Culture & Customs

This week, Putin gets a cool new birthday present; an official broadcasts his workout regimen; and strange sediment puzzles scientists.

One of the Soviet Union's most iconic characters is set to make his movie debut.

Who says Russians are cold and inscrutable? Kamchatka's new "Ministry of Happiness" seeks to spread joy and wellbeing.

This week, we've got math olympiads, economic data, and exploding permafrost.

Anton Morozov grew up on potatoes and seaweed in the hungry ’90s. He still eats seaweed every day, and now has turned many Russians onto it.
 

Tipping in Russia is not always the most transparent.

This week, we learn that drinking when working from home isn't so bad; it rains birds in Saratov Oblast; and Ramzan Kadyrov is saved from a sinister plot.

“You see, this is all the food industry. Unfortunately, the food industry is killing us on par with tobacco.”

– Doctor and TV presenter Alexander Myasnikov, on the common mistakes people make when they’re trying to eat right

A recently defeated incumbent politician has turned off the water supply in part of his district. Out of spite.

Over the past ten years, music made in Russia has become more popular.

Russia's election commission performed a "large-scale investigation" into tree stumps used as polling places. Only (?) three cases were found.

This week, education is worth fighting for; corrupt officials go for all-or-nothing; and Lenin's mausoleum makeover is cancelled.