Aleksandr G. Lukashenko, the autocratic president of Belarus since 1994, is no longer brutally suppressing demonstrations that have gone on for weeks, but he shows no signs of going away.
Author: Anton Troianovski
‘Something Broke Inside Belarusians.’ Why an Apolitical People Rose Up
Comfortable urban elites long tolerated the eccentricities of the country’s ruler, Aleksandr G. Lukashenko. Then came the coronavirus and a blatantly falsified presidential election.
In Russia’s Far East, a New Face of Resistance to Putin’s Reign
As the protests swell in the city of Khabarovsk, 4,000 miles from Moscow, residents who had never before found a public outlet for anger are becoming activists.
Fighting False News in Ukraine, Facebook Fact Checkers Tread a Blurry Line
Facebook hired a Ukrainian group battling Russian disinformation to flag misleading posts. But critics say the fact checkers’ work veers into activism.
Protests Swell in Russia’s Far East in a Stark New Challenge to Putin
Demonstrations in the city of Khabarovsk drew tens of thousands for the third straight weekend. The anger, fueled by the arrest of a popular governor, has little precedent in modern Russia.
Strains Show in Russia’s Make-Believe Politics
The nationalist Vladimir Zhirinovsky has been forced to disavow protests over the arrest of a governor from his own party, underscoring growing domestic volatility.
Historic Arctic Heat Wave Roasts Siberia
Wildfires are spreading. The mosquitoes are ravenous. People are shielding their windows from the midnight sun with foil and blankets.
Russians Eat Burgers in Gloves. Should Everyone?
Status-conscious fast-food joints across Eastern Europe have offered their diners disposable gloves for years. The idea may find a wider audience in the pandemic era.
Putin Wants Parades Ahead of Key Vote. Local Officials Aren’t So Sure.
Citing the coronavirus, at least 12 Russian cities will skip military parades that President Vladimir Putin set for June 24, hoping to boost his image before a national referendum.
Russians Are Angry, but Putin’s Foes Struggle to Seize the Moment
The main opposition leader, Aleksei A. Navalny, has seen his YouTube audience triple during the coronavirus crisis. But street protest, his most potent weapon, is off the table.