Russia – Page 6575 – Prologue Journal

Belarus Sentences Ex-Presidential Candidate to 17 Years in Absentia

Moscow Times Valeriy Tsepkalo had intended to run in Belarus’ 2020 presidential election but was barred from registering as a candidate. https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/04/07/belarus-sentences-ex-presidential-candidate-to-17-years-in-absentia-a80754

Notorious Arms Dealer Urges Trump to Seek Refuge in Russia

Moscow Times Viktor Bout, also known as the “Merchant of Death,” was swapped for U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner in a high-profile exchange. https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/04/07/notorious-arms-dealer-urges-trump-to-seek-refuge-in-russia-a80757

Report Details How Authorities Shame, Intimidate Anti-War Russians

Moscow Times The tactics have traditionally been associated with the republic of Chechnya, but have spread to other regions amid the war. https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/04/07/report-details-how-authorities-shame-intimidate-anti-war-russians-a80752

Ruble Tumbles to 12-Month Low as Kremlin Greenlights Shell Sale

Moscow Times After months of relative stability, the Russian ruble continued to weaken rapidly against major currencies on Friday. https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/04/07/ruble-tumbles-to-12-month-low-as-kremlin-greenlights-shell-sale-a80741

‘Again Totalitarian’: Veteran Activist Oleg Orlov Says Soviet-Era Practices Returning in Russia

Moscow Times Despite facing jail time for criticizing the Ukraine War, the co-chair of human rights group Memorial does not intend to leave Russia. https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/04/07/again-totalitarian-veteran-activist-oleg-orlov-says-soviet-era-practices-returning-in-russia-a80624

Any Ukraine Peace Talks Should Be About ‘New World Order’ – Lavrov

Moscow Times The top Russian diplomat was in Turkey — which has retained ties with both Moscow and Kyiv — to hold talks with his Turkish counterpart. https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/04/07/any-ukraine-peace-talks-should-be-about-new-world-order-lavrov-a80750

Russia Becomes World’s Second-Largest Crypto Miner

Moscow Times Russia displaced Kazakhstan, which introduced restrictions on crypto-mining activities in 2022, in the ranking. https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/04/07/russia-becomes-worlds-second-largest-crypto-miner-a80749

3 in 4 Russian Manufacturers Hit by Western Sanctions, Survey Finds

Moscow Times Of the Russian manufacturers affected by sanctions, 77% said the impact on their business had been negative. https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/04/07/3-in-4-russian-manufacturers-hit-by-western-sanctions-survey-finds-a80747

‘Pointless’ to Pressure Russia Over Jailed U.S. Reporter – Moscow

Moscow Times U.S. President Biden has called for Evan Gershkovich’s release, with the White House calling the charges against him “ridiculous.” https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/04/06/pointless-to-pressure-russia-over-jailed-us-reporter-moscow-a80745

Russia’s Wagner Chief Says Cemetery for Fighters ‘Growing’

Moscow Times The mercenary group’s forces have been spearheading Russia’s offensives in eastern Ukraine, taking heavy losses. https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/04/06/russias-wagner-chief-says-cemetery-for-fighters-growing-a80744