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.
Russia’s new nemesis: Armenia PRO Members Public
Hello! This week we look at how the Kremlin has ramped up the pressure, rhetoric and sanctions on Armenia, ahead of elections this weekend that will determine if Yerevan continues down its pro-EU path. Moscow launches trade war ahead of key Armenian vote Russia’s efforts to secure its influence
Wartime economy squeezes small businesses PRO Members Public
Hello! This week we analyze a heap of data that shows it is Russia’s smallest businesses that are bearing the brunt of the economic crisis and the raft of internet restrictions. Between taxes and blackouts “2026 will not be an easy year for Russian business,” warned Alexander Shokhin, the
Kremlin replaces people’s governor with war general PRO Members Public
Hello! This week we look at Vladimir Putin’s decision to fire the head of the frontline Belgorod region, who might have been a victim of his own popularity. Belgorod leader out: When popularity becomes a problem Rotating Russia’s regional governors has long been a routine process. But the
Rusagro case a worrying omen for Russia’s richest PRO Members Public
Hello! This week we look at how Russia went about its most significant nationalization so far amid the war in Ukraine — and why the process could set off yet more alarm bells for some of the country’s richest men. Top agricultural firm seized in latest nationalization shock The Russian
Russia on Fire as Victory Day Approaches PRO Members Public
Hello! This week we analyze the spate of successful Ukrainian drone attacks across Russia — and how it is leaving a dark cloud over Moscow’s plans for Victory Day celebrations on May 9, one of the most important days of the year for Vladimir Putin. Little to celebrate on Victory
Putin weighs into internet restrictions debate PRO Members Public
Hello! This week we unpack the biggest issue in Russian politics right now — the power struggle over the future of online restrictions amid bubbling elite and public discontent. Kremlin on PR manoeuvres as internet backlash bites The imposition of restrictions on the internet has triggered so much discontent among Russia’
Russia’s most glamorous dissident PRO Members Public
Hello! Russia has been awash over the last week since a model and influencer issued an appeal to Vladimir Putin, becoming the surprise face of creeping anger with how the country is being run. Blogger urges Putin to like, share and subscribe Influencer and model Viktoria Bonya has unexpectedly emerged
Russia in the cold in the new Moon race PRO Members Public
Hello! After the success of NASA’s Artemis II lunar flyby mission, The Bell looks at how the Soviet Union lost the Cold War space race, and why Moscow is barely even a player in the modern race to the moon. NASA’s moon success an embarrassing reminder of Russia’
Anger rises amid internet crackdown PRO Members Public
Hello! This week we highlight how as the authorities intensify their campaign against what’s left of a free internet inside Russia, opinion polls show public anger is rising. Kremlin campaign against the internet pushes Putin’s approval rating to four-year low This year has seen Russia’s authorities massively
What the Galitsky case reveals about Russia’s political system PRO Members Public
Hello! This week The Bell looks into the nationalization case against businessman Alexander Galitsky — labelled “extremist” after a divorce saga — and why in Moscow there is speculation that it could spell trouble for Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. A nationalization saga with a political backdrop The biggest nationalization case of the
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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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