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.
THE BELL WEEKLY: A winter heating crisis strikes Russia PRO Members Public
Hello! This week we cover a winter heating crisis and Russia’s dilapidated municipal infrastructure. We also summarize The Bell’s investigation into Russia’s “lottery king” snapping up cut-price Western assets and look at the arrest of a pro-war anti-Putin activist. Kremlin steps in as local heating systems collapse
THE BELL WEEKLY: Russia gripped by controversial street crime TV series PRO Members Public
Hello. This week we look at how a hit crime TV show has caught Russia by storm. We also cover growing concerns over the disappearance of Alexei Navalny and analyze why rising egg prices have authorities scrambling for a response. How a TV show about street gangs captured Russians and
THE BELL WEEKLY: Putin announces re-election campaign PRO Members Public
Hello. This week we look at Vladimir Putin’s announcement that he will run for re-election next year. We also report on a new travel ban and plans to bring propaganda into kindergartens. Surrounded by Donbas veterans, Putin declares he will run for presidency again Vladimir Putin has finally announced
THE BELL WEEKLY: The tussle for a billion-dollar stake in ‘Russia’s Amazon’ PRO Members Public
Hello. This week we reveal that the tussle for a major stake in “Russia’s Amazon” is preventing one of the most important investment firms in Russian history from leaving the country. We also look at the LGBT movement being labeled “extremist” and plans to make foreigners sign a loyalty
THE BELL WEEKLY: Russians asked to pay for their own surveillance PRO Members Public
Hello. This week we look at a new proposal to build a national network of surveillance cameras. We also unpack some of the economic myths the Kremlin is telling itself, and the Russian people, ahead of next year’s presidential election, and look at why Russia is trying to engineer
THE BELL WEEKLY: Libertarian activist sows discord among Russian opposition PRO Members Public
Hello. This week we look at why two dubious articles published by a libertarian activist have captured the attention of Russia’s opposition. We also cover the lengthy prison sentence handed down for an anti-war sticker protest and Russia’s escalating campaign against the LGBT+ community. Troll farms and sanctions:
THE BELL WEEKLY: Putin’s election procession PRO Members Public
Hello! This week our main story is President Vladimir Putin’s plans for re-election and what his campaign will look like. We also cover the growing trend of anti-abortion measures and public outrage over convicted criminals now returning to society after fighting in Ukraine. The Kremlin gears up to launch
THE BELL WEEKLY: Islamist links to antisemitic airport riot? PRO Members Public
Hello! This week The Bell looks at the possible links between the riot at Dagestan’s airport and a radical Islamist movement. We also highlight the latest twists in the saga of the sanctioned Alfa Group founders, and how Russia’s stats body is returning to its favourite pandemic-era habit:
THE BELL WEEKLY: Putin blames the West after anti-Israel riot PRO Members Public
Hello! This week our top story is Russia’s first antisemitic riot in decades. We also analyze the central bank’s aggressive interest rate hike and what it means for Russia’s economic outlook. Putin blames the West after anti-Israel riot shocks Moscow In Russia’s North Caucasus, the weekend
THE BELL WEEKLY: Russian propaganda on the Middle-East conflict PRO Members Public
Hello! This week we highlight the main Russian propaganda talking points on the Israel-Hamas conflict. We also cover how the arrest of a US-Russian reporter marks yet another escalation in Russia’s campaign against independent journalism, and why Putin wants to bring back sporting parades beloved by Josef Stalin. Pro-Kremlin
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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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