Recruiting convicts for its army has given Russia a manpower advantage. But it is backfiring in tragic ways when former inmates are pardoned and return home to commit new crimes.
Tag: Putin, Vladimir V
‘The Russian Language Is Everywhere Again’: Exiles Cause Unease in Lithuania
An influx of exiled Russian activists and refugees from Ukraine and Belarus is stirring fears in a country that fought to preserve its language and culture under Soviet occupation.
Why Russia Is Protecting North Korea From Nuclear Monitors
The monitors have provided vivid evidence of how Russia is keeping Pyongyang brimming with fuel and other goods, presumably in return for weapons that Russia can use in Ukraine.
Airstrikes Kill Soldiers in Syria in Apparent Israeli Attack
Israel’s military did not immediately comment on the Syria strikes, but its defense minister said Israel would pursue Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militia, “every place it operates.”
Czechs Accuse Men of ‘Russian Influence Operation’ in Europe
Amid news reports that European politicians received payments to promote Russian interests, the Czech government froze the assets of the men and a website, Voice of Europe.
Putin Offers Both Reassurance and Threat on a Wider War
President Vladimir V. Putin said that claims Russia planned to invade other countries were “nonsense,” but warned them against hosting warplanes meant for Ukraine.
Why Russia’s Vast Security Services Fell Short on Deadly Attack
The factors behind the failure to prevent a terrorist attack include a distrust of foreign intelligence, a focus on Ukraine and a distracting political crackdown at home.
Russia Amps Up Online Campaign Against Ukraine Before U.S. Elections
Moscow has found better ways to conceal influence operations that spread arguments for isolationism, officials and experts say.
Russia Has No Formal Death Penalty. Some Want to Change That.
Some prominent Russians are calling for the execution of those responsible for the massacre at a concert hall near Moscow, and an end to Russia’s 28-year moratorium on capital punishment.
ISIS Claimed the Moscow Concert Hall Attack. Russian Officials Blame Others.
Russian narratives served to deflect attention from the failure to prevent the deadly attack while rallying the country behind the war in Ukraine.