Tag: Russia

Moscow Protest Aftermath: Jail Sentences Handed Out to Opposition Leaders

February 25, 2014

Two of the leading figures in the Russian opposition, Alexei Navalny and Boris Nemtsov, have been sentenced following their arrests while protesting the sentencing of the Bolotnaya defendants yesterday in Manezh Square Moscow. Navalny, the former mayoral candidate, anti-corruption blogger and leader of the Progress party, has been sentenced to 7 days in jail by […]

Could Russia Send Troops to the Crimea?

Many Western publications are asking whether Russia will militarily intervene in Ukraine, particularly in the southeast region of Crimea. We have been following this question very closely. But this isn’t just a question being asked in the West — the Russian media is asking the exact same question. Some in Russia are as worried for […]

“I’m Afraid It’s Not the Court Making the Decision”

February 24, 2014

This interview occurred before the sentencing earlier today, resulting in prison terms ranging from two and a half to four years. The sentencing was attended by protests which have been met with a sever clampdown by the Russian authorities, a situation which is being covered in a liveblog here. — Ed. On 21 February, Judge Natalya […]

Ukraine Liveblog: Day 4 — Yanukovych Teeters

February 21, 2014

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has lost much of his power base following the bloodiest day in a 72-hour period in Ukraine. He has now announced early elections, though without specifying when they might be held. Meanwhile, Russia has threatened military action in Crimea to protect ethnic Russians and a Russian military base there. Yesterday’s liveblog […]

Ukraine Liveblog: Day 3 — the Crisis Explodes

February 20, 2014

The tenuous “truce” brokered yesterday between the government of Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukoyvch and the Euromaidan opposition appears to be fallen apart already. Paramilitary titushki thugs still roams the streets armed with guns, snipers have again been spotted, dozens of activists have been reported killed, and scores injured protesters are being treated in makeshift field […]

Pussy Riot Attacked with Whips by Cossacks in Sochi

February 19, 2014

Nadezhda Tolokonnikova and Maria Alyokhina, along with several other performers, activists and journalists, have been attacked by Cossack paramilitary police while attempting a protest performance in Sochi this afternoon (RT has removed their video so we have replaced it with video from the Associated Press). The group attempted once again, having been detained yesterday, to […]

What Is Happening In Ukraine? Interpreter Podcast – February 19 2014

On Tuesday 25 people were killed as Ukrainian riot police stormed a camp of protesters in Kiev’s central square? What’s going on? Why are Ukrainians protesting? Why is the government resisting? And what does all this have to do with Russia and the United States? Each week, The Interpreter’s managing editor James Miller is joined by Boston College Professor Dr. […]

Sochi Liveblog: Pussy Riot Arrests

February 18, 2014

Maria Alyokhina and Nadezhda Tolokonnikova of Pussy Riot have been detained in Sochi while preparing for a demonstration. They have been detained as suspects for a “theft” in their hotel. The two were planning to perform a song called Putin Will Teach You To Love Your Motherland but were arrested “with force” along with several other […]

Interview With EU Ambassador to Russia: Part 2

February 5, 2014

A pro-Kremlin Russian media outlet, Kommersant, has held a question and answer session with the EU’s ambassador to Russia, Vygaudas Ušackas, in which they discuss relations between Moscow and Brussels. This is thesecond part of the interview. The first can be found here. – Ed. Why is the EU completely dependent on the US and […]

Trial for Bolotnaya Protesters Nearing Completion

February 3, 2014

“There is not one piece of evidence that confirms the guilt of the accused,” said Alexei Polikhovich’s lawyer, Alexei Miroshnichenko. “The whole trial is politically motivated.” His colleague Olga Grigorenko, also defending Alexei Polikhovich, elaborated on the property damages, totalling 28,228,000 rubles, which, according to the indictment, the defendants have to repay. Advocate Grigorenko said […]