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 Fri, 07 Aug 2026 21:15:34 +0300 600 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/07/deadly-storm-batters-smolensk-region-leaving-thousands-without-power-a93440 A child and an elderly woman were killed by falling trees in the regional capital as winds reached gusts of up to 20 meters per second. Fri, 07 Aug 2026 17:28:55 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/07/deadly-storm-batters-smolensk-region-leaving-thousands-without-power-a93440 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/07/former-popcorn-books-publisher-receives-suspended-sentence-in-lgbtq-extremism-trial-a93439 Dmitry Protopopov was among three senior managers arrested in May 2025 and charged with “extremism” following a 2023 ruling by Russia’s Supreme Court to outlaw the so-called “international LGBT movement.” Fri, 07 Aug 2026 16:34:52 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/07/former-popcorn-books-publisher-receives-suspended-sentence-in-lgbtq-extremism-trial-a93439 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/07/nationalist-rodina-party-sues-to-disqualify-yabloko-from-state-duma-elections-a93438 Rodina leader Alexei Zhuravlyov accused Yabloko members of being traitors “who work for the West” and claimed his party had uncovered financial violations by Yabloko. Fri, 07 Aug 2026 15:11:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/07/nationalist-rodina-party-sues-to-disqualify-yabloko-from-state-duma-elections-a93438 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/07/fsb-raids-moscow-city-crypto-exchanges-accused-of-laundering-stolen-cash-a93436 The FSB claimed Ukraine-based scam call centers used gray-market exchange offices in Moscow City to convert stolen cash into cryptocurrency and funnel it out of Russia. Fri, 07 Aug 2026 13:10:14 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/07/fsb-raids-moscow-city-crypto-exchanges-accused-of-laundering-stolen-cash-a93436 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/07/ukrainian-attack-sparks-fire-at-wildberries-facility-in-yekaterinburg-a93434 The online retailer said it evacuated its employees from the logistics center, while most of the inventory remained undamaged. Fri, 07 Aug 2026 11:34:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/07/ukrainian-attack-sparks-fire-at-wildberries-facility-in-yekaterinburg-a93434 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/06/russia-rolls-back-fuel-quality-standards-to-quell-domestic-shortages-a93430 Euro-2, Euro-3 and Euro-4 standard fuels will be allowed to be sold on the market through July 1, 2027, according to a government decree. Thu, 06 Aug 2026 18:00:48 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/06/russia-rolls-back-fuel-quality-standards-to-quell-domestic-shortages-a93430 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/06/russian-foreign-ministry-condemns-frances-order-to-deport-former-rt-journalist-a93431 French authorities issued a deportation order last month for Ksenia Fedorova, the former head of state broadcaster RT France. Thu, 06 Aug 2026 17:16:34 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/06/russian-foreign-ministry-condemns-frances-order-to-deport-former-rt-journalist-a93431 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/06/regions-calling-do-russians-care-about-air-raid-alerts-a93427 We asked Russians from seven regions to share how they learn about incoming Ukrainian drones and missiles — and how they respond to them. Thu, 06 Aug 2026 16:59:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/06/regions-calling-do-russians-care-about-air-raid-alerts-a93427 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/06/georgia-investigating-social-media-posts-claiming-mistreatment-against-russian-tourists-a93429 Georgia’s State Security Service said foreign-controlled “bot accounts” spread false claims on X boasting about urinating and spitting in food served to Russian tourists. Thu, 06 Aug 2026 16:11:22 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/06/georgia-investigating-social-media-posts-claiming-mistreatment-against-russian-tourists-a93429 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/06/uk-sanctions-ozon-bank-and-shadow-fleet-vessels-in-latest-crackdown-a93428 Ozon Bank said the move would not affect its operations since it does not hold foreign assets or use the international SWIFT messaging network and conducts business only within Russia. Thu, 06 Aug 2026 14:01:15 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/06/uk-sanctions-ozon-bank-and-shadow-fleet-vessels-in-latest-crackdown-a93428 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/06/2-years-after-kursk-incursion-russia-raises-civilian-death-toll-to-more-than-600-a93426 Investigators put total property damage at $6.2 billion across the region, with at least 53 cultural heritage sites damaged during the fighting. Thu, 06 Aug 2026 13:09:15 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/06/2-years-after-kursk-incursion-russia-raises-civilian-death-toll-to-more-than-600-a93426 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/06/ukrainian-drones-strike-oil-refineries-in-yaroslavl-and-bashkortostan-a93425 Authorities in the Tver region, meanwhile, reported damage to a warehouse operated by online retail giant Wildberries. Thu, 06 Aug 2026 11:29:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/06/ukrainian-drones-strike-oil-refineries-in-yaroslavl-and-bashkortostan-a93425 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/05/can-russias-amazon-survive-ukraines-drone-campaign-a93422 Russia’s online retail sector has thrived since the invasion of Ukraine. The attacks on Wildberries now threaten to disrupt that growth.  Wed, 05 Aug 2026 18:33:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/05/can-russias-amazon-survive-ukraines-drone-campaign-a93422 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/05/fire-breaks-out-at-main-roscosmos-research-center-near-moscow-a93424 The complex houses mission control for the Russian segment of the International Space Station. Wed, 05 Aug 2026 18:04:41 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/05/fire-breaks-out-at-main-roscosmos-research-center-near-moscow-a93424 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/05/japan-protests-russian-military-drills-near-disputed-kuril-islands-a93423 Russia’s Defense Ministry said the military drills will involve dozens of warships and aircraft, as well as more than 13,000 servicemen. Wed, 05 Aug 2026 17:29:12 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/05/japan-protests-russian-military-drills-near-disputed-kuril-islands-a93423 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/05/yekaterinburg-drone-maker-ceo-wounded-in-car-explosion-a93421 State media reported that Vladimir Tkachuk, founder and CEO of Uraldronzavod, is in critical condition and that doctors are “fighting for his life.” Wed, 05 Aug 2026 16:12:01 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/05/yekaterinburg-drone-maker-ceo-wounded-in-car-explosion-a93421 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/05/russia-says-its-hiv-rates-are-falling-experts-arent-so-sure-a93418 Experts warn that official statistics conceal a public health crisis that has only worsened amid the Ukraine war. Wed, 05 Aug 2026 15:26:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/05/russia-says-its-hiv-rates-are-falling-experts-arent-so-sure-a93418 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/05/putin-announces-reshuffling-of-top-military-leadership-a93419 The president appointed new operational commanders in Ukraine, a unified logistics chief and a head for the newly established drone warfare branch. Wed, 05 Aug 2026 14:54:04 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/05/putin-announces-reshuffling-of-top-military-leadership-a93419 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/05/former-european-and-russian-officials-held-secret-talks-in-austria-bloomberg-a93417 The Western figures included former British national security adviser Tim Barrow, former German State Secretary Markus Ederer and veteran French diplomat Pierre Vimont, sources told Bloomberg. Wed, 05 Aug 2026 12:51:19 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/05/former-european-and-russian-officials-held-secret-talks-in-austria-bloomberg-a93417 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/05/fsb-arrests-kaluga-man-accused-of-plotting-attack-on-military-enlistment-office-a93416 Russian law enforcement officials claimed the man was acting on orders from Ukrainian military intelligence. Wed, 05 Aug 2026 11:41:06 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/05/fsb-arrests-kaluga-man-accused-of-plotting-attack-on-military-enlistment-office-a93416 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/05/ukrainian-drone-barrage-sets-wildberries-sortation-center-in-tula-region-ablaze-a93415 The latest attack comes as Russian strikes near Kyiv killed at least 14 people and injured more than two dozen others overnight. Wed, 05 Aug 2026 10:29:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/05/ukrainian-drone-barrage-sets-wildberries-sortation-center-in-tula-region-ablaze-a93415 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/04/putin-signs-law-targeting-exiled-russians-convicted-in-absentia-a93414 The law imposes sweeping restrictions on Russians who have been convicted in absentia, including under legislation used to prosecute Kremlin critics. Tue, 04 Aug 2026 18:14:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/04/putin-signs-law-targeting-exiled-russians-convicted-in-absentia-a93414 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/04/turkey-calls-for-safe-navigation-in-black-sea-after-drones-strike-commercial-ships-a93411 The Turkish Foreign Ministry said the civilian ships Yasar and Nadezhda were attacked after departing Novorossiysk on Monday evening, injuring several crew members, including Turkish citizens. Tue, 04 Aug 2026 17:57:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/04/turkey-calls-for-safe-navigation-in-black-sea-after-drones-strike-commercial-ships-a93411 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/04/syria-and-iraq-resume-direct-flights-to-russia-a93413 The resumed Syrian Airlines flights to Moscow mark the first resumption of direct air travel between the two countries since the fall of the Assad regime. Tue, 04 Aug 2026 17:28:51 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/04/syria-and-iraq-resume-direct-flights-to-russia-a93413 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/04/gazprom-neft-lifts-fuel-purchasing-limits-across-13-russian-regions-a93410 Gazprom Neft is also now allowing customers to fill up gasoline canisters at the pump once again, something major gas stations banned at the height of this summer’s fuel shortage to prevent hoarding. Tue, 04 Aug 2026 16:25:03 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/04/gazprom-neft-lifts-fuel-purchasing-limits-across-13-russian-regions-a93410 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/04/russias-only-domestic-tv-maker-declared-bankrupt-a93409 Consumer electronics retailer DNS filed a bankruptcy petition against the manufacturer, Kvant, last June over an unpaid debt of more than $8 million. Tue, 04 Aug 2026 13:42:21 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/04/russias-only-domestic-tv-maker-declared-bankrupt-a93409 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/04/russian-soldier-in-crimea-shoots-and-kills-fellow-serviceman-and-3-civilians-a93407 Four others were wounded in the deadly attack, local authorities said, and the gunman was taken into custody. Tue, 04 Aug 2026 11:05:53 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/04/russian-soldier-in-crimea-shoots-and-kills-fellow-serviceman-and-3-civilians-a93407 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/04/at-least-5-killed-in-ukraines-latest-drone-attacks-against-wildberries-a93406 Moscow region authorities said another 10 people were injured in an overnight strike on a warehouse in the city of Chekov. Tue, 04 Aug 2026 10:38:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/04/at-least-5-killed-in-ukraines-latest-drone-attacks-against-wildberries-a93406 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/03/what-we-know-about-the-deadly-moscow-restaurant-attack-a93400 While Russia's Embassy in Italy blamed Ukraine and reports said a high-ranking general was targeted in the attack, much remains unconfirmed. Mon, 03 Aug 2026 14:24:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/03/what-we-know-about-the-deadly-moscow-restaurant-attack-a93400 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/03/boris-nadezhdin-leaves-russia-a93401 In a video recorded in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the anti-war politician said he was “alive and free. But sadly, not yet in Russia.” Mon, 03 Aug 2026 13:39:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/03/boris-nadezhdin-leaves-russia-a93401 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/03/first-production-model-of-russias-mc-21-jet-completes-maiden-flight-a93399 The test flight comes days after President Vladimir Putin made a surprise visit to the Siberian plant where the plane is assembled. Mon, 03 Aug 2026 13:16:09 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/03/first-production-model-of-russias-mc-21-jet-completes-maiden-flight-a93399 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/03/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. Mon, 03 Aug 2026 12:45:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/03/where-can-russian-athletes-compete-after-the-iocs-provisional-ban-lift-a93324 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/03/russia-steps-up-ship-protection-in-black-sea-as-attacks-threaten-grain-exports-a93398 The Transportation Ministry and the military have set up a joint task force to reroute freight and protect commercial ships. Mon, 03 Aug 2026 11:46:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/03/russia-steps-up-ship-protection-in-black-sea-as-attacks-threaten-grain-exports-a93398 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/03/at-least-11-killed-in-ukrainian-attacks-in-southern-russia-and-annexed-crimea-a93397 In the central Vladimir region, drone strikes set a Wildberries warehouse ablaze, the latest attack in Ukraine’s campaign against the company. Mon, 03 Aug 2026 10:44:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/03/at-least-11-killed-in-ukrainian-attacks-in-southern-russia-and-annexed-crimea-a93397 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/02/ukrainian-drones-kill-8-in-russia-and-strike-wildberries-warehouse-a93396 Russia's Defense Ministry said it had downed 635 Ukrainian drones overnight. Sun, 02 Aug 2026 20:03:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/02/ukrainian-drones-kill-8-in-russia-and-strike-wildberries-warehouse-a93396 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/02/female-bomber-kills-at-least-3-injures-21-near-moscow-restaurant-a93395 The Kommersant newspaper's sources said the bomb had been intended to maim and kill guests on the restaurant's summer terrace. Sun, 02 Aug 2026 14:34:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/02/female-bomber-kills-at-least-3-injures-21-near-moscow-restaurant-a93395 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/01/russia-pounds-kyiv-with-missiles-killing-at-least-10-a93392 This is the second major attack on Kyiv this week, with fires across the city and power outages reported in some areas. Sat, 01 Aug 2026 15:52:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/01/russia-pounds-kyiv-with-missiles-killing-at-least-10-a93392 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/01/russia-fired-record-number-of-missiles-at-ukraine-in-july-afp-analysis-a93394 Russia launched 376 missiles at Ukraine during the month — more than twice the number fired in June. Sat, 01 Aug 2026 15:05:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/01/russia-fired-record-number-of-missiles-at-ukraine-in-july-afp-analysis-a93394 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/01/ukraine-sinks-russian-owned-container-ship-in-black-sea-rosatom-says-a93393 The state nuclear power operator said two Ukrainian drones struck the 'Yanina' cargo vessel near the port of Novorossiysk. Sat, 01 Aug 2026 14:49:57 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/08/01/ukraine-sinks-russian-owned-container-ship-in-black-sea-rosatom-says-a93393 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/31/moscow-court-orders-detention-of-boris-nemtsovs-daughter-in-absentia-a93389 Zhanna Nemtsova faces charges of organizing the activities of an “undesirable” organization. Fri, 31 Jul 2026 17:54:06 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/31/moscow-court-orders-detention-of-boris-nemtsovs-daughter-in-absentia-a93389 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/31/central-election-commission-bars-yabloko-candidates-from-st-petersburg-ballot-a93387 Yabloko chairman Nikolai Rybakov accused election officials of systematically targeting the party because it “opposes the authorities and defends residents and the city of St. Petersburg.” Fri, 31 Jul 2026 17:16:07 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/31/central-election-commission-bars-yabloko-candidates-from-st-petersburg-ballot-a93387 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/31/russian-mobile-carriers-waive-data-fees-for-state-backed-max-messenger-a93386 Starting Aug. 1, voice calls, messaging, file transfers and other digital services within Max will be free of charge for subscribers of MTS, MegaFon, Beeline and T2. Fri, 31 Jul 2026 15:47:03 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/31/russian-mobile-carriers-waive-data-fees-for-state-backed-max-messenger-a93386 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/31/kazakhstan-in-talks-to-refine-russian-crude-oil-amid-fuel-shortages-a93385 Under the proposed arrangement, Kazakh facilities would process Russian oil to cover local market needs while returning a portion of the refined gasoline and diesel back to Russia. Fri, 31 Jul 2026 13:15:35 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/31/kazakhstan-in-talks-to-refine-russian-crude-oil-amid-fuel-shortages-a93385 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/31/ukraine-hits-wildberries-logistics-center-and-energy-facility-in-volgograd-killing-at-least-one-a93383 Local authorities did not identify the energy site, but NASA fire monitoring showed several active fires at a major Lukoil-operated oil refinery. Fri, 31 Jul 2026 10:53:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/31/ukraine-hits-wildberries-logistics-center-and-energy-facility-in-volgograd-killing-at-least-one-a93383 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/30/for-russians-a-summer-vacation-abroad-is-now-a-luxury-few-can-afford-a93376 Economic uncertainty and risks posed by Ukrainian drone strikes are reshaping how Russians are spending their long-awaited vacations.  Thu, 30 Jul 2026 18:37:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/30/for-russians-a-summer-vacation-abroad-is-now-a-luxury-few-can-afford-a93376 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/30/russia-extends-gasoline-and-diesel-export-ban-through-january-2027-a93382 The average price of gasoline in Russia has climbed 19% since the start of the year, in large part due to Ukrainian attacks on oil refineries. Thu, 30 Jul 2026 18:07:33 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/30/russia-extends-gasoline-and-diesel-export-ban-through-january-2027-a93382 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/30/billionaire-kustov-arrested-alongside-efko-executives-and-senior-trade-official-a93380 The arrests are connected to a criminal investigation into the company Transportation of the Future, which develops unmanned aerial systems, Russian media reported. Thu, 30 Jul 2026 15:54:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/30/billionaire-kustov-arrested-alongside-efko-executives-and-senior-trade-official-a93380 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/30/russia-adds-telegram-founder-pavel-durov-to-terrorist-and-extremist-list-a93381 The designation comes a day after the FSB issued a warrant for the tech entrepreneur’s arrest on charges of facilitating terrorist activities. Thu, 30 Jul 2026 15:13:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/30/russia-adds-telegram-founder-pavel-durov-to-terrorist-and-extremist-list-a93381 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/30/prosecutor-general-ousts-official-overseeing-wartime-corporate-asset-seizures-a93378 The official, Sergei Bochkarev, oversaw the seizure of Moscow’s Domodedovo Airport, food manufacturer Makfa and gold miner YUGK, among others. Thu, 30 Jul 2026 13:46:42 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/30/prosecutor-general-ousts-official-overseeing-wartime-corporate-asset-seizures-a93378 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/30/russian-missile-likely-crashed-in-eastern-poland-pm-tusk-says-a93379 Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said the missile landed in an uninhabited area and did not pose a direct threat to civilians. Thu, 30 Jul 2026 12:58:24 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/30/russian-missile-likely-crashed-in-eastern-poland-pm-tusk-says-a93379