Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty

Russian Group's Claims Reopen Debate On Estonian Cyberattacks

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:47:30 +0000

A bizarre twist to the 2007 cyberattack on Estonia emerged recently when an activist with the pro-Kremlin youth organization Nashi claimed he was the mastermind behind the assault, which left the Baltic country's Internet system paralyzed and raised serious concerns about security in the NATO member state. The activist denies the Russian authorities were behind the scheme, but technology and political observers say there is reason to believe the attacks had Kremlin backing.

Soviet-Era TV Mystic To Stage Comeback

Sun, 29 Mar 2009 14:21:00 +0000

A hypnotist who made his name on Russian TV in the rocky years surrounding the Soviet collapse is promising a return to the airwaves. Anatoly Kashpirovsky's blend of mass healing rituals and soothing hypnosis looks aimed at providing a refuge for frustrated Russians.

Ahead Of Sochi Olympics, Political Games Begin

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 16:50:28 +0000

There are still five years to go before the 2014 Winter Olympics open in Russia's Black Sea resort of Sochi. But already the political games have begun. In the run-up to next month's mayoral election, the list of hopefuls -- some famous, some infamous -- is growing ever longer.

Disabled Activist Challenges Airline In Rights Dispute

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 13:01:43 +0000

An airline in Moscow blocked Pavel Obiukh from boarding a flight because it does not allow disabled passengers to fly unaccompanied. Now, the blind activist is demanding that airlines change their policies, and bringing the issue of disability rights into the open.

Beloved Georgian Singer's Sad Song Hits Wrong Note In Russia

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 15:39:23 +0000

Vakhtang Kikabidze, Georgia's best-known singer during the Soviet era and beyond, recently released a song that addresses Russia's 2008 invasion of Georgia. The Russian-language song, titled "You Disappointed Me," has raised angry protests among many Russians, even those who until recently counted themselves among Kikabidze's fans.

Chattier Medvedev Could Be Testing Path To 'Real Power'

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 09:39:45 +0000

It is nearly a year since Dmitry Medvedev sailed to victory in a tightly managed presidential election as Vladimir Putin's handpicked -- and presumably obedient -- successor. But there are mounting signs that he is trying to emerge from his patron's shadow.

Darwin Anniversary Highlights Russia's Lack of Science Funding

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 09:24:20 +0000

Charles Darwin, who was born 200 years ago this week, was hailed by early Soviet leaders as an "intellectual hero" whose work on evolution and the natural sciences played a key role in the formation of modern communist doctrine. But science no longer dominates many post-Soviet academic programs. Is Darwin losing his status in Russia?

Russia's Middle Class Feeling Pinch As Unemployment Soars

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 17:28:30 +0000

Two weeks ago, Veronika Narozhnaya worked as a secretary at a large Western accountancy firm. She had been employed by the company for more than a year, the work was stimulating, and her prospects looked rosy, she said. Then everything changed.

Dangers Don't Deter Russia's Young Journalists

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 17:19:58 +0000

Anastasia Baburova was the fourth journalist to die while working for Russia's "Novaya gazeta" newspaper, after she was shot in central Moscow on January 19 alongside a prominent human rights lawyer. The Committee to Protect Journalists rates Russia as the third-most dangerous place in the world to work as a journalist -- behind only Iraq and Algeria. But Baburova's death hasn't deterred other young people from wanting to work in this increasingly dangerous profession.

In Short Term, The One With The Gas Wins

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 18:08:01 +0000

Russian gas is once again crossing Ukraine. Europe is once again warm. But the final toll of the dispute could be years in the counting. Who will emerge as the biggest loser from the Russia-Ukraine gas war -- and what will it cost them?

European Gas Halted As Russia-Ukraine Deal Appears To Falter

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 09:14:02 +0000

Russia says it has begun pumping natural gas destined for European consumers into Ukraine for the first time since a contract dispute left Europe short of fuel. But Gazprom has already accused Ukraine of blocking transit to Europe, while EU monitors report that "little or no gas" is flowing.

Barring 'Obstacles,' Russia Ready To Resume Gas Shipments

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 08:20:37 +0000

Russia's Gazprom monopoly says it is tentatively prepared to resume natural-gas shipments to Europe on January 13, barring any "obstacles" in its agreement with transit country Ukraine. Continued disagreements between the two sides appeared to scupper an agreement on January 11 on restoring shipments. The additional delay prompted European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso to say the EU would not accept "further excuses that keep European citizens in the cold."

Abortion Remains Top Birth-Control Option In Russia

Sat, 28 Jun 2008 09:54:43 +0000

More abortions are recorded in Russia than live births -- an improvement since Soviet times. But abortion remains the country's main method of birth control.

Gazprom Skyscraper Turns 'Green,' But Critics Unimpressed

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 10:37:13 +0000

Gazprom has unveiled the design for a new building in St. Petersburg that uses plants to control the building’s temperature. Will the idea grow on local residents?

EU, Russia Seek To Thrash Out Partnership Pact

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 09:49:55 +0000

The EU wants assurances that Russia will not use its vast oil and gas reserves to pressure its neighbors, while Moscow wants to use the energy market to expand westward. Can this week's summit help?