Russia’s geopolitical feats created an image of it as a modern-day Sparta – a country that, although backward in economic terms, is almost unrivaled when it comes to all things military and intelligence. The trail of evidence left by suspected Russian operatives in their alleged attempt to poison a former spy, Sergei Skripal, casts some doubt […]
Coverage of Russia may be dominated by the Kremlin’s overseas entanglements, but Vladimir Putin has his hands more than full on the domestic front too. Laying out the agenda for his upcoming presidential term last May, the Russian president singled out economic modernisation as his top priority. Russia, he said, “ranks among the world’s leading nations” yet […]
With the World Cup in full swing, it’s easy (and maybe even useful) to forget about the tensions engulfing relations between Russia and the West. But however tempting such escapism may be, sporting festivals – even hugely successful ones – can hardly break impasses between governments. The tournament’s joy will fade quickly. The political problems, on the other hand, are […]
