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 Wed, 22 Apr 2026 11:16:03 +0300 600 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 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/18/at-least-5-killed-after-gunman-opens-fire-in-ukrainian-capital-a92537 At least 10 people were hospitalized with wounds and trauma after the shooting, which took place in a residential district. Sat, 18 Apr 2026 20:34:16 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/18/at-least-5-killed-after-gunman-opens-fire-in-ukrainian-capital-a92537 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/18/russia-appointed-official-in-occupied-kherson-holds-talks-with-north-korean-envoy-a92535 The sides explored possible collaboration in agriculture and humanitarian initiatives, as well as culture, sports and education. Sat, 18 Apr 2026 13:14:51 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/18/russia-appointed-official-in-occupied-kherson-holds-talks-with-north-korean-envoy-a92535 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/18/us-extends-sanctions-waiver-on-purchases-of-russian-oil-a92533 The license comes two days after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that Washington would not renew the waiver. Sat, 18 Apr 2026 09:44:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/18/us-extends-sanctions-waiver-on-purchases-of-russian-oil-a92533 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/17/russian-stocks-slip-after-iran-says-strait-of-hormuz-completely-open-for-duration-of-ceasefire-a92531 Rosneft shares fell by more than 4%, while Gazprom Neft dropped nearly 3%. Lukoil and Tatneft both saw declines of more than 2%. Fri, 17 Apr 2026 17:19:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/17/russian-stocks-slip-after-iran-says-strait-of-hormuz-completely-open-for-duration-of-ceasefire-a92531 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/17/leningrad-region-asks-veterans-to-join-new-air-defense-units-after-drones-smash-oil-export-terminals-a92530 Ukraine has launched an increasing number of attacks on critical oil and export infrastructure in the region since mid-March. Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:33:48 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/17/leningrad-region-asks-veterans-to-join-new-air-defense-units-after-drones-smash-oil-export-terminals-a92530 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/17/czech-foreign-ministry-summons-russian-ambassador-over-russian-military-threats-a92529 Dmitry Medvedev, Russia’s former president and current Security Council deputy chairman, had earlier said that production facilities in the Czech Republic were “potential targets for the Russian armed forces.” Fri, 17 Apr 2026 14:29:53 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/17/czech-foreign-ministry-summons-russian-ambassador-over-russian-military-threats-a92529 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/17/communities-in-dagestan-remain-isolated-after-floods-a92527 The floods, triggered by two waves of heavy rainfall in late March and early April, killed at least seven people and displaced more than 6,200. Fri, 17 Apr 2026 13:10:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/17/communities-in-dagestan-remain-isolated-after-floods-a92527 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/17/ukrainian-drone-strike-kills-1-in-belgorod-region-a92526 Local authorities said the person was riding on a motorcycle near the border with northeastern Ukraine. Fri, 17 Apr 2026 11:26:37 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/17/ukrainian-drone-strike-kills-1-in-belgorod-region-a92526 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/16/the-people-are-afraid-of-you-in-rare-appeals-celebrities-ask-putin-to-address-russians-suffering-a92518 The appeals began when blogger and influencer Viktoria Bonya called on Putin to address mounting social and economic pressures in a now-viral video. Thu, 16 Apr 2026 20:16:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/16/the-people-are-afraid-of-you-in-rare-appeals-celebrities-ask-putin-to-address-russians-suffering-a92518 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/16/regions-calling-pain-and-bitterness-for-russias-buddhists-a92525 Unpacking the recent police raid on a Tibetan Buddhist festival in Moscow — and what the southern republic of Kalmykia has to do with it.   Thu, 16 Apr 2026 19:28:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/16/regions-calling-pain-and-bitterness-for-russias-buddhists-a92525 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/16/belgorod-governor-says-hes-taking-a-vacation-as-rumors-of-his-resignation-swirl-a92524 Russian media began reporting last week that the Kremlin may replace Gladkov with an army general who fought in Ukraine. Thu, 16 Apr 2026 18:47:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/16/belgorod-governor-says-hes-taking-a-vacation-as-rumors-of-his-resignation-swirl-a92524 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/16/viral-video-in-russia-calls-on-it-workers-to-resist-internet-controls-a92522 In the video, a man identifying himself as Dmitry urges others working in the tech sector not to “build an iron curtain for ourselves with our own hands.” Thu, 16 Apr 2026 18:33:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/16/viral-video-in-russia-calls-on-it-workers-to-resist-internet-controls-a92522 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/16/luhansk-court-jails-polish-man-13-years-for-fighting-for-ukraine-a92521 The 47-year-old, identified as Krzysztof Flaczek, was captured in November 2024 near the city of Chasiv Yar, Russia's Prosecutor General's Office said Thursday. Thu, 16 Apr 2026 17:10:10 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/16/luhansk-court-jails-polish-man-13-years-for-fighting-for-ukraine-a92521 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/16/russia-resumes-daytime-flights-to-israel-a92519 Under the new guidance, which remains in effect until at least May 15, Russian carriers can operate flights to Israeli airports between 7 a.m. and 1 a.m. Moscow time. Thu, 16 Apr 2026 14:51:19 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/16/russia-resumes-daytime-flights-to-israel-a92519 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/16/novaya-gazetas-dmitry-muratov-cruelty-has-become-a-form-of-patriotism-a92510 The Nobel Peace Prize winner continues to reside in Moscow despite mounting pressure and attacks on him and his newspaper. Thu, 16 Apr 2026 14:34:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/16/novaya-gazetas-dmitry-muratov-cruelty-has-become-a-form-of-patriotism-a92510 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/16/smoke-plume-rises-above-krasnodar-oil-depot-after-ukraine-and-russia-trade-deadly-barrages-a92515 Authorities in Krasnodar said a woman and a teenage girl were killed in a Ukrainian drone attack on the port town of Tuapse. Thu, 16 Apr 2026 13:56:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/16/smoke-plume-rises-above-krasnodar-oil-depot-after-ukraine-and-russia-trade-deadly-barrages-a92515 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/16/russian-central-bank-governor-warns-of-unprecedented-labor-shortage-a92517 “This is a new reality for the government and for business alike,” Elvira Nabiullina said at an economic forum in Moscow. Thu, 16 Apr 2026 13:18:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/16/russian-central-bank-governor-warns-of-unprecedented-labor-shortage-a92517 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/16/white-house-says-it-will-not-renew-russian-oil-sanctions-waiver-a92516 U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended the temporary waiver, arguing it prevented a more significant price spike that would have further increased Russia’s energy revenues. Thu, 16 Apr 2026 11:50:26 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/16/white-house-says-it-will-not-renew-russian-oil-sanctions-waiver-a92516 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/15/at-15-he-became-one-of-russias-youngest-political-prisoners-hes-now-facing-new-charges-a92495 “I’m afraid for my child’s life,” Arseny Turbin's mother has said. Wed, 15 Apr 2026 19:25:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/15/at-15-he-became-one-of-russias-youngest-political-prisoners-hes-now-facing-new-charges-a92495 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/15/putin-demands-answers-as-russias-economy-undershoots-expectations-a92514 He called for urgent measures to revive growth in what marks his second public complaint about economic weakness in a month. Wed, 15 Apr 2026 18:36:21 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/15/putin-demands-answers-as-russias-economy-undershoots-expectations-a92514 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/15/russian-websites-begin-blocking-vpn-users-as-internet-controls-tighten-a92511 Ozon and Kinopoisk are among several platforms now displaying “access denied” or similar messages to visitors using a VPN. Wed, 15 Apr 2026 18:27:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/15/russian-websites-begin-blocking-vpn-users-as-internet-controls-tighten-a92511 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/15/russia-agrees-to-pay-damages-for-azerbaijan-plane-crash-that-killed-38-a92509 A joint statement formally acknowledged that the crash was the result of an “unintentional strike by an air defense system in Russian airspace.” Wed, 15 Apr 2026 18:01:50 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/15/russia-agrees-to-pay-damages-for-azerbaijan-plane-crash-that-killed-38-a92509 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/15/us-believes-cuba-helped-russia-recruit-soldiers-to-fight-in-ukraine-axios-a92508 The report states that “significant indicators” suggest authorities in Havana “knowingly tolerated, enabled or selectively facilitated the flow” of Cuban nationals to bolster the Russian armed forces. Wed, 15 Apr 2026 16:28:13 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/15/us-believes-cuba-helped-russia-recruit-soldiers-to-fight-in-ukraine-axios-a92508 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/15/russian-law-enforcement-busts-132bln-tax-evasion-operation-a92506 Officials said the operation utilized thousands of shell companies to generate more than $13.2 billion in fraudulent deductions. Wed, 15 Apr 2026 14:16:20 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/15/russian-law-enforcement-busts-132bln-tax-evasion-operation-a92506 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/15/ukrainian-drones-reportedly-target-petrochemical-plant-in-bashkortostan-a92505 The Sterlitamak Nitrogen-Hydrogen Plant produces ammonia, nitrogen-based fertilizers and chemical components used in jet fuel. Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:57:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/15/ukrainian-drones-reportedly-target-petrochemical-plant-in-bashkortostan-a92505 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/15/fm-lavrov-pledges-energy-support-to-china-after-meeting-with-xi-a92504 Sergei Lavrov told the Chinese president that bilateral ties play a “stabilizing role in world affairs” amid global “chaos and turmoil.” Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:04:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/15/fm-lavrov-pledges-energy-support-to-china-after-meeting-with-xi-a92504 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/15/1-killed-in-fire-at-kazan-gunpowder-plant-a92503 The fire at the Kazan Gunpowder Plant, which produces artillery ammunition and gunpowder for small arms, broke out on Tuesday night. Wed, 15 Apr 2026 11:32:08 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/15/1-killed-in-fire-at-kazan-gunpowder-plant-a92503 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/14/zelensky-says-kyiv-seized-a-russian-position-with-drones-and-robots-is-this-a-game-changer-a92497 Experts said Zelensky’s statement highlights how unmanned systems “are already transforming both tactics and strategy” in the war. Tue, 14 Apr 2026 19:00:08 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/14/zelensky-says-kyiv-seized-a-russian-position-with-drones-and-robots-is-this-a-game-changer-a92497 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/14/state-duma-passes-vat-exemption-for-food-industry-to-ease-wartime-tax-burden-a92501 The legislation, if signed into law, would effectively roll back part of a government tax reform implemented in January, which raised the standard VAT rate from 20% to 22% and lowered the income threshold for small businesses required to pay it. Tue, 14 Apr 2026 18:36:55 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/14/state-duma-passes-vat-exemption-for-food-industry-to-ease-wartime-tax-burden-a92501