“It is very important to Putin to have this popular endorsement, even if it is a farce, even if it is a travesty of popular will.”
Russia
Russia won’t let me go. I became fascinated by Russia as a boy when my parents gave me a 700-page book of Russian fairy-tales one Christmas. The fact the Soviet Union was closed, far away and America’s mortal enemy added to the country’s mystique. I devoured every book on Russia I could get my hands on. When I went to college, I started studying Russian.
What continues to intrigue me is that no matter how close I get to Russia and Russians, I always end up feeling like a foreigner. Despite all the western influence, Russia preserves its distinctiveness, belonging to neither Europe nor Asia. For me, it remains the most rewarding place to work as a journalist.
Putin’s Rule Turns 20: Many Russians Find Stability; A New Generation Sees Stagnation
“We remember our roots from Soviet times. Patriotism is in our blood. We always aimed to be number one in the world, and Putin understands that.”
The View From Moscow On The Trump Impeachment Inquiry
“Thank God nobody is accusing us anymore of interfering in U.S. elections,” Putin said. “They’re accusing Ukraine. Let them sort this out among themselves.”
‘The Government Is Very Afraid’: Meet Moscow’s New Opposition Leader, Lyubov Sobol
“People admire her for her strength of character and the fact she’s a woman in a very male-centered culture,” said Sergey Radchenko.
‘The Rot Starts From The Top’: Russians Protest Over Problems Big And Small
“If they haven’t been able to solve problems like garbage removal or utilities in 20 years, then what problems can they solve?” said Mikhail Kazinets.
Suspected U.S. Spy ‘Is Holding Up Surprisingly Well’ In Russian Jail, Lawyer Says
The case of Paul Whelan, an ex-Marine who served in Iraq, is the latest twist in Russia’s faltering relations with the West.
Putin Backs Maduro, As Kremlin Critics Cheer U.S. Support For Venezuela’s Opposition
If Cuba was the Kremlin’s closest ally in Latin America during the Cold War, now it’s Venezuela, whose vast oil wealth gives Russia direct influence over an OPEC member.
Young Russian Musicians Struggle Under Government Scrutiny
“We have a lot in common with people our age around the world,” said Nikolai Kostylev. “I’m more like some guy my age in Mexico than my neighbor who’s two generations older.”
Russians Pay Last Respects To Human Rights Defender Lyudmila Alexeyeva
“Thanks to the dignity of such people, our country still has dignity,” said Nikita Orlov, 49, a corporate manager. “Thanks to such people, we are alive.”
In Russia, A Dairy Owner Dreams Of Delivering Cheese To Vladimir Putin
“Russians are like a spring,” said Oleg Sirota. “The more you push them down, the stronger they bounce back up.”
