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 Mon, 04 May 2026 06:25:52 +0300 600 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 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/22/russias-blasphemy-laws-are-just-kremlin-censorship-in-disguise-a92568 Russia has become a country where torture and kidnapping children are part of a "holy war," but offending religious believers is a crime. Wed, 22 Apr 2026 16:14:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/22/russias-blasphemy-laws-are-just-kremlin-censorship-in-disguise-a92568 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/21/dudayevs-legacy-still-resonates-30-years-after-his-assassination-a92546 Many of the Chechen leader's warnings about Russian nationalism and Moscow's imperialist ambitions have come true. Tue, 21 Apr 2026 17:46:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/21/dudayevs-legacy-still-resonates-30-years-after-his-assassination-a92546 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/20/influencers-versus-putin-what-a-farce-a92532 A Monaco-based influencer isn't the new star of the Russian opposition. But she's right that people can't stay afraid forever. Mon, 20 Apr 2026 18:00:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/20/influencers-versus-putin-what-a-farce-a92532 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/16/russia-and-north-koreas-propaganda-partnership-is-taking-shape-a92502 Russia and North Korea are deepening their partnership by coordinating propaganda to shape how their alliance is seen at home and abroad. Thu, 16 Apr 2026 18:01:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/16/russia-and-north-koreas-propaganda-partnership-is-taking-shape-a92502 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/15/ending-the-ukraine-war-wont-fix-russias-economy-a92512 The war exposed problems that have been accumulating for decades and won't be sorted without intensive reforms for which there's no appetite. Wed, 15 Apr 2026 18:04:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/15/ending-the-ukraine-war-wont-fix-russias-economy-a92512 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/13/the-wests-russian-language-skills-are-in-decline-thats-a-strategic-mistake-a92487 Understanding Russia's armed forces requires a combination of language skills and subject knowledge that technology cannot replace. Mon, 13 Apr 2026 18:17:50 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/13/the-wests-russian-language-skills-are-in-decline-thats-a-strategic-mistake-a92487 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/08/im-in-russia-by-blocking-telegram-the-kremlin-is-shooting-itself-in-the-foot-a92457 Even my grandmother, who has always supported Putin, simply doesn’t understand why the government would do this. Wed, 08 Apr 2026 18:32:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/08/im-in-russia-by-blocking-telegram-the-kremlin-is-shooting-itself-in-the-foot-a92457 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/07/how-the-kremlin-is-considering-cracking-down-on-financial-freedom-a92448 As banks intrude into customers' affairs and a draft bill plans to restrict cryptocurrencies, it's no surprise Russians turn to conspiracies. Tue, 07 Apr 2026 17:51:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/07/how-the-kremlin-is-considering-cracking-down-on-financial-freedom-a92448 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/06/russia-is-redefining-genocide-for-political-purposes-a92434 Moscow is cynically exploiting ignorance about the legal meaning of genocide to expand repressions at home and play the victim abroad. Mon, 06 Apr 2026 17:20:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/06/russia-is-redefining-genocide-for-political-purposes-a92434 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/02/another-russia-linked-nuclear-power-plant-is-at-risk-from-war-this-time-in-iran-a92414 The Bushehr nuclear power plant is a civilian facility. But military strikes have come too close for comfort, risking a radiological incident. Thu, 02 Apr 2026 18:51:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/02/another-russia-linked-nuclear-power-plant-is-at-risk-from-war-this-time-in-iran-a92414 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/01/sanctioned-russian-tycoons-are-still-profiting-from-industries-in-europe-a92400 It is hypocritical for governments to claim they're tough on Russia's super rich when they leave the peripheries of their empires untouched. Wed, 01 Apr 2026 18:15:19 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/01/sanctioned-russian-tycoons-are-still-profiting-from-industries-in-europe-a92400 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/31/the-northern-sea-route-is-risky-and-russia-is-not-prepared-a92388 Pivoting from the Strait of Hormuz to the Arctic risks unique environmental disasters that Russia has shown it cannot handle. Tue, 31 Mar 2026 18:55:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/31/the-northern-sea-route-is-risky-and-russia-is-not-prepared-a92388 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/30/russian-exiles-in-europe-face-a-catch-22-a92372 Russians who fled abroad can't win: their visible existence is seen as an offense, but they’re expected to loudly put their families at risk. Mon, 30 Mar 2026 18:15:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/30/russian-exiles-in-europe-face-a-catch-22-a92372 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/27/negotiations-are-not-ending-the-ukraine-war-they-are-extending-it-a92363 Even before the Iran war drove up oil prices, Washington's strategy of conceding to the Kremlin enabled Russia's continued war on Ukraine. Fri, 27 Mar 2026 21:14:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/27/negotiations-are-not-ending-the-ukraine-war-they-are-extending-it-a92363 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/25/for-russians-in-europe-being-quietly-anti-war-is-no-longer-enough-a92332 The harsh truth is that most Russian emigres are apolitical, at best. If we want to be taken seriously, we have to be more openly against the war. Wed, 25 Mar 2026 19:56:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/25/for-russians-in-europe-being-quietly-anti-war-is-no-longer-enough-a92332 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/24/heres-why-cuba-remains-russias-foothold-on-washingtons-doorstep-a92323 Moscow keeps the isolated island afloat in return for its mineral wealth and convenient location for intelligence gathering. Tue, 24 Mar 2026 20:54:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/24/heres-why-cuba-remains-russias-foothold-on-washingtons-doorstep-a92323 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/23/russias-new-law-redefines-which-languages-can-exist-in-public-space-a92309 When you force a language out of public and into the home, the language risks disappearing as young people stop seeing it as useful. Mon, 23 Mar 2026 19:55:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/23/russias-new-law-redefines-which-languages-can-exist-in-public-space-a92309 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/19/why-high-oil-prices-wont-fix-russias-budget-crisis-a92257 Rising fossil fuel prices may help Moscow avoid a worst-case scenario. But the core problems at the heart of Russia's economy remain. Thu, 19 Mar 2026 17:55:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/19/why-high-oil-prices-wont-fix-russias-budget-crisis-a92257 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/17/russia-is-failing-its-allies-when-it-matters-most-a92234 Actions speak louder than words — and Moscow is even denying reports that it's supporting Iran at all. Tue, 17 Mar 2026 19:10:03 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/17/russia-is-failing-its-allies-when-it-matters-most-a92234 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/16/russias-censorship-laws-are-killing-its-pop-culture-a92220 Sweeping bans on discussing drugs, politics and “non-traditional values” are forcing artists and labels to censor themselves. Mon, 16 Mar 2026 17:35:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/16/russias-censorship-laws-are-killing-its-pop-culture-a92220 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/12/were-entering-a-world-run-by-trump-and-putins-rules-a92213 Washington and Moscow look less like ideological rivals than the joint architects of an international order where might makes right. Thu, 12 Mar 2026 20:45:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/12/were-entering-a-world-run-by-trump-and-putins-rules-a92213 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/10/moscows-lavish-excess-has-become-a-political-problem-a92186 What do you do when you're accused of spending too much when the country's at war? Cut the size of the city's workforce, of course. Tue, 10 Mar 2026 20:15:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/10/moscows-lavish-excess-has-become-a-political-problem-a92186 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/09/russias-investments-in-iran-at-risk-regardless-of-wars-outcome-a92169 Russia was the largest foreign investor in Iran each year since 2022. The war could transform their economic relationship. Mon, 09 Mar 2026 19:59:12 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/09/russias-investments-in-iran-at-risk-regardless-of-wars-outcome-a92169 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/06/russias-scientists-were-an-asset-to-the-kremlin-then-they-became-undesirable-a92143 Because they saw the world beyond Russia's borders as an opportunity rather than a threat, Russian scientists face a witch hunt. Fri, 06 Mar 2026 19:36:18 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/06/russias-scientists-were-an-asset-to-the-kremlin-then-they-became-undesirable-a92143 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/04/mr-nobody-against-putin-doesnt-settle-for-easy-answers-thats-important-a92121 The film, which is less about resistance than a chronicle of society during war, is a promising and worthy award contender. Wed, 04 Mar 2026 18:58:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/04/mr-nobody-against-putin-doesnt-settle-for-easy-answers-thats-important-a92121 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/03/russias-war-on-ukraine-isnt-at-a-stalemate-its-in-unstable-equilibrium-a92109 Moscow can't win the war in Ukraine outright and refuses to scale back its goals, locking Kyiv in an arms race of attrition. Tue, 03 Mar 2026 20:20:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/03/russias-war-on-ukraine-isnt-at-a-stalemate-its-in-unstable-equilibrium-a92109 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/02/as-manpower-shortages-deepen-russia-recruits-foreign-women-for-war-a92089 Unlike Ukraine, Russia has not drawn attention to women in combat roles as it would undermine Moscow's masculine image. Mon, 02 Mar 2026 19:16:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/02/as-manpower-shortages-deepen-russia-recruits-foreign-women-for-war-a92089 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/01/once-a-critical-partner-the-ayatollahs-fall-looks-to-have-minimal-fallout-for-russias-war-a92082 Russia wisely resisted over-reliance on Iran, onshoring much of the weapons manufacturing with which Tehran supplied Moscow. Sun, 01 Mar 2026 14:30:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/01/once-a-critical-partner-the-ayatollahs-fall-looks-to-have-minimal-fallout-for-russias-war-a92082 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/02/26/shaman-disrespected-the-sacred-lake-baikal-but-it-faces-ecological-catastrophe-too-a92063 Hopefully the backlash to the singer's actions will wake the world up to the threats to the sacred and ecologically unique lake. Thu, 26 Feb 2026 19:26:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/02/26/shaman-disrespected-the-sacred-lake-baikal-but-it-faces-ecological-catastrophe-too-a92063 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/02/25/70-years-after-the-secret-speech-russia-is-still-reckoning-with-stalin-a92046 Putin's ambivalence toward Stalin seems part of a strategy to stop Russians drawing parallels between their country's past and present. Wed, 25 Feb 2026 17:57:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/02/25/70-years-after-the-secret-speech-russia-is-still-reckoning-with-stalin-a92046 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/02/24/the-abnormal-normality-of-the-ukraine-war-enters-its-fifth-year-a92038 Ukraine’s suffering and courage are becoming old news to many. Yet one cannot grow accustomed to the sound of explosions at night. Tue, 24 Feb 2026 20:43:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/02/24/the-abnormal-normality-of-the-ukraine-war-enters-its-fifth-year-a92038 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/02/24/i-was-working-for-russian-state-media-when-the-kremlin-invaded-ukraine-this-is-what-i-remember-a92039 The war did not come as a surprise to me, but I still couldn't believe what was happening — and I knew I had to quit. Tue, 24 Feb 2026 19:15:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/02/24/i-was-working-for-russian-state-media-when-the-kremlin-invaded-ukraine-this-is-what-i-remember-a92039 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/02/23/the-gulag-history-museum-is-gone-but-its-lessons-remain-a92023 The museum dedicated to memorializing state crimes is being replaced — ironically — by one showcasing state propaganda. Mon, 23 Feb 2026 20:31:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/02/23/the-gulag-history-museum-is-gone-but-its-lessons-remain-a92023 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/02/20/moscows-de-dollarization-dreams-meet-pragmatic-reality-a92014 A leaked memo suggests Moscow may rejoin the dollar settlement system despite years of trying to go its own way. Fri, 20 Feb 2026 20:19:36 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/02/20/moscows-de-dollarization-dreams-meet-pragmatic-reality-a92014 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/02/19/the-ukraine-war-has-tied-russias-elites-closer-to-the-kremlin-a92003 With fewer options for stashing their money abroad, Russia's elites are increasingly reliant on Moscow. Thu, 19 Feb 2026 20:03:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/02/19/the-ukraine-war-has-tied-russias-elites-closer-to-the-kremlin-a92003 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/02/18/what-i-learned-speaking-face-to-face-with-a-fellow-political-prisoner-and-artist-a91983 I wanted to find out where Pavel Krisevich found his creative energy, especially in prison. I expected anger, but found love. Wed, 18 Feb 2026 19:29:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/02/18/what-i-learned-speaking-face-to-face-with-a-fellow-political-prisoner-and-artist-a91983 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/02/17/resisting-the-kremlins-communication-crackdown-requires-new-thinking-a91978 Russia's opposition is falling back on performative tactics that have failed repeatedly. We need to take a new approach. Tue, 17 Feb 2026 20:51:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/02/17/resisting-the-kremlins-communication-crackdown-requires-new-thinking-a91978 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/02/13/we-need-to-talk-about-russias-arctic-information-offensive-a91948 Russian disinformation narratives about its much-vaunted Northern Sea Route are far from the reality. That's what makes them dangerous. Fri, 13 Feb 2026 19:21:53 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/02/13/we-need-to-talk-about-russias-arctic-information-offensive-a91948 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/02/11/the-us-and-russian-militaries-are-talking-again-will-it-make-a-difference-a91917 Having taken part in such discussions over 30 years, I predict they will not be as helpful as we hope. But will be better than not talking. Wed, 11 Feb 2026 19:40:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/02/11/the-us-and-russian-militaries-are-talking-again-will-it-make-a-difference-a91917 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/02/10/putin-is-battling-inflation-but-sacrificing-russias-economy-a91898 Some economists think the Kremlin's obsession with reducing inflation is an ideological decision that harms the war effort. Tue, 10 Feb 2026 16:03:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/02/10/putin-is-battling-inflation-but-sacrificing-russias-economy-a91898 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/02/06/nuclear-arms-control-was-eroding-long-before-new-starts-expiration-a91887 Russia is not the only country that's undermined attempts to limit nuclear proliferation. Now, those restraints are even weaker. Fri, 06 Feb 2026 21:41:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/02/06/nuclear-arms-control-was-eroding-long-before-new-starts-expiration-a91887 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/02/05/the-failed-energy-truce-shows-why-a-quick-peace-in-ukraine-would-not-last-a91861 Ukrainians want peace more than anyone. But even as they freeze in their apartments, they know rushing would delay another war. Thu, 05 Feb 2026 19:17:12 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/02/05/the-failed-energy-truce-shows-why-a-quick-peace-in-ukraine-would-not-last-a91861 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/02/03/moscows-domodedovo-airport-dispute-epitomizes-russian-capitalism-a91851 From the lawless 1990s to the Kremlin's paranoia over foreign ownership, the dispute shows why Russia struggles with capitalism. Tue, 03 Feb 2026 20:30:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/02/03/moscows-domodedovo-airport-dispute-epitomizes-russian-capitalism-a91851 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/02/02/russias-extreme-winter-storms-are-a-climate-wake-up-call-the-kremlin-is-ignoring-a91841 The Kremlin once suggested climate change could bring Russia advantages. But the chaos from recent storms tells a very different story. Mon, 02 Feb 2026 19:40:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/02/02/russias-extreme-winter-storms-are-a-climate-wake-up-call-the-kremlin-is-ignoring-a91841 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/01/30/dont-forget-the-many-ways-russia-tried-to-justify-invading-ukraine-a91825 Moscow thinks it has found a strong argument for ending the war on its terms. But it's just one of many excuses for the invasion. Fri, 30 Jan 2026 21:11:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/01/30/dont-forget-the-many-ways-russia-tried-to-justify-invading-ukraine-a91825 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/01/29/harassment-is-a-daily-reality-for-foreign-diplomats-in-moscow-a91810 Protests outside the Foreign Ministry are tip of the iceberg of an escalating campaign of intimidation against diplomats. Thu, 29 Jan 2026 19:21:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/01/29/harassment-is-a-daily-reality-for-foreign-diplomats-in-moscow-a91810