In which we unpack what Putin had to say about Ukraine while in France and what it's got to do with a punk band and a folk ditty.

The minimum price of vodka, set by Russia's Ministry of Finance, has been raised. Barely.

Russia has an ultranationalist, pro-Putin motorcycle gang. Because of course it does.

Russia's Arctic towns are overdue for a makeover and graffiti is just what these chilly outposts need.

In an effort to prevent the "cult of selfishness," Russia's Ministry of Culture is implementing a project to preserve traditional values in 2022.

The Rostov Oblast puts new limitations on the behavior of wedding-goers.

An endangered Amur tiger cub undergoes surgery after falling victim to Russia's harsh winters. 

The son of one of Putin's buddies was recently named the head of a professional hockey team, with no previous experience.

A little girl from Moscow just asked for a robotic toy dog, but instead, she got a rather unusual tale from one of Russia's head political leaders. 

Russians put mayonnaise on everything. Even robberies, apparently.

The government wants to close down Memorial, while at the same time not be seen as the sort of repressive state that brought about the need for a Memorial. Lose-lose balancing act.

Late January 2022 marks 125 years since the first thorough count of the Russian Empire’s population was begun in 1897. What was the significance of this endeavor, how was it carried out, and what were its results?