December 15, 2020

Tsargrad the Litmus Tester


Tsargrad the Litmus Tester
The "Orthodox oligarch" is making moves! Image by Txllxt TxllxT via Wikimedia Commons

Russian oligarchs have a stereotype of being rich and involved in politics. Now Konstantin Malofeyev, the so-called “Orthodox oligarch,” is taking steps to ensure that his political views are represented in the State Duma by creating a new political organization: Tsargrad.

Malofeyev, the 46-year-old leader of the movement holds creationist, monarchist, and Russian nationalist views, and is a proponent of the “traditional” family.

Upon founding Tsargrad, Malogeyev wrote in a Telegram post that the movement already had almost one million supporters. He stated that the organization will act as a public controller during elections to the State Duma next year. The movement’s goals are “preserving the nation, protecting the traditional family, the restoration of the imperial traditions of Russian statehood, the maintenance of civic peace and harmony, the maintenance of political and social stability, and the defense of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country.”

In order to achieve their goals, Tsargrad will support candidates who share their views. In addition, according to spokesman Valery Rukobratsky, Tsargrad will use any legal means available to prevent electing “candidates guilty of Russophobia, insulting the feelings of religious believers, distorting historical truth, or belittling the significance of the achievement of the people in defending the Fatherland.”

Among Tsargrad’s leadership are the politically nationalist former adviser to Putin, Sergei Glazyev, far-right philosopher Aleksandr Dugin, and conservative former Prosecutor-General Yury Skuratov.

Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

Survival Russian
February 01, 2009

Survival Russian

Survival Russian is an intensely practical guide to conversational, colloquial and culture-rich Russian. It uses humor, current events and thematically-driven essays to deepen readers’ understanding of Russian language and culture. This enlarged Second Edition of Survival Russian includes over 90 essays and illuminates over 2000 invaluable Russian phrases and words.

Woe From Wit (bilingual)
June 20, 2017

Woe From Wit (bilingual)

One of the most famous works of Russian literature, the four-act comedy in verse Woe from Wit skewers staid, nineteenth century Russian society, and it positively teems with “winged phrases” that are essential colloquialisms for students of Russian and Russian culture.

How Russia Got That Way
September 20, 2025

How Russia Got That Way

A fast-paced crash course in Russian history, from Norsemen to Navalny, that explores the ways the Kremlin uses history to achieve its ends.

Steppe
July 15, 2022

Steppe

This is the work that made Chekhov, launching his career as a writer and playwright of national and international renown. Retranslated and updated, this new bilingual edition is a super way to improve your Russian.

Fish
February 01, 2010

Fish

This mesmerizing novel from one of Russia’s most important modern authors traces the life journey of a selfless Russian everywoman. In the wake of the Soviet breakup, inexorable forces drag Vera across the breadth of the Russian empire. Facing a relentless onslaught of human and social trials, she swims against the current of life, countering adversity and pain with compassion and hope, in many ways personifying Mother Russia’s torment and resilience amid the Soviet disintegration.

About Us

Russian Life is a publication of a 30-year-young, award-winning publishing house that creates a bimonthly magazine, books, maps, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955