‘Indifference’ and ‘Anger’ Guide Voter Choice in Russia’s Ethnic Republics

In Russia’s ethnic republics, outsize war casualties, worsening economic conditions and even sweeping repressions are unlikely to catalyze voters against President Vladimir Putin in this weekend’s presidential election, experts and activists told The Moscow Times. With most of the Russian opposition imprisoned, in exile or dead, Putin is expected to easily secure victory in the…

When It’s Time to Call the Junk Man

Хлам: junk In my part of the world, my neighbors seem to be doing some intensive early spring cleaning. Every day by the garbage bins there are new piles of tattered armchairs, ancient toilets, fake wood storage units, bags of baby clothes and (revoltingly stained) mattresses. In Russian, all this is хлам: junk, rubbish, old…

Russians Dump Green Dye Into Ballot Boxes in At Least 7 Regions

Russian election and law enforcement authorities have reported a spate of incidents involving voters spilling green antiseptic dye into ballot boxes on the first day of the presidential election.  The dye, called zelyonka in Russian, was widely used in attacks on opposition activists figures during the 2010s. Russia’s Central Election Commission (CEC) called for security…

Shelling of Russia’s Belgorod Kills 1, Injures 2

At least one person was killed and two others were injured in an attack on the Russian city of Belgorod on Friday afternoon, local authorities said, just shortly after pro-Kyiv militias warned of an imminent strike. Belgorod region Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said air defense systems shot down 10 “aerial targets” on their approach to the…

Jailed Human Rights Activist Orlov Offered to Fight in Ukraine

Russian prison authorities tried to recruit jailed human rights campaigner Oleg Orlov for the war in Ukraine despite his pacifist views, the Memorial human rights group said Friday. A Moscow court sentenced Orlov to two-and-a-half years in prison in late February for speaking out against the war in Ukraine and “discrediting” the Russian military. Memorial…

Russia Says 3 Children Killed in Eastern Ukraine Shelling

A Moscow-installed official on Friday said Ukrainian shelling of the Russian-held city of Donetsk killed three children. Russia claims to have annexed the Donetsk region, even though it does not have full control of it and the frontline regional capital comes under frequent shelling attacks. “As a result of barbaric overnight shelling … a direct…

Russia and Ukraine Down Drones as Voting Starts

Russia and Ukraine downed drones and rockets overnight as polling stations opened across Russia on the first day of voting in the country’s presidential election. Kyiv has launched some of its largest air attacks on Russia this week ahead of the vote, which is set to hand President Vladimir Putin another six-year term in the…