Gubernatorial elections in several Russian regions could have been quite competitive. But with a presidential campaign approaching, the Kremlin can’t even muster the courage for a fair race. RU
It’s Russia’s Year of Ecology. But as these activists tell us, campaigning on environmental and urban issues is far from a walk in the park. RU
Across Russia, active citizens are fighting for their neighbourhoods, livelihoods and against systemic corruption. The moment when these agendas meet will be an important one.
As a recent scandal in the North Caucasus shows, there are jobs for the boys at all levels of Russia’s power vertical. Русский
The death of a man imprisoned for allegedly encouraging others to fight for Islamic State has cast light on murky killings dismissed as part of Russia's “war on terror”. RU
As authoritarian control and renewed superpower tension dominate headlines, telling stories of Russia’s everyday heroes can reveal lost alternatives.
Seventy years after their horrific mass deportation by Stalin, the Kalmyk people still live with its traumas. RU
In Ekaterinburg, one person in every 50 is HIV positive. A report from the frontline of what some people are calling Russia’s HIV epidemic. Русский
The results may be predictable, but Russia’s parliamentary elections hint at the next stage of regime mobilisation.
A recent scandal over female genital mutilation reveals how, for Russia’s Muslims, “universal values” are just another instrument of a repressive regime. RU
Our story on Russia’s grassroots activism continues. From Moscow’s parks to federal highways, ordinary citizens learn the power of protest – and of solidarity.
