Intensifying crackdown Paid Members Public
Hello! This week our top story is about the escalating pressure on independent journalists and supporters of jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny. We also look at new U.S. sanctions on Russia that turned out to be more bark than bite, and how the Russian government ruined the holidays of
Russia-Ukraine tensions rise Paid Members Public
Hello! This week our top story is an analysis of the military escalation between Russia and Ukraine and whether it could lead to all-out war. We also look at the ruble’s recent woes, and have highlights from a blockbuster investigation into Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov’s matrimonial situation. Tensions
The Sputnik paradox Paid Members Public
Hello! This week our top story is about the low take-up of Russia’s coronavirus vaccine despite it being widely available. We also look at the latest crisis caused by state regulation of food prices, why a famous Russian television presenter had to leave neighboring Georgia in a hurry, and
FSB accused of stealing pharma business after arrest of billionaire Paid Members Public
A high-stakes corruption case dominated the news in Russia this week. The star of the drama was billionaire Boris Shpigel, owner of pharmaceutical company Biotech and a former senator in the upper house of parliament. For many years Shpigel was part of Russia’s powerful pharma lobby that enjoyed connections
Sobchak interview with serial rapist causes fury Paid Members Public
TV presenter and ex-presidential candidate Ksenia Sobchak sparked debate this week after her video interview with kidnapper and serial rapist Viktor Mokhov. In 2000, Mokhov seized two under-age girls and imprisoned them in a specially-built cellar, where he kept them for four years, raping them repeatedly. For his crimes, Mokhov
Navalny reports health problems as new protest announced Paid Members Public
Opposition leader Alexei Navalny — who has just begun a two-and-a-half year jail sentence — is already suffering from health problems. Not only is Navalny experiencing severe back pain, the cause of which is unclear, but his lawyers claim prison doctors are refusing him treatment. At the same time, Navalny’s colleagues
FSB accused of stealing pharma business after arrest of billionaire Paid Members Public
Hello! This week our top story is a lurid tale of corruption involving two high-profile arrests, the pharmaceutical industry and the security services. We also look at how opposition leader Alexei Navalny’s health has deteriorated in prison, and the fallout from ex-presidential candidate Ksenia Sobchak’s controversial YouTube interview
Russia tightens state control over education Paid Members Public
The lower house of the Russian parliament this week approved a new law on educational activities, rejecting criticism from scientists, business people and cultural figures. From now on, any activity classified as ‘educational’ must be coordinated with the authorities. The law comes into force July 1. * The legislation was submitted
