Posts Tagged: Russian Orthodox Christians

Putin consolidates state media (again)

December 9, 2024 by Matt Taylor in Europe.

The latest effort by Russia’s authoritarian president is likely intended to boost his regional trade cooperative, a counterweight to the more liberal European Union.

Ukraine locks arms with Putin against Occupy-style uprising

December 4, 2024 by Matt Taylor in Europe.

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People gather in front of the Ukrainian cabinet of ministers building during a rally to support EU integration in Kiev December 4, 2013. REUTERS/Vasily FedosenkoPeople gather in front of the Ukrainian cabinet of ministers building during a rally to support EU integration in Kiev December 4, 2013. REUTERS/Vasily Fedosenko

Afraid of paying an economic price for close ties with the European Union, Ukraine is now serving as an international PR booster for Vladimir Putin as it considers employing his tactics on outraged opposition.

Free pass for ex-minister makes mockery of Putin’s reform push

December 1, 2024 by Mark Galeotti in Europe.

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Russia's President Vladimir Putin chairs a meeting on long range precision weapons at the Bocharov Ruchei state residence in Sochi, November 29, 2013. REUTERS/Aleksey Nikolskyi/RIA Novosti/Kremlin

Appealing to middle class Russians upset at the wild growth in income inequality since the fall of the Soviet Union is tough when the Russian president oversees a legal system that is so blatantly political.

Another spy scandal that won’t hurt Putin

October 30, 2024 by Matt Taylor in Europe.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin looks on during a meeting with Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic in Moscow's Kremlin October 30, 2013. REUTERS/Michael Klimentyev/RIA Novosti/Kremlin

The authoritarian Russian president, not exactly known for his democratic values, can withstand any blowback for what appears to be mass espionage.

Why is Russia’s legal system taking it easy on Alexei Navalny?

October 16, 2024 by Matt Taylor in Europe.

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Calculation in the Kremlin appears to be that keeping the oppo leader around — and visibly free to stay active politically — is a boon to its reputation worldwide and perhaps even domestically.

Kerry calls for U.N. Syria action as Putin mulls fourth term

September 19, 2024 by Matt Taylor in Europe, Middle East.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin (C) shakes hands with former French Prime Minister Francois Fillon as former Italian prime minister Romano Prodi (R) looks on. REUTERS/Mikhail Klimentyev/RIA Novosti/Kremlin (RUSSIA - Tags: POLITICS) ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. IT IS DISTRIBUTED, EXACTLY AS RECEIVED BY REUTERS, AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS

Russian president takes advantage of string of diplomatic and media victories, would be country’s longest-serving autocrat since Joseph Stalin.

China emboldens Russia to defy U.S.

August 10, 2024 by Mark Galeotti in Asia-Pacific, Europe.

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China's President Xi Jinping (L) is welcomed by his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin (R) during the opening ceremony of "The Year of Chinese Tourism in Russia" in Moscow, on March 22, 2013. AFP PHOTO / POOL / SERGEI ILNITSKY

From diplomatic visits to war games, the new Chinese government is providing Vladimir Putin with cover as he confronts a hostile West.

Gorbachev still alive, to Putin’s dismay

August 8, 2024 by Matt Taylor in Europe.

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Former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev addresses students as he visits the International University in Moscow February 9, 2012. REUTERS/Denis Sinyakov

The former Soviet Union leader is one of precious few remaining well-known public figures whose reputation precedes the Russian strongman’s rise.

Obama-Putin beef a drag on Syrian peace process

August 7, 2024 by Matt Taylor in Europe, U.S..

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File photo of U.S. President Barack Obama (R) meeting with Russia's President Vladimir Putin in Los Cabos, Mexico, June 18, 2012. REUTERS/Jason Reed/Files

Bloodshed continues as Western political elites debate what constitutes acceptable surveillance on their citizens.

A bad day for Obama’s national security legacy

August 1, 2024 by Matt Taylor in Europe, U.S..

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Fugitive former U.S. spy agency contractor Edward Snowden's new refugee documents granted by Russia is seen during a news conference in Moscow August 1, 2013. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov

Russia grants NSA leaker Edward Snowden asylum as Secretary of State John Kerry begs for patience from Pakistan when it comes to ending drone strikes.

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