Thousands of mourners gathered in Moscow to honor the late opposition figure Alexei Navalny, despite heavy police presence and official warnings. The funeral, held at a Russian Orthodox church, saw significant attendance from Navalny's supporters, foreign diplomats, and opposition figures. The Kremlin took measures to prevent the funeral from gaining public attention, including detentions and media blackouts. Navalny's death has been widely deemed politically motivated, and his supporters continue to accuse the Kremlin of being behind his murder. The event highlighted the ongoing political repression in Russia and the enduring hope among Navalny's followers for a better future.

Following the death of her husband, Alexei Navalny, in a Russian prison, Yulia Navalnaya has announced her intention to continue his political work. Navalnaya, who has supported Navalny throughout his political career and played a crucial role during his recovery from a poisoning attack, is now stepping into the political arena amid a challenging environment for the Russian opposition. She has met with European Union leaders and proposed measures against the Russian political regime, calling for action rather than statements. Her entry into politics has been met with support from Russian opposition figures and hope among Navalny's supporters, despite facing a sophisticated propaganda machine that has targeted her and her family.

Russian authorities announced the death of opposition figure Alexei Navalny, who was serving a 19-year prison sentence on extremism charges. Navalny's allies blame President Vladimir Putin for his death. The prison service reported that Navalny lost consciousness and resuscitation efforts failed. Conflicting reports emerged about the cause of death, with some sources citing a blood clot and others noting bruises from seizures. Navalny's body is reportedly in Salekhard, but his team has faced difficulties in retrieving it. Russia’s Investigative Committee has launched an investigation, but human rights organizations express distrust in the process. The body will be handed over to the family once the cause of death is established.

Alexei Navalny, a prominent anti-corruption activist and critic of the Kremlin, has passed away, as announced by Russian officials. Despite numerous arrests and efforts to hinder his activities, Navalny remained a significant opposition figure in Russia. President Vladimir Putin consistently avoided mentioning Navalny by name, using dismissive terms instead. The article reviews Putin's comments about Navalny over the years, highlighting the Kremlin's stance and actions against him. The Moscow Times, facing repression from Russian authorities, calls for support to continue its independent journalism.

Russian election authorities disqualified pro-peace presidential hopeful Boris Nadezhdin from the March election due to alleged errors in his endorsement signatures. Despite significant grassroots support, the Kremlin ordered the rejection of his candidacy, viewing him as a potential threat to President Vladimir Putin's fifth term. Nadezhdin plans to appeal the decision, though experts believe his chances are slim. The Central Election Commission cited various reasons for invalidating his signatures, and the process highlights the challenges faced by opposition candidates in Russia's tightly controlled political environment.

Alexei Navalny has been located at the IK-3 prison colony in Russia's Arctic, known for its harsh conditions and isolation. His transfer is seen as an attempt to isolate him ahead of the upcoming presidential elections. The prison, historically used for dangerous repeat offenders, has a reputation for brutal treatment and poor living conditions. Human rights defenders and former prisoners describe severe physical and psychological abuse, with some alleging torture by prison guards.

Russian investigators raided the Zakharov publishing house for selling books by Boris Akunin, recently added to the 'extremists and terrorists' list. The raid follows Akunin's public condemnation of the Kremlin's war against Ukraine. Despite pressure, Zakharov continues to sell Akunin's books, citing a legal conflict. Akunin, living in the U.K., anticipates further state pressure on other publishers and theaters associated with his works.

Alexei Navalny, a prominent Kremlin critic, has reportedly been transferred from his prison in central Russia, but his current location is unknown. His spokeswoman, Kira Yarmysh, expressed concerns about his safety during the transfer, especially given his past poisoning incident. The transfer coincides with President Putin's announcement to run for re-election, which Navalny's allies suggest is an attempt to silence him. The Federal Penitentiary Service is expected to inform families of prisoners' new locations within ten days. Navalny faces new charges of vandalism, and his allies warn of the risks to his life amid these developments.

Victoria Ivleva, a Russian journalist and photographer, relocated from Moscow to Kyiv to document the impacts of the war in Ukraine, expressing her desire to support Ukraine against Russian actions. She discusses the emotional challenges of living in a war zone and her motivations, emphasizing her empathy and commitment to helping those affected. Ivleva criticizes the Russian state's influence on its citizens and expresses reluctance to return to Russia while Putin remains in power. The Moscow Times, facing repression from Russian authorities, appeals for support to continue its independent journalism.

Alexandra Skochilenko, a Russian artist and musician, was sentenced to seven years in prison for swapping price tags with anti-war statements in a St. Petersburg supermarket. Her actions, aimed at protesting Russia's invasion of Ukraine, led to charges of spreading 'fake news' about the Russian Armed Forces. Despite her imprisonment and deteriorating health, Skochilenko remains steadfast in her beliefs, receiving support from family, friends, and public figures. The case highlights the harsh penalties for dissent in Russia and the ongoing struggle for freedom of speech and human rights.

Russia's Jewish community urges the government to prosecute anti-Israel rioters who stormed an airport in Dagestan, targeting Jewish and Israeli passengers. The Federation of Jewish Communities and the Russian Jewish Congress condemned the incident, highlighting the growing anti-Israel sentiment and the failure of local authorities to prevent the unrest. The Chief Rabbinate of Russia's representative in Dagestan described the situation for Jews as very difficult, with many feeling unsafe. The Jewish community in Russia has been actively raising support for Israel, collecting funds for medical needs and holding prayers.

Maxim Katz, a prominent Russian opposition figure, is advocating for a united front among Russia's fragmented opposition to challenge President Vladimir Putin's regime. Despite his efforts, internal conflicts and trust issues within the opposition hinder progress. Katz's proposal includes leveraging media resources and engaging with Western institutions to strengthen their message. However, key opposition figures like Alexei Navalny and his allies have criticized Katz's approach, questioning its feasibility. Katz remains committed to his vision of establishing a liberal party in Russia, despite facing legal challenges and accusations of undermining the opposition.

Despite the ongoing war with Ukraine, many Russians are finding solace in the nightlife of Moscow, with clubs and festivals offering an escape. The capital shows few signs of the conflict, except for military recruitment billboards and closed foreign shops due to sanctions. Experts note that authorities are maintaining calm by supporting soldiers' families. While Moscow and St. Petersburg are less affected by recruitment, drone attacks have raised safety concerns. The nightlife scene has adapted, with fewer events and a focus on local talent due to the departure of international artists and emigration of war opponents. However, events are increasing again as people return. The Levada Center's survey shows a majority believe Russia is headed in the right direction and approve of Putin's performance, but there is an underlying acknowledgment of the war's toll. The Moscow Times, labeled a 'foreign agent', seeks support for its independent journalism.

The article reports on the mourning of Israeli families, including Russian-Israeli citizens, following a deadly attack by Hamas militants. Dmitry Reshetnikov, a young soldier, and David Lystsov, a festival worker, were among the victims. The attack resulted in over 1,400 Israeli and 3,300 Palestinian deaths. The Russian Embassy in Tel Aviv is assisting Russian nationals, while President Vladimir Putin has expressed condolences and called for a peaceful resolution. The article highlights the personal losses and the broader geopolitical implications.

Lilia Chanysheva, an ally of Alexei Navalny and former head of Navalny's office in Bashkortostan, remains in prison after being sentenced to 7.5 years for creating an 'extremist organization.' Despite little hope for a successful appeal, she continues to challenge her sentence, maintaining her innocence and belief in future rehabilitation. The European Union and Human Rights Watch have called for her release, and Memorial recognizes her as a political prisoner. Chanysheva remains active, organizing book collections and waste collection initiatives from jail, and receives global support. She criticizes the political climate in Russia as repressive, with opponents of the government imprisoned, prosecuted, or exiled, and describes the atmosphere as a 'one-man show' for Putin. However, she expresses hope for Russia's future, citing the continued work of politicians, activists, journalists, lawyers, volunteers, and philanthropists.

Russian and Armenian volunteers in Yerevan, Armenia, are providing humanitarian aid to tens of thousands of refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh following Azerbaijan's recent military operation. The Ethos charity, initially focused on Ukrainian refugees, has redirected its efforts to assist Armenian refugees, establishing distribution points in multiple cities. Volunteers are working tirelessly to provide food, clothing, mental health support, and legal assistance. Despite logistical challenges and some resistance from local authorities, the aid efforts continue. The United Nations reports that up to 1,000 ethnic Armenians remain in Nagorno-Karabakh, with many fearing repression if they return.

The Kremlin's efforts to recruit new soldiers for the Russian Armed Forces are failing, with promised salaries and incentives not attracting the expected number of recruits. Despite extensive recruitment campaigns across Russia, including in Moscow, the actual number of new soldiers is significantly lower than official claims. Experts suggest that the Russian military is facing a severe shortage of personnel, exacerbated by ongoing losses in the war in Ukraine. The article highlights the potential need for another round of mobilization if current recruitment efforts continue to fall short.

The article discusses the return of Russian convicts who were released from prison to fight in Ukraine and have since committed crimes upon their return to Russia. It highlights the recruitment efforts by the Wagner Group, led by Jewgienij Prigożyn, and the subsequent criminal activities of these former prisoners. The article also touches on the psychological impact of war on these individuals and the Russian government's controversial policies on prisoner pardons and military recruitment. Key figures include Igor Sofonow, Demjan Kieworkjan, and President Vladimir Putin.

Life in Moscow appears largely unaffected by the ongoing war, with bars and clubs thriving and nightlife bustling. Despite the presence of war-related billboards and the closure of Western stores due to sanctions, many residents continue their daily routines, attending festivals and social events. Experts suggest that the government's efforts to maintain calm have been effective, with financial support provided to soldiers and their families. While some residents express guilt over enjoying life amid the conflict, others see it as a coping mechanism. Surveys indicate strong public support for President Vladimir Putin and a belief that the country is on the right track.

Fresh hostilities between Azerbaijan and Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh highlight Moscow's waning influence in the region. Azerbaijan launched a military operation in the enclave, leading to shelling and casualties. Relations between Armenia and Russia have deteriorated, with Armenia seeking support from Russia and the UN. The Kremlin expressed concern and urged negotiations. Russia and Turkey were informed of Azerbaijan's actions, but Russia was notified only minutes before. Armenia's growing ties with the US and EU, including joint military exercises, have strained its relationship with Russia. The conflict has resulted in deaths and injuries, with calls for Russian peacekeepers to intervene.

The EU's ban on Russian-registered vehicles is set to impact not only ordinary Russians but also political dissidents and Ukrainian refugees fleeing Russia. The ban, implemented by Finland, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, and Poland, is part of sanctions in response to the war in Ukraine. Critics argue that the ban hinders the evacuation of seriously ill and disabled people and affects anti-war Russians, while supporters see it as a necessary measure against Russia. The ban has led to significant challenges for those trying to cross into the EU, with some exceptions for humanitarian cases.

A group of Russian teachers resigned from School No. 12 in Perm after refusing to allow Ukraine war veterans to teach lessons they believe promote war. The incident highlights the conflict between educators wanting to keep politics out of the classroom and the government's push for patriotic education. The teachers faced accusations from pro-war activists and pressure from the local education department. The Russian government has intensified efforts to instill patriotic values in schools since the invasion of Ukraine, including new history textbooks and military training for high school students. Critics argue these measures aim to indoctrinate children with a revisionist history and anti-Western sentiment.

Russia's ruling United Russia party is downplaying the war in Ukraine in its regional election campaign, focusing instead on socio-economic issues. The Kremlin is treating these elections as a rehearsal for the 2024 presidential elections, with President Vladimir Putin expected to seek a fifth term. Despite the lack of independent observers and real opposition, the government is cautious about the election outcomes. The change in campaign strategy follows internal criticism and the Wagner mercenary group's revolt. Experts believe this approach may appeal to voters who are weary of the ongoing conflict.

The death of Yevgeny Prigozhin, leader of the Wagner mercenary group, has left a significant impact on Russia, silencing a prominent critic of the Russian military's performance in Ukraine and casting uncertainty over his business and military ventures. Prigozhin's cultivated image as a man of action and his harsh criticisms of the Defense Ministry garnered him support among some Russians. His death has sparked memorials and tributes, despite efforts by authorities to label him a traitor. Experts suggest his posthumous image may serve as a symbolic contrast to the Russian government but is unlikely to significantly influence domestic politics.

Global protests titled “Putin Is a Killer” were held on the third anniversary of Alexei Navalny's poisoning, which he attributes to Vladimir Putin. Organized by Navalny's associates, the protests occurred in various Western countries and regions with significant Russian emigre populations. Demonstrations took place in cities like Amsterdam and Tbilisi, with participants condemning Putin's actions and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Inside Russia, limited protest activity was reported due to strict controls and legal risks. Navalny, currently imprisoned on

The article discusses the controversial practice of pardoning Russian prisoners in exchange for military service in Ukraine, highlighting several cases where ex-convicts committed serious crimes upon their return. It examines the societal and psychological challenges of reintegrating these individuals, the role of the Wagner Group in recruiting prisoners, and the Russian government's stance on the issue. The narrative underscores the potential long-term negative impacts on society and questions the effectiveness and morality of such policies.

Ukrainian refugees in Russia face challenges in assimilation, with many receiving Russian citizenship through a simplified process. While some refugees intend to stay in Russia, others hope to move to Europe or nearby countries. Humanitarian organizations like the Civic Assistance Committee provide crucial support, but concerns remain about forced relocations and the erasure of Ukrainian identity. The Russian government promotes integration, offering medical services and financial support, but many refugees still rely on human rights organizations for assistance.

Russia's extensive army recruitment campaign, aimed at addressing manpower shortages in Ukraine, has struggled to meet its targets despite widespread advertising and promises of high salaries. Experts and anecdotal evidence suggest the number of new recruits is far below expectations, with only 117,000 men joining the Armed Forces in the first five-and-a-half months of the year. The campaign, which emphasizes patriotism and traditional masculinity, appears to be an effort to avoid another round of mobilization. However, experts believe that without sufficient recruits, another mobilization may be inevitable.