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.
Could Russia go nuclear as Moscow hit and Crimea in crisis? PRO Members Public
Hello! This week we analyze why some Russians — including those with ties at the Kremlin — are again talking about launching a tactical nuclear strike on Ukraine, as Moscow comes under barrage and Kyiv’s army cuts off Crimea. Moscow attacked, Crimea cut-off Ukraine’s drone raid on Moscow and its
In Charts: How Russia’s war is worsening inequality PRO Members Public
Hello! This week we analyze how the invasion of Ukraine, now dragging through its fifth year, has widened the gap between rich and poor inside Russia. Russia’s rich get richer Vladimir Putin loves to portray himself as the people’s president, combatting the inequality and injustice he inherited from
Russia’s fuel crisis PRO Members Public
Hello! This week we discuss Russia’s fuel crisis, triggered by Ukraine’s increasingly successful attacks on Russian oil refineries and supply routes across occupied territory. Ukraine hits Russia at the pumps For the second year running, Ukrainian drone attacks on oil refineries, energy infrastructure and logistics routes have triggered
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
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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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