In 1865, vodka joined bears and matryoshkas as an eternal symbol of Russia. Here's how it happened, plus nine trivia tidbits on Russia's most beloved, harmful, and historical libation. 

At the southeastern-most tip of Russia, where it butts up against China and North Korea, there is a beautiful marine preserve. And there are also poachers.

The body of Joseph Stalin was removed from the mausoleum on Red Square on October 31, 1961. It may not be as spooky as Halloween, but the former leader still haunts Russia today.

On Prime Minister Medvedev's gaffe and ensuing viral internet video... and on unconventional protest methods.

Wy Russians so fear the month of August.

Russia’s law on foreign agents may be getting increasingly draconian. In its latest iteration, any charity could be deemed a political tool of international forces.

This week in Russia saw a whole lot of beatdowns: on international corruption, candy stores, and even Buddha. 

The Panama Papers shocked the world this week with tales of corruption among the cream of the world's political crop. Here's what the allegations mean for Russian politics, economics, and society.

In The Weekly Russia File for March 31: some terrible chess puns, and how to stop traffic.

What does it look like when a whole town empties out and there’s nothing but a few decaying buildings to prove anyone lived there at all?

A church’s domes caving into the altar. A transgender couple finagles a wedding. A hospital patient shares a room with a corpse. Just another TWERF.

What do Leonardo DiCaprio and Ramzan Kadyrov have in common? Why Vladimir Putin, of course.