Articles - The Moscow Times

Support The Moscow Times!

Contribute today

Russia’s Massive Army Recruitment Drive Appears to Deliver Few Soldiers

Experts believe the campaign is a Kremlin attempt to avoid risking a major public backlash by launching another round of mobilization.

land for service

Putin Orders Free Land Handouts for Ukraine War Veterans

Since Moscow invaded neighboring Ukraine, the authorities have sought various ways to encourage Russians to sign up to fight in the war.

Russia Buys Back Military Parts Exported to Asia

Defense industry manufacturers have been reimporting parts for tanks and missiles they themselves produced and sold to foreign buyers.

manpower problem

Putin Calls Up Reservists for Annual Combat Readiness Training

Lawyers have warned that reservists could be pressured into signing up for contract service and sent to fight in Ukraine.

opinion Matthew Sussex

Ukraine’s Fate Rests on Its Imminent Counteroffensive

At stake for Ukraine in its looming counteroffensive is nothing less than its national survival.

Wagner Chief Says Pulling Out of Bakhmut After Blasting Russian Military Top Brass

Tensions between Wagner and Russia’s Defense Ministry have simmered for months.

Kadyrov Tells of Plans to Create International Mercenary Force

The head of Chechnya has revealed he is considering creating a private army to protect what he called the world's "oppressed peoples."

mobilizing society

Calls in State Duma to Increase Length of Russian Military Service

Servicemen should not enter the army for the various perks soldiers receive, but to earn "respect and honor," one deputy said.

military reshuffle

Russian Army Replaces Top Logistics Commander

Colonel General Mikhail Mizintsev had only been in the job for seven months.

Russia Ramps Up Use of Glide Bombs Ahead of Ukraine Counteroffensive

Glide bombs can travel much further and are much more precise than unguided — or “dumb” — bombs. And they're relatively cheap.

face recognition

Russia Says Surveillance System Helping to Find Draft Dodgers

Moscow’s chief draft officer Maxim Loktev said it was necessary to find up-to-date addresses for men eligible for military service.

China Minister Hails 'Strong' Russia Ties in Putin Meeting

Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu on Sunday told Putin that Russia-China ties have "entered a new era."

Verified Russian Military Deaths in Ukraine Now Exceed 20,000

The number of Russian troops independently confirmed to have died in Ukraine has reached 20,451, with 1,820 killed in the past two weeks alone.

‘As Quietly as Possible’: Premium on Secrecy as Russia Rams Through Military Draft Rules Bill

One source told The Moscow Times that there was such a rush to pass the legislation that procedural rules were broken.

Military exercises

Russian Pacific Fleet Put on High Alert in Snap Drills

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu announced surprise combat drills by the Pacific Fleet on Friday.

Russian Soldier Jailed for 10 Years for Shooting Comrade While Drunk

Alexei Usenko was accused of fatally wounding a Russian National Guardsman last year in a traffic stop.

Confusion and Indifference but No Panic as Russia Tightens Draft Rules

Experts linked the new law to the failure of the Russian Armed Forces to achieve major territorial gains in Ukraine this year.

More men needed

In Photos: Russian Military Ramps Up Army Recruitment Drive

The Russian army is reportedly aiming to recruit 400,000 new contract soldiers to bolster its stagnating invasion of Ukraine.

battlefield reversals

Russia Takes Stock After Winter Offensive Fails to Deliver Gains

Russia's winter offensive in Ukraine was announced with great fanfare, but the campaign has been another disappointment for Moscow.

Student Soldiers

In Photos: Russian High Schoolers Undergo Basic Military, First Aid Training

Russia added military training to its school curriculum following the invasion of Ukraine in a controversial move.

View more articles