Russia Update

Russia Update: Le Pen Visits Moscow

May 26, 2015

French actor Gerard Depardieu, now a Russian citizen, will give a concert in Donetsk, the self-proclaimed “People’s Republic of Donetsk” cultural official announced. Two concerts are also planned by Russian performer Iosif Kobzon, also a Russian-backed separatist reporter. Welcome to our column, Russia Update, where we will be closely following day-to-day developments in Russia, including […]

Russia Update: The Family: A Film by Open Russia about Ramzan Kadyrov, Putin’s ‘Vassal’

May 25, 2015

Today Open Russia, the civic movement founded by businessman and former political prisoner Mikhail Khodorkovsky, is releasing The Family, a film about Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov. Welcome to our column, Russia Update, where we will be closely following day-to-day developments in Russia, including the Russian government’s foreign and domestic policies. The previous issue is here. […]

Russia Update: Canada Denies Entry Visas to Russian Delegation to Proliferation Meeting

May 22, 2015

Canada denies visas to a Russian delegation coming to a meeting of the Proliferation Security Initiative. The latest visa denials to Russians in protest against the war in Ukraine also follows an incident where Russian hockey players skated off the ice before the Canadian national anthem was played after losing 6-1. Welcome to our column, […]

Russia Update: State Duma Contemplating Dissolution, Early Elections in September 2016

May 20, 2015

Discussions are underway about dissolving the State Duma in June 2016 to have early elections in September 2016, RBC.ru citing sources close to the Kremlin and in the Duma. Welcome to our column, Russia Update, where we will be closely following day-to-day developments in Russia, including the Russian government’s foreign and domestic policies. The previous […]

Russia Update: State Duma Passes Law on ‘Undesirable Organizations’

May 19, 2015

The State Duma or Russian parliament has passed a law on “undesirable” organizations that will enable the Russian government to crack down further on civil society, Snob.ru and other Russian media reported. Welcome to our column, Russia Update, where we will be closely following day-to-day developments in Russia, including the Russian government’s foreign and domestic […]

Russia Update: Kadyrov Claims Tsarnaevs Were Framed; Changes Position from Previous Condemnation

May 18, 2015

Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov says the Tsarnaev brothers were framed by the FBI. Welcome to our column, Russia Update, where we will be closely following day-to-day developments in Russia, including the Russian government’s foreign and domestic policies. The previous issue is here. UPDATES BELOW Russia This Week: – From Medal of Valor to Ubiquitous Propaganda […]

Russia Update: Chief Investigator in Nemtsov Case Replaced

May 15, 2015

The prosecutor has been changed in the murder investigation of slain opposition leader Boris Nemtsov. Welcome to our column, Russia Update, where we will be closely following day-to-day developments in Russia, including the Russian government’s foreign and domestic policies. The previous issue is here. UPDATES BELOW Russia This Week: – From Medal of Valor to […]

Russia Update: UK Scrambles Two Typhoon Fighters To Intercept Russian Long-Range Bombers

May 14, 2015

The ruble has taken a tumble again at the news that the Bank of Russia is going to buy up foreign currency. Welcome to our column, Russia Update, where we will be closely following day-to-day developments in Russia, including the Russian government’s foreign and domestic policies. The previous issue is here. UPDATES BELOW Russia This […]

Russia Update: Druzhinniki Volunteer Police Patrols, a Staple of Soviet Era, Revived in Russia

May 13, 2015

Putin has revived the druzhinniki, the volunteer auxiliary police who maintain order on streets and in courtyards. Welcome to our column, Russia Update, where we will be closely following day-to-day developments in Russia, including the Russian government’s foreign and domestic policies. The previous issue is here. UPDATES BELOW Russia This Week: – From Medal of […]