https://www.themoscowtimes.com/opinion The Moscow Times offers everything you need to know about Russia: Breaking news, top stories, business, analysis, opinion, multimedia en-us Thu, 23 Jul 2026 08:18:33 +0300 600 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/21/is-clavicular-russias-next-useful-idiot-a93298 Like with the women of Paris and Tel Aviv, Clavicular will find that ordinary Russian women have no time for him. But Moscow may see an opportunity. Tue, 21 Jul 2026 18:20:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/21/is-clavicular-russias-next-useful-idiot-a93298 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/20/i-am-wanted-by-russia-the-consequences-follow-me-everywhere-a93289 Being convicted in absentia brings the most frightening part of your life into ordinary situations that should have nothing to do with politics. Mon, 20 Jul 2026 15:50:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/20/i-am-wanted-by-russia-the-consequences-follow-me-everywhere-a93289 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/16/even-if-ukraine-doesnt-recapture-crimea-kyiv-has-damaged-russias-credibility-a93270 The annexation of Crimea was integral to the myth of strength Putin created. But recent months show how fragile that propaganda was. Thu, 16 Jul 2026 17:47:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/16/even-if-ukraine-doesnt-recapture-crimea-kyiv-has-damaged-russias-credibility-a93270 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/15/russias-gas-industry-is-dying-a-slow-but-occasionally-explosive-death-a93257 Sanctions lost Russia its biggest market for gas and threaten the industry's sustainability. That was a problem before the drone attacks started. Wed, 15 Jul 2026 18:46:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/15/russias-gas-industry-is-dying-a-slow-but-occasionally-explosive-death-a93257 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/14/russias-billionaires-face-a-dilemma-putin-threatens-and-protects-their-wealth-a93243 A controversial interview with Andrey Melnichenko in The Ecnonomist unwittingly illustrates why Russia's super-rich won't abandon Putin. Tue, 14 Jul 2026 17:29:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/14/russias-billionaires-face-a-dilemma-putin-threatens-and-protects-their-wealth-a93243 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/10/the-unbearable-triviality-of-canceling-a-russian-cartoon-a93218 The disproportionate outrage over an annoying Russian-made show for preschoolers makes a mockery of a serious war. Fri, 10 Jul 2026 18:21:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/10/the-unbearable-triviality-of-canceling-a-russian-cartoon-a93218 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/08/with-abkhazia-and-south-ossetia-russia-holds-a-poisoned-chalice-a93194 More than one Kremlin envoy overseeing the territories has lost their job after failing to deliver results. Will Sergei Kiriyenko be any different? Wed, 08 Jul 2026 16:01:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/08/with-abkhazia-and-south-ossetia-russia-holds-a-poisoned-chalice-a93194 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/06/how-did-the-soviet-security-state-outlive-the-ussr-look-to-dzerzhinsky-for-clues-a93126 The ideas of the Cheka's founder still shape how many post-Soviet states wield power. Mon, 06 Jul 2026 18:56:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/06/how-did-the-soviet-security-state-outlive-the-ussr-look-to-dzerzhinsky-for-clues-a93126 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/01/russias-stock-market-is-the-best-measure-of-russias-problems-the-signs-arent-good-a93139 Unlike a traditional poll, the stock market shows the real-time confidence of thousands of investors who aren't convinced by Putin's bluster. Wed, 01 Jul 2026 18:02:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/07/01/russias-stock-market-is-the-best-measure-of-russias-problems-the-signs-arent-good-a93139 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/30/how-russias-neighbors-learned-to-stop-worrying-and-love-the-bomb-a93134 Nuclear weapons don't make the world a better place. But in our region, their absence may make war more likely. Tue, 30 Jun 2026 18:00:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/30/how-russias-neighbors-learned-to-stop-worrying-and-love-the-bomb-a93134 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/29/the-world-shouldnt-be-confused-when-russians-shrug-off-a-crisis-a93120 Too many Russia-watchers have their judgment colored by wishful thinking, leaving them surprised when Russians don't panic at the latest crisis. Mon, 29 Jun 2026 15:31:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/29/the-world-shouldnt-be-confused-when-russians-shrug-off-a-crisis-a93120 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/26/russia-helps-the-western-far-right-feel-at-home-a93112 It's easy to overlook how powerful it is when Russia welcomes in the Western far-right and makes them feel that they are not alone. Fri, 26 Jun 2026 21:57:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/26/russia-helps-the-western-far-right-feel-at-home-a93112 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/25/how-viktor-tsois-songs-became-anthems-of-protest-and-propaganda-in-putins-russia-a93098 Supporters and opponents of the Kremlin only agree on a few things — and the iconic status and emotional resonance of Kino’s music is one of them. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 17:00:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/25/how-viktor-tsois-songs-became-anthems-of-protest-and-propaganda-in-putins-russia-a93098 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/24/why-does-putin-fiddle-while-russia-burns-thats-how-the-system-works-a93083 Prioritizing the security services over civilians and deflecting accountability are the product of a system built to protect those at the top. Wed, 24 Jun 2026 17:54:33 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/24/why-does-putin-fiddle-while-russia-burns-thats-how-the-system-works-a93083 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/23/did-the-international-criminal-court-just-ease-restrictions-on-putin-a93078 It sounds like a capitulation, but allowing Putin to travel to hypothetical peace talks in Switzerland is necessary pragmatism for peace. Tue, 23 Jun 2026 17:59:02 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/23/did-the-international-criminal-court-just-ease-restrictions-on-putin-a93078 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/22/europe-should-beat-russia-at-its-own-nationalization-game-a93072 In Ireland and Finland, businesses linked to Russian elites have slipped through the net of sanctions. Nationalizing them could be the solution. Mon, 22 Jun 2026 17:20:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/22/europe-should-beat-russia-at-its-own-nationalization-game-a93072 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/19/you-attacked-the-home-of-a-very-high-ranking-individual-in-britain-what-the-starmer-fires-reveal-about-russias-international-sabotage-campaign-a93056 The trial of two Ukrainian-born men recruited for "gig economy sabotage" gave valuable insights into how Russian handlers are refining their tactics. Fri, 19 Jun 2026 19:32:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/19/you-attacked-the-home-of-a-very-high-ranking-individual-in-britain-what-the-starmer-fires-reveal-about-russias-international-sabotage-campaign-a93056 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/18/russias-fuel-shortages-are-manageable-but-the-kremlins-options-are-shrinking-a93046 Ukrainian drone strikes haven't caused a nationwide fuel crisis yet. But pressure on supply is accumulating rapidly. Thu, 18 Jun 2026 16:14:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/18/russias-fuel-shortages-are-manageable-but-the-kremlins-options-are-shrinking-a93046 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/17/roman-abramovich-can-talk-to-moscow-and-kyiv-but-he-cant-change-putins-mind-a93013 The sanctioned billionaire is an unlikely backchannel between Russia and Ukraine, having brokered prisoner swaps and grain export deals. Wed, 17 Jun 2026 17:35:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/17/roman-abramovich-can-talk-to-moscow-and-kyiv-but-he-cant-change-putins-mind-a93013 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/17/a-decades-old-split-in-russian-islam-risks-resurrecting-soviet-style-religious-control-a93028 The wartime crackdown on clerics linked to Ravil Gainutdin suggests that even loyal religious autonomy is becoming intolerable. Wed, 17 Jun 2026 13:22:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/17/a-decades-old-split-in-russian-islam-risks-resurrecting-soviet-style-religious-control-a93028 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/15/when-russia-puts-on-a-show-some-in-the-west-buy-it-a93019 Organizers at the 2026 "Russian Davos" pulled out all the stops to convince visitors it's business as usual in Russia. In some cases, it worked. Mon, 15 Jun 2026 18:21:42 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/15/when-russia-puts-on-a-show-some-in-the-west-buy-it-a93019 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/12/some-georgians-think-russia-just-annexed-part-of-their-country-a93004 A new law allowing Russian officials to hold office in South Ossetia is sparking fears that Moscow is expanding control over the region. Fri, 12 Jun 2026 18:54:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/12/some-georgians-think-russia-just-annexed-part-of-their-country-a93004 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/10/spief-2026-was-a-tragicomic-encapsulation-of-russias-economic-quagmire-a92972 You couldn't ignore the thick black smoke that hung over proceedings — though people tried — rather like Russia's weakened economy. Wed, 10 Jun 2026 15:49:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/10/spief-2026-was-a-tragicomic-encapsulation-of-russias-economic-quagmire-a92972 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/09/how-a-few-thousand-votes-could-have-stopped-putins-rise-to-power-a92962 Putin may have stayed in St. Petersburg if the 1996 electoral defeat of his political mentor hadn't propelled him to pursue a career in Moscow. Tue, 09 Jun 2026 17:52:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/09/how-a-few-thousand-votes-could-have-stopped-putins-rise-to-power-a92962 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/08/why-is-the-russian-orthodox-church-encouraging-people-to-volunteer-in-occupied-ukraine-a92956 Disguising contract military service as volunteering or paid work opportunities is not unheard of. Mon, 08 Jun 2026 18:21:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/08/why-is-the-russian-orthodox-church-encouraging-people-to-volunteer-in-occupied-ukraine-a92956 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/05/japan-must-stop-its-embarrassing-embrace-of-kremlin-cultural-projects-a92923 Tokyo may have condemned the invasion of Ukraine, but it remains naive about the political ramifications of the Festival of Russian Culture in Japan. Fri, 05 Jun 2026 18:33:08 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/05/japan-must-stop-its-embarrassing-embrace-of-kremlin-cultural-projects-a92923 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/04/putin-dishes-out-economic-warfare-but-cant-take-it-a92928 Ahead of Armenia's crucial election this weekend, Russia has banned a growing list of imports on spurious grounds. It's a familiar playbook. Thu, 04 Jun 2026 17:00:38 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/04/putin-dishes-out-economic-warfare-but-cant-take-it-a92928 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/03/normalizing-relations-with-belarus-would-be-a-mistake-a92891 Some exiled critics of the Belarusian government have started to suggest that the West could use Lukashenko to change the system. They're wrong. Wed, 03 Jun 2026 17:27:01 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/03/normalizing-relations-with-belarus-would-be-a-mistake-a92891 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/02/reports-of-russias-collapse-are-greatly-exaggerated-a92903 A cottage industry of articles and even books predicting Russia's collapse has sprung from a lack of imagination and expertise. Tue, 02 Jun 2026 17:43:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/02/reports-of-russias-collapse-are-greatly-exaggerated-a92903 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/29/the-kremlin-fears-academics-because-theyre-antithetical-to-autocracy-a92874 Science cannot uncover the truth when constrained by ideology. It's a problem afflicting academics in Russia, but also the United States. Fri, 29 May 2026 19:27:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/29/the-kremlin-fears-academics-because-theyre-antithetical-to-autocracy-a92874 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/27/as-the-world-speculates-heres-what-russians-are-actually-talking-about-a92862 While headlines fixate on Putin's popularity and support for the war, many Russians spend more time talking about travel and online shopping. Wed, 27 May 2026 17:43:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/27/as-the-world-speculates-heres-what-russians-are-actually-talking-about-a92862 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/26/central-asia-is-done-with-letting-moscow-write-its-history-a92847 Russia likes to believe that its colonization of Central Asia civilized and modernized the region. But local scholars no longer accept that narrative. Tue, 26 May 2026 17:46:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/26/central-asia-is-done-with-letting-moscow-write-its-history-a92847 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/25/to-be-truly-democratic-russias-opposition-must-learn-to-accept-scrutiny-a92836 Journalists should not serve political movements. But Russia's opposition treats unflattering reporting as tantamount to Kremlin propaganda. Mon, 25 May 2026 17:36:04 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/25/to-be-truly-democratic-russias-opposition-must-learn-to-accept-scrutiny-a92836 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/21/playing-by-the-rules-wont-protect-russian-business-owners-from-the-kremlins-shakedown-a92810 With tax hikes having failed to make up for Russia's budget deficit, the authorities are targeting small businesses that are acting legitimately. Thu, 21 May 2026 18:02:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/21/playing-by-the-rules-wont-protect-russian-business-owners-from-the-kremlins-shakedown-a92810 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/20/russia-wants-armenia-back-in-the-fold-it-may-be-too-late-a92801 With Armenia going to the polls soon, the country's pro-Russian opposition is divided and behind the times as Yerevan courts the West. Wed, 20 May 2026 17:00:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/20/russia-wants-armenia-back-in-the-fold-it-may-be-too-late-a92801 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/19/russias-extraordinary-route-to-north-korea-shows-the-limits-of-moscows-arctic-shipping-dreams-a92790 You only ship nuclear reactor components across your country via a circuitous route half way around the world if you have no other option. Tue, 19 May 2026 17:41:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/19/russias-extraordinary-route-to-north-korea-shows-the-limits-of-moscows-arctic-shipping-dreams-a92790 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/18/political-repression-is-a-numbers-game-in-russia-a92778 The Kremlin has no need to imprison millions. A steady stream of cases, amplified by the media, is enough to create an atmosphere of fear. Mon, 18 May 2026 18:25:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/18/political-repression-is-a-numbers-game-in-russia-a92778 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/15/regions-calling-dagestans-tourism-boom-is-a-recipe-for-colonialist-exploitation-a92756 Instead of opening new economic opportunities for Dagestan’s residents, the tourism boom is deepening the republic’s dependence on Moscow. Fri, 15 May 2026 17:12:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/15/regions-calling-dagestans-tourism-boom-is-a-recipe-for-colonialist-exploitation-a92756 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/14/kremlin-elites-have-no-way-to-remove-putin-even-if-they-wanted-to-a92759 Russia's elites owe their power and riches to Putin. Unless they see some way to maintain their privileges, none of them will move to unseat him. Thu, 14 May 2026 19:05:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/14/kremlin-elites-have-no-way-to-remove-putin-even-if-they-wanted-to-a92759 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/13/should-the-russian-diaspora-have-their-own-schools-a92744 Russian schools typically outperform their European peers and ensure families share cultural touchstones. But diversity isn't celebrated for Russians. Wed, 13 May 2026 17:34:40 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/13/should-the-russian-diaspora-have-their-own-schools-a92744 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/12/while-the-world-watches-iran-ukraine-is-seizing-the-initiative-a92686 Moscow's oil windfall may have dominated the headlines. But the Iran war has solidified Ukraine's status as a defense powerhouse. Tue, 12 May 2026 18:02:50 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/12/while-the-world-watches-iran-ukraine-is-seizing-the-initiative-a92686 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/11/russias-worship-of-war-comes-with-its-own-idolatry-a92730 The Kremlin's embrace of both militarism and religion generates new rituals that contradict Christian teachings. Mon, 11 May 2026 15:55:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/11/russias-worship-of-war-comes-with-its-own-idolatry-a92730 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/09/as-russia-celebrates-victory-day-security-is-a-facade-for-censorship-a92715 Time and time again, Russians are asked to endure internet outages in the name of safety. Around Victory Day, it's unignorable. Sat, 09 May 2026 19:35:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/09/as-russia-celebrates-victory-day-security-is-a-facade-for-censorship-a92715 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/09/its-not-too-late-to-cure-the-madness-of-putins-victory-day-a92705 When all is said and done, this day is still about a memory of a real, tangible and traumatic event. Sat, 09 May 2026 10:06:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/09/its-not-too-late-to-cure-the-madness-of-putins-victory-day-a92705 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/07/russias-opposition-doesnt-know-how-to-quit-kremlin-style-chauvinism-a92698 The uproar over a Chechen activist’s comments on “honor killings” and LGBTQ+ people has exposed a broader crisis within Russia’s opposition. Thu, 07 May 2026 17:09:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/07/russias-opposition-doesnt-know-how-to-quit-kremlin-style-chauvinism-a92698 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/04/why-an-officials-flight-to-the-west-should-worry-the-kremlin-a92658 A wave of defections is a telltale sign that the regime is unstable. Mon, 04 May 2026 18:33:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/05/04/why-an-officials-flight-to-the-west-should-worry-the-kremlin-a92658 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/30/the-kremlin-fiddles-while-tuapse-burns-a92646 As oil fires rage and toxic slicks spread in the Black Sea, officials are downplaying what could become one of Russia’s worst environmental crises. Thu, 30 Apr 2026 16:42:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/30/the-kremlin-fiddles-while-tuapse-burns-a92646 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/26/40-years-later-chernobyl-remains-a-lesson-in-the-unthinkable-a92586 We thought we’d seen the worst thing that could happen to a nuclear power plant. No one ever thought one would come under attack. Sun, 26 Apr 2026 10:39:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/26/40-years-later-chernobyl-remains-a-lesson-in-the-unthinkable-a92586 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/24/why-bulgarias-new-leader-may-not-become-putins-new-trojan-horse-a92600 While Rumen Radev has a history of pro-Russia comments, he's unlikely to be a new Viktor Orbán, pursuing Putin's interests in Europe. Fri, 24 Apr 2026 18:35:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/24/why-bulgarias-new-leader-may-not-become-putins-new-trojan-horse-a92600 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/23/the-paradox-of-prosecuting-russian-criminals-a92583 More countries should exercise universal jurisdiction to go after those who committed crimes in Ukraine. But something stands in the way. Thu, 23 Apr 2026 17:51:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/23/the-paradox-of-prosecuting-russian-criminals-a92583