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/21/new-us-sanctions-will-harm-ukraine-peace-talks-and-bilateral-ties-kremlin-says-a93760 Without criticizing Donald Trump directly, Russian officials said the latest measures would only further strain relations. Mon, 21 Sep 2026 16:03:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/21/new-us-sanctions-will-harm-ukraine-peace-talks-and-bilateral-ties-kremlin-says-a93760 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/21/police-general-vows-to-protect-seized-auchan-stores-from-drone-attacks-a93759 Putin this month transferred the Russian assets of Auchan, Nestlé and Lemana PRO to the temporary management of L.E.V. Management, which is headed by Police Major General Andrei Krayushkin. Mon, 21 Sep 2026 14:24:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/21/police-general-vows-to-protect-seized-auchan-stores-from-drone-attacks-a93759 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/21/russian-armenian-relations-will-inevitably-change-pashinyan-says-a93755 The Armenian prime minister said bilateral ties “cannot remain the same as long as there is an environment of peace in Armenia.” Mon, 21 Sep 2026 14:15:36 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/21/russian-armenian-relations-will-inevitably-change-pashinyan-says-a93755 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/21/united-russia-set-for-record-parliament-majority-in-first-wartime-elections-a93754 With 95% of the ballots counted, Russian election officials said the pro-Kremlin ruling party received 57.83% of the party-list vote. Mon, 21 Sep 2026 12:14:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/21/united-russia-set-for-record-parliament-majority-in-first-wartime-elections-a93754 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/20/2-dead-in-moscow-region-drones-hit-oil-refinery-in-russian-capital-a93753 Ukraine, Russia have continued attacks on each other's energy infrastructure despite an announcement by Trump on Monday that they had agreed to stop. Sun, 20 Sep 2026 10:35:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/20/2-dead-in-moscow-region-drones-hit-oil-refinery-in-russian-capital-a93753 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/20/russian-election-cast-as-test-of-support-for-ukraine-war-enters-final-day-a93752 A parliamentary election that Putin has cast as a test of support for the war in Ukraine entered its third day, with the ruling United Russia party expected to retain its dominance. Sun, 20 Sep 2026 10:10:45 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/20/russian-election-cast-as-test-of-support-for-ukraine-war-enters-final-day-a93752 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/20/former-russian-official-elected-president-of-south-ossetia-a93751 Marat Kambolov, the new president, is from North Ossetia, a Russian republic on the other side of the Caucasus Mountains from South Ossetia. Sun, 20 Sep 2026 01:44:25 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/20/former-russian-official-elected-president-of-south-ossetia-a93751 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/19/with-united-russias-election-victory-all-but-certain-some-russians-are-still-pushing-back-a93749 Subtle acts of protest and organized voting strategies may offer only symbolic victories, but to those taking part, that is still worth the effort. Sat, 19 Sep 2026 15:23:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/19/with-united-russias-election-victory-all-but-certain-some-russians-are-still-pushing-back-a93749 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/19/trump-signs-sweeping-russia-sanctions-bill-a93750 The measures target Russia's energy and defense industries, as well as its "shadow fleet" of tankers that evade existing sanctions. Sat, 19 Sep 2026 11:53:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/19/trump-signs-sweeping-russia-sanctions-bill-a93750 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/18/russias-political-parties-court-gen-z-voters-on-tiktok-a93548 Party youth wings are appealing to younger voters with memes and anti-establishment rhetoric — while strictly staying within the Kremlin’s political boundaries. Fri, 18 Sep 2026 18:53:07 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/18/russias-political-parties-court-gen-z-voters-on-tiktok-a93548 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/18/russian-far-east-crude-tops-120-per-barrel-as-middle-east-supply-shocks-drive-chinese-demand-a93748 The buying spree pushed the ESPO grade’s price premium over benchmark ICE Brent to record levels of $20 to $30 per barrel. Fri, 18 Sep 2026 17:57:46 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/18/russian-far-east-crude-tops-120-per-barrel-as-middle-east-supply-shocks-drive-chinese-demand-a93748 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/18/wine-production-in-crimea-drops-25-amid-fuel-shortages-and-supply-line-attacks-a93746 Industry experts told Kommersant that the production slump was due to Ukraine ramping up its attacks on the peninsula this summer. Fri, 18 Sep 2026 14:13:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/18/wine-production-in-crimea-drops-25-amid-fuel-shortages-and-supply-line-attacks-a93746 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/18/kremlin-seizes-nestle-and-auchan-assets-in-latest-business-crackdown-a93745 President Vladimir Putin signed a decree Thursday placing the company’s Russian assets under temporary administration. Fri, 18 Sep 2026 12:36:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/18/kremlin-seizes-nestle-and-auchan-assets-in-latest-business-crackdown-a93745 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/18/where-can-russian-athletes-compete-after-the-iocs-provisional-ban-lift-a93324 The Moscow Times has compiled a list detailing where and how Russian athletes can currently compete on the international stage. Fri, 18 Sep 2026 12:30:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/18/where-can-russian-athletes-compete-after-the-iocs-provisional-ban-lift-a93324 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/18/drone-attacks-disrupt-first-day-of-voting-in-southern-russia-and-occupied-ukraine-a93742 In one instance, election workers were forced to relocate to another building after a drone blew out the windows of their polling station. Fri, 18 Sep 2026 11:59:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/18/drone-attacks-disrupt-first-day-of-voting-in-southern-russia-and-occupied-ukraine-a93742 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/17/father-of-putins-reported-partner-takes-stake-in-rosneft-arctic-contractor-investigation-a93741 Marat Kabaev has acquired a stake in a major logistics company working on state oil giant Rosneft’s flagship Arctic project. Thu, 17 Sep 2026 18:27:22 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/17/father-of-putins-reported-partner-takes-stake-in-rosneft-arctic-contractor-investigation-a93741 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/17/bad-to-the-bone-how-russia-purged-opposition-candidates-from-the-ballot-a93730 Anything from using American songs to mentioning Alexei Navalny can lead to an opposition candidate being barred from the race. Thu, 17 Sep 2026 17:35:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/17/bad-to-the-bone-how-russia-purged-opposition-candidates-from-the-ballot-a93730 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/17/moscow-court-issues-arrest-warrant-for-zhanna-nemtsova-a93740 Nemtsova, who has lived in Europe for several years, faces charges of organizing the activities of an “undesirable” organization. Thu, 17 Sep 2026 17:24:52 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/17/moscow-court-issues-arrest-warrant-for-zhanna-nemtsova-a93740 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/17/two-time-olympic-biathlon-champion-and-state-duma-lawmaker-sergei-chepikov-dies-at-59-a93739 During his international career spanning two decades and six Winter Olympic Games, Tchepikov won a gold medal in the biathlon relay in 1988 and another in the sprint in 1994. Thu, 17 Sep 2026 16:54:36 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/17/two-time-olympic-biathlon-champion-and-state-duma-lawmaker-sergei-chepikov-dies-at-59-a93739 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/17/raiffeisen-bank-helping-russia-circumvent-sanctions-report-claims-a93738 Short-selling firm Grizzly Research alleged the Austrian lender has enabled more than $1 billion of Russian trade to circumvent sanctions. Thu, 17 Sep 2026 16:11:31 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/17/raiffeisen-bank-helping-russia-circumvent-sanctions-report-claims-a93738 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/17/russia-and-ukraine-exchange-bodies-of-275-fallen-soldiers-a93737 Russia handed over 252 bodies to Ukrainian authorities, while Ukraine returned 23 bodies. Thu, 17 Sep 2026 14:17:01 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/17/russia-and-ukraine-exchange-bodies-of-275-fallen-soldiers-a93737 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/17/bear-kills-2-berry-pickers-in-siberias-irkutsk-region-a93736 At least 14 people are reported to have been killed in bear attacks across Russia since the start of the year, according to a tally by The Moscow Times. Thu, 17 Sep 2026 13:03:20 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/17/bear-kills-2-berry-pickers-in-siberias-irkutsk-region-a93736 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/17/ukrainian-drone-attack-sparks-fire-at-yaroslavl-oil-refinery-a93733 Ukraine’s military has previously claimed attacks on the Slavneft-Yanos refinery, which has a crude processing capacity of 300,000 barrels per day. Thu, 17 Sep 2026 11:48:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/17/ukrainian-drone-attack-sparks-fire-at-yaroslavl-oil-refinery-a93733 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/17/us-congress-passes-sanctions-from-hell-bill-against-russia-a93732 The legislation targets Russia’s energy and defense industries, as well as its “shadow fleet” of tankers that evade existing sanctions. Thu, 17 Sep 2026 10:50:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/17/us-congress-passes-sanctions-from-hell-bill-against-russia-a93732 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/16/russians-prepare-for-an-election-with-less-choice-than-ever-a93727 Even with an all-but-guaranteed majority for United Russia, experts say the vote remains an important gauge of public sentiment. Wed, 16 Sep 2026 19:03:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/16/russians-prepare-for-an-election-with-less-choice-than-ever-a93727 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/16/putin-casts-parliamentary-election-as-barometer-of-support-for-war-urges-russians-to-vote-a93729 Russia is holding elections this weekend for the lower-house State Duma, which has a track record of faithfully approving the Kremlin's initiatives. Wed, 16 Sep 2026 18:28:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/16/putin-casts-parliamentary-election-as-barometer-of-support-for-war-urges-russians-to-vote-a93729 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/16/krasnoyarsk-woman-killed-by-bear-amid-rise-in-attacks-a93728 Bears are confirmed to have killed at least five people in Siberia over the past month, state media reported. Wed, 16 Sep 2026 18:17:49 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/16/krasnoyarsk-woman-killed-by-bear-amid-rise-in-attacks-a93728 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/16/drone-downed-in-lithuania-was-russian-and-likely-aimed-at-ukraine-president-nausda-says-a93725 A NATO fighter jet intercepted the unmanned aircraft, identified as a Gerbera, over central Lithuania early Tuesday. Wed, 16 Sep 2026 17:31:29 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/16/drone-downed-in-lithuania-was-russian-and-likely-aimed-at-ukraine-president-nausda-says-a93725 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/16/syzran-and-saratov-oil-refineries-halt-operations-after-drone-attacks-sources-say-a93726 Industry sources said the Syzran plant paused operations on Tuesday, while the Saratov refinery halted work last Friday. Wed, 16 Sep 2026 16:28:12 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/16/syzran-and-saratov-oil-refineries-halt-operations-after-drone-attacks-sources-say-a93726 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/16/belousov-awards-warship-captain-for-skillfully-and-decisively-firing-flares-at-danish-helicopter-a93724 The captain received Russia’s medal “For Courage” after he “prevented a provocation by a Danish helicopter,” the Defense Ministry said. Wed, 16 Sep 2026 15:38:45 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/16/belousov-awards-warship-captain-for-skillfully-and-decisively-firing-flares-at-danish-helicopter-a93724 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/16/belarus-frees-25-more-political-prisoners-in-return-for-us-sanctions-relief-a93723 The deal was part of lengthy negotiations in which Washington is urging Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko to free hundreds of people. Wed, 16 Sep 2026 13:58:42 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/16/belarus-frees-25-more-political-prisoners-in-return-for-us-sanctions-relief-a93723 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/16/russian-general-who-oversaw-capture-of-ukraines-kostiantynivka-dies-a93722 Major General Anton Grunis had personally briefed Putin on the capture of the heavily fortified city earlier this summer. Wed, 16 Sep 2026 13:36:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/16/russian-general-who-oversaw-capture-of-ukraines-kostiantynivka-dies-a93722 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/16/yabloko-leader-slams-exiled-oppositions-voting-strategy-a93719 Party chairman Nikolai Rybakov accused the exiled opposition of “manipulating” Russian voters from abroad. Wed, 16 Sep 2026 12:10:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/09/16/yabloko-leader-slams-exiled-oppositions-voting-strategy-a93719