SPIEGEL ONLINE
- May 07, 2012
Mass arrests of protesters over the weekend signal tough times ahead for Russia. Vladimir Putin's inauguration for his third term as president on Monday heralds the rollback of meager reforms made by his predecessor Dmitry Medvedev. Instead of expanding freedoms in the country, Putin has been vaguely refining his Potemkin democracy. By Matthias Schepp in Moscow more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- April 25, 2012
Marat Dupri, AKA the "skywalker," has become famous for climbing skyscrapers and heavily guarded buildings in Moscow in search of the best views and biggest thrills. In a conversation with SPIEGEL ONLINE, he discusses fear, photography and how it feels to be at the top. more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- March 14, 2012
In the wake of the recent elections in Russia, opponents of newly elected President Vladimir Putin are struggling to find a common approach and viable new slogans. Some suggest that the best way to challenge Putin would be winning control of the Moscow city parliament and mayor's office. By Christian Neef and Matthias Schepp more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- March 06, 2012
Following Vladimir Putin's election victory amid accusations of ballot-box manipulation, Russia's opposition took to the streets on Monday evening. With hundreds of arrests reported and protesters accusing Putin of a crackdown, German commentators say that Putin needs to watch his step. more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- March 05, 2012
Following Vladimir Putin's overwhelming presidential victory in Russia, all eyes are on the opposition to see what they'll do next. But only two options remain. They can either resign themselves to defeat, or various fragmented groups can embark on the long road of compromise to gain political legitimacy. A Commentary By Christian Neef more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- March 05, 2012
Vladimir Putin had tears in his eyes as he celebrated his landslide victory in Sunday's election, which secured him a third term as Russian president. Opposition groups claim the vote was marked by widespread fraud, and plan to hold anti-Putin protests on Monday. By Benjamin Bidder in Moscow more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- March 02, 2012
With Russia set to vote on Sunday, SPIEGEL continues to explore the atmosphere in the country in part two of its preelection coverage. Vladimir Putin looks set to win the presidency, but residents are growing increasingly resistant to corruption and media control. By Walter Mayr, Christian Neef and Matthias Schepp more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- March 01, 2012
Vladimir Putin plans to win a third term as Russian president in Sunday's election. But he has been weakened by the anti-government protests that have broken out in recent months, and many Russians believe he lacks a vision for the country. Is Russia on the brink of radical change? By Walter Mayr, Christian Neef and Matthias Schepp more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- February 24, 2012
The world is used to macho images of Vladimir Putin hunting bears, harpooning whales or fly-fishing. A German documentary filmmaker was recently granted unprecedented access to the Russian prime minister. And he found a lonely, aging and surprisingly likeable man. By Markus Brauck and Matthias Schepp more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- February 17, 2012
The independent radio station Echo of Moscow has long been seen as a paragon of quality journalism in Russia. Now, however, Gazprom is moving to take control of the station's supervisory board. Many fear tough times ahead for press freedoms in the country. By Benjamin Bidder in Moscow more...
