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 fertilizer king addresses life after Putin PRO Members Public
Hello! This week we dive into the hottest political intrigue in Moscow right now: a major intervention in The Economist by billionaire Andrei Melnichenko on what Russia could look like after Putin. Melnichenko’s Russia of the future: Kremlin talking points or a bid for power? Andrei Melnichenko is one
Russia’s place in the AI race PRO Members Public
Hello! This week we outline where Russia sits in the global AI race, and its latest efforts to exert control over the homegrown Kremlin-approved AI industry. Sovereign AI While OpenAI is trying to secure White House support in return for a 5% stake, in Russia, the authorities are exerting full
No more fuel PRO Members Public
Hello! This week we cover Ukraine’s unprecedented drone attacks on Russia’s energy sites that are sparking a massive fuel crisis across one of the world’s most oil-rich countries. Pumps run dry as Ukrainian drone attacks bite Ukraine’s drone campaign against Russian oil refineries has sparked an
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
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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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