Russia, Explained
Pyotr Mironenko, co-founder of The Bell, and Denis Kasyanchuk, our economics editor, take a closer look at the week's top Russia stories, and explain why they matter. An in-depth look at how Russia works, what is bothering the elite, how public opinion is changing, and how to read between the lines of state propaganda. From May 1, 2025, it will go behind a paywall.
Kirill Dmitriev: Economic envoy, or political peace-maker? PRO Members Public
Hello! This week we bring you a detailed look at Kirill Dmitriev — the Kremlin’s special envoy on economic talks with the United States who has been Moscow’s most high-profile negotiator with Donald Trump’s White House over restoring ties and ending the war in Ukraine. Before we begin,
THE BELL WEEKLY: Russia cheers Trump’s tariffs PRO Members Public
Hello! Our top story is how Russian propagandists are rejoicing over Donald Trump’s tariffs, but ignoring how they could backfire on Moscow. We also cover new trouble for Anatoly Chubais and how pro-war bloggers are blaming Ukrainian civilians after a deadly Russian missile strike on Kryvyi Rih. Propagandists revel
THE BELL WEEKLY: Russians' happiness hits decade-high PRO Members Public
Hello! This week we look at why Russians are happier than at any point in the last decade, and delve into a new study suggesting those who fled after the invasion are not rushing back to Russia, despite claims by the Kremlin and even Western media outlets. Russians’ wellbeing levels
THE BELL WEEKLY: Billion-dollar loss for Russia's Facebook PRO Members Public
Hello! Our main story this week is how the state is going to bail out VK after a staggering loss and mounting debt pile. We also cover the jailing of a Soviet-era dissident, once targeted by Vladimir Putin at the KGB, and highlight how the authorities are no longer trying
THE BELL WEEKLY: Sabotage claims fuel nationalization drive PRO Members Public
Hello! This week our main story is Vladimir Putin letting some Western investors sell their frozen Russian assets ahead of his high-stakes call with Donald Trump. We also look at what Russians stand to lose if Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty ceases to exist and take stock of mounting worries
THE BELL WEEKLY: Sabotage claims fuel nationalization drive PRO Members Public
Hello! This week our main story is about how claims of military sabotage are fuelling the latest high-profile business nationalization. We also cover a sexual assault scandal involving popular rapper Oxxxymiron, and signs the Russian economy could be slowing down too fast. Russian security forces come up with new ideological
THE BELL WEEKLY: Trump-Zelensky clash delights Kremlin PRO Members Public
Hello! Our main story is Russia jumping for joy at the stunning Oval Office clash between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky. We also bring you highlights of our interview with Nobel Prize winning economist Daron Acemoglu. Moscow revels in Oval Office row between Zelensky and Trump Russia can’t get
THE BELL WEEKLY: How three years of war have affected Russia's mood PRO Members Public
Hello! This week we look how Russians’ financial situations have been hit by the invasion. We also dig into why the war means Russia is losing the AI race and look at Russia’s misplaced optimism over the possible return of foreign brands. How Russians assess their life after three
THE BELL WEEKLY: Moscow cheers Putin-Trump call PRO Members Public
Hello! This week our top story is Moscow celebrating Vladimir Putin’s return to the top table of international politics after his call with Donald Trump. We also cover the EU clarifying its rules for how oligarchs can get sanctions removed. Moscow celebrates after Putin’s conversation with Trump With
THE BELL WEEKLY: Corporate cuts at Russia’s blue-chips PRO Members Public
Hello! This week we look at a wave of corporate job cuts facing white-collar workers as Russia’s economy begins to slow and high interest rates bite. We also cover another in-fighting scandal among Russia’s opposition and Moscow city’s plans to demolish two iconic Soviet buildings. Russia’s
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The Bell was founded in 2017 by journalists Elizaveta Osetinskaya, Irina Malkova and Peter Mironenko as a news outlet independent from the Russian authorities, after its founders have been sacked as top editors at the largest Russian news website RBC because of pressure from the Kremlin.
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