In Photos: Russia’s New Coronavirus Reality

As the only remaining independent, English-language news source reporting from Russia, The Moscow Times plays a critical role in connecting Russia to the world. Editorial decisions are made entirely by journalists in our newsroom, who adhere to the highest ethical standards. We fearlessly cover issues that are often considered off-limits or taboo in Russia, from…

‘Nuclear Reaction’: Russian Medics Warn of ‘Explosive’ Coronavirus Spread

Russian doctors are preparing for an “explosive” escalation of the coronavirus situation across the country as the country’s number of cases began to increase exponentially, Moscow’s top infectious diseases specialist said Wednesday. As of Thursday, Russia has confirmed 840 cases of coronavirus and three deaths. Wednesday and Thursday saw Russia’s largest one-day increases in new…

‘The Government Doesn’t Believe in Small Businesses. The Feeling’s Mutual’: Russia’s Entrepreneurs Scramble For a Lifeline

Last week, Alla Komissarova sent a letter to her landlords, asking them to show a little flexibility towards the rent due for her two Moscow chocolate workshops over the next few months. Hand-made cakes and artisanal confectionery are not top of many Muscovites’ shopping lists as consumers start to worry about the looming economic hit…

Russia to Ground All International Flights Over Coronavirus

Russia will halt all international flights from midnight on Friday under a government decree listing new measures against the coronavirus outbreak. The decree published on Thursday orders aviation authorities to halt all regular and charter flights, with the exception of special flights evacuating Russian citizens from abroad. Russia’s civil aviation agency Rosaviatsiya will halt “regular…

Russia’s Coronavirus Aid Arrives in Italy

As the only remaining independent, English-language news source reporting from Russia, The Moscow Times plays a critical role in connecting Russia to the world. Editorial decisions are made entirely by journalists in our newsroom, who adhere to the highest ethical standards. We fearlessly cover issues that are often considered off-limits or taboo in Russia, from…

‘Pro-Western’ Activists Posing as Journalists Are Infiltrating Russia’s Military, Defense Minister Claims

Members of a “pro-Western opposition division” in Russia are posing as journalists to “hide behind” the country’s mass media law and infiltrate its military facilities, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Wednesday. Speaking to Russia’s upper chamber of parliament, Shoigu urged lawmakers to change the nation’s mass media law to counter so-called “information attacks.”  “[These activists]…

‘We Respect It’: Russia Reacts to Tokyo Olympics’ Coronavirus Postponement

The International Olympics Committee (IOC) decided on Tuesday to delay the 2020 Tokyo Olympics as the coronavirus pandemic shows little sign of slowing down. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and IOC president Thomas Bach agreed to reschedule the highly anticipated sporting event after pressure from the international community. Following the news, Russia’s Sports Minister Oleg…

Arctic Oil Faces Crisis

The coronavirus and subsequent global economic meltdown is taking its toll on developments in Arctic waters. Norway’s Equinor is reducing staff on platforms and operating costs are cut to the bone. On Sunday the company announced that it was suspending a large €5 billion share buy-back programme. At the same time, the development of new projects…

With Temperature Checks and Face Masks, Russians Protest Putin Despite Coronavirus

Small-scale protests against Vladimir Putin’s plans to amend the Russian Constitution so he can run for president again in 2024 took place in several medium-sized Russian cities on Sunday, local media reported. Protests against the changes, which would overturn a constitutional ban on Putin running for another term, were called off in Moscow and St. Petersburg due…