Rosneft Launches Large-Scale Animal Research in Arctic
Rosneft Oil Company has launched the implementation of a programme to assess the sustainability of the Arctic ecosystems based on research on key Arctic animal species in the Russian Federation.
Putin’s Rumored Confessor Denies Contracting Coronavirus
President Vladimir Putin’s rumored spiritual adviser, Father Tikhon Shevkunov, has denied testing positive for coronavirus, the MBKh Media news website reported Friday. Earlier in the day, the outlet cited religious scholar Sergei Chapnin as saying that Father Tikhon, 61, had allegedly been suffering from Covid-19 for several days. Father Tikhon’s association with Putin has been…
Russia’s Central Bank Cuts Rates and Warns of Deep Recession
Russia’s Central Bank has cut interest rates to their lowest levels since 2012, and warned the Russian economy could shrink by 6% this year. The decision — widely expected by the markets — to cut the key interest rate to 5.5% from 6% is the first shift in monetary policy from governor Elvira Nabiullina since…
Libya Blames Chemical Attack on Kremlin-Linked Wagner Mercenary Group
Libya’s UN-backed government has accused Kremlin-linked private military contractors for an alleged chemical attack in southern Tripoli, according to Arab and Turkish media. Interior minister Fathi Bashaga’s charges turn the spotlight back on Russia’s Wagner mercenaries, who are reported to be unofficially helping eastern commander Khalifa Haftar’s year-long offensive to seize the Libyan capital. The…
Rosneft Expands Sales of Low-Sulfur Marine Fuel
RN-Bunker, operator of the bunkering business of Rosneft Oil Company, has widened the geographical range of its RMLS 40 low-sulfur residual fuel sales.
Rosneft Introduces Remote Communication Forms for Training
Rosneft begins a series of webinars on technological training for specialists and employees of the Company’s subsidiaries.
Explainer: How Russia’s Healthcare System Is Tackling the Coronavirus
Russia’s healthcare system is under considerable strain from the country’s coronavirus outbreak, which officials warn is still weeks away from its peak. As of Friday, Russia had officially recorded 68,622 cases, the 10th-most in the world, and 615 deaths. Here’s a brief overview of how Russia’s medical system — with its sharp regional disparities in…
Coronavirus in Russia: The Latest News | April 24
As the new coronavirus that has killed more than 190,000 people worldwide continues to spread, Russia has stepped up its measures to slow the pandemic’s spread within its borders. There have been 68,622 cases of coronavirus infections reported in Russia so far and 615 deaths. MT The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Russia as of April…
Russia’s Coronavirus Cases Rise By 5,849, Bringing Total Close to 70K
Russia’s officially reported numbers — which are still relatively lower than those in European countries — have sparked suspicion. Experts warn that Russia’s testing capacity is hampered by bureaucracy, while officials warn that the real number of cases is likely much higher. The majority of Russia’s cases are in Moscow. Since March 30, all of…
Coronavirus Lockdown Pushes Muscovites Into Underpaid Jobs
Founder and director of Moscow’s Komnata4 theater, Daniil Romanov, was among the first to be hit hard by the coronavirus lockdown when the city ordered all cultural venues to close. With money running short, he decided to sign up as a delivery worker for a major grocery chain. Romanov, 34, has since taken to social…
Chechen Strongman’s Strategy Against Virus – Fear and Threats
Elena Milashina had received death threats before. But they were never so direct or brazen. The erratic and iron-fisted leader of Chechnya in southern Russia, unhappy with her journalism about the coronavirus, put out an unambiguous call for violence against the reporter on social media this month. Ramzan Kadyrov “was direct in saying what he…
Coronavirus Hits Russian Markets | April 24
The Russian economy has been rocked by the coronavirus outbreak, and fears the fresh OPEC+ oil production pact between Russia and Saudi Arabia will not be enough to address a historic fall in demand. The turmoil has shocked traders around the world and resulted in sharp volatility on the Russian stock markets and swings in…
Russia Suspends Deportations During Coronavirus Pandemic
Russia will temporarily suspend deportations of foreigners over the next two months due to the coronavirus outbreak, the Interior Ministry said Thursday. President Vladimir Putin signed an order this weekend banning authorities from deporting migrants and denying them refugee and temporary asylum status between March 15 and June 15. The act also automatically extends visas…
Russia’s Nursing, Psychiatric Homes to Enter Coronavirus Quarantine
Russia’s Labor Ministry has ordered mental health facilities and nursing homes to quarantine residents and employees for two weeks in a move to fight the coronavirus outbreak, the state-run TASS news agency reported Thursday. A total of 457 people have “inevitably” been infected with Covid-19 at 16 facilities in seven Russian regions so far, deputy…
Russia Bans ‘Discussions’ of Fake Coronavirus News
Russia’s Supreme Court has ruled it illegal to discuss “fake news” about the deadly coronavirus pandemic in public in addition to publishing it. Facing public mistrust toward the country’s relatively low infection numbers at the time, Russia made spreading false information about Covid-19 punishable by up to five years in jail starting April 1. In…
Moscow Halts Abortions During Coronavirus Outbreak: Activists
More than 100,000 pregnant women will be unable to undergo medical abortions in Moscow because of restrictions during the coronavirus outbreak, the women’s rights organization Nasiliyu.net (“No to Violence”) Center has said. Only three out of the Russian capital’s 44 clinics have said they would continue to provide abortions through the national compulsory medical insurance…
Sick Russian Nurses in Storage Room Spark Outrage
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…
Coronavirus in Russia: The Latest News | April 23
As the new coronavirus that has killed more than 184,000 people worldwide continues to spread, Russia has stepped up its measures to slow the pandemic’s spread within its borders. There have been 62,773 cases of coronavirus infections reported in Russia so far and 555 deaths. MT The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Russia as of April…
Russian Prisoner in U.S. Yaroshenko Tested After Cellmate’s Coronavirus Death
U.S. prison officials have sent Russian pilot Konstantin Yaroshenko into observation after his cellmate allegedly died from coronavirus, Russia’s Consulate in New York said Thursday. Yaroshenko is serving a 20-year sentence at the Danbury federal prison in Connecticut for conspiracy to smuggle cocaine into the United States. Russia’s consulate said it filed a health request…
Russia’s Coronavirus Cases Rise By 4,774, Bringing Total Past 60K
Russia’s officially reported numbers — which are still relatively lower than those in European countries — have sparked suspicion. Experts warn that Russia’s testing capacity is hampered by bureaucracy, while officials warn that the real number of cases is likely much higher. The majority of Russia’s cases are in Moscow. Since March 30, all of…
Coronavirus Hits Russian Markets | April 23
The Russian economy has been rocked by the coronavirus outbreak, and fears the fresh OPEC+ oil production pact between Russia and Saudi Arabia will not be enough to address a historic fall in demand. The turmoil has shocked traders around the world and resulted in sharp volatility on the Russian stock markets and swings in…
Russia to Adopt Moscow’s Digital Pass System for Coronavirus Lockdown
At least 21 Russian regions have requested digital travel passes a week after coronavirus-hit Moscow enacted its system to enforce lockdown measures and slow the deadly outbreak, the Communications and Press Ministry said Wednesday. Their introduction beyond Moscow comes as health officials warn that the regions lag behind the Russian capital in new infection rates…
For Russians, Humble Dacha Provides Refuge From Coronavirus
After years spent on submarines with Russia’s Northern Fleet, Ivan Chernyshyov is having no problem adjusting to life on coronavirus lockdown — especially as, like many Russians, the retired sailor can escape to the countryside. “It’s good here. We’ll grow carrots and strawberries and maybe even some potatoes,” the 78-year-old says, while his wife Lyudmila…
Leading Russian Paper Vedomosti’s New Editor Bans Putin Criticism
The new chief editor of Russia’s leading business newspaper Vedomosti has banned employees from publishing articles that criticize President Vladimir Putin’s proposed constitutional changes, the paper’s media editor said Wednesday in the latest report of recent censorship at the publication. Andrei Shmarov, who was named acting editor-in-chief by Vedomosti’s new owners in March, made news…
Russia’s Coronavirus Outbreak Jeopardizes Care for Patients With Rare Diseases
The lives of thousands of Russian patients with rare diseases are in danger because the country’s hospitals are being repurposed to address the coronavirus outbreak, the Kommersant business daily reported Wednesday. The government ordered health officials to allocate up to 100,000 hospital beds for Covid-19 patients, the newspaper reported earlier this month. Officials were ordered…
Russian Communists Celebrate Lenin’s Birthday on Red Square Despite Lockdown
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…
Kremlin Mulls Date for Post-Virus Vote on Putin’s Constitution Reform
The Kremlin on Wednesday confirmed plans to hold a referendum on constitutional amendments that would enable President Vladimir Putin to extend his time in office. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists that the date for the vote will depend on the coronavirus pandemic. The Kremlin has “certain rough estimates” but “the new timescale will be…
Coronavirus Hits Hard in Russia’s Volatile Republic of Ingushetia
In late March, as Russia’s coronavirus outbreak fanned out from Moscow to the country’s provinces, Abdurakhman Martazanov, chief mufti of Russia’s autonomous North Caucasus republic of Ingushetia, started to worry. Before many Russians had grasped the reality of the pandemic facing their country, Martazanov put together a set of guidelines allowing Ingushetia’s mostly Muslim population…
Russia Seeks Protections for Domestic Abuse Victims During Coronavirus Lockdown
The authors of Russia’s delayed domestic abuse law have asked the government to take emergency steps to protect victims during the coronavirus quarantine, the RBC news website reported Tuesday. Experts have warned that lockdown measures to slow the spread of Covid-19 would lead to even more abuse in Russia, where domestic violence has been decriminalized…
Russian Press Names Wagner Mercenary as Likely Perpetrator in Gruesome Syria Beheading
This article contains graphic content that may be disturbing to some readers. One of the men filmed beheading, dismembering and setting fire to the body of a Syrian man in 2017 is a former police officer from southern Russia, the investigative Novaya Gazeta newspaper has said six months after it first reported on the torture in…
Arctic Likely to See Ice-Free Summers Despite Climate Action, Study Says
The Arctic will likely lose its summertime ice cover by 2050 even if current levels of CO2 emissions are significantly cut, a new study published in the American Geophysical Union’s journal has warned. Climate change has reduced sea ice coverage in the Arctic Ocean in recent decades, with 2019 tying with 2012 for having the…
Russia’s Coronavirus Cases Rise By 5,236, Bringing Total Closer to 60K
Russia’s officially reported numbers — which are still relatively lower than those in European countries — have sparked suspicion. Experts warn that Russia’s testing capacity is hampered by bureaucracy, while officials warn that the real number of cases is likely much higher. The majority of Russia’s cases are in Moscow. Since March 30, all of…
Coronavirus Hits Russian Markets | April 22
The Russian economy has been rocked by the coronavirus outbreak, and fears the fresh OPEC+ oil production pact between Russia and Saudi Arabia will not be enough to address a historic fall in demand. The turmoil has shocked traders around the world and resulted in sharp volatility on the Russian stock markets and swings in…
Russian Opposition Plans Online Coronavirus Lockdown Protest
Russia’s opposition has called for an online protest next week to press the Kremlin for financial aid for people struggling under the coronavirus lockdown. During an online YouTube rally next Tuesday, Moscow councillors Yulia Galyamina, Ilya Azar and their allies also plan to seek an amnesty for prisoners and oppose President Vladimir Putin’s plan to…
Russia Reaches Record Life Expectancy of 73.4 Years
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…
Exclusive: First Russian Doctor Treating Coronavirus Patients Dies From Virus, Medical Workers Say
A Russian urologist has died from coronavirus complications after he picked up the virus treating patients in a hospital for veterans, two of his colleagues told The Moscow Times on Tuesday. He is the first doctor in Russia known to have died after treating coronavirus patients. Maxim Starinsky, 56, died on Monday at Kommunarka hospital, Moscow’s…
Russian Businesses Ask for Environmental Regulation Reprieve Amid Pandemic – Kommersant
Russian businesses have asked the government to suspend its enforcement of environmental regulations during the coronavirus pandemic, the Kommersant business daily reported Tuesday. The Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP) warned that existing regulations would lead to an “uncontrolled spread of the disease,” according to RSPP chief Alexander Shokhin’s April 15 letter to Prime…
Moscow Opens New Coronavirus Hospital Built in 30 Days
A new Moscow hospital built in a little over a month to treat coronavirus patients has admitted its first 20 patients, the Moscow mayor’s office said Tuesday as the Russian capital continues to battle an onslaught of new cases. Construction of the Demikhov city clinical hospital No. 68 some 70 kilometers southwest of the city…
Ruble Slides as Oil Prices Crash | Coronavirus Hits Russian Markets
The Russian economy has been rocked by the coronavirus outbreak, and fears the fresh OPEC+ oil production pact between Russia and Saudi Arabia will not be enough to address a historic fall in demand. The turmoil has shocked traders around the world and resulted in sharp volatility on the Russian stock markets and swings in…
Africa Asks Russia for Coronavirus Aid: Foreign Ministry
A number of unidentified African countries have asked Russia to assist them in the fight against coronavirus, Russia’s Foreign Ministry said Tuesday. The continent has reported 23,499 cases and 1,161 deaths across 54 countries as of late Monday, according to a tally by the pan-African news outlet African Arguments. African leaders and financial institutions have…
Coronavirus in Russia: The Latest News | April 21
As the new coronavirus that has killed more than 170,000 people worldwide continues to spread, Russia has stepped up its measures to slow the pandemic’s spread within its borders. There have been 52,763 cases of coronavirus infections reported in Russia so far and 456 deaths. MT The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Russia as of April 21.…
Yandex Offers Free Coronavirus Tests in Moscow as City Bears the Brunt of Russia’s Outbreak
Russian tech giant Yandex said Monday that it will offer free coronavirus tests to everyone in Moscow as the city grapples with a rapid rise in infections. Moscow, a city of more than 12.5 million, accounts for more than half of Russia’s 52,763 coronavirus cases and 456 deaths. Yandex previously said that only Muscovites aged…
FSB Stops Refugees in Barents Sea
Today marks what is likely the first-ever attempt by individuals to enter Schengen Europe via the Barents Sea. The attempt occurred on Oct. 8, 2019, but first became known to the public today as the verdict from the Pechenga District Court was announced by the Murmansk region prosecutor’s office. Three Syrian citizens boarded a small motorboat in…
Russian Jets Buzz U.S., NATO Aircraft Over Baltic and Mediterranean
Russian jets have been involved in several flybys with U.S. and NATO aircraft over the Mediterranean and Baltic seas in recent days. The series of interceptions end a pause of at least six months in Russian and U.S. aircraft buzzing each other in Europe and the Mediterranean. A Russian Su-35 fighter intercepted the U.S. Navy’s…
Russia’s Coronavirus Cases Rise By 5,642 Overnight
Russia’s officially reported numbers — which are still relatively lower than those in European countries — have sparked suspicion. Experts warn that Russia’s testing capacity is hampered by bureaucracy, while officials warn that the real number of cases is likely much higher. The majority of Russia’s cases are in Moscow. Since March 30, all of…
Luxury Moscow Clinic Becomes Coronavirus ‘Battleground’
A small elderly woman lies curled up in bedsheets with an oxygen tube in her nose, coughing as doctors cocooned in white suits care for her. In a nearby bed, an elderly man is on a ventilator. In another a woman in her 50s lies on her belly to improve her oxygen saturation. news Russian…
Moscow Court Cuts Jail Term for Activist Kotov
The Moscow City Court has ruled to reduce activist Konstantin Kotov’s four-year jail sentence for “multiple beaches” of Russia’s protest law to 18 months, while also ruling that the guilty verdict was lawful, the RBC news website reported Monday, citing the court’s press-service. The hearing was reportedly conducted without visitors and journalists because of coronavirus…
1 in 5 Russians Advocate ‘Eliminating’ LGBT Community – Poll
Almost one in five Russians believe that LGBT people should be “eliminated,” according to the results of a new independent Levada Center poll. The figures showed 18% of respondents giving the response, marking a slight softening in attitudes toward members of the LGBT community since 2015, when 21% advocated their “elimination.” Similarly, 32% said this…
In Samara Region, Major Repairs of Central City Hospital’s Polyclinic and ICU made with the support of Rosneft
With the support of Rosneft, a polyclinic for 330 visits per day and Intensive care unit (ICU) of the central city hospital were opened in Syzran after major repairs
Russia to Quarantine Troops Rehearsing for Postponed WWII Parade on Coronavirus Concerns
The Russian military will quarantine everyone involved in rehearsals for Russia’s postponed Victory Day Parade, the Defense Ministry said Monday following reports that some participants have tested positive for the coronavirus. President Vladimir Putin postponed the landmark parade to mark the 75th anniversary of Soviet victory in World War II until later in 2020 as…
Hundreds Rally Against Coronavirus Lockdown in Southern Russia
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…
Stop Visiting Crimea During Coronavirus Outbreak, Leader Tells Russians
Russians should stop coming to Crimea during the coronavirus pandemic, its Moscow-backed leader said Monday after a surge in traffic to the annexed peninsula this weekend. Crimea, which Russia seized from Ukraine in 2014, banned all hotels and guest houses from hosting tourists without negative Covid-19 test results until June 1. Still, regional authorities noted…
Moscow Woman Dies on Street Bench After Negative Coronavirus Test
Authorities in Moscow are reportedly investigating the death of a woman on a bench outside her home on the day she was discharged after testing negative for the coronavirus. Surveillance footage shared by Russia’s REN TV broadcaster showed the woman it identified as Yelena Chuklova, 48, moving around in pain on the bench as social…
Coronavirus in Russia: The Latest News | April 20
As the new coronavirus that has killed more than 160,000 people worldwide continues to spread, Russia has stepped up its measures to slow the pandemic’s spread within its borders. There have been 47,121 cases of coronavirus infections reported in Russia so far and 405 deaths. MT The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Russia as of April 20.…
Coronavirus Hits Russian Markets | April 20
The Russian economy has been rocked by the coronavirus outbreak, and the breakdown of the OPEC+ oil production pact between Russia and Saudi Arabia. The turmoil has shocked traders around the world and resulted in sharp volatility on the Russian stock markets and swings in the value of the ruble. The latest on the markets,…
Russia’s Coronavirus Cases Rise By Over 4,000
Russia’s officially reported numbers — which are still relatively lower than those in European countries — have sparked suspicion. Experts warn that Russia’s testing capacity is hampered by bureaucracy, while officials warn that the real number of cases is likely much higher. The majority of Russia’s cases are in Moscow. Since March 30, all of…
Coronavirus Hits Russian Psychiatric Hospital
Dozens of patients and staff have been infected with the coronavirus at a psychiatric hospital in Russia’s northwestern Arkhangelsk region, leading to a sharp rise in local cases, Interfax reported Sunday, citing regional authorities. The Arkhangelsk state clinical psychiatric hospital was placed under quarantine Saturday when one of its employees was found to be infected.…
Coronavirus in Russia: The Latest News | April 19
As the new coronavirus that has killed more than 160,000 people worldwide continues to spread, Russia has stepped up its measures to slow the pandemic’s spread within its borders. There have been 42,853 cases of coronavirus infections reported in Russia so far and 361 deaths. MT The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Russia as of April…
Russia’s Coronavirus Cases Spike By Over 6,000 in 8th Consecutive One-Day Record
Russia’s officially reported numbers — which are still relatively lower than those in European countries — have sparked suspicion. Experts warn that Russia’s testing capacity is hampered by bureaucracy, while officials warn that the real number of cases is likely much higher. The majority of Russia’s cases are in Moscow. Since March 30, all of…
Coronavirus in Russia: The Latest News | April 18
As the new coronavirus that has killed more than 150,000 people worldwide continues to spread, Russia has stepped up its measures to slow the pandemic’s spread within its borders. There have been 36,793 cases of coronavirus infections reported in Russia so far and 313 deaths. MT The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Russia as of April 18.…