Forget what you’ve heard about hooligans: Russia’s World Cup will be the safest yet
Vladimir Putin sees the tournament as a crucial PR exercise for his country. He won’t risk losing face.
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Jana Bakunina
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Privatisation in Russia? Here’s why it won’t happen
Remembering the first wave of privatisation in the 1990s, when things fell apart.
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A very special version of Russian democracy
When asked whether their country is a democracy, Russians struggle to find a comprehensive answer.
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How long until Putin bans Echo of Moscow, Russia’s last bastion of free speech, from the airwaves?
Sergei Buntman, deputy editor of opposition-friendly radio station Echo of Moscow, gives us an insight into how long outlets like…
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In Russia, Stalin is back
New statues and memorabilia are appearing, as Russians overlook the terror to hark back to a perceived era of…
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This is what it’s like to be a Russian in Kiev
The growing feud between the two nations is traumatising: nearly everyone in Russia has relatives in Ukraine.
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In Kiev, after the revolution, what do ordinary Ukrainians really think?
A new police force, rising prices and hope for the future on the streets of Ukraine’s capital.
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Victory Day in Russia: why use a huge military display to commemorate peace?
Cutting through the patriotism in Russia's Victory Day march.
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Perestroika is turning 30 – so why aren’t Russians celebrating?
I was six when perestroika was introduced, and I remember the benefits. So why aren't Russians looking back fondly…
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