This week we explore the upsides and downsides of self-isolation, strange new laws, and virus testing.

Putin's comparison of coronavirus to medieval nomadic invaders has tickled the internet.

There will surely be some great April Fools' news items this week. These, however, are some that we wish were jokes.

As Russia follows the rest of the world in asking people to self-isolate, struggling venues are launching online shows, tours, and even cooking classes. Here are some streaming options from Mother Russia.

Since many people are stuck at home, cultural activities have to adapt.

Siberian sable fur was once Russia's biggest luxury export, but now we can't get enough of Instagram star Umora, the sable inspiring Russians to never look at fur coats again.

This week's Odder News features three survival stories: survival in the Russian wilderness, on the internet, and in a world filled with cell phones.

What do our 20 most popular articles of 2019 have in common?

Political entities and 97-year-old veterans on social media, transgender marriage, and sushi at office parties show Russia is ready for 2020
 

A little-known holiday brings to the fore well-known debates about Russian politics.

This week, eagles rack up data bills while Putin pontificates about AI and a restaurant operator starts Meatless Mondays.

In which we visit the weird world of the homegrown Russian Buzzfeed.