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seeking justice

Lithuanian Court Extends Sentence for Ex-Soviet Tank Officer

Yuri Mel's sentence has been extended to 10 years over his role in a deadly military assault on Lithuania's independence bid in January 1991.

30th anniversary

Soviet Collapse Violated the People's Will, Gorbachev Says

The U.S.S.R.'s final leader defended a March 1991 referendum to preserve the Soviet system as "necessary and just."

‘IRON FELIX’

A Vote on Restoring a Secret Police Chief’s Statue Opens Old Wounds in Russia

Three decades after anti-communist protesters toppled the monument to Felix Dzerzhinsky outside the KGB’s headquarters, it could be set to return.

controversial monument

Moscow to Vote on Restoring Soviet Secret Police Founder’s Statue

The monument to “Iron” Felix Dzerzhinsky was removed from the KGB headquarters with the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991.

Russian Court Rejects Gulag Historian’s 13-Year Sentence Appeal

Supporters and human rights groups say Yury Dmitriyev's case is retaliation for his work in exposing Stalin-era executions.

legislating memory

Putin Seeks to Ban Nazi-Soviet Comparisons

The amendments would ban “publicly equating the role of the U.S.S.R. and Nazi Germany” in World War II.

Last Soviet Defense Minister Dies From Coronavirus – Reports

Yevgeny Shaposhnikov reportedly died due to the coronavirus at age 78.

returning the names

Stalin Victims Commemoration Moves Online Due to Coronavirus

Every Oct. 29, people gather at the former KGB headquarters to read the names, ages and professions of those who died in Stalin’s purges.

Veteran Russian Human Rights Leader Yury Orlov Dies at 96

Orlov founded the Moscow Helsinki Group, Russia's oldest human rights organization, with other Soviet dissidents in 1976.

Forever seventies

Soviet Classic Turns 50 at GUM AutoRally

Muscovites celebrate the beloved Zhiguli sedan.

'bone in the authorities' throat'

Gulag Historian Convicted for Sexual Assault Despite Outcry

Dmitriyev will be released in November as his time already served in pre-trial detention will count toward his sentence.

Russia Arrests Disabled ‘Soviet Citizen’ Suspected of Plotting Coup

The pensioner is among thousands who believe that the Soviet Union still legally exists.

complicated legacy

Russian Communist Unveils Stalin Statue on WWII Anniversary

Local authorities say the 3-meter monument is illegal.

Russia Stages Grand WWII Parade Ahead of Vote on Putin Reforms

The display aimed to stir up patriotic fervor ahead of a vote to reset Putin's presidential term-limit clock.

Khrushchev’s Son Dies in U.S.

Sergei Khrushchev was a noted scientist and author who developed guidance systems for missiles, submarines and spacecraft.

See the forest for the trees

Russian Drone Photographer Captures Lenin-Shaped Forest in Siberia

Even Lenin himself "wood" not believe it.

stranger than fiction

Russia ‘Ready’ for New Comedy on Gay Activists’ 1970s Soviet Visit, Producer Says

“It’s a conversation about intolerance to the ‘others’,” Oscar-nominated producer Alexander Rodnyansky said.

WWII retrospective

In Photos: Soviet Wartime Memories

Archive photos capture the Soviet Union's World War II experience on the 75th anniversary of its victory.

revising history

Russian City Removes Plaques Memorializing Polish POWs Massacred By Stalin

Poland responded to the removal by accusing Russia of “following in the footsteps ... of Soviet Stalinist totalitarianism.”

Korean cooperation

Putin Hands World War II Medal to North Korea’s Kim Jong Un

Kim was awarded “for his great personal contribution to the commemoration of dead and buried Soviet citizens.”

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